VirginiA is for Pork and Peanut Lovers

April 27, 2021

Smithfield-Isle of Wight, Suffolk, Franklin-Southampton, Surry and Sussex have received approval from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) to use the branding Virginia is for PEANUT Lovers and Virginia is for PORK Lovers in future marketing campaigns for their tourism efforts and the efforts of the Salty Southern Route. 

VTC considers Pork and Peanuts a truly unique and quintessential experience for those visitors to Smithfield-Isle of Wight, Suffolk, Franklin-Southampton, Surry and Sussex that includes farm petting, seeing how the products are used/cured, and of course, eating!

The southeastern region of Virginia has long been known for its peanuts, salt-cured hams and pork products. The Salty Southern Route takes you on a journey through this picturesque area to experience this tradition first-hand. From the town of Smithfield, namesake to the world's largest pork producer Smithfield Foods, and the city of Suffolk, home to the world-famous Planter's Peanuts, to the farms, peanut processors and charming country stores of Surry, Sussex, Franklin & Southampton County, visitors experience the culture and people behind the delicious foods the area produces. And of course - get to sample some mighty fine food along the way! The city of Franklin, Southampton County, the town of Smithfield, Isle of Wight County, the city of Suffolk and Surry County, and Sussex County have been at the very center of the pork and peanut industry since the area was first settled in the 17th century. These charming southern communities are proud of their historic and culinary traditions. They're all conveniently located in the heart of Coastal Virginia, just up the interstate from Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, Newport News, Chesapeake and Hampton. For further information about the Salty Southern Route visit the website at https://www.saltysouthernroute.com/ 

The “Virginia is for Lovers” logo and word mark are registered trademarks of the Virginia Tourism Authority and the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC). The logo and word marks have been in use since their inception in 1969. The logo and word marks have gone through several visual transformations, and in recent years VTC has developed a number of sub-brand logos. Virginia is for Lovers® is the Commonwealth’s registered trademark and the official tourism logo and slogan. In its 50th year in 2019, it is one of the most recognizable after I Love New York.