VA is for cookie lovers

Virginia 

Research got real guys... I even went to the library to check out a Virginia history book. It was the just the right book for me, more pictures than words.  Let me remind  you I work at an elementary school ;) 

 So as many of you know VA's catchy state slogan is "Virginia is for lovers." It actually has a lot of history to how it become the state's saying. I'm sure many states could argue that there is lots to love about their state but sorry VA jumped on that in 1969. Their goal was to attract new tourist/young people to the state of Virginia. With the Beatles hit song, "All You Need is Love," love was all around in 1969. Their idea was to put, "Virginia is for __________ lovers"  and insert the tourist location. (mountain lovers, beach lovers, history lovers... etc) So that's how I laid out this post to highlight my time and ingredients of the state of Va. 

Virginia is for cabin lovers

I think this picture really sums up my trip to Shenandoah and the activities that were done. So before I go on about my time in Shenandoah... I have to talk about  how it has beautiful scenery and one of the most gorgeous sunsets. But what led me there? Well it was the summer going into my senior year of college and we wanted to take a trip to celebrate our last year. We looked at pictures (you know those beautiful sunsets and mountains) and picked out this place from my parents blue green time share locations. So me and my college roommates planned a trip and head down to VA. Let me just say as newly 21 year olds it wasn't exactly our vision of OUR vacation. It consisted of watching the twilight series in our cabin, photo shoots (I know shocking this picture was totally staged) and tanning by the pool during the day. I think one day we splurged and went horse back riding.  Would I recommend it? Of course, it was so beautiful and peaceful, the perfect family vaca.. However, if you're in college... I would probably recommend more like Myrtle Beach... :) So with that being said, Virginia is definitely for cabin lovers!

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Virginia is for cute town lovers

• When I was in Virginia the past weekend, I revisited Old Town Alexandria. I LOVE this place (besides the parking). It has adorable boutiques and restaurants. What I love most about traveling is trying new restaurants and food so I look to go to one of a kind restaurants...this place was perfect for that. Some of my favorite places of the weekend were... 
  
  
• 3 sisters: First, I loved the name because I am one of three girls so we are the "3 sisters".. in my mind. It was a cute clothing store that had many adorable pieces for reasonable prices!  We even bought matching heart sunglasses because were in denial that were actually getting older. I mean at lunch we were asked if it was my 21st birthday celebration so clearly they were working for us. They were only 7 years off.....​

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 Virtue Feed & Grain: we had a great brunch there and even loved our server more than the food. I happen to be wearing my eagles jersey at the time so he started giving my hard time. I don't think he expected three girls to be so knowledgeable and passion about their birds. He even said he is so confident that our team is one and done that he would pay for our tickets to the Super Bowl if we go next year.. Fox I don't forget promises like that... I'll see you next year ;)

• Vola's Dockside Grill: This restaurant was right on the water so the atmosphere was great. We had great drinks and the food was delicious! If it is a nice day this is definitely the place you want to be! If you want more information on their menu or location click on their names to go to their websites! 

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Virginia is for Disney lovers

I just LOVED learning about this. If anyone of you know me personally, I love Disney.. like LOVE it. It could be the elementary school teacher in me or it could just be the way my parents raised me. Well if you have seen the movie Pocahontas you can think of VIRGINIA! This is the place where Chief Powhatan (her dad) led his tribe. This is also where she defend her love John Smith. Believe it or not, she was only about 10 when she met John Smith so the love story is not actually true. However, I would love to believe in a love where you can talk to animals and get your guidance from a willow tree and someone still thinks you're sane. 

side note: I loved Pocahontas growing up. I even through it was the perfect halloween costume for a pale, freckled, little red head in elementary school. I also thought I sang a better version of "Colors of the Wind" but I'm a little biased... and obviously tone deaf.

Virginia is for peanut lovers

Virginia is for apple lovers

Peanuts are a huge part of Virginia, about 12,000 acres is used to produce peanuts in the state. So many varieties of peanuts are available through the state. So I choose a well known company to use in my recipe for the state's cookie, Virginia Diner. I just loved their slogan, "A Legend in a Nut Shell since 1929." It all started in a refurbished railroad car in peanut country so naturally peanuts were part of their menu.  I crushed up the classic salted peanut throughout the cookie to give if their lightly salted taste. 

Virginia is the 6th largest apple producing state in the United States. It is even know for their apple harvest festivals in the fall. Where people are able to taste test apples and different apple creations along with apple crafts and games! Also, Virginia is home to a growing hard cider industry, which are DELICIOUS by the way. If you in VA make sure you try a Bold Rock Cider. This led to one of my main ingredients in the cookie, apple syrup. I used an apple syrup from Millcroft Farms located in Stanley, VA. They had a great collection of jams, treats, sauces and syrups.  

Let me introduce the...

"The Lovers Cookie"

Peanut butter, apple syrup, chocolate chip cookie. 

Thanks for reading and continuing to follow me throughout my journey to create a cookie for each state! 

If you have any ideas or places you want me to visit, email me! 
​I would love to add you to my adventure! 
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xo 

Jessica Rose