At least that's what a popular bumper sticker, part of a very successful long term Virginia tourism campaign, says.

I can't personally vouch for this as fact, but Virginia tourism officials sure seem to think the slogan has merit. The 35 year old campaign centered around it has boosted the state's tourism revenues from less than a $1 million to almost $12 million annually.

Can't argue with that.

But Virginia, apparently, is also for land buyers. Of the good kind. And that's very good news for us here in Maine.

The Conservation Fund, an Arlington, Virginia based conservation group has rather quietly purchased 7,700 acres in our own Washington County. The deal will help protect the headwaters of the beautiful Machias River and some 47 miles of pristine shoreline on the Machias Lakes and 13 miles of river frontage.

That's a lot of prime paddling, fishing and wildlife territory. Gotta love it.

Thanks to Virginia and the Conservation Fund!

So what do you think: "Maine is for lovers"?

Lovers of the great outdoors, that's for sure. Lots of us.

Beyond that, well, you'll have to figure that out for yourself...