'Virginia is for Lovers' campaign turns 40

— -- It's among the most enduring and identifiable tourism slogans ever, and now, 40 years after "Virginia is for Lovers" made its debut, the state tourism agency would like to clear up any confusion about its meaning.

Despite being coined in the free-wheeling '60s, "the wink-wink meaning was never intended," says spokeswoman Tamra Talmadge-Anderson. "It's about loving life and loving travel."

To emphasize that message, the state will give away 40 trips in 40 weeks that exemplify travel passions that can be satisfied in the Old Dominion. The first trip, for instance, includes a biplane ride and a private tour of the Udvar-Hazy National Air and Space Museum near Washington Dulles airport. The winner of the final grand prize can choose one of four experiences, including surf camp in Virginia Beach and wining and dining at the Homestead Resort in Hot Springs. Weekly drawings for the trips, which are from two to seven nights for two to six people, begin Feb. 20. To enter, visit Virginia.org/40, which launches Monday.