Experience a one-of-a-kind combination of fun in Wytheville, Virginia
WYTHEVILLE, VIRGINIA–FEBRUARY 2022–Wytheville, Virginia, sits at the intersection of two major Interstates (I-77 and I-81), which has long made it a convenient stop for travelers. Its popularity goes beyond location, though. Because of its name (no other town in the world shares it), Wytheville is known as a one-of-a-kind location and as anyone who has spent time here can attest, exploring the variety of things to do in this Southwest Virginia destination will bring a surprising array of options. Unique lodging, dining and entertainment options combine here for an outstanding experience.
Downtown shopping and art
Wytheville’s classic downtown is filled with local shops and restaurants and a host of museums that tell the stories of this one-of-a-kind town. Downtown shopping is a favorite, with options including specialty boutiques, hand-crafted furniture, fine jewelry and locally made fine art and crafts. Laurel Creek Pottery (420 East Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-240-0442) is a working studio and folk-art gallery. At Formato Fine Arts (100 West Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-920-4004) you can usually find gallery owner Lily Formato, painting in the front windows on Main Street. Laurel Creek, as well as the Rose Cottage School of Art (570 East Spring Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-620-0303) host demonstrations and hands-on workshops.
One-of-a-kind attractions
Local attractions are a big part of Wytheville’s appeal. Big Walker Lookout (8711 Stoney Fork Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-663-4016) is the oldest and highest private attraction in Virginia. It sits at an elevation of 3,405 feet and offers a spectacular view of the Appalachian Mountains and Virginia farmlands. At Fort Chiswell Animal Park (569 Red Hollow Road, Max Meadows, Virginia 24360; 276-637-6754) visitors get an interactive experience with more than 200 animals at this unique safari park. The 45-acre park is the largest zoo in Southwest Virginia.
Local growers welcome visitors here, too. West Wind Farm Vineyard and Winery (180 West Wind Drive, Max Meadows, Virginia 24360; 276-699-2020) is a family farm in a beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain setting. The family produces and harvests grapes for its annual small batch wine collection. Beagle Ridge Herb Farm (1934 Matney Flats Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382;
276-621-4511) is Southwest Virginia’s premier lavender farm, featuring 14 themed display gardens and the Flying Flowers butterfly house.
Wytheville is the perfect spot to take in dinner and a musical. The Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre (170 Malin Drive, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-0891) is a 200-seat German-themed venue which presents outstanding Broadway-style professional musical productions. Before each performance a four-course, themed, plated meal is served.
Parks and trails
Lovers of the outdoors will be right at home here. Crystal Springs Recreational Area (723 Pump Hollow Lane, Wytheville, Virginia 24382) comprises 1,800 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its trail system includes two loops and a connector trail. Hikers enjoy views of Sand Mountain on a seven-mile trail, or a shorter option, along a creek and reservoir. This is also a popular mountain biking, picnicking and camping spot. The nearby New River Trail is one of America’s premier rails-to-trails routes, a Virginia State Park and a designated official National Recreation Trail. Nearly 58 miles long, the trail runs through Wythe and three other Southwest Virginia counties. Foster Falls, the New River State Park headquarters (116 Orphanage Drive, Max Meadows, Virginia 24360; 276-699-6778), is located about midway along the trail and is a popular starting point. Up river is the 75-foot tall Historic Shot Tower (283 Pauley Flatwoods Road, Austinville, Virginia 24312; 276-699-6778). It was built more than 200 years ago to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers using lead from the nearby Austinville Mines.
Wytheville’s history
The Shot Tower is only the beginning of Wytheville’s historic places. There are five museums to enjoy. The Thomas J. Boyd Museum (295 Tazewell Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-3330) is the perfect introduction to Wytheville with its exhibits about the origin, the economy and leaders of this storied community. As hometown to First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson, this is the site of the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum (145 East Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-3484). She was considered by many historians as the “Secret President,” playing a vital role in her husband’s presidency. In addition, the area’s African American Heritage Museum (410 East Franklin Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-625-0042) and the Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum (205 East Tazewell Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-3330) tell the story of Wytheville’s cultural past.
Local eats
There are plenty of spots for local flavor here, too. Local favorites include everything from casual lunch spots to local atmosphere to fine dining:
Skeeter’s World Famous Hotdogs (165 East Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-228-2611) Established in 1925, this is one of Virginia’s oldest continuously operating restaurants and a perennial favorite. A visit is like a step back in time, featuring classic dogs and glass bottled colas served at an old school lunch counter.
7 Dogs Brew Pub (360 West Spring Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-228-0994) is the perfect spot to enjoy snacks, burgers or sandwiches and taste the local brews. Nearby Seven Sisters Brewery (355 East Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-227-0999) has brews of its own. Visitors can enjoy the game hall and live music and rotating food truck lineup.
Graze On Main (170 East Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-2334) restaurant is a favorite for craft cocktails and a Southern inspired menu with a twist. Its impressive bourbon list is topped only by its amazing dinner specialties including steak, seafood and daily specials. It is complemented by Perch Rooftop Terrace, a seasonal favorite.
Where to stay
There are unique lodging options in Wytheville. The Bolling Wilson Hotel (170 East Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-2333), part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, features 30 luxurious guest rooms on themed floors. Nearby, the Trinkle Mansion Bed and Breakfast (525 West Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-625-0625), has been named in the top 10 in the country in Trip Advisor reviews. This beautiful historic home features four guest rooms and a garden cottage. For a more rustic stay, one of the many nearby cabin and cottage rentals is the perfect solution, but Wytheville has a full range of hotel properties in every price range. For a full list of local lodging options, check the VisitWytheville lodging pages.