A renovated 19th-century hotel joins one-of-a-kind finds in Wytheville, Virginia
WYTHEVILLE, VIRGINIA–DECEMBER 2023–Wytheville, Virginia, as cliché as it sounds, really is the best of both worlds. While its location at the intersection of two major Interstates, I-77 and
I-81, makes it so easy to get to, once here, visitors find a host of options that seem to take them a world away. Just as its one-of-a-kind name suggests (there is no other Wytheville in the world), an escape to Wytheville offers unique options for an active getaway for couples or groups of friends.
What’s old is new in lodging options
Wytheville’s inviting downtown has unique lodging options to make any stay special. The boutique Bolling Wilson Hotel (170 East Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-2333) is part of the Ascend Hotel Collection and offers 30 luxurious guest rooms which are themed to honor the hotel’s namesake and home-town hero, former first lady Edith Bolling Wilson. Nearby, the Trinkle Mansion Bed and Breakfast (525 West Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-625-0625) has been among the top 10 B & Bs in the country, according to Trip Advisor reviews. This historic Classic Revival style home has four guest rooms, as well as a quaint garden cottage.
The Inn at Foster Falls (176 Orphanage Drive, Max Meadows, Virginia 24360; 276-595-5905) has the distinction of being the only inn in the Virginia State Park system. After more than 50 years, this 19th century hotel has been completely renovated and reopened as a 10-bedroom boutique hotel. Wraparound porches provide uninterrupted views of the New River and state park below.
Outdoor attractions and parks
With its proximity to the Blue Ridge Parkway, it should be no surprise that outdoor activities, from sight-seeing to fly fishing to mountain biking, are popular here. A short drive from downtown, Big Walker Lookout (8711 Stoney Fork Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-663-4016) is an attraction known for its outstanding views and authentic local charm. The family-owned-and-operated attraction is the oldest and highest private attraction in Virginia. It features a country store and, at an elevation of 3,405 feet, offers a spectacular view of the Appalachian Mountains and Virginia farmlands.
Several area waterways offer some outstanding options for fly fishing. Cripple Creek, Dry Run and Venick Run are all known as outstanding trout fishing locations. The New River is another favorite for anglers. The beautiful and unique New River Trail State Park (Headquarters: 116 Orphanage Drive, Max Meadows, Virginia 24360; 276-699-6778) is home to the New River Trail, one of America’s premier rails-to-trails routes. This 57-mile rails-to-trails park runs adjacent to the river and offers a host of recreational opportunities for bikers, horseback riders, canoers and kayakers as well as fishermen. Camping, bikes and canoe rentals are available on site. Another park landmark, the Historic Shot Tower, tells the history of the surrounding lead mines and how that lead was transformed into ammunition.
More outdoor adventure can be found at Crystal Springs Recreation Area (723 Pump Hollow Lane, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-3378), located just three miles from downtown Wytheville. The 1,800-acre preserve appeals to both hikers and mountain bikers with its diverse trail options. The mountain bike terrain park has more than a dozen features such as balance beams, a teeter totter and a wooden berm wall. Hiking trails offer easy half-mile options as well as the more challenging seven-mile boundary trail.
Just over the ridge from Crystal Springs is Beagle Ridge Herb Farm (1934 Matney Flats Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-621-4511). This is Southwest Virginia’s premiere lavender farm, which features 14 themed display gardens and the Flying Flowers butterfly house.
Diverse dining and drinks
Whether out-and-about or exploring downtown shops, visitors can find a variety of local establishments to satisfy their hunger and thirst. Just minutes from New River Trail, 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 fourth-generation farm produces and harvests grapes for its annual small batch wine collection and visitors can sample the family-crafted wines, then choose a favorite to complement a charcuterie board made with local cheeses, Virginia peanuts and gourmet pickled veggies from the tasting room shop.
Downtown, there are plenty more options for wine, beer and more. Petals Wine Bar (160 Tazewell Street A, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-227-0031) offers evening Sipping Hour specials and more. Customers can choose a bottle from the wall of wine or choose from the variety of craft beers on the menu. Speaking of the menu, gourmet grilled cheese paninis, charcuterie and cheese plates are among the options to enjoy. Check the calendar for workshops, too, pairing an evening of wine with charcuterie creation, wreath-making and more.
7 Dogs Brew Pub (360 W 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, live music and fare from a rotating food truck lineup.
Chau’s Corner Bakery (195 South 1st Street #102, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-228-2428) has a modest storefront on the outside and a surprising and mouthwatering menu inside. Drawing on her heritage and different places she’s lived, Chau prepares authentic Vietnamese dishes as well as Cajun etouffee and Texas-style tamales and homemade baked goods.
Located in the Bolling Wilson Hotel, Graze On Main (170 East Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-2334) is a favorite restaurant for locals. The menu features craft cocktails and an impressive bourbon list. The Southern inspired dinner menu includes steak, seafood and daily specials. The hotel also has Perch Rooftop Terrace, a favorite spot for enjoying cocktails at sunset.
For a dining experience like no other, a visit to The 1776 Log House Restaurant (520 East Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-228-4139) is in order. Fine dining in an 18th century atmosphere is on the menu at this locally owned treasure. An extensive menu is offered in this exceptional two-story log cabin. Christopher’s Lounge serves craft cocktails and a massive gift shop is overflowing with unique finds.
Local artists offer world class art
For local art finds, there are several galleries to explore:
- Laurel Creek Pottery (420 East Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-240-0442) is a pottery studio and folk-art gallery featuring the work of artist Laura Abbey. Abbey displays a variety of other artists’ work and hosts demonstrations and hands-on workshops.
- Formato Fine Arts (100 West Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-920-4004), where owner Lily Formato can often be seen painting in the front windows on Main Street, features exhibits of emerging and established local artists’ work.
- At the Rose Cottage School of Art (570 East Spring Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-620-0303) visitors are invited to connect with their artistic spirit and make unique creations of their own. The school hosts fine art and music classes, paint nights and a slate of creative workshops and camps. Rose Cottage also hosts a variety of visiting artisans’ workshops throughout the year.
For performing arts lovers, Wytheville’s Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre (170 Malin Drive, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-0891) is a must-see experience. The 200-seat, German-themed venue is known for its year-round offerings of Broadway caliber, “all musicals, all the time” entertainment. A four-course, themed, plated meal is served before each performance.
Visitors will also want to check out the show schedule at downtown’s historic Millwald Theatre (205 West Main Street Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-3343). Built in 1928, the theatre originally boasted Vaudeville and “moving pictures” programming and has been revived as a multipurpose entertainment and education venue.