From close-up animal encounters to towering mountain-view attractions, this is not your average family destination
WYTHEVILLE, VIRGINIA–JANUARY 2024–Wytheville, Virginia, may seem to be an off-the-beaten-path spot for a spring break getaway. In fact, its convenient location makes it very easy to get to and its list of fun, home-grown attractions offers a refreshing option for families looking for a new place to play. And from Wytheville’s smallest church (1090 Nye Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382), the smallest church in Virginia, to the state’s largest pencil (Wytheville Office Supply, 146 West Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-228-5537), this is a destination full of surprises.
Its Blue Ridge Mountain location at the intersection of two major Interstates, I-77 and I-81, has long made this a convenient stopping point for travelers and the list of convenient hotel options near the Interstate is joined by independent and boutique lodging options downtown.
Family-friendly attractions are at the heart of this Virginia destination. A longtime favorite is Big Walker Lookout (8711 Stoney Fork Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-663-4016), 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, located at 3,405 feet. It features a 100-foot Observation Tower where climbers are treated to a spectacular panoramic view. Local goods and souvenirs are available at the country store.
Crossroads Social House (180 Dominion Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-335-2288) is an entertainment center where 14 bowling lanes, an arcade, laser tag arena, trampoline zone, billiards and darts are all part of a day’s play. There’s also a restaurant and an outdoor patio area. For some racing fun, the Wythe Raceway (164 Race Track Road, Rural Retreat, Virginia 24368; 276-686-4261) offers family-friendly Saturday night excitement April through October, and kids always get in free. Activities include bicycle races, bubble wrap night and the kid’s goldrush, with 10,000+ coins dropped on the track.
Animal encounters are up close and personal in Wytheville. Cobb Hill Alpacas (Cobb Hill Alpacas, 448 Turley Farm Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-780-1690) is a small family-owned and -operated alpaca farm. Visitors can interact with alpacas as they graze in their rolling mountain pastures. There are also opportunities to collect eggs from the farm’s free-range chickens or observe honey bees busy at work. Tours are available by appointment and visitors are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy along the creek. There’s even more animal variety at Fort Chiswell Animal Park (569 Red Hollow Road, Max Meadows, Virginia 24360; 276-637-6754), home to more than 200 animals from six continents. Visitors travel through the open areas via safari bus as the animals roam free. The park, which has grown from a mobile petting zoo to full-blown safari park, is the largest zoo in Southwest Virginia and is home to antelope, buffalo, ostrich, monkeys, camels and more, as well as a petting zoo.
For a bit of history, there are downtown museums that recount intriguing stories of Wytheville’s history and its most famous native, and this place, with an identity all its own. A popular way to explore its beginnings is to spend time at the nine-acre Willow Brook Jackson-Umberger Homestead Museum (1125 Tazewell Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-3330), where restored buildings and period tools and furnishings bring the past to life. The interpretative site depicts life here from the late 1700s to the mid-20th century. For an immersive look at early Native American life, there’s Wolf Creek Indian Village (6394 North Scenic Highway, Bastian, Virginia 24314; 276-688-3438). This is a reconstructed village where tour guides give visitors a glimpse into the life of the Eastern Woodland Indians, their homes and families, pottery and basket making, arrowhead and tool making, food and cooking, hunting and hide tanning practices.
Of course, there is outdoor fun, as well. The beautiful and unique New River Trail State Park (Headquarters: 116 Orphanage Drive, Max Meadows, Virginia 24360; 276-699-6778) is home to the 57-mile New River Trail, one of America’s premier rails-to-trails routes. It runs adjacent to the river and is a haven for bikers, horseback riders and paddlers. Camping, bikes and canoe rentals are available on site. At Crystal Springs Recreation Area (723 Pump Hollow Lane, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-3378), located just three miles from downtown Wytheville, both hikers and bikers enjoy the 1,800-acre preserve. Its 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.
Where to eat
When in Wytheville, it’s difficult to resist a stop at Skeeter’s World Famous Hotdogs (165 East Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382). Established in 1925, this is one of Virginia’s oldest continuously operating restaurants. Classic dogs, glass bottled colas and an old school lunch counter make for a delightful experience. For more classic American cuisine in a down home atmosphere, there is Grayson Restaurant (100 Grayson Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-228-5304). Breakfast is a favorite here, but burgers, pasta and more are popular all day long. Family-friendly breweries are a lively part of the food scene here, too. 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, live music and fare from rotating food truck lineup.