Colorful and quirky, large and small, this Virginia destination is filled with one-of-a-kind attractions
WYTHEVILLE, VIRGINIA–OCTOBER 2025–In a time when travelers are looking for authentic experiences, Wytheville, Virginia, pronounced “withville,” truly delivers. In addition to being the only town on the planet with that name, it is filled with one-of-a-kind landmarks and homegrown attractions no other destination can claim. From historical to colorful to highest, largest and smallest, there is something here to tickle the fancy of any visitor looking for a destination unlike any other.
Situated at the crossroads of two major Interstates, I-77 and I-81, Wytheville has been a respite for travelers for decades. And those who choose to explore beyond the Interstate, find it’s more than the average stopover destination. It has a unique personality that shines in many ways. Some unexpected, some quirky, but all welcoming.
All are welcome
The brightly painted Wytheville water tower (Cove Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382) stands tall and is visible from I-81. The hot air balloon-themed structure welcomes visitors and is inspired by the town’s annual Chautauqua Festival, a family-fun music and arts festival which features balloon launches.
Nearby, visitors will find the smallest house of worship in the state, Wytheville’s smallest church (1090 Nye Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382). This has become a true roadside attraction and all are welcome to visit and be inspired.
Go high or go long
Big Walker Lookout (8711 Stoney Fork Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382) is family-owned and -operated and is the oldest and highest privately owned attraction in Virginia. At an elevation of 3,405 feet, the lookout offers a spectacular view of the Appalachian Mountains and Virginia farmlands. The Big Walker Country Store features the work of more than 25 artisans from the region. There is also locally made jam, jelly, fudge, ice cream and more for sale.
The New River Trail is nearly 58 miles long and is one of America’s premier rails-to-trails routes. The trail is designated an official National Recreation Trail by the U.S. Department of the Interior and is also a Virginia State Park which runs through Wythe and three other Southwest Virginia counties. Foster Falls is the New River State Park headquarters (116 Orphanage Drive, Max Meadows, Virginia 24360). It is located about midway along the trail and is a popular starting point for cyclists.
A downtown like no other
Wytheville’s downtown is filled with attractions that can only be found here. This is the hometown of First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson, often called the “secret President” and the “first woman President” by historians. Her amazing story is told at the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum (145 East Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382). It is one of only eight historic sites across the country dedicated to the interpretation of a First Lady.
This classic downtown has a host of local shops to satisfy any yearning for retail therapy. Those looking for antiques, crafts and unique gift ideas will find it all here. Specialty stores range from fine jewelry to local crafts to handmade furniture. But here, visitors can also take a selfie with the largest pencil in Virginia, Wytheville’s most unique landmark.
There are also seven, yes seven, museums here, each with its own story to tell. The Thomas J. Boyd Museum (295 Tazewell Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382) illustrates the saga the 1950 polio outbreak, with Wythe County considered ground zero. The details of the dire “summer without children” polio epidemic, along with much more, are on display.
Plants and animals shine at homegrown attractions
Beagle Ridge Herb Farm (1934 Matney Flats Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382) is Southwest Virginia’s premiere lavender farm, the only one of its kind in the region. The farm features 14 themed display gardens as well as the Flying Flowers butterfly house. Beagle Ridge also hosts a two-day Lavender Academy for those who want to delve into the details of choosing, growing, pruning and harvesting.
Fort Chiswell Animal Park (569 Red Hollow Road, Max Meadows, Virginia 24360) was born out of a local carpenter’s dream of having his own zoo. The attraction has transformed from a mobile petting zoo to full-blown safari park and offers an interactive experience throughout a 45-acre setting. The largest zoo in Southwest Virginia, it is home to more than 200 animals from six continents, including camels, zebra, antelope and buffalo.
If you go
Don’t miss these memorable local dining options:
Skeeter’s World Famous Hotdogs (165 East Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382), established in 1925, 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.
The Log House 1776 Restaurant (520 East Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382) offers an extensive menu and a unique dining experience in an 18th-century, two-story log cabin. Christopher’s Lounge and a sprawling country garden add to the cabin’s grand experience.
Local Lodging adds to any Wytheville experience:
The Bolling Wilson Hotel (170 East Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382) offers 30 luxurious guest rooms which are themed to honor the hotel’s namesake and home-town hero, First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson.
Trinkle Mansion Bed and Breakfast (525 West Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382) 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) has the distinction of being the only inn in the Virginia State Park system. 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.