Tucked into a valley between ridges of Appalachian Mountains, Wytheville, a city of 8,000 residents, offers a positively disproportionate number of options for recreation, sightseeing, and entertainment.
Wytheville residents made sure the town can be seen from the highways (Photo: Courtesy Visit Wytheville)
Generations of travelers have made stops in Wytheville, Virginia, where the convergence of routes 77 and 81 has helped maintain a thriving community. Where the town was once a stop on the way from the northern Midwest to the sun of the south, the repeated notion of spotting Wytheville on the map has made the Southwest Virginia city a destination itself. Families who may have stopped here to gas-and-go in the past now plan a day or two of their vacation at “The Crossroads of the Blue Ridge.”
Named in honor of George Wythe, a well-respected Virginia lawyer, professor, and signer of the Declaration of Independence, the city has no equal—there is only one Wytheville in the world. Newer annual events like the New River Trail Challenge Triathlon and the Wytheville Wine Festival coexist with long time traditions like the Chautauqua Festival in the Park. Here are seven unique things to do while visiting Wytheville.
Eland antelopes roam the hills of Fort Chiswell Animal Park (Photo: Michael C. Upton for TravelMag)
Fort Chiswell Animal Park
One of the most popular attractions in the Wytheville area, for locals and visitors, is the Fort Chiswell Animal Park. A cross between a petting zoo and a safari, this place makes hours of great memories possible through great prices, a friendly staff, and some of the coolest animals this side of the equator. Kindled by a love of animals, Jeff Archer’s retirement dream was fulfilled with his own zoo, which he opened in 2004.
The visiting area is home to llamas, alpacas, primates, and a tortoise. Boarding an animal-striped school bus takes visitors up close and definitely personal with water buffalo, eland antelopes, zebras and more. Make sure to hold onto your feed cup when Puff the camel makes her way to the bus for a visit.
569 Red Hollow Rd, Max Meadows
Beagle Ridge Herb Farm
Ellen Reynolds is the enchantress of lavender, and her realm is Beagle Ridge Herb Farm. Along with her husband, Reynolds runs a lavender farm featuring formal gardens, guided nature tours, an outdoor tearoom, and Southwest Virginia’s only walk-through butterfly house. She specializes in classes and education, so a trip to Beagle Ridge is as informative as it is wonderfully scented.
Getting to the farm is a bit tricky. The long, back road up the mountain seems to go on forever until the farm appears. The gift shop is filled with lavender products including her own Lavender-opoly board game.
1934 Matney Flats Rd
Five states can be seen from the 1000-foot Big Walker Lookout (Photo: Michael C. Upton for TravelMag)
Big Walker Lookout
Before the highways cut through this section of Virginia, the only way to travel north and south was along winding stretches of “the dragon”—a curving mountain road loved by motorcycle riders. Perched atop a mountain on the dragon’s claw stands a 1000-foot observation tower, which was once a main roadside attraction in this area. And the destination still attracts visitors who opt to spend time in Wytheville.
The Big Walker Lookout offers views of five states on a clear day. On the ground level, a country store sells some of the best ice cream around, stocks gifts and creations from local artisans, and hosts authors and musicians every weekend from May through October.
8711 Stoney Fork Rd
Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum
There are only eight historic sites across the United States dedicated to the life story of a First Lady, and the Edith Boling Wilson Birthplace Museum in Wytheville is one. The feisty resident grew up in town and later in life moved to Washington D.C. where she met President Woodrow Wilson. While at her husband’s side she earned the labels of “The Secret President” and “The First Woman President.” The informational museum on the first floor displays artifacts and tells her story. Tours of her unfinished home, which was used as a boarding house for many years after the Bolling family left the downtown property, are guided by knowledgeable volunteers.
BONUS: While downtown, walk across the street to see one of the world’s largest pencils attached to a former office supply store, and peruse some antique shops for treasures.
145 East Main St
Dining at Log House 1776 Restaurant is an adventure for the tastebuds and the eyes (Photo: Michael C. Upton for TravelMag)
Log House 1776 Restaurant
Unexperienced visitors at the Log House 1776 Restaurant could easily lose their way in this winding array of dining rooms, eating nooks, and curiously placed tables. Not to mention the sprawling “gift shop” filled with antiques, collectables, and curiosities curated by the owner James Green. Locals enjoy the cozy bar area, and anyone can enjoy dining al fresco in the gardens on a pleasant day.
The most recommended item on the menu is the stuffed squash, which is a trade secret held close by the owner and his staff. Entrees include a worldly mix of proteins with southern-inspired dishes like chicken verde pecan, Virginia country ham, and catfish.
1000 Elmwood Avenue
New River Trail State Park
The New River Trail State Park is a 57-mile linear park following an abandoned railroad right-of-way. Popular with bikers and runners, the park parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles. Part of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, the livery offers bicycle and boat rental, plus activities like horseback riding and fishing. When available, visitors can explore an historic shot tower, which was used to make ammunition hundreds of years ago.
On the grounds, the Inn at Foster Falls is the only hotel located inside a Virginia state park. The 10-room boutique inn is luxury amongst nature and offers all the amenities expected at the finest hotels.
19 Memorial Boulevard, Newport
The Wytheville Training School Cultural Center shares the history of African American education in Wythe County (Photo: Michael C. Upton for TravelMag)
Wytheville Training School Cultural Center
Step inside a unique part of history to learn about early education in Wytheville. The Wytheville Training School Cultural Center was established in 2000 to preserve the historic school constructed in 1883 for African American children. The school remained in use until 1952 and was a glowing example of civic responsibility. The museum displays photos, stories, and memorabilia telling the history of African American education in Wythe County.
The center holds events throughout the year celebrating the community with street fairs, cookouts, and creative fundraisers. Juneteenth celebrations include historical reenactments, musical performances, and refreshments. Admission is free.