Wytheville is a little town in Southern Virginia, positioned at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This town was initially founded on 100 acres land space in 1792, and once stood at the confluence of two great Western roads in America: the Ingles Ferry and the Peppers Ferry Trail.
This town has a namesake by name George Wyth, one of the signatories to the United States Declaration of Independence. Wytheville attracts visitors because of its outdoor beauty, however that’s not all.
Lots of activities, from the engaging museums to the beautiful gardens to the captivating theatres add to the unique local history of this charming town. Let’s explore the best things to do in Wytheville.
Things to Do in Wytheville
1. Visit Wythe Raceway
Conveniently located on I-81 at Exit 60 in Rural Retreat, Wythe Raceway takes the lead as drivers and fans favorite dirt race track. While in Wytheville, be sure to visit this area, it’s only 10 minutes from the junction of I-77 and I-81.
The company hosts weekly classes on dirt late model, super streets, pro minus, and open-wheel mods. You can join over 1,000 fans in experiencing this weekly excitement.
Address: 164 Race Track Road Rural Retreat, VA 24368
2. Wythe County Genealogical and Historical Association
Founded in 2003 as a non-profit organization, the Wythe County Genealogical and Historical Association has a mission of providing research materials for those who wish to obtain information on family history relating to Southwest Virginia.
An annual Family History Institute Conference is sponsored by this association and sees speakers invited from all parts of the United States.
Wythe County is a bit old, dating back to 1789, while Wytheville town was formed in 1980. The initial families of Wythe County were the first to move to the area prior to 1810. The Wythe County Genealogical and Historical Association can offer an official “first family” certificate to later generations of these first families if they wish to apply for it.
Address: 165 S. 11th Street, Wytheville, VA 24382
3. Williams Orchard
Williams Orchard is has been in existence for over 70 years. It is a family-owned and operated orchard poised at providing all of your produce needs. You will get diverse produce from July until October.
Produce like corn to apps to pumpkins and gourds are all available. Try not to miss their Pumpkin Festival every weekend of October. This festival features a corn maze, children’s mini-maze, “pick your own pumpkin,” tractor-drawn hayrides, and other fun activities for children.
Opening Monday- Friday: 9am – 5pm, Saturday 9am – 5pm and Sunday 1pm – 5pm
Address: 5175 West Lee Highway, Wytheville, VA 24382.
4. Big Walker Lookout
The Big Walker Lookout is a 100-foot observation tower that stands at the apex of Big Walker Mountain in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Highlands. This tower is operated by a family, and this has been the pattern since it was built in 1947.
This tower is unique because from the top, you can get a view of the mountain tops in five different states, given the atmosphere is clear. Weekend art demonstrations are hosted in this tower, so you can be part of it.
If you are on a driving tour of Virginia Civil War Trails, you will have your first stop at the Big Walker Lookout. Managed Virginia Birding and Wildlife, you will have a stop on the Big Walker Loop Trail.
To access this tower, as a guest, you can go through the Big Walker General Store. This makes what to do in Wytheville, VA, for a fun time, consider an addition to your bucket list of things to do in Wytheville.
Address: 8711 Stoney Fork Rd, Wytheville, VA 24382.
5. Rose Cottage School of Art
Rose Cottage is a school of Art established with the aim of promoting art and creativity in the Wytheville community and Wythe County at large. This school works hand-in-glove with individuals and groups to connect and improve their creativity.
The school offers great music and fine art lessons, paint nights, and camps, including workshops, where a variety of artisans are invited. You can join their weekly classes, summer camps, new event listings, and more!
Rose Cottage School of Art is open Saturday to Sunday.
Address: 570 East Spring Street, Wytheville, VA 24382
6. Museum Gift Shop
One of the exciting things to do is visit the Museum Gift Shop in Wytheville. It is a multipurpose store where you can purchase special kinds of souvenirs, including locally made items.
This shop is linked to other museums like the Great Lakes to Florida Highway Museum, Thomas J. Boyd Museum, and Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum. So, you can purchase tickets to these museums from the shop too!
Opening hours are Mondays – Fridays: 9AM – 5PM and Saturdays – Sundays: 9AM-5PM
Address: 975 Tazewell Street, Wytheville, VA 24382
7. Kay Sutherland Art Gallery
The Kay Sutherland Art Gallery was a by Kay Sutherland. She is a painter in Wytheville, VA and has been painting professionally since 1983.
Sutherland paints all through the year and draws her inspiration from virtually everything you can think of. With her favorite technique being the “en plain air”, you are sure to see fantastic arts in the gallery.For outside paintings, she prefers the French technique in natural light.
In her words, “I just paint fast and furious, never imagining how it will look. Each one is an original.” So, you are sure to meet original paintings in Wytheville.
This is one of the best things to do in Wytheville, the gallery is open Mondays to Saturdays: 9AM-5PM
Address: 345 East Marshall Street, Wytheville, VA 24382
8. Beagle Ridge Herb Farm
One of the top fun things to do in Wytheville is a visit to Beagle Ridge Herb Farm . This farm occupies 160 acres and is recognized for its herbal tea gardens, butterfly gardens, and lavender gardens.
There are also walking trails of close to 5mile, winding through a 2-acre display garden, children’s garden, a multi-acre pond, Japanese meditation garden, and a meeting house where weddings and other events can take place.
You can as well take on the Lick Mountain Excursions; where you enjoy a guided nature ride in a six-seat 4×4 vehicle. It is a 2-hour tour which combines nature and wildlife watching with the Civil War history.
Another excitement is the Flying Flowers. Here, you walk through a butterfly house where you see 32 varieties of native butterflies. Beagle Ridge Herb Farm also offers classes on gardening and some workshops on crafting with herbs and lavender.
Address: 1934 Matney Flats Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382.
9. Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum
Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum is built in recognition of Edith Bolling Wilson. She was the wife of President Woodrow Wilson (1914-1919) and occupied the office of America’s First Lady during the period. But, President Wilson suffered a stroke in 1919, and the First Lady served in the capacity of “the presidency” for 17 months until his tenure elapsed.
This museum showcases the birthplace of Bolling Wilson, her family home, and several exhibits displaying photographs, artifacts, and documents attributed to the life of the First Lady.
This museum hosts events including the Allied Dinner Series – a lecture and dinner program which invites professors from universities in the area to lead and discuss in talks centered on World War I.
The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum is one out of the eight in the US, focused on the life and achievement of a First Lady. Group tours are also organized here.
Address: 145 E. Main Street, Wytheville, VA 24382.
10. African-American Heritage Museum
Explore the New Children’s Library, which showcases the exploits, achievements, and lives of African Americans. Here, you will find photos, hear and read stories and observe memorabilia telling the history of African American education in Wythe County.
In 1882, the Wytheville Training School was constructed to train African American children. The school was in operation until 1952, churning out properly-groomed students.
Hence, the African-American Heritage Museum was established in 2000 by a non-profit community organization. Entry into the museum is free. However, donations are appreciated and accepted.
This makes what to do in Wytheville for some museum time. The museum is open Mondays through Fridays between 10AM and 4PM.
Address: 410 E. Franklin Street, Wytheville, VA 24382
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11. Henley Mountain Berry Farm
One of the fun things to do in Wytheville is visiting Berry Farm. Here, you will find a variety of homemade blueberry products and even cookbooks to help out too.
The Henley Mountain Berry Farm grows sparkling blueberries, and you are given the privilege of picking your own Blueberries every summer, from mid-June to September.
The farm is a member of Round the Mountain Artisan Network, Southwest Virginia, and you can enjoy the trail site crossing from the Mountain Crossroads Artisan Trail.
Operating hours are Mondays through Fridays between Mid June and early August (10AM-7PM), while Saturdays and Sundays have the following schedule: Saturdays, Mid June – early Aug (10AM-7PM) and Sundays, Mid June – early August (1AM-5PM)
Address: 879 Matney Flats Road, Wytheville, VA 24382
12. Cobb Hill Alpaca Farm
The Cobb Hill Alpaca Farm is a family-owned and operated farm. It is situated conveniently only a few minutes from both 1-81 & I-77 in the awesome SW Virginia.
Here, you will be able to interact with the 18 alpaca grazing their mountain pastures. You can observe the honey bees (from a distance though), while they are busy with work and may even be lucky to collect eggs from the farm’s free-range chickens.
In addition to the farm, you can have a picnic with your loved ones along the tranquil banks of Cove Creek. So go spend a few hours on the farm.
Cobb Hill Alpaca Farm also offers services including alpaca sales, breeding, boarding, and mentorship. They are open Saturday – Sunday from dawn to dusk. However, it is only on appointment.
Address: 448 Turley Farm Road, Wytheville, VA 24382.
13. Old Fort Antique Mall.
Wytheville’s Old Fort Antique Mall is a collection of more than 60 antique dealers assembled under one roof. The mall is popularly known for the gigantic black horse as a sign
This is an indoor building is properly air-conditioned and offers a candy counter and 25 cent coffee to visitors. This Antique Mall has collectibles which include plastic model car kits, Fischer Price toys, Barbie dolls, and rare dolls as far as the 1940s. You will find glass items like carnival glass, steins, mugs, marbles, and oil lamps.
In the pottery section are Native American pots, old mugs, cups, churns, collectibles, and more. You will also see vendors who deal in jewelry, artwork, furniture, ancient farm, and kitchen tools.
Address: 2028 East Lee Highway, Wytheville, VA 24382.
14. Must-See Wytheville Attractions: Wytheville’s Smallest Church
Wytheville’s Smallest Church was built in 2010, drawing its inspiration from a similar prayer structure located in Georgia state.
This church is a tiny chapel built through the collective input of a small outreach group in the community. They perceived the benefit of creating a small tranquil space for prayer and medication hence the move.
There is a white wooden structure that has space to accommodate only four pews, an altar, and a pulpit. As a visitor, you are welcomed to either leave a prayer request or sign the guest book.
Another feature to note is the is a small tower just adjacent to the church. Do visit the church if you wish to rest, pray or meditate.
Address: 1090 Nye Road, Wytheville, VA 24382.
15. Thomas J Boyd Museum
Commissioned as a museum in 1983, this was the home of the popular Thomas Jefferson Boyd in Wytheville. This museum is situated in the adjacent direction of the historic Haller-Gibboney Rock House.
Thomas Boyd, known as the Father of Wytheville, was the town’s surveyor, hotel builder, mayor, and lawyer. He was also a member of the Virginia legislature.
In this museum, you will find artifacts with a particular focus on the local history of the area, a historic Wythe County polio epidemic, and the Civil War. Some of these collections include military and Civil War uniforms, early farms tools, and equipment, and the first Wytheville fire truck.
Also, interactive stations for kids are set up within the Discovery Center, with ten of these stations teaching children local history, science, and mathematics.
You will love the self-guided tours here, just about 30 minutes of exposure.
Address: 295 Tazewell Street, Wytheville, VA 24382.
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16. Wytheville Office Supply
Established in the early 1960s, Wytheville Office Supply store is one landmark in Wytheville. Located in Main Street, this store is beautified with a metal pencil, 30-foot long, called them the “Big Pencil.”
Once 1972, this shop had been owned and managed by the daughter of its original owner. Several renovations have seen the “Big Pencil” maintain top shape despite the many relocations it has had alongside the business. You will still see it positioned after over 50 years as a symbol of Main Street.
Wytheville Office Supply which started as a small letter shop in 1948, has grown to occupy more than 22,000 square feet of space today. You can purchase office equipment, from pencils to copy machines and office furniture.
Address: 146 West Main Street, Wytheville, VA 24382.
17. Wolf Creek Indian Village & Museum
The Wolf Creek Indian Village & Museum takes you back to the early 1500s and gives you the experience of Native American life. Situated on the 1970 Brown-Johnston site, this museum is a Native American village, reconstructed to bring back memories.
Interestingly, the original site, when carbon-dated showed traces between 1480-1520. You can use the archaeology map, which shows the pole for pole and feature for feature signs in this recreated village, thereby revealing what the area would have looked like.
Wolf Creek Indian Village & Museum has tour guides, who while accompanying you through the village, give you a glimpse into what life was like.
The museum is open Monday – Friday: 9AM-5PM and Saturday 9AM-5PM.
18. Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum
Built in 1823, the Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum is the residence of the first physician in Wytheville. Features of the late Federal style two-story limestone home include a side-gabled roof and five bays.This was the home of John Haller while he served as the county’s doctor, coroner, and also a delegate to the Virginia legislature.
Haller’s home was used as a school and infirmary during the Civil War but is now registered as a historic landmark in Wytheville. This house harbored the Hallers and their descendants, the Gibboneys, for more than 138 years.
Presently in this museum, there are over 1,400 documents, period furniture, and artifacts traced to the history of family life in Wytheville. Guided tours do take place and are approximately 30 minutes.
This makes what to do in Wytheville for a fun time, consider an addition to your checklist of places to visit in Wytheville, VA.
Address: 205 E. Tazewell Street, Wytheville, VA 24382.
19. Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre
The Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre is situated in the attractive town of Wytheville, Southwest Virginia, at exit 73 from I-81 to be precise.
This theatre features a 200-seat arena with presentation of Broadway-style professional productions all year round.Here before each performance, a four-course plated dish is served, fully customized to suit the production theme.
There is also the Matterhorn Lounge (a full-service restaurant) where you will delight yourself in German cuisines and the Edelweiss Gift shop where you can see a wide range of theatre memorabilia and European collectibles.
During the summer,the Bier Garten is normally opened for cafe-style dining and can be a perfect place to host your event. Don’t miss this delight!
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday: 10AM-7PM and Saturday- Sunday 10AM-6PM
20. Skeeter’s Hot Dogs
The Skeeter’s World Famous Hot Dogs was initially opened in 1925 as a small grocery store called the E.N. Umberger Store. The store was relocated to its current location in 1940, where one could buy hot dogs for a nickel.
Fortune caught up with this little hot dog side business in 1950 when it became the top-selling item at the Umberger Store. Skeeter (nickname for Umberger’s son), also became popular while he ran the store.
Today, just like other customers, you can go enjoy hot dog served at the vintage lunch counter and on simple white napkins. This restaurant offers a full menu of breakfast and lunch and is still in continuous operation as one of the oldest establishments in Virginia.
Address: 165 E. Main St. Wytheville VA 24382.
21. Wytheville Meeting Center
The Wytheville Meeting Center is a beautiful facility situated at the crossroads of Interstates 77 & 81. This center is spacious and tech-friendly and covers events/programs in the best possible manner.
The Evansham Ballroom accommodates groups of up to 1,000 comfortably. There are also four meeting rooms, usable for meetings or breakout sessions and also then a ballroom,
Each room is fitted with the latest technology and free WiFi. They also have a sound system, screens, projection systems, and video or teleconferencing networks.
For your business meetings, special occasions and conferences, this center is very much ideal. They are open, Monday to Friday: 8AM-5PM.
Address: 333 Community Boulevard,Wytheville, VA 24382.
22. Wytheville KOA Campground
Are you looking for a serene place in Wytheville? Then, Wytheville KOA Campground answers your quest. You can enjoy cool nights on the Appalachian Mountains, relax under the sweet, calm shade or have a night rest in their deluxe cottages or Kamping Kabins.
More features of Wytheville KOA include grassy tent sites, drive-through sites, a seasonal cafe that also offer deliveries, a big heated swimming pool having a water slide of 50 ft.
More features are a 10,000 sq ft game room, batting cage, free showers, TV room, General camp store, and a playground. You can also try hiking the trails, enjoy volleyball, basketball, or horseshoes.
Address: 231 KOA Road, Wytheville, VA 24382.
23. The Farmer’s Daughter Boutique
The Farmer’s Daughter Boutique specializes in selling wear and clothing. This boutique truly has got something for everyone. You can check out the new arrivals for the latest fashions and accessories. You will find the right outfit for that special occasion – no matter the gender.
The staff here will also guide you to selecting the perfect dress for your new vacation wardrobe, special event, or if you need to add more spice to your work wardrobe.
This makes one of the best things to do in Wytheville, consider an add to your list of places to visit in Wytheville, VA
Address: 450 E Main St, Wytheville, VA 24382-2328
24. Snoopers Inc.
If you are a fan of antiques, an ideal thing to do when you visit Hannibal, MO, is to check out Snoopers Inc. It is an antique mall with lovely pieces that will pique your interest.
The antique mall contains the products of more than 100 antique dealers. You will find that special piece you so desire from their vast selection of items.
These items range from Cairn Studios / Tom Clark Gnomes to fiesta, seasonal flags, pottery, ware, antique furniture, musical instruments, NASCAR magazines, glassware, mountain crafts, kitchenware, country items, and collectible magazines.
Their staff are super friendly and welcoming and readily available to provide you with all the assistance you need to find that unique treasure. Aside from antique products, they have a snack bar and clean restrooms.
Address: 2114 E Lee Hwy, Wytheville, VA 24382, United States
25. Crossroads Social House
Nick Patel, a local businessman, and owner of Crossroads Social House, said that the Crossroads Social House was set aside to bring people together to socialize.
This 25,000-square-foot facility is open to the entire public and features 14 bowling lanes, and six out of them can serve for private events.
There are party rooms, a laser tag arena, an arcade, a trampoline jump zone, a darts and billiards area, an outdoor patio space, four party rooms, and entertainment areas with televisions and reclining seats for you to watch your favorite games.
This place also has a restaurant and bar that offers you a range of dining options and drinks. There are many fun things to do in Crossroads Social House House, which makes it a must-see destination for anyone visiting Wytheville, VA.
Address: 180 Dominion St, Wytheville, VA 24382, United States
Map of Wytheville Attractions & Activities
To aid your exploration, here is a map to the top Wytheville attractions and activities above.
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Plan a Trip to Wytheville
Wytheville is proof that little is no deficiency at all. The excitement built in this town over the past years is one every tourist will love to part in. Just like we have seen already, the structures, museums, parks, farms, trails, theatres, galleries, and others all have their unique stories which they will imprint on your memory.
I’m pretty sure you would not want to miss any of these, so why not work towards experiencing them first hand. Start now to plan and prepare for this course and get your next vacation off to a bang. This piece can serve as a guide, so feel free to fall back.