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Get Your Kicks in Wytheville: The Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit

Wytheville keeps a giant pencil in town and treats it as a real attraction. Big Walker Lookout puts an observation tower right on top of Big Walker Mountain. Fort Chiswell Animal Park lets you feed zebras and giraffes from your own car. Wytheville Office Supply has been selling typewriters and paperweights since 1951 as well. And the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre runs a German menu and dinner with a ghost.

Welcome to Wytheville, Virginia, a charming town filled with history, culture and natural beauty. History buff, nature lover or someone after a fun-filled weekend getaway, Wytheville has an answer for each. Scenic drives through unique shopping experiences, delicious local cuisine through outdoor adventures, the things to do in this quietly overlooked town run long.

Take a stroll down history lane and visit the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum, the birthplace of the First Lady of President Woodrow Wilson. Work through the long history of the town on a historic walking tour, and take in the preserved architecture of buildings that have stood for centuries. And for nature enthusiasts, the Jefferson National Forest runs over 500 miles of hiking trails and long views of the surrounding mountains.

When you are ready for a break, indulge in the unique shopping experiences of the town, with local artisans and one-of-a-kind finds. And do not skip the local delicacies, because Wytheville is known for its delicious ham, barbecue and farm-fresh produce. End the day with some fun and entertainment at Wythe Raceway or the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre. With that much to do and see in Wytheville, leaving gets difficult.

Key Takeaways

• Wytheville, Virginia offers a rich history and culture to explore, including the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum and historic walking tours.
• Nature lovers can enjoy the Jefferson National Forest, while shoppers can indulge in unique local finds.
• Don’t leave without trying the local delicacies and enjoying some fun and entertainment at Wythe Raceway or the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre.

A Stroll Down History Lane

History lovers are in for a treat, because Wytheville runs plenty for a history buff. Take a stroll down memory lane and work through the historical landmarks in the area. Here are a few museums that will take you back in time:

Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum

Fans of first ladies will take to the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum. This museum is dedicated to the life of the second wife of President Woodrow Wilson. Her life and how she became the first lady of the United States during World War I are covered there. The museum sits in the house where she was born and raised, filled with artifacts, photographs and personal items that belonged to her.

Thomas J. Boyd Museum

The Thomas J. Boyd Museum earns the visit for anyone interested in the Civil War. The museum is named after Thomas J. Boyd, a Confederate soldier who fought in the Battle of Wytheville. Artifacts from the Civil War fill the place, weapons, uniforms and personal items among them. The museum also runs exhibits on the polio epidemic that hit Wytheville in the 1950s.

Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum

The Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum is a preserved 19th-century house that opens onto the lives of the wealthy families who lived in Wytheville at the time. The house is filled with period furniture, clothing and other artifacts, and the years come off as you walk through it. The history of the house and the families who lived there comes with the visit.

Octagon Mansion History Museum

The Octagon Mansion History Museum is the other place to take for the history of Wytheville. The museum sits in the Octagon Mansion, which was built in the 1850s. The mansion has been carefully restored and is filled with period furniture, artwork and other artifacts. The history of the mansion and the families who lived there is covered there too.

History buff or someone just after a little more of the past of the area, these museums will do the job. Take a step back in time and let the long history of Wytheville work on you.

Breathtaking Nature and Outdoor Activities

For fresh air and long views, Wytheville will not disappoint. The town is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, which means the outdoor activities run long. Here are the places to visit and things to do for the natural beauty of Southwest Virginia.

Big Walker Lookout

To see the mountains from above, head to Big Walker Lookout. This observation tower is perched atop Big Walker Mountain and runs a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. The tower is accessible by car, so no hiking is required. And for the adventurous, plenty of hiking trails in the area run through the woods and up the mountain.

Beagle Ridge Herb Farm

For a more tranquil outdoor experience, visit Beagle Ridge Herb Farm. This 160-acre farm holds over 200 species of herbs, alongside gardens, orchards and a pond. Take a leisurely stroll through the fields and gardens, or sign up for a workshop on herbalism, soap-making or beekeeping. And on the lucky days the resident beagles of the farm turn up.

New River Trail State Park

Water activity fans should head to New River Trail State Park. This park follows the course of the New River, which is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking and canoeing. The park also runs over 50 miles of hiking and biking trails through the mountains and along the river. And for the adventurous, a hot air balloon ride over the park takes in the landscape from above.

Mount Rogers National Recreation Area

To explore the Appalachian Mountains, head to Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. This park holds the highest peak in Virginia, alongside miles of hiking trails, trout streams and scenic drives. Hike to the top of Mount Rogers for the panoramic views, or fish for trout in the streams and rivers of the park. And on the lucky days the local wildlife turns up, black bears or wild ponies among them.

Whatever kind of outdoor adventure you are after, Wytheville has an answer. So pack your hiking boots, grab your fishing rod, and go work through the landscape of Southwest Virginia.

Unique Shopping Experiences

For a unique shopping experience in Wytheville, you will not be disappointed. Antique malls through office supply stores, each has an answer here. Here are two of the more unusual shopping experiences in Wytheville:

Wytheville Office Supply

Yes, you read that right. Wytheville Office Supply is not your average office supply store. This family-owned business has been around since 1951 and runs everything you need to outfit your home office or small business. What sets them apart are the unexpected finds. Vintage typewriters, quirky desk lamps and a collection of antique paperweights all turn up. And on the lucky days you catch one of their sidewalk sales, where the office supplies and other odds and ends go cheap.

Antique Mall

Antique fans should take the Antique Mall. This massive store is packed to the brim with vintage finds, glassware through toys through pottery. Mid-century modern furniture, delicate china and rustic country items all sit there. The Antique Mall suits a lazy afternoon of browsing, and the piece your collection was missing may well turn up. And for lighting or kitchenware, they have that covered too. Pick up a souvenir on your way out.

Feed a giraffe from the car window at Fort Chiswell Animal Park. Over 100 species of animals from around the world live inside that park. Then take Big Walker Lookout for the panoramic view over the hills and valleys. The tower is reachable by car, so the climbing is entirely optional here. And Beagle Ridge Herb Farm runs 160 acres and over 200 species of herbs.

Local Delicacies and Dining

In Wytheville, the local delicacies are not to be skipped. Classic American hot dogs through German-themed dinner theatre, this town covers the range. Here are the places to take for a strong dining experience:

Graze on Main

For a cozy and charming spot to eat, Graze on Main is the one. This restaurant runs American cuisine with a Southern twist. Take classic dishes like chicken and waffles, or try something new like their delicious shrimp and grits. The restaurant also runs a strong selection of bourbon, so try one of their signature cocktails.

Crossroads Social House

For some fun and games, Crossroads Social House is the place. This restaurant runs an arcade, billiards and darts, which makes it the spot to hang out with friends. The menu covers American cuisine, burgers, sandwiches and salads among them. And try their famous loaded fries, which are a real crowd-pleaser.

Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre

For a unique dining experience, head to the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre. This German-themed dinner theatre runs entertainment of every sort, a Christmas show and “dinner with a ghost” included. Take a delicious meal while talented performers do the rest. The menu covers German cuisine, schnitzel and sauerkraut among them. And try their famous Black Forest Cake, which is a real treat.

So a cozy meal, a fun night out or a unique dining experience, Wytheville covers all three. Do not skip the local delicacies this town runs.

Fun and Entertainment

On fun and entertainment in Wytheville, you will not be disappointed. Thrilling races through exotic animals, each has an answer here. Here are two places to add to your itinerary:

Wythe Raceway

Racing fans cannot miss the Wythe Raceway. Located just off I-81, this dirt track is a favorite among drivers and fans alike. With a packed schedule of events through the year, the heart-pumping action is not hard to catch.

And the strongest part? The races are affordable, so a night of high-speed thrills will not break the bank. So grab a cold drink and some snacks and cheer on your favorite driver.

Fort Chiswell Animal Park

For a more laid-back experience, head to Fort Chiswell Animal Park. This park holds over 100 species of animals from around the world, zebras, giraffes and kangaroos among them.

And the strongest part? Many of the animals can be fed right from your car. You do not even have to leave the vehicle to get close to some exotic creatures.

So load up the car with some snacks and hit the road. Your furry and feathered friends are waiting.

High-speed racing or a leisurely animal encounter, Wytheville covers both. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and have some fun.

Comfortable Stays

When the fun things to do in Wytheville are done, a comfortable place to rest your head comes next. Plenty of strong places to stay run in the area.

Bolling Wilson Hotel

For a luxurious stay in Wytheville, the Bolling Wilson Hotel is the place. This historic hotel runs well-decorated rooms with all the modern amenities you could want. The plush bedding through the spa-like bathrooms, the pampering starts the moment you step inside.

The Bolling Wilson Hotel is not only comfort and style. It is also where you learn the history of Wytheville. The hotel is named after Edith Bolling Wilson, the wife of President Woodrow Wilson. She was born in Wytheville, and the hotel runs a museum dedicated to her life and legacy.

History buff or someone just after a comfortable place to stay, the Bolling Wilson Hotel is a strong choice. So go ahead and treat yourself to a little luxury.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top spots for hiking near Wytheville, VA?

You are in luck, hiking enthusiast. Wytheville runs some of the finer hiking trails in Virginia. Head over to the Big Walker Lookout for the views of the surrounding mountains. Or for the adventurous, take the Appalachian Trail. Just bring your hiking boots and plenty of water.

Can you recommend any free activities in and around Wytheville?

Who says fun has to cost money? Wytheville runs plenty of free activities to keep you entertained. Take a stroll through the historic district of the town and take in the architecture. Or visit the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum for the life of the former First Lady. And take a selfie with the famous “Big Pencil”.

What makes Wytheville, VA a unique travel destination?

What does not make Wytheville unique? With its long history, its natural beauty and its friendly locals, Wytheville suits anyone after a one-of-a-kind travel experience. And the famous “Big Pencil” and “Big Walker Lookout” are two attractions you will not find anywhere else.

Where can I find the best events and festivals in Wytheville?

Wytheville is known for its lively events and festivals. Take the Chautauqua Festival, which runs live music, food vendors and a craft show. Or in the fall, do not miss the Wytheville Autumnfest. And car enthusiasts should catch the Run to the Hills Car Show in June.

What are some great day trip options from Wytheville, VA?

Looking to explore the surrounding area? Wytheville works as a home base for day trips. Head over to the New River Trail State Park for a scenic bike ride. Or take the Shot Tower Historical State Park for the history of ammunition production. And wine lovers should visit the West Wind Farm Vineyard and Winery for a tasting.

What are the most popular parks to visit in Wytheville?

Wytheville holds some of the finer parks in Virginia. Head over to the Crystal Springs Recreation Area for a picnic and a swim. Or take the Rural Retreat Lake for some fishing and boating. And nature lovers should visit the Hungry Mother State Park for hiking and camping.

Frequently asked questions about Wytheville, Virginia

Which Wytheville museum is worth the morning?

The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum. It sits in the house where she was born and raised, and the artifacts, the photographs and the personal items inside it all belonged to her. The Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum is the other one to take instead of that. That preserved 19th-century house shows how the wealthy families here once lived. The Octagon Mansion History Museum sits in a mansion built in the 1850s.

Which trail near Wytheville is worth the boots?

The New River Trail State Park trails. The park runs over 50 miles of hiking and biking trails through the mountains and along the New River itself, which fills a whole day. Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is the harder one to take instead of that. That one holds the highest peak in Virginia and the wild ponies besides. Big Walker Lookout needs no walking at all, because you can drive up it.

Which park near Wytheville suits a family day?

Fort Chiswell Animal Park, easily. Over 100 species of animals from around the world live there, and a good many of them can be fed straight from the car window. Crystal Springs Recreation Area is the cheaper one to take instead of that. That one handles a picnic and a swim in the very same afternoon. Rural Retreat Lake covers the fishing and the boating instead of either.

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