Wytheville, Virginia: Pull Off the Interstate, Stretch Your Legs, and Stay a While

Situated in the foothills of the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, Wytheville is a gem in southwest Virginia that offers more than just breathtaking views. The inescapable mountain scenery is enticing enough, but you’ll also discover a charming town steeped in history and brimming with Southern hospitality.

Wytheville is the perfect stopover for travelers road-tripping along I-77 and I-81, as my husband and I have discovered on our journeys from Ohio to northern Florida on our way to visit our grown kids. In the past, we would stop at a hotel along the interstate, get a few hours of sleep, and be back on the road after breakfast. 

However, last year on one of our trips, our usual hotel was fully booked, so I called the Bolling Wilson Hotel on a whim and was thrilled to find they had one room left. After driving downtown, settling into our room, and sipping wine on the rooftop of the beautiful boutique hotel, I was hooked and vowed never to pass by Wytheville again. 

I recently had the opportunity to return and explore the area for several days. I’m excited to share all the things I found to love, so you’ll know that Wytheville is worth the visit for you too. 

What Makes Wytheville, Virginia So Special? 

To start, there’s only one Wytheville in the entire country. So if you hear someone singing the praises of Wytheville, you can rest assured it is THE Wytheville. 

Wytheville has everything I love when exploring a new destination and more. I was amazed by the number of attractions this small town of just over 8,000 residents offers. It boasts a variety of museums, restaurants, antique stores, quirky attractions, and even an active community dinner theater!

Things to do in Wytheville

Finding so much to do may be a problem only when it comes to what you should do first.

Don’t worry, I can help with that. Whether you’re in town for a few hours or days, I recommend you start your visit at the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum to appreciate her influence and impact on Wytheville.

The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum
145 East Main Street

Housed in the oldest brick building in town, and one of the oldest in the state, this small museum is one of eight historic sites in the country dedicated to a First Lady.

Edith Bolling Wilson, the second wife of President Woodrow Wilson, is honored here. She’s even been referred to as the first female president of the United States when she assisted President Wilson when he suffered a stroke during WWI.

During my visit, I experienced a behind-the-scenes look at the upstairs of the museum, where the Bolling family originally lived and where Edith was born. The Bolling family is one of the original families in Virginia and direct descendants of Pocahontas. 

The Bolling Wilson Hotel
170 East Main Street

After touring the museum, I checked into the Bolling Wilson Hotel across the street. This gorgeous 30-room boutique hotel, part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, offers luxurious touches and amenities. You’ll find Graze on Main, the on-site restaurant, The Perch, a rooftop bar, and comfortable rooms that subtly honor First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson throughout the property.

Each floor of the hotel represents a different stage in Edith’s life, with a special nod to her grandmother, who was a significant influence. Her grandmother’s passion for canaries is woven into the design, along with orchards that President Wilson courted her with, and bourbon, which Edith enjoyed later in life.

The convenient location of the hotel, allows you to park your car and explore downtown Wytheville on foot. You can walk to several restaurants, breweries, museums, shops and the historic district for a self-guided walking tour. 

Let’s continue our tour by learning more about Wytheville at the Boyd Museum.

The Thomas J. Boyd Museum
295 East Tazewell Street 

Named after Thomas Jefferson Boyd, the “Father of Wytheville,” the Boyd Museum dives into Wytheville’s rich history, with a standout exhibit on Polio. This exhibit really hit home with me,  especially with the Covid pandemic still fresh in my mind. 

The 1950s polio epidemic, often called the “Summer Without Children,” saw parents keeping their kids indoors, away from school and play, to keep them safe. One local even turned a room in her house into a sandbox so her children could still play without leaving the house.

You’ll learn about the formation of the March of Dimes, see an iron lung, learn about local resources, and find out how Wytheville became Wytheville. 

Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum
205 Tazewell Street

After exploring the Boyd Museum, we headed next door to the stunning Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum.

Built in 1823, this historic home belonged to Wytheville’s first doctor and even served as a hospital during the Civil War. Lovingly restored, it features some of the original furnishings, offering a captivating glimpse into the past.

Willowbrook Homestead Museum
1125 Tazewell Street

A short drive down the road brings you to Wytheville’s newest museum addition. This outdoor complex, the only living history museum in southwest Virginia, showcases life in the area from the 1700s to the mid-20th century.

Immerse yourself in Wytheville’s German heritage as you explore the Umberger cabin, smokehouse, spring house, kitchen house, log barn, and blacksmith, gunsmith, and woodworking shops spread across nine acres.

The large white house on the property is home to the Wythe County Decorative Arts Museum. Inside, you’ll find antique blanket chests coveted by collectors, pie safes, and the only known Wythe County Sampler from 1808, generously donated by a couple from Texas.

The Great Lakes to Florida Highway Museum
975 Tazewell Street

The Great Lakes to Florida Highway Museum, just a short walk from the decorative arts museum, is a must-visit for anyone road-tripping through Wytheville, especially if you’re traveling along Route 21.

Step inside a restored Texaco service station to discover artifacts and memorabilia showcasing the development of this iconic route, which carried thousands of travelers from Ohio to Florida before the interstate was built.

Believe it or not, there are several more museums in this town that I hope to visit on my next stop in Wytheville.  

Big Walker Lookout
8711 Stoney Fork Road

After spending most of the morning exploring Wytheville’s history, we took a 20-minute drive to Big Walker Lookout, Virginia’s oldest privately-owned scenic attraction.

On a clear day, this 100-foot observation tower offers panoramic views of five states, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky and Tennessee. 

Don’t worry, if you’re like me and your fear of heights (or a torn meniscus) keeps your feet firmly planted on the ground, you’ll still have access to a pretty darn good view.

After enjoying the view, and posing with the LOVE sign, treat yourself to a scoop of hand-dipped ice cream at the Big Walker Country Store. My top pick? The Homestead Creamery Lemon Crunch- delicious and creamy. 

The country store features handmade goods from local artisans, and from May to October, you can enjoy live music on the weekends. 

Beagle Ridge Herb Farm
1934 Matney Flats Road

Beagle Ridge Herb Farm attracts visitors from all over the country and the world. I loved exploring the gardens, learning about the farm’s operations, and watching butterflies and dragonflies dance among the blooms.

This charming attraction offers classes and workshops, features another LOVE sign for a fun photo op, boasts the only walk-through butterfly house in southwest Virginia, and sells a wide range of on-site-made products in its shop. Plus, the farm’s hiking trails connect to the nearby  Crystal Springs Recreation Area. 

New River Trail State Park
116 Orphanage Drive, Max Meadows

This scenic park near Max Meadows is just under 25 minutes south of Wytheville. It offers picnic areas, a boat launch, kayak livery, and bike rentals to explore the 57-mile trail that was once a railroad line.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of the New River—one of the oldest rivers in the country that flows north. You’ll cross bridges, pass through tunnels, and see a historic shot tower visible from the interstate.

Located in Shot Tower Historical State Park and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the tower was used over 200 years ago to make ammunition.

Tours take place on the ground floor, so there’s no need to climb the 75 feet to the top unless you want to.

The park is free to visit, with a nominal parking fee, and offers camping within the New River Trail State Park.

For those who prefer not to rough it, the stunning boutique hotel, The Inn at Foster Falls, provides a comfortable stay.

Fort Chiswell Animal Park
569 Red Hollow Road, Max Meadows

Fort Chiswell Animal Park is Virginia’s most interactive zoo, home to over 200 animals from six continents! Visitors can hand-feed alpacas, fallow deer, llamas, and pygmy goats in the walkthrough zoo before hopping on a wild safari bus ride. 

Get up close with zebras, water buffalo, and a curious camel named Puff. Zoo chow entices the animals to approach the bus, offering unforgettable experiences and photo ops.

It’s the perfect spot for all ages to make lasting memories. I’m already planning a trip back with my grandbabies!

Where to Eat & Drink in Wytheville 

I was pleasantly impressed by the variety of meal options in Wytheville.

Breakfast

The Grind
155 East Main Street

The Grind is located directly across from the hotel. I popped in a few times during my stay because it was so convenient when I needed an iced coffee or tea for a pick-me-up.

They also offer a selection of pastries and sandwiches for breakfast and lunch.  

Ghetti’s Cafe
165 Tazewell Street

This charming cafe offers breakfast and lunch, featuring fresh bagels and bagel sandwiches made from bagels shipped overnight daily from New York City!

I even saw the delivery truck stop at Ghetti’s during my visit.

Grayson Restaurant
100 Grayson Road

I’ve often heard that the best meals can be found where the locals eat, and Grayson Restaurant proved this to be true.

This locally owned and operated restaurant offers southern-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner with impeccable, friendly service. If you’re craving breakfast all day, this is the place to dine.

Lunch

Petal’s Wine Bar
180 Tazewell Street

I found myself wishing there was a Petal’s Wine Bar in my area when I dined at this uber cute restaurant.

Housed in a charming floral and gift shop, this lively spot serves gourmet paninis, salads, soups, and charcuterie and cheese plates. Can you guess what I chose for lunch?

They also offer a great selection of wines and craft beer.

West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery
180 West Wind Drive

Located a few minutes from New River Trail State Park, this fourth-generation family homestead offers award-winning wines and yummy wine slushies.

West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery also has a fantastic gift shop with items and dips to enhance your next dinner party or cheese board. Let’s just say that I did not leave empty-handed. 

High Plains BBQ
2120 E. Lee Highway

When in the South, you must have BBQ, and this trip was no exception. High Plains BBQ specializes in slow-smoked meats and southern-style BBQ, and the brisket was absolutely delicious.

Dinner

Graze on Main
170 East Main Street

Graze on Main is inspired by a period in Edith Wilson’s life when sheep grazed on the White House lawn. The restaurant provides a casual atmosphere with an elegant menu that features southern cuisine with a twist.

I tried the Southern-Style Shrimp and Grits, which was tasty and had just the right amount of heat.  

Log House 1776 Restaurant
520 East Main Street

Dine in one of the oldest structures in Wytheville. With its maze of cozy dining rooms, nooks, crannies, and even resident bunnies and doves, Log House 1776 Restaurant is like nothing I’ve experienced before and a spot

I look forward to exploring more in the future. Plus, the food was wonderful. Do yourself a favor and order the stuffed squash with your meal. You can thank me later.

Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre
170 Malin Drive

I had a great time at the German-themed Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre, enjoying a four-course meal while watching a musical performed by the local community theater.

During my visit, they performed “If I Could Turn Back Time,” a tribute to the best songs and genres of the 80s. Think Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, and Big Hair Bands like Def Leppard. This fun show had me tapping my toes, singing along, and reminiscing about my junior high and high school years, and it brought plenty of laughs along the way.

Check out their line-up for the rest of the year.

After spending several days and nights exploring Wytheville, I only have one question for you. What are you waiting for? Pull off the interstate and fall in love with the one and only Wytheville for yourself. Order your Visitor Guide here. 

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