Are you looking for fun things to do in Wytheville, VA? This weekend is the perfect time to check out some of the town’s most popular attractions.
Wytheville, Virginia, is the perfect small-town destination if you’re looking for something charming and historic. The town was founded in 1792 and is situated near the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Wytheville is a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful natural scenery and its unique local history. Some of the town’s most popular attractions include its museums, gardens, and theatres.
Wytheville is also a great place to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. So if you’re looking for a fun and interesting place to visit in Virginia, make sure to add Wytheville to your list!
Here are 20 best and fun things to do in Wytheville, VA:
1. Wytheville Koa Campground
Are you looking for a great place to stay with your family while visiting Wytheville? You can bring your RV or tent; or rent one of their Kamping Kabins.
You can pitch your tent at a campsite with a great view of the Appalachian mountains. They have a cafe where you can go to eat or ask for a delivery, plus a large heated swimming pool with a water slide. The rates are reasonable, and the scenery is hard to beat.
2. Wythe Raceway
One of the fun things to do in Wytheville is to go to the Wythe Raceway. Dirt race fans rave about the course here in Wytheville. Join race fans from all over the area.
Enjoy the races and feel the thrill of being with other fans. If you’re interested in learning more about the sport of dirt racing, super streets, or open-wheel mods, the staff here gives regular informational sessions about these subjects.
3. Wythe County Genealogical And Historical Association
The organization was founded in 2003 and is dedicated to helping Wythe County residents find out information about their family history.
Visitors whose families live in Southern Virginia can use the resources here to search for their own family information.
If you find your family was one of the first families to settle in Wythe County, you will receive a “first families” certificate. Every year, the association runs a Family History Institute and invites speakers from all over the USA.
So if you are looking for things to do in Wytheville, especially if you are interested in family history, this is a great place to visit.
4. Fresh Fruit
Williams Orchard
For 70 years, this family-owned farm has been providing produce to the area and visitors who come by to see the farm’s bounty.
The farm is known in the area for its corn, apples, and pumpkins. The farm holds a Pumpkin Festival with hay rides and a “pick your own pumpkin” feature every October.
You can also enjoy trying to master the Corn Maze. There is even a mini-corn maze for the children and other children’s activities.
A visit to the Williams Orchard is one of the best things to do in Wytheville with kids or for anyone who loves fresh fruits and vegetables.
Henley Mountain Berry Farm
You’ll have a “berry nice” time here while you pick blueberries to bring home. If you don’t want to pick your own, you can buy some of the already-picked bushels or baked goods made with blueberries.
You can also get cookbooks here. This farm is a stop on the Mountain Crossroads Artisan trail, where you can tour the various artisans of Southern Virginia.
5. The Big Walker Lookout
You should visit the Big Walker Lookout to see the view from on top of Wytheville. Here you will find a 100-foot observation tower built in 1947.
On a clear day, you can see the mountains of five different states from your vantage point on the top of the tower. If you are on tour to discover Virginia Civil War trails or are interested in Virginia wildlife or birdwatching, you will find plenty to see here from the tower.
6. African -American Heritage Museum
One of the best things to do in Wytheville is to learn about its African-American heritage at the African -American Heritage Museum.
This building was established in 1882 and was first called the WythevilleTraining School. It was dedicated to the education of African-American children.
As you can imagine, that was an evolving concept of that time since it was so recently after the Civil War. The instructions first given were not primarily academic; they were geared toward acceptable dress and behavior.
There is a children’s library with child-level books and displays about the history of African-American education. Entry to the museum is free, but donations are encouraged.
7. Museum Gift Shop
This gift shop has local artisans’ merchandise so that you can get a handmade souvenir. They also have items available from other gift shops in Wytheville.
If you plan to visit one of the gift shops displayed here, you can buy a ticket to that museum. You can visit the gift shops of the Great Lakes to Florida Museum, the Thomas J Boyd Museum, and the Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum.
Visiting the Museum Gift Shop is one of the best things to do in Wytheville for those who love shopping for unique gifts and souvenirs.
8. Kay Sutherland Art Gallery
This gallery is home to the paintings of local artist Kay Sutherland. She specializes in outdoor paintings; in the French tradition of the “en plain air” technique. She draws inspiration from the natural settings around her.
Her paintings use muted colors in the backgrounds, but the people in her painting spring to vivid life. She will also attend gatherings to paint on commission and to depict events such as weddings and family gatherings. She also gives private oil painting lessons to children and adults.
9. Beagle Ridge Herb Farm
When you visit here, you’ll be surrounded by 160 acres of herb, tea, lavender, and butterfly gardens. There is a nature trail inside the farm that stretches across five miles.
You can stop at the Japanese meditation garden, a multi-acre pond, and a children’s garden. One of the activities you can opt to do here is to ride on the Lick Mountain Excursion, where you can take a two-hour tour and enjoy seeing wildlife and the natural beauty of the area.
10. Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum
Edith Wilson was the wife of President Woodrow Wilson, and this museum is a tribute to her life. While she was First Lady, President Wilson had a stroke, and she acted on his behalf in many unofficial Presidential functions for the last year of his presidency (1919.)
The museum tells the story of her family’s history and features pictures and artifacts from her time in the White House. This museum is one of only eight museums in the USA to be centered on the story of a First Lady.
The museum now holds a regular event called the Allied Dinner Series: where area university professors come to discuss topics related to World War I.
This is one of the best things to do in Wytheville, especially if you are interested in American history.
11. Rose Cottage School Of Art
You will find a gathering place and gallery for local artists and musicians when you visit here. You can also make pottery here, decorate it and take it home.
They have weekly classes in fine arts, music (including musical instrument lessons), songwriting, and painting. Classes are also held in crafts and metalsmithing. They also offer summer camps with an artistic theme.
12. Old Fort Antique Mall
Antique lovers will have a great time walking through this building and browsing the 60+ vendors who bring their antiques here.
You can find this mall easily by the big black horse on its entry sign. One of the things this mall is known for is its collection of dolls, dating back to the 1940s. They also have old Barbie dolls. Other merchandise includes oil lamps, plastic model cars, and glassware.
13. Wytheville’S Smallest Church
This miniature church is worth a visit. It was built in 2010 in honor of a similar church in Georgia. It does not have a denomination listed, but it is clearly a Christian church – since the sign dedicates its use to the Glory of Jesus Christ.
The church’s founder has described his visit to the church in Georgia, where he felt his heart stirred by the Holy Spirit. The experience left him certain that his hometown of Wyethville needed a similar structure, and he and a group of similar men of faith constructed the church.
It is a simple, one-room structure with four pews and an altar. Visitors can sign the guest book or leave a prayer request.
14. Thomas J Boyd Museum
Thomas Boyd is nicknamed “the Father of Wytheville.” He was the town’s first surveyor, mayor, and lawyer. He was also elected to the Virginia legislature.
This museum tells a lot about the history of the town. There is a special exhibit about the Wytheville polio epidemic; There is a great deal of information about the Civil War here, including Civil War uniforms and weapons.
One of the rooms houses Wytheville’s first fire engine. Around the museum, kids will find ten “Discovery Stations,” where they can do activities to help them learn about the history of the area.
If you want to learn about the town’s rich history, visiting this museum is one of the top things to do in Wytheville, VA.
15. Cobb Hill Alpaca Farm
Alpacas are friendly and gentle animals, and it is fun to watch them and learn how they live and interact with each other.
There are 18 alpacas living here, and you can watch them during their daily activities. The farm also houses an apiary, where bees make honey and where they raise free-range chickens.
There are picnic tables placed near the banks of the Cove Creek, and you will have a relaxing afternoon picnic here. Stop by the shop on the way out for eggs, milk, honey, and alpaca hair garments.
16. Wolf Creek Indian Village & Museum
Some of the first people to live in this area were Native Americans, and this museum celebrates their lives and their culture.
The Native Americans lived here in the 1500s, although carbon dating of the site shows traces of life back to 1480. Tour guides here will accurately depict their lives as they guide you through the recreated Indian village.
17. Gallery-Gibboney Rock House Museum
This home has the distinction of having been the home of the town’s first doctor: John Haller. In addition to being the town’s doctor, he was also its coroner.
He was later elected to the Virginia legislature. During the Civil War, Haller donated his home as a school and an infirmary. You can take a guided tour of this home and see documents and pictures of that era.
Be sure to add the place to your bucket list of things to do in Wytheville, VA, if you are interested in the area’s history.
18. Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theater
If you want to take in a show and enjoy a delicious four-course dinner, you should get tickets to the dinner theatre here.
The dinners here are specifically chosen to reflect the theme of each theatre production. (For example, the menu for “Grease” offered picnic fare like BBQ chicken, potato salad, and blueberry cobbler, while “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” will offer a Christmas-themed dinner.)
In addition to the theatrical productions, you can visit the Matterhorn Lounge to enjoy a meal of German cuisine and visit the Edelweiss bookstore to buy a souvenir. While at the gift shop, be sure to look at their collection of theatre memorabilia and European-, made merchandise.
If you are looking for things to do in Wytheville, VA, that the whole family will enjoy, this is a great option.
19. Wytheville Meeting Center
Book a room at the tech-friendly meeting center if you’re with a group or large family that needs a place to meet. The largest room: the Evanstown Ballroom – can seat 1000 people.
20. Shopping In Downtown Wytheville
One of the fun things to do in Wytheville is explore the shops downtown. You’ll find a variety of locally owned stores selling everything from clothes to local produce.
Here are some of the best stores in downtown Wytheville:
The Farmer’s Daughter Boutique
This great clothing store is a good place to buy trendy clothes and augment your vacation wardrobe. There are also accessories, and you’ll surely find something to appeal to everyone.
Glitz n Glam
This store caters to the younger crowd, and your teen or young adult will find exactly what they are looking for. They have a good selection of plus-sized clothing, too. You can also find accessories, honey-based cosmetics, skin care products, and gifts the whole family can enjoy.
Farmers Market
Enjoy a large selection of local produce and the friendly people who grow it. You can also enjoy honey, crafts, and baked goods. There are sitting areas where you can grab a coffee and relax.
Dining After Your Day In Wytheville, Here Is Where You Can Enjoy Some Good Food:
Skeeter’s Hot Dogs
People from all around the area come to enjoy the delicious hot dogs here. Back in 1925, this food stand was known as E.J. Umberger, and you could buy a hot dog for five cents. As time went on, the hot dog became popular, as did the owner’s son (whose nickname was Skeeter). It is now a busy place and features a breakfast and lunch menu.
Log House 1776
Restaurant Step back into history when you dine here. The restaurant is a two-room log structure with old-fashioned gas lamps. A beautiful garden surrounds the building, and you can sometimes spy on rabbits, frogs, birds, and fish making their home in the garden. Enjoy upscale dining with delicious beer or wine. Everything here is made to order.
Graze on Main
You can find this restaurant in the Bolling Wilson hotel. They offer food made in the Southern tradition and hospitality to match. The tap room is a frequent meeting place for area business meetings.
Plan a Trip to Wytheville
If you are looking for a charming small town to explore, be sure to add Wytheville, Virginia, to your list. Wytheville is the perfect place for a weekend getaway with its unique history and beautiful scenery.
There are plenty of things to do in Wytheville, from exploring its museums and gardens to enjoying its outdoor activities. And don’t forget to enjoy a delicious meal at one of the town’s great restaurants.
So whether you’re looking for a fun and interesting place to visit or a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature, Wytheville is the perfect destination for you.
Start planning your trip to Wytheville today!
