If you travel on I-77 or I-81 through the Virginia mountains, you’ve undoubtedly seen the signs for Wytheville, Virginia. You may have stopped at the exit for gas or a quick bite to eat, probably both! But, have you seen the charming town just beyond the exits, brimming with history, architecture, museums and local eateries?
Wytheville, Virginia’s claim to fame is that it’s the childhood home of First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson. She was born right downtown, and the town celebrates her life, including her many contributions to our country.
But, Wytheville’s more than a monument to its most famous citizen. And, it’s definitely more than a quick pit stop! Only 3-5 hours from Raleigh, Columbia, Washington, Pittsburgh and Columbus, it’s an easy, fun getaway for two.
If you’re passing through, please make this your break for a couple days to break up your road trip.
We’ve even planned your perfect weekend getaway so you can just drive in, unpack your bags and go!
A Weekend in Wytheville
Wytheville is an easy, one tank trip from Ohio to South Carolina, Pennsylvania to Tennessee (at least eastern Tennessee). Plan to arrive for lunch to enjoy a full weekend in this cute town.
Ooooohhhhh, you’ll enjoy ample FREE parking throughout town. And, the speakers on Main Street? They play a different genre of music every day, making a stroll along the beautiful brick sidewalks just that much more fun.
Lunch at Skeeter’s World-Famous Hot Dogs, 165 E. MaiN STREET
Start your weekend with a hot dog at Skeeter’s World Famous Hot Dogs.
Established in 1925, Skeeter’s is one of Virginia’s oldest continuously operating restaurants. It made Rachel RAy’s list of Top 64 Hot Dogs in America. Of course, we had to check it out.
Located in the historic district of Wytheville, Skeeter’s is like stepping back in time. The old-fashioned lunch counter with red bar stools, baby Cokes in glass bottles and hot dog baskets serve up fresh meals wrapped in nostalgia.
The modern hot dog menu, like the bourbon dog, delight the taste buds.
We loved the food, the atmosphere and the friendly welcome. The weekend is off to a great start!
Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum, 145 East Main STREET
As one of only eight historic sites across the country dedicated to sharing the story of a
First Lady, the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum highlights the many achievements of this interesting lady.
She was President Woodrow Wilson’s second wife, marrying him 16 months after his first wife’s death. As First Lady, she played a pivotal role in the White House during World War I.
Around Wytheville, you’ll see sheep to honor her. During WWI, when the young men who maintained the White House lawn were sent to war, she brought in sheep to keep the grass manicured, saving money with a creative solution. But, that’s just one of many great stories you’ll learn at the museum.
The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free, and donations are welcome.
Thomas J. Boyd Museum, 295 East Tazewell STREET
This museum, which shares Wytheville’s history, is named for Thomas Jefferson Boyd, the “Father of Wytheville.”
The Boyd Museum, one of four maintained by the town, focuses on local history. You’ll learn about the early lead mining days and company towns, local craftsmen, the 1950 Polio Epidemic, Civil War stories and more.
The 1950 Polio Exhibit was particularly fascinating. Wytheville became famous for the number of people who developed polio, but also as the “Summer Without Children.”
Local parks emptied as parents kept children indoors and away from everything the whole summer as polio swept through the community. Displays include a child’s iron lung, an adult iron lung, news videos and photos to show how the polio epidemic impacted this small community.
- Thomas J. Boyd Museum, East 295 Tazewell Street
- Hours: Wednesday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Other hours by appointment. Call (276) 223-3331 to arrange a visit.
- Admission: $5 for ages 13+. Kids ages 6-12 are half price. Kids ages 5 and under are free.
Dinner and Show at Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre, 170 Malin DrIVE
You may have seen the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theater on the hillside near I-77. Maybe, like me, you wondered if it’s worth stopping for. After all, fast food gets you back on the road more quickly.
Well, we went, and it’s definitely worth the stop. Whether you plan a fun overnight on a long road trip or you use it as the final flourish on the first night of your weekend getaway to Wytheville, the Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre is a wonderful escape from the crowded highway and soulless chain restaurants.
This German-inspired dinner theatre opened in 1999, bringing quality professional theatre to Southwest Virginia. Throughout the weekend, locals asked if we would have time for dinner and a show, as they said performances are as good as any you’ll see off Broadway in NYC.
We went. The show was fantastic and the atmosphere was somehow both spacious and cozy. The dinner theater serves a plated dinner, included with your ticket price.
And, if there is no show scheduled, the Red Stag Restaurant and bar serves food daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., a great alternative to boring fast food.
After the show, head to the hotel for a good night’s sleep!
Day Two in Wytheville, Virginia
Wytheville, Virginia is a small town of 8,000 that loves its restaurants. Today’s adventures begin with a delicious, southern style breakfast at a long-time local hangout.
Grayson Restaurant, 100 Grayson Road
Grayson Restaurant, locally owned and operated, serves a home-cooked, southern-style
meal. Breakfast is served all day, and we highly recommend the blueberry pancake! It’s as big as the plate and scrumptious.
Grayson’s is a locals’ hangout, so you know the food is good! The service is just as great. On Wednesdays during hockey season, guys from the Blue Ridge Bobcats hockey team fill in as servers. The community loves it, and the team does, too.
Grayson Restaurant is open Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. (7:00 on Saturdays) to 8:00 p.m.
New River Trail State Park, 176 Orphanage Drive, Max Meadows, VA
If you travel on I-77 through Southwest Virginia, you have seen the signs for New River Trail State Park. But, have you ever stopped to explore?
I’ve seen it dozens of times through the years, and this was my first visit. I truly wish we had stopped here instead of at rest areas on our drives.
The historic Shot Tower, which you can see from the highway, is just a mile off the exit, uncrowded and beautiful. It has restrooms, picnic tables, charcoal grills and easy access to trails.
Of course, if you’re visiting Wytheville, it’s one of the best places to get outside and enjoy the scenery.
New River Trail State Park is a 57-mile long linear park that follows an abandoned railroad
right-of-way. It parallels the scenic New River for 39 miles. We took a short walk along the trail, but there’s so much more to do. Activities include bicycling, fishing, camping, kayaking, and canoeing.
We saw bicyclists and fishermen enjoying the beautiful spring weather.
Admission is free. Parking is $7 per vehicle.
Lunch at Petal’s Wine Bar, 160 Tazewell Street
We worked up an appetite at the New River Trail State Park, so we headed back to downtown Wytheville for lunch at another local hot spot, Petal’s Wine Bar.
Petal’s Wine Bar began as a flower shop, hence the name. Owner Teresa Campbell next added a wine shop, and eventually, the restaurant space.
The food here is fresh, inventive and delicious. Rob enjoyed the blueberry goat cheese panini, and I had an amazing apple and blue cheese salad. The food is light but filling.
The restaurant also has special events throughout the year, like ticketed wine pairings, live music, and game days.
Besides wine, they offer a large selection of craft beer. Not sure what goes with what? The staff will help you make a selection!
Petal’s is open every day except Tuesday, for lunch only on Sunday and Monday, and through the dinner hour Wednesday through Saturday.
Pick your fun!
There’s so much to do in Wytheville, that you can’t do it all in two days. So, this afternoon, pick something from this list and enjoy!
- Beagle Ridge Herb Farm, 1934 Matney Flats Road, Wytheville. Open seasonally, this lavender and herb farm has formal gardens, guided garden tours, an outdoor tea room and a butterfly house. The gift shop is incredible with soaps, lotions, food and other items made on the farm. It’s a short drive from town, but worth it.
- Shop downtown. Explore downtown’s adorable boutiques and trendy apparel shops to find the perfect gift for yourself or someone you love. Don’t miss the giant pencil, thought to be the largest pencil in Virginia and the many shops off Main Street.
- Go Antiquing. You have probably seen the large antique malls from the highway. Don’t miss a chance to explore to find the perfect keepsake. There are several antique stores in town, just outside of town and even at the Log House 1776 Restaurant!
- Visit a museum or two. Wytheville has so much history and their museums honor it. Explore a few and go home richer for it.
- Enjoy downtown architecture. When we first got to town, we took a stroll through downtown and marveled at the architecture. There are so many beautiful homes, businesses and churches in Wytheville. Take it all in with a leisurely stroll. Look for historic markers to learn the signficance of many places you’ll see.
Dinner at Log House 1776 Restaurant, 520 East Main Street
IMPORTANT: Make reservations to eat here! Standby seating is hard to come by. The phone number is (276) 228-4139.
So, important business out of the way, WHY should you make dinner reservations at Log House 1776 Restaurant? In short, the food is really, really, really good! But also, because this place has been around since 1776! YEP!
The original part of the building was built in 1776, and it’s been expanded again and again and again. The restaurant is a maze of quirky rooms, one with a floor made of wine corks, and so many little nooks, I marvel that the servers keep it all straight.
If you know Harry Potter movies, it reminds me of that, particularly the Burrow (the Weasley’s house).
Meander through to the back to Christopher’s Bar for a late evening drink. Or, keep going and find the gift and antique shop, or outside to the bunny hutch.
See what I mean? The place defies description.
But the food is excellent, flavorful, good portions and served with a smile. We loved the corn fritters with honey appetizer and the stuffed squash side dish, though everything was good. Those just stood out as spectacular!
The dessert menu is incredible, too.
Log House 1776 Restaurant is open Monday through Saturday, serving lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Remember, MAKE RESERVATIONS!
Catch a show at Historic Millwald Theatre, 205 West Main Street
Built in 1928 and owned by the same family for 92 years, the Millwald Theatre was the “longest continuously running theatre in Virginia.” Newly restored, the theatre
has a 515-seat auditorium hosting both live and filmed events. State-of-the-art sound, lighting, and streaming capability means there’s not a bad seat in the place!
We got to see Grammy Award–winning pop icon Sheena Easton live in concert. Both her performance and the theatre were amazing.
If you can wrangle the password from someone, the Ghost Light Bourbon Bar is the theatre’s speakeasy — a fun spot to relax and enjoy a drink with friends. Why a bourbon bar? I think, perhaps, it’s a nod to the city’s most famous citizen, Edith Bolling Wilson. But more on that in a minute…
Check the theatre schedule to see if there’s a performance you’d enjoy when you visit and book those tickets. You’ll enjoy it!
Day Three in Wytheville, Virginia
All good things must come to an end. But, with short drives to most cities, there’s no need to rush home. Enjoy a last morning in Wytheville with a leisurely breakfast and soaking in mountain views before saying goodbye.
Breakfast at The Grind, 155 East Main Street
A local veteran-owned coffee shop, The Grind Coffee Shop and Eatery serves hot and cold drinks, breakfast and lunch with specialty and seasonal items.
The menu is always changing, though it always includes the make your own option!
The staff, like everywhere else in Wytheville, is friendly. Each drink and food item is prepared to order, fresh and delicious. In nicer weather, outside dining is an option.
The Grind is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can order online!
Fueled for the day, head to the final stop — a stunning view of the Blue Ridge Mountains seen by few.
Big Walker Lookout, 8711 Stoney Fork Road
Big Walker Lookout is Virginia’s oldest privately-owned scenic attraction. Decades before the interstates opened, Big Walker Lookout was a restaurant, kitschy attraction and scenic overlook like few have ever experienced. Their slogan, “only the birds see more,” is quite accurate.
Today, Big Walker Lookout still has the stunning views, especially for those willing to climb the 100 foot observation tower. From May to October, they host regional musicians and artisans, providing free entertainment for all who stop by.
Check out theevent schedule to see if someone’s performing who you’d like to hear!
If you see these photos and think, hmmmmm… maybe I’ve been here before, maybe you have. Before the highways came through, this was one of the main thoroughfares through the area. It’s a national scenic byway, so those who like to travel the back roads may have stopped in. It’s also one of the great motorcycle routes in Virginia, called the Claw of the Dragon, so motorcycle tourists may know this spot, too.
Where to stay in Wytheville
The only thing we’ve not covered — yet — is where to stay in Wytheville, Virginia! Of course, there are lots of Wytheville Virginia hotels near the highway and on the outskirts of town. Those are fine, especially if you belong to a rewards program. But, for a special getaway, consider something else!
THE Bolling Wilson Hotel
The Bolling Wilson Hotel in downtown Wytheville, is a 30 room boutique hotel close to everything. It’s just five minutes from the interstate, but feels like a world away. The hotel is named in honor of Edith Bolling Wilson, whose birthplace museum is right across the street.
Each floor of the hotel is decorated differently, to honor something about Edith. Remember when I said above that we’d get to why bourbon in a minute? Well, here you go.
The second floor of the hotel is decorated with orchids. We stayed on this floor, and everything reminded us of orchids. Orchids are significant to Edith Bolling Wilson because her husband, the President, once said, “Usually the orchid wears the woman, but to the contrary with my dear Edith.” He wooed her with orchids.
The third floor of the hotel is dedicated to canaries, a favorite of Edith Bolling Wilson. Growing up, her grandmother lived with them above the shops of Main Street. She kept more than two dozen canaries on the back porch, and Edith helped care for them. Rooms on this floor have headboards with beautiful canary fabrics and cheery color schemes.
The fourth floor is dedicated to, yes, bourbon! Edith Bolling Wilson was known to have a glass of bourbon by her bedside every night, but only for medicinal purposes. During Kennedy’s inauguration, she had a small bottle of bourbon in each pocket to help her keep warm. Teehee! Rooms on this floor have a bit more muted color scheme, with rich browns and yellows reminiscent of bourbon.
No matter which floor you end up on, the rooms are comfortable and immaculate!
We loved our stay at the hotel because of the friendly staff, comfortable room, unique decor and perfect location in the heart of Wytheville.
- Bolling Wilson Hotel, 170 Main Street, Wytheville, VA 24382
- Registered with Historic Hotels of America
- BOOK HERE
Wytheville VA Rentals
Wytheville’s central location with easy access from north, south, east and west, makes it a great place to meet friends or family for a relaxing getaway. Consider Wytheville VA Rentals for your family getaway for space to spread out and unwind. It’s hard to beat a house with a full kitchen, living room and multiple bedrooms for a fun getaway! Some are even located downtown.
And there you have it, folks, a great weekend itinerary in Wytheville for a couples escape. But, there’s even more to Wytheville than what I’ve shared here. Remember, there’s only one Wytheville — literally — and it’s close to just about everywhere!
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