A Day trip in Downtown Wytheville

For decades Wytheville has been known as the hospitality hub of Southwest Virginia, due in part to its ideal location situated at the crossroads of interstates 77 & 81 and sitting just 30 minutes from the Parkway but the small town charm is what keeps folks returning year after year.

Morning

Grab a freshly baked treat and cup of coffee at Olykoek Donuts in Downtown Wytheville and stroll down the brick sidewalk along Main Street to begin your day with a First Lady of the United States. The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace & Museum tells the story of President Woodrow Wilson’s second wife and her journey from Wytheville to the White House. Just one block north, the Thomas J. Boyd Museum, named for the Father of the town, Wytheville’s history is on display including the exhibit entitled “The Summer without Children”, how the Polio epidemic of 1950 impacted this small mountain town.

Lunch

Skeeter’s World Famous Hot Dogs are a staple in this town. Pull up a classic soda fountain bar stool and order a Skeeter dog and a baby Coke in the bottle. Moon Dog Brick Oven serves up some of the best pizza, wings and subs around or stop in at Open Door Café, Virginia’s only pay-what-you-can restaurant. A farm-to-table establishment with a chef prepared menu where everyone eats “Wythe Us”.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon weaving through the unique shops that line Wytheville’s Main Street and offer treasures that include rare books, antiques, hand crafted furniture and pottery, fine jewelry, trendy fashions and more. A selfie under the biggest Pencil in Virginia is a must. This 30-foot icon at Wytheville Office Supply, has been suspended over Main street for 50 years. Wytheville’s LOVE work is another photographic requirement.

Dinner

A dinner reservation at Graze on Main is a definite while in Wytheville. Located inside the boutique Bolling Wilson Hotel (named for the First Lady), this casual but elegant hotspot serves a gourmet menu with a southern twist. Named for the sheep that grazed on the White House lawn during WWII while the Wilson’s were in office, Graze on Main serves up house-made cocktails, micro-brews and offers an extensive bourbon menu. Cocktails can be enjoyed pre or post dinner on The Perch rooftop bar surrounded by the panoramic mountain view.

Evening

Live music and craft beer are always on tap at Wytheville’s breweries. Seven Sisters Brewery (named for the local mountain range) hosts trivia, movie nights and live music all week as well as a weekly lineup of food trucks to ease an evening craving. 7 Dogs Brewpub, another local favorite offers a full service restaurant as well as their craft beer alongside live music in the music hall or the outdoor beer garden.