Southwest Virginia's premiere Lavender farm. Our 14 theme display gardens showcase herb and perennial collections. Stroll through the gardens, enjoy tea on the patio and watch the hummingbirds feast on the flowers. The gardens are alive with colorful plants, butterflies and birds. Walk through Flying Flowers, southwest Virginia's only walk through butterfly house. Take a guided tour with Lick Mountain Excursions or hike the trails up to Crystal Springs Recreation Area

Fort Chiswell Animal Park is the largest zoo in Southwest Virginia and provides one of the most interactive animal experiences you will find anywhere in the State! The 45 acre zoo is home to animals from six continents and is conveniently located less than three miles off Exit 80 on I-81/I-77. In the Petting Zoo you'll get the chance to pet and feed goats, llamas, and deer. You can throw peanuts to the monkeys or snap a photo of the zoo's wallaby family. The hands-on fun moves to a whole new level when you board the Safari Bus for a guided ride through the Outback. The Safari Bus Tour is the highlight of the Fort Chiswell Animal Park experience and brings you nose-to-nose with camels, zebra, ostrich, antelope, buffalo, and more! It's the zoo where the animals WANT to see you--so don't forget your camera! You're invited to come take a ride on the wild side and experience a place you'll never forget.

Overlooking the New River, Shot Tower was built more than 200 years ago to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers. Lead from the nearby Austinville Mines was melted in a kettle atop the 75-foot tower and poured through a sieve, falling through the tower and an additional 75-foot shaft beneath the tower into a kettle of water. Guests may ascend the tower, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Interpretive signs provide details on the tower. Grounds are open from dawn until dusk. The parking lot is open year-round. The tower is open on scheduled days in the summer. Admission to the tower is free, however the daily parking fee applies. Group tours are also available.

The Boyd Museum provides an opportunity to learn about the history of the people and places of Wythe County. The museum's collection includes Wytheville's first fire truck, c-1855, early farming equipment and tools, military uniforms, Civil War displays, photographs of early schools and churches and artifacts from the mining industry.