16 Homegrown Attractions in Wytheville, VA

by deana | Aug 17, 2023 | Blog, Uncategorized

16 Homegrown Attractions in Wytheville, VA

During your travels through the Southeast, you’ll want to spend a few days here in our charming small town tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia. Take in the scenic views and get inspired by visiting one (or many) of the unique attractions in Wytheville.

Big Walker Lookout

Virginia’s oldest private scenic attraction, Big Walker Lookout is definitely worth a stop. They’ve been here since 1947 and attract visitors from all over the country each year. You’ll find the Lookout Tower and Country Store surrounded by hiking, motorcycle, and biking trails. Climb the observation tower for excellent views of the mountains and valleys of western Virginia. Enjoy live music, hand-dipped ice cream and country fresh fudge while you relax.

Cobb Hill Alpacas

The beautiful sight of rolling mountain pastures is enough reason to stop here, but this locally owned and operated farm also offers the opportunity to interact with alpacas! Some lucky visitors are also able to collect eggs from their free-range chickens or observe honey bees busy at work. Shop their boutique for plenty of alpaca-themed merchandise, including a variety of yarn choices from their very own herd. Due to the ever-changing nature of farming, you’ll need to book an appointment in advance to experience the fun at this family farm.

African American Heritage Museum

This non-profit community organization was established in 2000 to preserve the historic Wytheville Training School. The building itself was constructed in 1882 for African American children and was in operation until 1952. You’ll find a children’s library showcasing achievements, photos, stories, and memorabilia telling the history of education of African Americans in Wythe County. Admission is free and it’s a great education opportunity for the entire family.

Beagle Ridge Herb Farm

Known for their lavender, herbs, and butterflies – you’ll be glad you took a break to stop at this beautiful nature education center. They offer classes for crafts, gardening, cooking and more. You’ll also find a beautiful butterfly house and 16 varieties of lavender while you’re there! This is truly a great spot for nature-lovers looking to learn ways to conserve all aspects of the outdoors.

West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery

This fourth-generation homestead in the Blue Ridge Mountains welcomes motorists, hikers, picnic lovers and wine connoisseurs year-round. Make sure to try their small batch, family-crafted wine while you’re there. They planted their grapes in 2003 but their family roots date back more than a century! Their winery and tasting room are easily accessible from I-81 and I-77.

Crossroads Social House

This entertainment center welcomes people of all ages to gather for family fun. They offer 14 lanes for bowling, an arcade arena, jump zone, and a great menu! Your family road-trip deserves the excitement found at the Crossroads Social House.

Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum

As First Lady in the White House during World War I, Edith Bolling had an often overlooked, yet vital role in history during the Woodrow Wilson presidency. Visit this museum to tour the historic Bolling Family Home to learn how her early life in Wytheville, Virginia prepared her for life as First Lady. You’ll also learn how she became known as “The Secret President” and “The First Woman President.”

Fort Chiswell Animal Park

This exciting zoo has it all! As you enter, you’ll walk through a petting zoo full of smaller animals ready to welcome you to the area. As you continue, the adventure gets even better with the Safari Bus. It is a true reversal of the zoo concept – you’re the one in the cage and the animals roam freely. Make friends with a camel or ostrich while making memories that will last a lifetime. You can purchase admission tickets at arrival and no reservations are required to enjoy the fun at the most interactive zoo in Virginia.

Crystal Springs Recreation Area

If you’re a fan of hiking, you’ll love the trails at Crystal Springs Recreation Area! Discover Mother Nature at her best while exploring the terrain of the Blue Ridge Mountains full of wildlife and scenic views. Bring your bikes for a mountain bike adventure or plan a picnic and relax while you’re in Wytheville.

Millwald Theatre

Built in 1928, the Millwald Theatre recently underwent a complete historic renovation and is a must-see for history lovers. The theatre, located in the heart of downtown Wytheville, offers movies and live music year-round for all age groups to enjoy. Check out their website for showtimes and plan a night you won’t forget.

Take Your Wytheville Family Vacation To New Heights: Printable Scavenger Hunt For Kids

by deana | Jun 21, 2023 | Blog, Uncategorized

Take Your Wytheville Family Vacation To New Heights:

Printable Scavenger Hunt For Kids

by Kimberly Stroh

Wytheville is full of great family attractions that the kids will love. The rich history, diverse outdoor adventures, and entertainment options make Wytheville an unforgettable destination for families.

There’s no shortage of family fun in Wytheville, but there’s a way to take your trip to new heights – with this Printable Scavenger Hunt For Kids.

Print this PDF document below while you’re visiting downtown Wytheville. It’s a walking scavenger hunt that young kids can complete with the assistance of a parent.

How To Play The Wytheville Scavenger Hunt

The best way to play the Wytheville Scavenger Hunt is to print a copy so kids can mark the items as they locate them. Start anywhere in downtown Wytheville, as all of the items can be located within a few blocks of each other.

The idea of the scavenger hunt is to keep kids engaged and it’s a way for them to be actively curious. They’ll notice murals, historical signs, and even a giant pencil (that’s probably the most obvious item to locate).

As a parent, scavenger hunts are a great opportunity to connect on vacation. You’ll notice the kids get excited as they locate items and it’s a great way to discuss how the items have meaning to the city of Wytheville.

Discuss Edith Bolling Wilson’s connection to Wytheville – that it’s her birthplace. Or even the art representation in the LOVEworks sign!

I promise that the kids will have so much fun with this scavenger hunt that they may not even realize they’re learning too!

CLICK HERE TO PRINT YOUR PDF WYTHEVILLE SCAVENGER HUNT

Your Next Family Destination is Wytheville, Virginia

by deana | May 18, 2023 | Blog

Your Next Family Destination
is Wytheville, Virginia

by Hannah Lusk

There’s no place quite like Wytheville, Virginia. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains where Interstates 77 and 81 meet, Wytheville is rich in history and teeming with activities for every type of adventurer.

If your family enjoys nature, you’ll be in paradise when you visit Wytheville. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and discover a town that we’re sure you’ve seen in passing. From hiking, biking, and water activities to historic museums, gardens, and unique shops, there is no shortage of family fun, in Wytheville… There’s Only One!

Lodging

When planning your escape to Wytheville, book a stay at one of our charming lodging options.

We have multiple nationwide chains, one-of-a-kind boutique hotels like The Bolling Wilson Hotel, or bed and breakfasts like Trinkle Mansion Bed & Breakfast. No matter which accommodation you choose, you will be met with a relaxing atmosphere and wonderful amenities the whole family will enjoy.

If you want to get closer to the beautiful nature that makes Wytheville stand out, consider staying at one of our multiple campgrounds and RV parks. Wytheville’s KOA Holiday is perfect for adults and children alike. Nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains, the KOA campground is unlike any other in the country. Fishing, mini-golf, bowling, water slides, and updated campsites are just a few of the dozens of amenities this campground has to offer. A new Conestoga covered wagon experience will delight even the youngest in the family.

Outdoor Activities

Wytheville is all about experiencing the unique and incredible features of southern Virginia. During your stay, there are several outdoor attractions that are must-sees for your family.

Crystal Springs Recreation Area is one of those attractions. The park is located on 1,800 acres of Wytheville property where you can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, mountain biking, primitive camping, and more. Don’t forget to pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic at one of the area’s picnic spots. There are informational signs and a Kids in Parks Track Trail virtual program if your family is new to hiking or would like to learn about the area while you take in the beauty of the native flora and fauna.

Among the area’s top attractions is the Jefferson National Forest. Atop Big Walker Mountain, you will find the oldest and highest private scenic attraction in Virginia standing at an elevation of 3,405 feet – the Big Walker Lookout. The lookout features an observation tower, swinging bridge, a Country store, and is a Virginia Birding trail site. Not to mention the panoramic views you will experience of surrounding mountains and nearby farmland.

Another one-of-a-kind attraction is the New River Trail State Park. This is a 57-mile linear park that follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way, as part of the area’s “rails to trails” initiative. The park parallels the historic New River – the world’s second oldest river – for 39 miles and passes through three counties.

New River Trail has a gentle slope, which makes it great for visitors of all ages to hike, bike and ride horseback. Within the park you will find boat launches, gift shops, a horse arena, and Foster Falls which offers canoe and bike rentals. The newly opened Inn at Foster Falls features ten luxurious guest rooms, wrap around porches complete with rocking chairs, which makes this the only State Park in Virginia to offer an Inn. This historic property has played many roles throughout its life but has been lovingly revived to its former glory as a beautiful hotel overlooking the New River.

Biking and Hiking in Virginia - New River Trail Bike in Wytheville

Fishing is popular at the park and throughout the entire region. With the abundance of creeks, lakes, and rivers, Wytheville is the perfect area for the favored activity of fly fishing. Cast a line from the bank of New River or on waterways like Rural Retreat Lake or Cripple Creek.

Aside from the native wildlife you are sure to see while spending time outdoors, there are other locations where you can enjoy animals. Fort Chiswell Animal Park is the largest zoo in Southwest Virginia at 45 acres. This park is home to animals from six continents. Visit the petting zoo to feed goats, llamas, and deer. Board the Safari Bus for a guided ride through the Outback, getting an up-close view of camels, zebra, ostrich, antelope, buffalo, and more.

Edith Bolling Museum - Things to do in Wytheville VA

Historic Sites

For the history buffs in your group, you must see the numerous historic sites and museums that make Wytheville a one-of-a-kind destination.

You can’t miss the birthplace and childhood home of First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson, President Woodrow Wilson’s wife. Born and raised in Wytheville, Edith is a descendant of Pocahontas and the only Appalachian-born First Lady. The museum tells the story of her life and the important role she played during World War I.

The Thomas J. Boyd Museum is the place to go if you want to learn all about the history of the people and places of Wythe County. Their collection includes Wytheville’s first fire truck, early farming equipment, Civil War displays, artifacts from the mining industry, as well as the Summer Without Children exhibit, showcasing the impact the 1950 Polio epidemic had on Wytheville.

The African-American Heritage Museum showcases photos, stories, and artifacts which tell the story of African American education in Wythe County. Located in the historic Wytheville Training School, this non-profit organization was established in 2000 to preserve the building and its history dating back to 1882 when it was constructed.

Experience Native American life when you visit Wolf Creek Indian Village & Museum. This reconstructed Native American village has tour guides available that can walk you through the area and educate you on the fascinating history of Wolf Creek Indian life from the 1500’s.

The latest addition to Wytheville’s collection of museums is the Jackson-Umberger Homestead Museum. This nine-acre complex is home to multiple structures dating to the 1700s, the Wythe County Decorative Arts Museum as well as a restored gas station that houses the Great Lakes to Florida Highway Museum.

You can discover many more historic sites on our website.

Gardens & Farms

While the area’s history helps Wytheville stand out, the area’s agriculture is another feature that is unlike any other place you’ve visited. Experience herb farms, berry farms, orchards, vineyards and wineries throughout the area.

Beagle Ridge Herb Farm is a premiere lavender farm in Southwest Virginia, but also showcases many other herb and flower gardens. Visit the farm and take a peaceful stroll through the scenic gardens or enjoy tea on the patio while butterflies and birds dance across the sky. The new outdoor café will feature pizza ovens for DIY pizzas topped with herbs of your choosing from the gardens.

Henley Mountain Berry Farm is a popular attraction in the summer months. The farm offers u-pick blueberries, as well as a variety of homemade blueberry products.

West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery is located on a fourth generation homestead only minutes from the New River. They offer an array of gourmet snacks, soaps, candles, home gifts, and wine, of course!

Shopping, Dining & Family Fun

After a day filled with outdoor adventure and history, enjoy some quality family time with a visit to Wytheville’s eclectic shops, a bite to eat at one of the delicious dining options, a craft beer at a brewery, a show at one of the theaters, or a round of bowling.

Located in the heart of Wytheville is the historic Millwald Theatre. Built in 1928, this venue has recently been restored to its original splendor and has reopened its doors for a new generation of entertainment seeking audiences. A lineup that includes concerts, comedians and classic movies is sure to delight the entire family.

Virginia’s only all-musical dinner theater, Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre also calls Wytheville home. Experience a four-course meal before seeing a Broadway-style, show-stopping musical.

Don’t forget to also check out Cross Roads Social House, a family entertainment center with 14 bowling lanes, laser tag, an arcade, billiards, darts, a trampoline jump zone, party rooms, a restaurant and bar, and an outdoor patio. Everyone in the family is sure to stay entertained here!

Whether you’re in the market for antiques, furniture, apparel, jewelry, or art – or you just like to browse – you can find everything you’re looking for in Wytheville with the variety of shops.

Wytheville Peking - restaurants in wytheville va

You won’t go hungry while in Wytheville. The town has an abundance of dining options from locally owned restaurants to chain spots. Grab breakfast before you head out on a hike, pick up a to-go lunch to enjoy by the lake, or stop for dinner after a day full of adventure with the family.

No matter what time of year you visit Wytheville, there is always something to do. Other than the pristine nature that surrounds our area, we have an abundance of events throughout the year to keep you entertained. When you visit during the Summer, plan your trip around one of these events, like the Chautauqua Festival in June. You can find details and additional events on our website.

We know that you’ve seen us in passing and now we invite you to explore beyond the exits and get to know us better. We guarantee you’ll love Wytheville… There’s Only One!

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know with all things Wytheville when planning your getaway! We can’t wait to have you.

New River State Park Adds to Outdoor and Lodging Options

by deana | May 2, 2023 | Blog, Things To Do

New River Trail State Park Adds to Outdoor and Lodging Options

by Colette Boehm

Park adds to unique recreational and lodging options in Wytheville

Long known as an easily accessible destination, Wytheville, Virginia, is one-of-a-kind. There’s no other place named Wytheville and there is no place with such a unique collection of attractions that celebrate the arts and the culture of the region.

Located at the intersection of Interstates I-77 and I-81, Wytheville gained fame long ago as a convenient stop for travelers. Now it is a favorite destination for those who enjoy both the hometown atmosphere of its classic downtown and homegrown attractions as well as the easy access to outdoor adventure. The unique lodging options here round out the reasons to visit Wytheville for a one-of-a-kind getaway. This year, new facilities are adding to the options.

New River Trail State Park (116 Orphanage Drive, Max Meadows, Virginia 24360; 276-699-6778) is a shining star of the region’s outdoor amenities. This exceptional linear park encompasses more than 1,200 acres and is home to 31 bridges and two tunnels. Its 57-mile stretch follows the former Norfolk and Western rail corridor along the New River. One of the most popular locations in the park, Foster Falls, is near Wytheville in an area known for its natural beauty.

After more than 50 years, a 19th century hotel in the park is coming back to life. It has been completely renovated and reopened as a 10-bedroom boutique hotel. The Inn at Foster Falls has the distinction of being the only inn in the Virginia State Park system.

Wraparound porches will provide uninterrupted views of the New River and state park below. The restoration has been painstakingly undertaken to bring the long-abandoned structure to new life, preserving a sense of place that celebrates the region and the park’s character. The design team used vintage photographs of the hotel and orphanage to capture the appearance of the roofline and porch.

Many of the park’s bridges are also getting upgrades this year, ensuring the longevity of its signature New River Trail, popular for hiking, biking and horseback riding. There are amenities for equestrians as well as a boat and bike livery at Foster Falls. The livery provides rental bicycles, kayaks, canoes and float tubes, as well as shuttle services. A boat ramp allows river access for anglers, as well, and the fishing here is legendary. Target species include walleye, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, muskellunge, panfish and more.

The Discovery Center at Foster Falls has an indoor theater, aquariums, terrariums and mounted wildlife displays. Educational programs and activities, including crafts, touch tables, critters in the creek, film viewing and more, are held here throughout the year.

Nearby, the Shot Tower, one of the park’s most significant attractions, overlooks the New River. The tower was built more than 200 years ago to make ammunition for the firearms of the early settlers. Lead from nearby mines was melted in a kettle atop the 75-foot tower and poured through a sieve, falling through the tower and into the water below. Guests may ascend the tower, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Note that many of the park’s amenities close seasonally, opening on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from April to Memorial Day, seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day and Fridays and again on weekends from Labor Day through October.

More outdoor adventure can be found at Crystal Springs Recreational Area (723 Pump Hollow Lane, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-3378), which comprises 1,800 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its trail system includes two loops and a connector trail. Hikers enjoy views of Sand Mountain on a seven-mile trail, or a shorter option, along a creek and reservoir. This is also a popular mountain biking spot. A Terrain Park includes launch ramps, balance beams, domes and rain drops as well as more advanced features. The design makes a minimal impact on the environment by using natural features like boulders and inclines.

There is a full slate of trails to explore in the region, from easy morning hikes to quite challenging treks for those looking for excitement. For guided trips, White Blaze Outdoors (276-356-7068) offers guided nature hikes and overnight hikes on some of the region’s beautiful trails, and also provides hiker/biker shuttles.

Unique Lodging Options

When the Inn at Foster Falls opens, it will join an eclectic list of unique lodging options in Wytheville, including:

The Bolling Wilson Hotel (170 E. Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-223-2333), part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, features 30 luxurious guest rooms and is located in the heart of Wytheville. The hotel pays homage to first lady and native daughter Edith Bolling Wilson with themed floors and impeccable service.

Trinkle Mansion Bed and Breakfast (525 West Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-625-0625) has been named in the top 10 in the country in Trip Advisor reviews. This beautiful historic home features four guest rooms and a garden cottage.

The Airstream Inn (245 Queens Knob Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382; 276-284-0017) is a vintage 1971 27-foot Airstream Excella nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It offers a nostalgic experience with panoramic views.

For a more rustic stay, one of the many nearby cabin and cottage rentals will offer the perfect solution and Wytheville’s full range of hotel properties in every price range rounds out the options.

A Fun-Filled Fall Getaway

by deana | Aug 17, 2022 | Blog

A Fun-Filled Fall Getaway To Wytheville, VA

Picturesque outdoor scenes of colorful foliage; hayrides and haunted houses; festivals and farm-fresh goodies—there’s so much to love about the fall season.

And there’s no better place to soak up the best of this enchanting season than Wytheville, a unique destination nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of southwest Virginia.

Whether you’re planning a getaway for two or a trip for the whole crew, you’ll find everything you’re looking for in our small town with big adventures.

Pack up the family for a fall vacation in Wytheville, VA, where farm fun, haunted houses, scenic drives, and artsy attractions await.

Fun on the Farm

The kiddos will love all the Fall on the Farm festivities waiting at Richdale Farm, a 650-acre, 5th-generation family-owned farm. Take a hayride to the hillside slide; navigate your way out of the winding corn maze; take your best shot with the apple cannon; and pick out the perfect pumpkin to take home and carve a masterpiece jack-o-lantern with.

Keep the farm fun going with a visit to Williams Orchard on W. Lee Hwy. This family-owned-and-operated farm hosts their Fall Festival every weekend in October, with activities ranging from hayrides and corn mazes to pumpkin-picking, pumpkin launchers and apple shooters, and more. The festival takes place on Saturdays 10am-5pm and Sundays 12-5pm.

Don’t let your visit to Williams Orchard end without shopping the wide selection of seasonal treats, farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, fall mums, sweet corn, canned goods, and more at their on-site store.

Hikes and Hand-crafted Wines

While you may be familiar with Beagle Ridge Herb Farm for its gorgeous lavender and herb gardens and walk-through butterfly house, the 210-acre farm also features undeveloped wilderness that you can explore on a guided tour, as well as remote trails that are great for hiking. Make plans to visit this natural wonderland for an unforgettable day immersed in the beautiful Wytheville outdoors.

After a long day of festivities and outdoor adventures, there’s no better place to wind down than West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery. Here you’ll find an impressive selection of small batch, hand-crafted wines made from grapes grown right on this fourth-generation farm using age-old wine-making methods. Even more special? Each and every batch is hand-tended from harvest to bottle by the family.

While you’re there, be sure to visit the tasting room and browse the diverse selection of unique gifts, gourmet snacks, and home décor to take home from your Wytheville trip.

Horror-Filled Haunted Houses and Attractions

Get your heart racing and adrenaline pumping at Wytheville’s haunted houses and other scare-filled attractions.

The spooky sights and sounds in the post-apocalyptic maze of hallways and rooms at the award-winning Helheim Haunted Attraction will send you running for the hills! The 2022 season is expected to be their biggest and best yet. Follow them on Facebook for updates on dates, tickets, and more.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience a “real” haunted house, look no further than Haunted Graham Mansion, located just outside of Wytheville in Max Meadows, Virginia. This historic mansion was officially deemed haunted by the SyFy Channel’s Ghost Hunters and has become one of the area’s haunt-season hot spots. You can experience a spook-filled time at the mansion every Friday and Saturday night from September 30th through October 29th.

Another unique, can’t-miss experience is Dinner with a Ghost at the 1870 Octagon Mansion History Museum, which is known for having active paranormal activity. The evening begins with champagne and a delicious 4-course, chef-prepared gourmet meal. Guests then take part in a fascinating two-hour paranormal investigation, complete with digital audio recorders, alarms, REM-pods, motion detectors, K-2 Meters, and DVR cameras.

Scenic Drives to Soak up the Fall Foliage

Easily one of the best parts of the fall season in Wytheville is the brilliantly colored Blue Ridge Mountains, with rich waves of red, orange, and yellow hues. Paired with the cool, crisp autumn air, and the only thing that could be better is a scenic drive to take it all in.

Bring your motorcycle or travel by car for a leisurely ride taking in the stunning fall scenery along the winding loops of the Claw of the Dragon Motorcycle Trail and the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway.

One of the most popular bike rides in the South among motorcycle enthusiasts, the 200-mile Claw of the Dragon traverses southwest Virginia’s captivating back roads, looping through the Blue Ridge Mountains, and takes visitors to parts of seven different Virginia counties. The trail’s epicenter is located in none other than picturesque Wytheville.

No matter what season you’re visiting Wytheville, a drive along the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway—“America’s Favorite Drive”—is a must. However, the fall season offers an unmatched beauty of the most breathtaking scenery found along the 500-mile parkway that follows the majestic Appalachian Mountains, all the way from Shenandoah National Park in the northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.

Downtown Wytheville’s Art Scene

When you’ve had your fill of farm fun, haunted houses, and scenic drives admiring the Virginia fall foliage, slow things down with a stroll in Downtown Wytheville and explore the city’s vibrant art scene.

Formato Fine Arts

Formato Fine Arts on W. Main Street is a women-led art gallery, featuring the works of emerging and established local artists. Stop by there Tuesday through Saturday from 12-5pm to see the wide range of interesting pieces, from paintings, sculptures, and prints, to photography and performance art.

You can purchase pieces from the gallery, as well as a range of eclectic items from the gift shop. For an engaging, hands-on experience, you can take a two-hour painting class and leave with a truly one-of-a-kind trip souvenir to cherish for years to come.

Laurel Creek Pottery

Immerse yourself in the heritage of Appalachia at Laurel Creek Pottery, a pottery studio and folk-art gallery located in a late-1800s log cabin on E. Main Street. Here you’ll not only get a first-hand look at the town’s history but also a chance to enjoy a working, barrel-fired ceramics shop.

The shop is open Monday and Wednesday through Saturday from 11am-6pm. If you visit on Friday between 3–6pm, you’re in for a real treat! You can catch Laurel Creek Pottery’s owner, Laura Abbey, doing a live demonstration of her ceramic creation process.

Laurel Creek hosts events and workshops throughout the year, so be sure to check out their calendar to see if your visit lines up with an upcoming event!

Rose Cottage School of Art

On E. Spring Street, you’ll find a creative paradise known as the Rose Cottage School of Art. This unique organization is an artistic hub, where you can take fine art and music lessons and participate in camps and paint nights, as well as a variety of workshops by visiting artisans.

Check out their Facebook page and website before your visit to Wytheville to see the line-up of upcoming classes, events, camps, and more.

Wytheville’s Theatre Experiences

In addition to an awesome art community, Wytheville is home to unique theatre experiences you won’t soon forget. And with the weather cooling down, local theatres are heating up with a season full of entertainment.

You can look forward to Broadway-style professional productions and four-course plated meals customized to fit the theme of the production at Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre, the only all-musical dinner theater in the state. During the warmer months, the Bier Garten is open for cafe-style dining as well.

Soon, visitors will be able to catch live music and theatrical performances at the historic Millwald Theatre, slated to open later this year. “While a date has not yet been announced, a reopening debut concert is tentatively being planned for the fall,” according to the theatre’s new Executive Director. Follow them on Facebook for the latest updates.

The fall is filled with fun, family-friendly events and activities in Wytheville, VA. Check out our Events Calendar and start planning your trip today!

Wytheville Small Town Fall Town

by deana | Aug 4, 2022 | Blog

Wytheville . . .

Small Town/Fall Town

Although Summer may be coming to a close, it doesn’t mean the fun has to end. In fact, the change of the season brings a new lineup of Fall activities perfect for the entire family. The beautifully colored mountains and homegrown attractions in Wytheville make for an ideal autumn getaway or romantic escape.

Scenic backroads offer a beautiful alternative to the hustle-bustle of the interstates and a glimpse at unique businesses along the way. Local farms dressed in the beauty of harvest time as fields become blanketed with the orange of pumpkins. Many attractions offer music and crafts in the fall season as well as some spooky activities for all ages. This Fall round up will help you to make the most of peak leaf season and discover Wytheville… There’s Only One!

Mountain Top Music at Big Walker Lookout:

A better setting for live music (and photos) does not exist in the Fall. Big Walker Lookout, perched atop Big Walker Mountain, is Virginia’s oldest privately owned attraction and quintessential roadside attraction. The old country store offers the wares of regional artisans, authors, and musicians, as well as locally made preserves and Homestead Creamery ice cream which is not to be missed. The 100-foot observation tower provides a 360 degree panorama of the splendor of Autumn in the mountains where only the birds see more. As a Crooked Road affiliate venue, Mountain Top Music occurs every weekend from May through October. Live regional music with a breathtaking backdrop is a must for Fall fun.

Leaf it all behind and get Outside:

The natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains is spectacular anytime of year but the changing of the season adds a special element when experienced first-hand. Crystal Springs Recreation Area is a perfect choice for an immersive hike just minutes from Downtown Wytheville. CSRA includes multiple trails of varying difficulty and length on 1,800 acres of town-owned property. Primitive camp sites, mountain biking, and a bike terrain park are additional CSRA features. The New River Trail State Park is ranked in the top five Virginia State Parks each year and with good reason. This 57-mile rails-to-trails park offers biking, camping, horseback riding, fishing, and canoeing adventures perfect for the whole family set against the backdrop of the majestic New River.

Fall on the Farms:

Richdale Farm in Wytheville knows how to put the fun in agritourism. During the family farm’s Fall on the Farm festival, you have a variety of activities to choose from. During your visit you can shoot apples at a target with an apple launcher or play pumpkin checkers while the little ones get lost in a straw bale maze and corn pit, the farm even has human-size rat wheels you can race friends and family in. While picking pumpkins may be the initial reason families stop by, the hillside slide is the farm’s most popular activity with the recent addition of the underground portion. The corn maze is another favorite that can be experienced during the day or after dark with the aide of a flashlight. Williams Orchard, another great stop on the fall farms tour, has been welcoming guests for over 70 years. This family-owned operation has a wide variety of produce from July until October ranging from apples and corn to pumpkins and gourds. The Fall Festival features “pick your own pumpkins”, corn maze, tractor drawn hayrides, children’s mini maze, apple launcher, pumpkin chunker and many other fun children’s activities! This event takes place every weekend in October.

Haunted Happenings:

This list wouldn’t be complete without a little scare factor to compliment spooky season and The 1870 Octagon Mansion History Museum is the perfect place to ease you in. Most famous for the massive Civil War artifact collection housed inside, the mansion has an active paranormal scene as well. When a team of paranormal investigators are not on site, you can pull up a chair during Dinner with a Ghost and meet the other “dinner guests” for yourself… if you’re brave enough. Another historic mansion with a sordid past is the Haunted Graham Mansion. Always a commanding presence, the mansion is said to still hold some horrible secrets. With these secrets come unsettled spirits from the past trying to find rest from their dark memories. Take an after dark tour to uncover more secrets from the past. For the thrill seeker in the group, Helheim Haunted Attraction is the nail in the proverbial coffin. This award-winning, spine tingling, post-apocalyptic maze of hallways and rooms is sure to have your heart rate elevated, even before you make it inside.

Leaves and Lagers:

After an amazing hike, day on the farm or hair-raising paranormal experience, the adults in the group will probably need a drink of some kind and we’ve got you covered. The wine connoisseurs will want to head to West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery. This fourth-generation family farm specializes in small batch, hand-crafted wines from grapes grown in the onsite vineyard. The tasting room is also a shopper’s paradise featuring gifts, gourmet snacks, and unique home décor. Craft beer lovers will find their spot at one of downtown Wytheville’s breweries. 7 Dogs Brewpub features a full-service restaurant with delicious pub-style fare to compliment their wide array of craft beers. Seven Sisters Brewery hosts a revolving schedule of food trucks to pair with the craft beers on tap. Both breweries are family and dog friendly with outdoor spaces, games and live events featuring music and trivia.

Where to Stay:

These homegrown attractions are joined by unique lodging options in Wytheville. The Bolling Wilson Hotel is part of the Ascend Hotel Collection and offers 30 luxurious guest rooms, Graze on Main restaurant and a rooftop lounge. Nearby, the Trinkle Mansion Bed and Breakfast, was named in the top 10 in the country in 2019 by Trip Advisor. This beautiful historic home features four guest rooms and a garden cottage. For a more rustic stay, one of the many nearby cabin and cottage rentals is the perfect solution. Wytheville offers multiple name brand accommodation options at every price point, for a full list of local lodging options, check the visitwytheville accommodations pages.

16 Homegrown Attractions in Wytheville, VA

Take Your Wytheville Family Vacation To New Heights:

Printable Scavenger Hunt For Kids

How To Play The Wytheville Scavenger Hunt

Your Next Family Destination is Wytheville, Virginia

Lodging

Outdoor Activities

Historic Sites

Gardens & Farms

Shopping, Dining & Family Fun

New River Trail State Park Adds to Outdoor and Lodging Options

Unique Lodging Options

A Fun-Filled Fall Getaway To Wytheville, VA

Fun on the Farm

Hikes and Hand-crafted Wines

Horror-Filled Haunted Houses and Attractions

Scenic Drives to Soak up the Fall Foliage

Downtown Wytheville’s Art Scene

Formato Fine Arts

Laurel Creek Pottery

Rose Cottage School of Art

Wytheville’s Theatre Experiences

The fall is filled with fun, family-friendly events and activities in Wytheville, VA. Check out our Events Calendar and start planning your trip today!

Wytheville . . .

Small Town/Fall Town

Mountain Top Music at Big Walker Lookout:

Leaf it all behind and get Outside:

Fall on the Farms:

Haunted Happenings:

Leaves and Lagers:

Where to Stay:

Trip Ideas

Weather

Your Next Family Destination
is Wytheville, Virginia