Wytheville

The 100-foot tall Big Walker Lookout is an observation tower that stands at the peak of Big Walker Mountain in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Highlands. From atop top the tower on a clear day, one can see the mountain peaks of five different states. The tower was built in 1947 and has been continuously operated by the same family. The tower hosts weekend art demonstrations, is the first stop of the driving tour of Virginia Civil War Trails, and is a stop on the Big Walker Loop Trail, managed by Virginia Birding and Wildlife. Guests access the tower from the Big Walker General Store.

8711 Stoney Fork Rd, Wytheville, VA 24382, Phone: 276-663-4016

Edith Bolling Wilson was the wife of President Woodrow Wilson, and America’s First Lady from 1914 to 1919. After President Wilson suffered a stroke in 1919, the First Lady took “stewardship of the presidency” for 17 months until the end of his term. The museum includes Bolling Wilson’s birthplace and family home and offers several exhibits dedicated to display of documents, photographs and artifacts related to the First Lady’s life. Events include the Allied Dinner Series, a dinner and lecture program focused on World War I, which invites professors from area Universities to lead talks and discussion. Group tours are available. The Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum is one of just eight in the nation to focus on the achievements and life of a First Lady.

145 E. Main Street, Wytheville, VA 24382, Phone: 276-223-3484

The Beagle Ridge Herb Farm is a 160-acre property known for its lavender gardens, herbal tea gardens and butterfly gardens. Close to 5 miles of walking trails wind through a 2-acre display garden, Japanese meditation garden, children’s garden, multi-acre pond and a meeting house that can be used for events and weddings. Lick Mountain Excursions is a guided nature ride on a six-seat 4x4 vehicle. The two-hour tour combines Civil War history with wildlife and nature viewing. Flying Flowers is a walk-through butterfly house, home to 32 varieties of native butterflies. The farm offers gardening classes and workshops on crafting with lavender and herbs.

1934 Matney Flats Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382 Phone: 276-621-4511

Wytheville’s Smallest Church is a tiny chapel, built in 2010 and inspired by a similar prayer structure in the state of Georgia. The church was built through the efforts of a small outreach group within the community, who saw benefit in creating a small quiet space for meditation and prayer. The white wooden structure has space enough for just four pews, a pulpit and altar. Anyone who visits is welcome to sign the guest book or leave a prayer request. A small bell tower is adjacent to the church. All are welcome to use the space to rest, contemplate or pray.

1090 Nye Road, Wytheville, VA 24382, Phone: 276-228-4310

Thomas Jefferson Boyd’s home in Wytheville opened as a museum in 1983. Known as the Father of Wytheville, Thomas Boyd was the town’s mayor, a surveyor, lawyer, hotel builder and member of the Virginia legislature. Artifacts in the home museum focus on the area’s local history, including the Civil War and a historic Wythe County polio epidemic. Collections include Wytheville’s first fire truck and early farming equipment, as well as military and Civil War uniforms. Interactive stations for children are located within the Discovery Center. The ten stations teach local history alongside science and math. Self-guided tours take approximately 30 minutes. The museum is located adjacent to the historic Haller-Gibboney Rock House.

Thomas J Boyd Museum, 295 Tazewell Street, Wytheville, VA 24382, Phone: 276-223-3331

The Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum is the home of Wytheville’s first physician. Built in 1823, it’s where John Haller lived while serving as the county’s doctor, coroner, and a delegate to the Virginia legislature. The home, now a registered historic landmark, was used as an infirmary and school during the Civil War. The Hallers, and their descendants, the Gibboneys, lived in the home for over 140 years. Today, the house museum contains over 1,400 documents, artifacts and period furniture related to the history Wytheville family life. The late Federal style two-story limestone home has five bays and a side gabled roof. Guided tours take approximately 30 minutes.

205 E. Tazewell Street, Wytheville, VA 24382, Phone: 276-223-3330

Wytheville’s Old Fort Antique Mall is easily recognized by the giant black horse atop their sign. The Mall is a collection of over 60 antique dealers organized within an indoor, air-conditioned building offering 25 cent coffee and a candy counter. Popular collectibles found at the Antique Mall include Fischer Price toys, plastic model car kits, Barbie dolls and rare dolls dating back to the 1940’s. Glass items from carnival glass to mugs, steins, oil lamps and marbles are all popular. Pottery includes Native American pots, churns, old mugs and cups, china and collectible figurines. Several vendors deal in furniture, jewelry, old kitchen and farm tools, and artwork.

2028 East Lee Highway, Wytheville, VA 24382, Phone: 276-228-4438

The Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theater is a unique dining experience in which guests are served a four-course dinner while being entertained by Broadway style musical productions. Musicals showcase classic and contemporary productions, and the theater produces approximately six different shows each year. Dinner shows take place on Friday and Saturday evenings, and as matinees on Thursdays and Sundays. In addition to the dinner theater, the German-themed restaurant offers a Bier Garten with café style dining, and fine German wines and beers. The Wohlfahrt Hause honors the early pioneer, Wilhelm Ludwig Wohlfahrt, who settled in this area of Virginia from Germany in the late 1700’s.

170 Malin Drive, Wytheville, VA 24382, Phone: 276-223-0891