Today on American Nomad Traveler we’re exploring Wytheville VA. This charming town nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwestern Virginia is packed with history, scenery, culture and a vibrant downtown.
Pronounced ‘With-ville,’ Wytheville was originally founded in 1792 as the town of Evansham. Jesse Evans was a prominent local citizen. Sadly a devastating fire in March 1839 roared through town. As the town began rebuilding they decided to rename the community Wytheville in honor of Virginia signer of The Declaration of Independence and the “father of American Jurisprudence,” George Wythe.
After The Civil War, Wytheville became a popular summer resort, where city dwellers could escape the heat and enjoy the Blue Ridge views. It continues to lure mountain lovers today.
The most famous resident of Wytheville was Edith Bolling Wilson, the first lady of the United States, who was born in Wytheville on October 15th, 1872. You can tour her birthplace museum, which is in the heart of downtown Wytheville.
Wytheville in the Heart of Virginia’ Blue Ridge…
Wytheville is conveniently located at the intersection of Interstates I-77 and I-81, just an hour south of the Blacksburg and Roanoke areas, and an hour east from Bristol VA/TN.
For those speeding towards their next big stop, consider this: Wytheville itself is a destination worth lingering in. Wytheville’s small town hospitality, scenery and fun things to do make it a perfect weekend getaway.
The entire region around Wytheville is a recreation lovers paradise, with easy access to countless hiking trails, scenic overlooks and state and national forest land.
Wytheville has a vibrant downtown with amazing local restaurants, coffeeshops, shops and accommodations.
One of my favorite haunts in Wytheville is the local Grind Coffee Shop right next door to The Edith Bolling Wilson Museum. Their hand crafted coffee drinks, smoothies and snacks are worth a detour. You can also grab a mouthwatering hotdog at Skeeter’s World Famous Hotdogs. Website
For a casual semi-formal experience check out award-winning Graze on Main in the historic Bolling-Wilson Hotel. The restaurant’s decor exudes character with wood floors, luxurious fabrics, comfortable seating, unique art and atmospheric lighting to set the mood. Graze on Main is known for their handcrafted cocktails and eclectic southern roots menu that features favorites like pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits and finely prepared steak and daily specials. Website
Downtown Wytheville is lined with cool boutiques, furniture stores, outdoor and recreation shopping and so much more. Learn more about the great local shops here.
Planning Your Wytheville Adventure:
Wytheville is a great basecamp for your doorway to exploring the beauty of the mountains and nearby small towns and backroads.
Where to Stay:
While they have several chain hotels, I recommend selecting one of the locally run inns that provide great service and a unique travel experience.
Bolling-Wilson Hotel: Check into Wytheville’s history at this elegant hotel. The Bolling Wilson Hotel was originally built in 1927 as the George Wythe Hotel where it operated until the 1960s. Fun fact, when it was purchased, it was touted as a fire-proof building due to its solid construction , which was a big selling point at the time due to the threat of building fires. In its heyday it was the gathering space of Wytheville and hosted thousands of guests. By the 1970s it had a second life as a bank, before it eventually was revitalized as a boutique hotel in 2010. Today the hotel offers the best in hospitality with elegant vintage accommodations and a wonderful onsite restaurant at Graze. Book your stay here.
Trinkle Bed and Breakfast: Enjoy a stay at the cozy bed and breakfast steeped in Wytheville history. Built in 1912 by William Trinkle and his wife, the gorgeous Classical Revival home welcomes guests with refined accommodations that are beautifully decorated. Book your stay here.
Fun Things to Do in Wytheville
Wytheville offers something for everyone from history to live entertainment to Blue Ridge Scenery – you won’t leave disappointed. Here are a few MUST-SEE Wytheville things to do on your trip.
History Roots
Edith Bolling Wilson House:
Travel through time, learning about the incredible life of First Lady Edith Wilson, who was born in Wytheville on October 15, 1872. The museum is housed in Mrs. Wilson’s birthplace site, where she spent her early years in Wytheville. After The Civil War, Mrs. Wilson’s family moved from their Bedford VA plantation to this brick building in downtown Wytheville. This building is the oldest remaining brick commercial building in Wytheville. The museum tells the story of First Lady Wilson’s life, including her time in The White House where she served as ‘First Female President,’ as she helped serve as a primary advisor after her husband suffered a stroke in September 1919. Plan your visit and learn more about First Lady Wilson’s life here.
African American Heritage Museum: Housed in the former Wytheville Training School, this museum tells the important story of the impact of African Americans in Wytheville’s history. The museum is housed in one of the oldest black schools in Virginia with roots dating back to an 1867 Freedmen’s Bureau school. It eventually closed in 1952 and was replaced by the Scott Memorial High School. A must-stop while in Wytheville…Learn more here
Rock House Museum: Managed by the Town of Wytheville, the Haller-Gibboney Rock House tells over 200 years of Wytheville’s history. It was the home of the town’s first resident physician, Dr. John Haller. Haller served as a country doctor, county coroner and delegate to the Virginia Legislature. During the 140 years that the Hallers and their descendants, the Gibboneys and Campbells lived in the home they were faced with joys and challenges. During the Civil War their home served as an infirmary and later a boarding house when Wytheville became a popular summer retreat. The museum includes over 1400 artifacts and period furnishings. Plan your visit here.
Thomas J. Boyd Museum: Located next door to the Rock House, the Boyd Museum is named for Thomas Jefferson Boyd who is known as the “Father of Wytheville.” He was an attorney, Town mayor, surveyor, hotel builder and Virginia Legislator.In addition to information about Thomas J. Boyd, the museum contains a large collection of artifacts within exhibits on mining and military history, milling and energy, communications and the polio epidemic in Wythe County. In 1950, a massive polio epidemic terrorized Wytheville essentially shutting the town down to the public for a year. Thankfully the Polio Vaccine came shortly after.
The Great Lakes to Florida Highway Museum: As a road wanderer who loves historic highways – this is a fascinating stop, telling the story of the once might Great Lakes to Florida Highway – Route 21 which was the main road from Ohio to Florida before the interstate. The museum includes original artifacts, newspaper clippings and exhibits. You can also check out old Texaco-Esso station built in 1926 that was used by travelers. Learn more here.
Catch a SHOW
Catch a show at The Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre, which features top quality stock theatre productions all summer long. “Family owned and operated dinner theatre in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains in Southwest Virginia. Themed for the Sutphin family’s German heritage, the Wohlfahrt Haus is an all-encompassing entertainment venue producing musicals, plays, concerts, and other special events.” Website
7-Sister Brewery is a popular local hot spot to grab a drink and listen to great tunes in Wytheville..
Get Outside:
Crystal Springs Recreational Area:
The Town of Wytheville’s Crystal Springs Recreation Area is located on 1800 acres of town property separated from the actual town by Sand Mountain. Wander on scenic wooded trails and experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains
New River State Park: Did you know that The New River, which originates near Blowing Rock NC and flows through VA to West Virginia is one of the oldest rivers in the world. It is also unique because it flows south to north. Enjoy beautiful mountain views and riverfront access at the state park about 30 minutes south of Wytheville
Claytor Lake State Park: Perfect spot for a day at the lake, where you can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming or take a hike. About forty minutes north of Wytheville.
Hungry Mother State Park: Located in historic Marion Virginia, about 30 minutes west of Wytheville, this is one of my favorite VA state parks for hiking and relaxing by the lake. You can also take time to explore the charming town of Marion.
George Washington and Thomas Jefferson National Forest: Wytheville is on the edge of this unbridled wilderness, which stretches across southwestern Virginia. Take a hike, scenic drive, camp – the possibilities are endless – Learn more here
Grayson Highlands State Park and Mt. Rogers area: a little further afield, but a great scenic day trip from Wytheville is Grayson Highlands State Park. You can also see Virginia’s tallest peak, Mt. Rogers.
You can catch The Blue Ridge Parkway from Fancy Gap, south of Wytheville and drive it to Roanoke before circling town I-81 back to Wytheville.
Other area towns/cities worth exploring.
Wytheville is a great basecamp to explore the entire region including other small towns and larger cities like Roanoke.
One of my favorite places to visit in this neck of the woods is Marion Virginia, which is home to The Francis Marion Hotel, great restaurants and the fabulous historic Lincoln Theatre. Check out our blog feature – Music Detours about Marion and Virginia music
I also recommend a day trip to Blacksburg, which is one of the prettiest mountain cities I’ve visited. Home to Virginia Tech, Blacksburg is filled with amazing restaurants, culture and of course mountain views.
Roanoke VA has been a favorite haunt on American Nomad – One of my favorite places to visit, Roanoke has an amazing downtown with a world class art-museum (Taubman) as well as easy access to Blue Ridge Parkway and lots of family fun attractions like The Mill Mountain Zoo and Roanoke Star.
Thanks for joining us on this adventure to Wytheville, part of our Raleigh to Nashville series…Up next we’ll explore Abington VA before heading onto Bristol VA/TN.
Don’t forget to subscribe for the latest blog adventures.
You can also check out our new vlog on YouTube
Meet Adele Lassiter, the travel enthusiast behind American Nomad Traveler. This blog is where she shares her love for history, cool museums, art, and travel tips. And when she’s not writing, Adele is also a talented singer-songwriter with a passion for Americana music. Her new album is available here: adelelassiter.bandcamp.com
Interested in partnering with American Nomad, contact us below:
One thought on “Wonderful Wytheville VA”