Are you longing for a short break from your usual routine? Do you want to experience some holiday cheer and scenic beauty away from crowds? May I suggest the tiny but fascinating town of Wytheville, Virginia?
Drive to Chattanooga, take I-75 north and I-81 east and just as it intersects with I-77, you’ll find Wytheville. On the way, you’ll catch glimpses of rivers, streams, forests and the Blue Ridge Mountains. This town of fewer than 10,000 will surprise you with its number of attractions. You can stay as busy or relaxed as you choose.
Plenty of lodging options
At the junction of interstates, you’ll find several hotel chains, such as Comfort Inn and Suites by Radisson, Tru by Hilton, Sleep Inn and Holiday Inn Express; but my highest recommendation goes to the beautiful boutique hotel in the center of town, the Bolling Wilson Hotel. There are only 30 guest rooms, so book as early as possible. Each room and the theme of the entire décor is a tribute to former First Lady Edith Bolling Wilson, whose Birthplace Museum is directly across the street. Real orchids and paintings of orchids are throughout, suggesting Edith’s fondness for the flowers. According to stories, President Woodrow Wilson sent her a bouquet of orchids every day of their courtship.
Graze on Main is the restaurant inside the Bolling Wilson Hotel. It is so named because President and Mrs. Wilson kept a flock of sheep on the White House lawn during World War I so the regular groundskeepers could work elsewhere supporting the war effort. The wool from the sheep was auctioned off, with proceeds also going to war expenses. Don’t miss the carrot cake, the dessert chosen by the Wilsons for their wedding cake. The version served at Graze is rich and scrumptious.
Restaurant recommendations
Across the street from the Hotel and next door to the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum, you’ll find Skeeter’s World Famous Hot Dogs. It has been in business since 1925, and its hot dogs made the list of “best in America” according to Rachel Ray Magazine.
A few blocks down Main Street you’ll find 1776 Log House Restaurant. The original part of the building was indeed built in 1776 by a man who had to leave the project to fight in the Revolutionary War. More was added in 1804, and the Civil War factored into its history as well. You’ll wish the walls could tell the tales of those who occupied the rooms in the past, but even more you’ll want to dive into the homemade loaf of fresh-baked bread brought to your table as a starter. Don’t miss the corn fritters with honey or the stuffed squash, which are signature items on the menu.
Wytheville has a generous share of chain restaurants, too, so you won’t go hungry, but may I also suggest a meal and entertainment combination?
Dinner Theatre with a holiday show
The Christmas musical productions at Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre are always popular, so be sure to book your tickets early. They have both matinee and evening performances after you are served a four-course meal. During the holidays, expect a traditional turkey or ham entrée.
Tables are arranged to be socially distant, and servers wear masks and gloves. It is a very smooth and enjoyable event. If you don’t make it during the holidays, plan to visit another time. Wohlfahrt Haus offers six musicals each year.
Variety of attractions
People often make their way to Wytheville because of the outdoor recreation opportunities. For hiking and biking, check out Big Walker Mountain Trail, New River State Park or Crystal Springs Recreation Area. During the right seasons, you might want to try your luck catching some of the rainbow or brown trout known to thrive in the area.
Big Walker Lookout is billed as Virginia’s oldest privately-owned scenic attraction. In addition to the 100-foot observation tower, you’ll also find a General Store full of souvenirs, crafts and canned goods. The store also serves Homestead Creamery ice cream, and the lemon crunch flavor is something special.
If you visit with children, consider a few hours at Cobb Hill Alpaca Farm or Fort Chiswell Animal Park. In the spring, Beagle Ridge Herb Farm is wonderful. The lavender farm and butterfly house are great places to learn about plants and living things of all kinds. For history buffs, check out the First Lady museum, the Thomas J. Boyd Museum and the Haller-Gibboney Rock House Museum, all in the downtown area.
Wytheville is home to Virginia’s smallest church, where the doors are always open. It is non-denominational and holds eight.
Shopping on Main Street
Take your time to stroll both sides of Main Street, where you can browse a wide variety of specialty shops and boutiques. Two that drew my attention were The Farmers Daughter and Wytheville Office Supply. You can’t miss that one. It has a giant pencil out front. I needed more time to peruse JoJo’s Attic and Glitz N Glam Boutique, but hopefully they will be waiting when I make a return visit.
I did find the 100-foot mural depicting the entire life of Edith Bolling Wilson.
Christmas in Wytheville
In addition to the Christmas musical at Wohlfahrt Haus and the decorations on Main Street and at the Bolling Wilson Hotel, you will want to make your way to Withers Park for the town’s Christmas tree. During the first weekend of December carriage rides originate from there.
Wytheville has the distinction of the being the only town in the world with that name. It embraces its uniqueness, and I found it to be a friendly and fascinating place to visit.
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