10 Must-See Spots in Wacky and Wonderful Wytheville, Virginia

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Wytheville offers visitors a unique blend of small-town charm and quirky attractions. This hidden gem along Interstate 81 has been delighting travelers for generations with its offbeat landmarks and genuine Southern hospitality. Pack your sense of adventure as we explore the ten most unforgettable spots in this charming mountain town!

1. Open Door Café

Hungry travelers flock to this cozy eatery known for its farm-to-table cuisine and welcoming atmosphere. The moment you step inside, the aroma of freshly baked bread and locally roasted coffee envelops you.

Friendly staff treat you like family while serving up hearty breakfast dishes and sandwiches made with ingredients sourced from nearby farms. Their signature cinnamon rolls are legendary among locals.

Beyond just food, the café hosts monthly art exhibitions featuring Virginia artists, making it a cultural hub in Wytheville’s downtown district.

2. Rainbow-Painted Hot Air Balloon Water Tower

Soaring above the town’s skyline, this whimsical water tower transformed into a hot air balloon has become Wytheville’s most photographed landmark. Local artists painted this functional water tower in vibrant rainbow hues back in 1998 as part of a community beautification project.

Visitors often pull over along Highway 81 just to snap pictures of this unusual sight. The best viewing spot is from the overlook at Crocket Park.

During sunset, the tower’s colors seem to glow against the mountain backdrop, creating a magical scene that perfectly captures Wytheville’s playful spirit.

3. Wytheville’s Smallest Church

Tucked away on a quiet side street sits a tiny white chapel that barely fits eight people at once! This miniature house of worship measures just 12 feet by 16 feet but contains all the elements of a traditional church.

Built in 1950 by local carpenter Millard Reynolds as a labor of love, the church features hand-carved pews, stained glass windows, and a working bell tower. Visitors can sign the guestbook that contains signatures from all 50 states.

Many couples choose this charming spot for intimate wedding ceremonies, continuing a tradition that spans seven decades.

4. Great Lakes to Florida Highway Museum

Road trip enthusiasts marvel at this unique museum dedicated to the historic north-south route that transformed American travel. Vintage photographs line the walls, showing how Highway 21 (now I-77) brought prosperity to Appalachian communities.

Among the fascinating exhibits are retro gas pumps, antique road maps, and a recreated 1950s diner complete with a jukebox. Kids especially love sitting in the driver’s seat of a restored 1957 Chevy Bel Air.

Former highway workers often volunteer as guides, sharing personal stories about building the mountain tunnels that made this crucial transportation corridor possible.

5. Big Walker Lookout Tower

Panoramic views await those brave enough to climb the 100-foot observation tower perched atop Big Walker Mountain. On clear days, visitors can see into five states from this stunning vantage point at 3,405 feet above sea level.

Below the tower, a country store sells local crafts, homemade fudge, and the famous “mile-high” ice cream cones. Weekend visitors might catch impromptu bluegrass performances on the wooden porch stage.

Autumn brings spectacular foliage displays, transforming the surrounding valleys into a patchwork quilt of crimson, gold, and orange that attracts photographers from across the country.

6. Wythe Raceway

Engine roars and flying dirt create an unforgettable Saturday night experience at this beloved half-mile clay oval track. Racing fans from three states regularly pack the wooden bleachers to cheer on local drivers competing in multiple divisions.

Family-owned since 1969, the raceway maintains its grassroots appeal with affordable concessions and a pit area where spectators can meet drivers after races. The thundering Late Model stock cars reach speeds of 100 mph on the straightaways.

Summer racing seasons culminate in the legendary Labor Day Championship, a tradition that has launched several drivers to NASCAR careers over the decades.

7. The Big Pencil

Towering 30 feet above Main Street, an enormous yellow pencil with a bright red eraser has puzzled and delighted visitors since 1998. This oversized writing implement actually serves as a clever advertisement for the office supply store below it.

Local lore claims the pencil was inspired by a vivid dream the store owner had after falling asleep at his desk. Photographers capture creative perspective shots that make it appear as though they’re holding the giant pencil.

During Christmas, the town decorates the pencil with twinkling lights and a massive Santa hat, transforming it into a festive landmark that symbolizes Wytheville’s playful approach to downtown revitalization.

8. The Perch

Foodies rave about this rooftop restaurant offering modern Appalachian cuisine with spectacular mountain views. Formerly an abandoned warehouse, the building was transformed by a local chef who returned home after training in New York City.

Seasonal menus feature creative dishes like trout with foraged morel mushrooms and honey-lavender ice cream made with ingredients from nearby farms. Hanging gardens surrounding the dining area provide fresh herbs for craft cocktails.

Sunset dinner reservations are coveted for their magical ambiance as the mountains turn purple and twinkling lights come on across the valley below, creating an unexpectedly sophisticated dining experience in small-town Virginia.

9. Grayson Highlands State Park

Wild ponies roam freely through mountain meadows at this breathtaking natural treasure just outside Wytheville. These small, sturdy horses have lived semi-wild in these highlands for generations, creating magical encounters for hikers along the park’s extensive trail network.

Massive granite outcroppings provide challenging climbs for rock enthusiasts and spectacular vistas for photographers. The Appalachian Trail passes through the park, bringing through-hikers from around the world.

Autumn transforms the high-elevation balds into a sea of golden grasses dotted with crimson blueberry bushes, while spring brings an explosion of rhododendron blooms that turn entire hillsides pink and purple.

10. Skeeter’s World Famous Hot Dogs

Legendary status belongs to this unassuming hot dog stand that’s been serving the same secret chili recipe since 1925. Three generations of the Skeeter family have maintained the original counter-only setup where locals and travelers rub elbows while devouring these iconic dogs.

Each hot dog comes wrapped in wax paper and topped with homemade chili, tangy slaw, onions, and yellow mustard – no substitutions allowed! Walls covered in license plates and faded photographs tell the story of nearly a century in business.

Celebrity visitors have included several governors, country music stars, and even a former president who detoured specifically to try the famous “Skeeter Dog.”