COMMUNITIES: Wythe County
Founded in 1790, Wythe County was named for the first signer of the Declaration of Independence for Virginia, George Wythe. Much of the county's 460 miles of land area lies in a beautiful, broad valley bordered by the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountain ranges.
Wythe County is blessed with scenic beauty, historic and cultural attractions, and thriving industry. Take a day (or more) to visit and you will find some one-of-a-kind treasures, beautiful scenery, attractions to interest the whole family, friendly folks, unique restaurants, and even a comfortable place to spend the night!
Town of Wytheville
In 1792, the General Assembly of Virginia passed an act establishing a town in Wythe County, first known as Evansham and incorporated as Wytheville in 1839. Over the past 200 years, Wytheville's "great roads" have been a driving force in its progress and attraction. Located at the crossroads of two federal highways, Interstates 77 and 81, Wytheville still retains its classic small town charm.
Town of Rural Retreat
Rural Retreat, once known as the "cabbage capital of the world," was incorporated as a town in 1911. The present town was the former site of Mt. Airy, a German settlement in the 1700s. The railroad was constructed in 1856 and the depot was known as Mount Airy. Today, the growing town is home to a variety of talented artisans, a 90-acre fishing lake and a winery.
Artisans and Farms
Wythe County is home to a wealth of gifted artisans that produce everything from hand woven scarves to unique sculptures made from recycled materials. Not to be missed, the many agri tourism businesses, such as wineries and vineyards, are a grand way to spend a day, an evening or an entire weekend Visit the Wythe/Bland Artisans Heritage Trail map to learn about the many talented people of Wythe County.
Shops & Galleries
Wythe County is comprised of many talented artisans, many of which sell their unique creations at local shops, galleries and even a local barber shop! Find out about that barber shop and more by looking through the Wythe/Bland Artisans Heritage Trail map brochure.
Other Things to See & Do
Recreation
There is no shortage of parks, hiking and biking trails, birding trails, hunting and fishing, and scenic drives to explore the great outdoors in Wythe County. From the 57-mile New River Trail that follows an abandoned railroad bed to the Seven Sisters Trail on the area's National Forest Scenic Byway, visitors will find recreational opportunities for all ages and abilities.
Historic Walking Tour
Take a leisurely walk through history and see some of the oldest and most interesting structures in Wytheville. The self-guided tour begins in Downtown at Wytheville's Heritage Preservation Center and leads visitors to over 50 historically interesting structures.
Learn about Wytheville's first physician and the impact of Toland's Civil War Raid, see some of the area's oldest places of worship and a former African American school that now offers learning for all, learn about the people behind these structures and how one young lady from Wytheville become this country's First Lady.
The tour is available via a self-guided brochure (free) or as an audio version (small fee). Either may be picked up at Wytheville's Heritage Preservation Center at 115 West Spiller Street or the Regional Visitors Center at 975 Tazewell Street.
Festivals & More
Chautauqua Festival
From the third Saturday in June, Downtown Wytheville comes alive with a week-long annual festival of activities for all ages - from music to drama, from arts and crafts to dance.
Homestead Living History Festival
The annual festival is held the fourth Saturday in September at the Willowbrook Jackson/Umberger Homestead Museum property adjacent to the E. Lee Trinkle Regional Visitors Center in Wytheville. A variety of 19th century daily life activities such as molasses and apple butter making, basket making, blacksmithing, knitting and looming are demonstrated. A variety of old-time music, children's activities and food round out the day.
After Hours Concerts
Withers Park in Downtown Wytheville hosts a variety of beach music concerts on the first Fridays of the summer.
Contact Information
To plan your next trip to Wythe County or for more information, please contact:
Marcella Taylor
Town of Wytheville
Department of Museums
(276) 223-3330
Visit museums.wytheville.org
Email - museum@wytheville.org
Wytheville Convention & Visitors Bureau
E. Lee Trinkle Regional Visitors Center
Toll-Free: 1-877-347-8307
www.VisitWytheville.com
