Country Roads
September 3 – October 24
Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre presents “Country Roads”
This original revue features our talented cast of singers as well as our incredible live band and will remind you why ‘you were country, when country wasn’t cool.’
888-950-3382 / 276-223-0891
Oh, Happy Day!
July 8th – August 29th, 2021
Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre presents “Oh, Happy Day!”
Accompanied by live musicians, this heavenly production will have you on the edge of your pew singing.
888-950-3382 / 276-223-0891
by Connie Pearson, ThereGoesConnie.com
Are you longing for a short break from your usual routine, perhaps some scenic beauty away from crowds? May I suggest the tiny but fascinating town of Wytheville, Virginia? 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.
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 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 Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum, dedicated to the former first lady; 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 nondenominational and holds eight.
Take your time to stroll both sides of Main Street, where you can browse a wide variety of specialty shops and boutiques.
At the junction of interstates, you’ll find several hotel chains; 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 Wilson. Real orchids and paintings of
orchids are throughout.
According to stories, President Woodrow Wilson sent her a bouquet of orchids every day of their courtship. Be sure to find the town’s 100-foot mural depicting her entire life.
Graze on Main is the restaurant inside the Bolling Wilson Hotel. It is so named because the president and first lady kept a flock of sheep on the White House lawn during World War I so the regular grounds-keepers 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.
Across the street from the hotel and next door to the 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.
“The Works,” a bargain at less than $3, comes with cheese, slaw, mustard, onions and chili.
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 factors into its history too.
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.
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?
The 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 a four-course meal.
This summer’s shows include “Under the Boardwalk” through June 27 and the gospel revue, “Oh, Happy Day!” (July 1–Aug. 29).
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.
A Unique Attraction for a Unique Southwest Virginia Destination
by Colette Boehm, Laurie Rowe Communications
WYTHEVILLE, VA—March 2021—Known for its “homegrown” attractions, Wytheville, Virginia has a lineup of one-of-a-kind, locally owned attractions that set it apart from other destinations. Beginning this spring Beagle Ridge Herb Farm and Environmental Education Center (1934 Matney Flats Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382, 276-621-4511) will take center stage among them as it invites visitors to celebrate its 20th anniversary with unique events, tours and herbal products.
This Southwest Virginia town (pronounced “withville”) is located at the crossroads of Interstates I-77 and I-81, two hours north of Charlotte, North Carolina. Its location, set amid the mountains and rolling valleys of the Blue Ridge Mountain range, is the perfect home for Beagle Ridge Farm. Over the years its 210 acres have been filled with gardens of lavender and herbs, a butterfly house, as well as nature trails.
In its 20 years of operation, owners Ellen and Gregg Reynolds have established the property as Southwest Virginia’s premier lavender farm. It features 14 themed display gardens as well as the Flying Flowers butterfly house to showcase its herb and perennial collections. It’s the only one of its kind in the region.
“If you would have told me in 2001 when we opened, that we would have grown to be the business I see before me,” said Ellen Reynolds, “I would have been skeptical. As we look forward to our spring opening on May 1st, we are so excited that 2021 will be our 20th anniversary. It seems like a blur but here we are, 20 years older, hopefully wiser and with so many new friends who have shared their love of herbs, lavender and butterflies with us on our journey. We look forward,” she added, “to an even bigger 20th season. Lots of new additions so stay tuned.”
The Reynolds have special events planned throughout the year, beginning in April. They offer a two-day Lavender Academy for those who want to delve into the details of choosing, growing, pruning and harvesting lavender. Other classes focus on topics ranging from growing herbs and pollinator gardens to butterfly awareness and wreath making to distilling essential oils. They also offer Lick Mountain Excursions, guided tours through the property’s undeveloped wilderness, as well as hiking along the remote trails.
West Wind Farm Vineyard and Winery (180 West Wind Dr., Max Meadows, VA, 24360) is a fourth-generation homestead in Southwest Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains with roots dating back more than a century. Today the family makes small-batch, hand-tended wines and welcomes guests to enjoy the wines and the views from their cozy tasting room.
Many choose to explore the culture and spirit of Wytheville throughout its charming downtown. Classic downtown streets are lined with locally owned businesses and one-of-a-kind shops. From home-town-favorite specialty shops to local brew pubs, Wytheville is a place like no other. There are museums to explore days gone by and unique lodging options for enjoying the night to come. For a delightful diversion just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Wytheville is the perfect spot to enjoy an authentic Southwest Virginia experience.
This unique attraction is just one of many that make Wytheville a destination like no other. Natural areas like Crystal Springs Recreation Area (723 Pump Hollow Road, Wytheville, Virginia 24382) with its 1,800 acres of preserved land and the 58 mile long New River Trail, one of America’s top-ranked rails-to-trails routes, offer more ways to enjoy the outdoors. And Big Walker Lookout (8711 Stoney Fork Rd, Wytheville, Virginia 24382, 276-663-4016) is the oldest – now celebrating its 75th year – and highest private attraction in Virginia. At an elevation of 3,405 feet, Big Walker Lookout offers a spectacular view of the Appalachian Mountains.
Downtown Wytheville has a whole host of one-of-a-kind spots, too, including five historic museums. Visitors can begin planning their journey at visitwytheville.com. Beagle Ridge and a whole host of homegrown attractions are waiting in one-of-a-kind Wytheville.
ABOUT WYTHEVILLE
There’s only one Wytheville. It’s true, no other town in the world shares this name. But with one visit, guests discover that its name is not the only thing making this destination special. Situated at the crossroads of two major Interstates (I-77 and I-81) this is so much more than a stopover location. With a classic downtown chock-full of gems, Wytheville offers unique lodging, dining and entertainment options. Nearby, there are trails for hikers and cyclists as well as for those who love birding and byways. Add a bundle of homegrown attractions, and you’ve got a must-see destination in Wytheville. There’s only one!
Three Day Itinerary
Discover why this charming mountain town is unique in more ways than just its name.
Begin your day with a spectacular view “where only the birds see more” at Big Walker Lookout, Virginia’s oldest and highest privately-owned attraction. Perched atop Big Walker Mountain at an elevation of 3,045 feet, the beautiful panoramic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains is only enhanced by climbing the 100-foot observation tower, where on a clear day you can see five states. Inside the Country Store, browse the creations of over 25 local artisans and sample hand-dipped ice cream, homemade fudge, jams and relishes.
7 Dogs Brewpub is a local hot spot that not only brews up delectable craft beers but also offers a full pub-style menu in a family- friendly atmosphere. The outdoor beer garden is full of games and swings and of course, with a name like 7 Dogs, your four-legged friends are more than welcome. Evenings offer a variety of live music and trivia style contests.
Get back to nature at Crystal Springs Recreation Area, located just three miles from downtown. Hikers and mountain bikers can choose their own adventure in this 1800-acre preserve with trails ranging in length and difficulty. Bikers can also test their skills at the new mountain bike terrain park with more than a dozen features such as balance beams, a teeter totter and a wooden berm wall. Just over the ridge is Beagle Ridge Herb Farm, Southwest Virginia’s premiere lavender farm. Stroll 14 themed display gardens, enjoy tea on the patio or roam through Flying Flowers, the walk-through butterfly house.
Cap off your day with dinner and a show at Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre. This year- round entertainment venue serves up a delicious four-course plated meal before you sit back and enjoy a professional Broadway-style musical. A post show nightcap at the Matterhorn Restaurant, inside the theatre, is the perfect encore.
Discover how it all began for this charming mountain town at the Thomas J. Boyd Museum. Named for the Father of Wytheville, this museum features exhibits on the area’s natural resources, the heritage of local decorative arts and their craftsmen and “The Summer Without Children”, how the Polio epidemic of 1950 impacted this small town. Just down the block, take a trip to the White House at the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum. One of only eight sites in the country dedicated to a first lady, this museum chronicles the life of the only Appalachian-born First Lady and how she would come to be known as the first female president.
Locals flock to Chau’s Corner Bakery, a modest storefront on the outside with the most eclectic and mouthwatering menu inside. Drawing on her heritage and different places she’s lived, at this no-frills eatery Chau single- handedly prepares authentic Vietnamese dishes as well as Cajun etouffee and Texas-style tamales with homemade baked goods available daily.
Step back in time with Wytheville’s Historic Walking Tour. This self-guided experience leads you on a journey throughout the town’s interesting history. Seven “loops” include the architectural influences of historic homes, buildings and sacred places both present and absent. Interesting stories, intriguing facts and even tragic tales are woven to tell the story of what shaped Wytheville. The tour winds through beautiful neighborhoods, along historic Church Street and throughout Downtown Wytheville.
The history lesson continues with a dining experience like no other at the Log House 1776 Restaurant. Fine dining in an eighteenth-century atmosphere is on the menu at this locally owned treasure. The menu is full of must-taste experiences. Christopher’s Lounge serves craft cocktails and the multiple gift shops within the block of buildings are overflowing with unique finds. Be sure to take a stroll through the gardens before dinner and walk among the rabbits and doves.
Despite its name, the New River is one of the oldest rivers in the world, second only to the Nile. Like the Nile, it flows from South to North and is located adjacent to New River Trail State Park. This 57- mile rails-to-trails park weaves alongside the New River to the delight of bikers, horseback riders, canoers, kayakers and fishermen. Camping, bikes and canoe rentals are available on site. The Historic Shot Tower imparts to park goers the history of the surrounding lead mines and how its bounty was transformed into ammunition before modern technology.
Just minutes from New River Trail is West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery, situated on a fourth- generation family farm. Sample the family crafted wines then choose your favorite to compliment a create-your-own charcuterie board made with local cheeses, Virginia peanuts and gourmet pickled veggies from the tasting room shop. The patio, surrounded by beautiful rolling hills, is the perfect spot to drink in your refreshments. The tasting room at West Wind Farm is also a shopper’s paradise, filled with an array of soaps, candles, home décor, and local artisan creations.
Take a ride on the wild side at Fort Chiswell Animal Park. This safari attraction will put you up close and personal with animals from six continents. The windowless bus winds through the outback while Puff, the camel pops his head in for a treat. The wildebeests, zebras, ostriches and water buffalo don’t miss their chance for a nibble of your zoo chow either. Cody, the bison is a crowd favorite, as is Cheeto, the giraffe. See if you’re tall enough to feed him lettuce from your hand.
A trip though the outback is sure to inspire an international appetite. Choose from one of Wytheville’s many international cuisine options including Chinese, Greek, Mexican, Italian, German or Japanese. Head back downtown to relax and take in some live music and great craft beer at one of the local breweries.
