Roadside Attractions in Virginia
3 stops across 2 towns in Virginia — the oversized, the handmade and the barely-signposted.
Worth the detour in Virginia
St. Albans Sanatorium
Radford, VA
Once a highly regarded boys' school and later a troubled psychiatric hospital, this imposing brick facility is now a legendary hotspot for paranormal investigators. Visitors can explore its dark history through guided tours and spine-chilling overnight ghost hunts.
The Big Pencil
Wytheville, Virginia
This towering, 30-foot-long yellow writing utensil has been a beloved landmark in downtown Wytheville since the 1960s. Hanging proudly outside Wytheville Office Supply, it serves as a nostalgic beacon for road-trippers. It's a delightfully simple, retro photo op that has put this Virginia town on the roadside attraction map.
Big Walker Lookout
Wytheville, Virginia
Perched atop Big Walker Mountain, this historic 100-foot lookout tower offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains. Climb to the top to see five states on a clear day, then browse the Country Store filled with local crafts. It has been a beloved roadside stop since 1947.
Browse by town in Virginia
The busiest town here is Wytheville (2). Every listing has photos, opening hours, admission and directions, and the directory grows whenever somebody searches for a stop that isn't in it yet.