TOWN OF WISE

Wise, Virginia, the place to be………

Located high on the Appalachian Plateau in the far corner of southwestern Virginia, at 2684’ elevation and surrounded by a lush and rugged landscape, the Town of Wise is in a unique setting . Unlike the tilted upthrusts of the land to the East, the Plateau sandstone is layered horizontally, as is evident in the roadcuts and occasional highwalls left over from the early days of strip-mining. It was in this sandstone that seams of coal were discovered in the 1800’s, and that high-quality bituminous coal changed forever the course of history for the Town of Wise and the surrounding areas. Many of the fine houses, built during the economic boom that followed, still line the Main Street.

As the county seat of Wise County as well as the commercial and legal center, the Town of Wise maintains its small-town charm and friendliness, while offering the visitor a very unique shopping and dining experience. The visitor will enjoy the new Shoppes on Main, with includes a brand new dress shop, Turning 360; the Appalachian Showcase, which features the work of over 50 regional artists and craftsmen; Café Bonterra, the first ever sidewalk café in Wise; High Country Antiques; Harvest Time Coffee Shop, and Clapboard House Furniture. Locals and visitors alike have long enjoyed Roma’s Pizzeria.

Pro-Art has enriched the area’s citizens with outstanding performances for many years. Now, Appalachian Children’s Theatre, located on Main Street adds to this emphasis on the arts. Nearby is the University of Virginia’s College at Wise, which regularly brings to the area outstanding concerts and lectures. All in all, residents of Wise value the past, but embrace the future.

Formerly Clinch Valley College, U Va-Wise, grew out of the visions of individuals who sought to bring the benefits of public higher education to the coalfields of southwestern Virginia. Now over fifty years later, the beloved college is home to more than 1900 students and is listed as one of the top ten liberal arts colleges in the entire United States. The influence of the students and faculty from all over the world on the Town of Wise is profound. The cultural exchange with Cesme, Turkey, now the “Sister City of Wise, Va.” Resulted from the work of Dr. Brent Kennedy, well know author of several books on the Melungeons. Dr. Kennedy, born in Wise, worked with the college for many years.

Lonesome Pine Regional Airport, located three miles NE of town, and with 2 lighted runways, services the area. Another regional facility is located in town, Lonesome Pine Regional Library, which houses the Library Art Gallery. Wise County Historical Society archives, which facilitate genealogical and historical research, are located in the historic Wise County Courthouse.

Mountain Rose Vinyard, only six miles from downtown, has changed land mined for coal into a lush grape-producing vinyard, featuring wine-tasting, sales, and tours.

Camp Bethel, located on 160 acres of woodland one mile from Wise, offers the camper hiking, canoeing, and swimming in a relaxed Christian setting. Mary Henry Banquet facilities and Journey’s Inn, a new bed/breakfast offers quality services in a unique environment.

Canoeing, hiking and fishing, are also found at Bear Creek Reservoir, a beautiful lake located nearby, which is also the source of the town’s water supply.

The second full weekend each October, thousands flock to town for the Wise County Famous Fall Fling. Now in its 28th year, the Fling showcases area and regional artisans, and features authentic mountain food and music, hay rides, and contests for most anyone: art, photo, chili-cook-off, apple pie/stack cake, and 5K race .The Fling committee also values children, and puts energy and effort into its Kids’ Korner. Many class reunions are planned for this time. This years emphasis will be on “150th Anniversary of Wise County.”

Only one hour west of Abingdon, and just off Rt. 58 & 23, Wise is indeed…the place to be.