Most people think of Wytheville, Virginia only as a stop along the interstate. There’s a great Cracker Barrel there and it’s easy to get in and out of quickly.

Venture off the interstate exit and you’ll find a beautiful small town with a college, lots of history and culture. There are murals, some good restaurants, gorgeous old churches and a great antique mall too.

Check out the giant pencil outside the office supply store.

Plus this paint can on the paint store sign.

There’s a lesson to be learned here. As you travel through this world, remember to take those interstate exits and explore the small towns across this fine country of ours. That’s where the living is done – not at the cookie cutter interstate exits with the truck stops and the Cracker Barrels but along the byways and village streets.