There’s a 25-Foot Yellow No. 2 Pencil in Virginia That’s Been Drawing Crowds Since the ’90s

Some people find roadside attractions kitschy and drive right on by, but I love them. As someone who’s been on countless road trips, I appreciate anything that breaks up the monotony of long hours spent in the car. Roadside attractions in Virginia range from a theme park where life-sized dinosaurs re-enact the Civil War to a Stonehenge replica made entirely of foam—but perhaps the quirkiest one of all is the Big Pencil. Located in Wytheville, Virginia, a town conveniently located off I-77 and I-81, this impressive sight is kitschy, but that’s part of the appeal. 

When it comes to charming small towns in Virginia, you can't beat Wytheville. Named after George Wythe, one of the 56 delegates who signed the Declaration of Independence, this quaint village has a population of just over 8,000. The town is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, creating a picturesque backdrop that looks like something from a movie. Postcard-worthy surroundings aren't the only utopian thing about Wytheville. The town square is filled with historic buildings housing shops and restaurants, and cobblestone sidewalks allow for leisurely strolling.

Wytheville is probably best known for the annual Chautauqua Festival, held on the third weekend in June. This lively celebration features music, dance, magic, arts and crafts, and, most notably, hot air balloons. The town's water tower is painted with hot air balloons in honor of the festival.

As you're walking or driving through Wytheville, one thing is impossible to miss: a giant, bright yellow pencil in front of the former Wytheville Office Supply store on Main Street. Surprisingly, it isn't the world's largest pencil (that title belongs to a 76-foot-long pencil constructed in New York), but for a town this size, it's impressive. The sculpture, known as the Big Pencil, is roughly 20 to 25 feet long and looks just like the No. 2 pencils we all used in grade school. Talk about nostalgia!

I couldn't find exactly when the pencil was constructed, but reviews date back to 1998, so it's at least a bit less than 30 years old, if not more. While the Office Supply store is no longer open for business, the quirkiness doesn't end here. Nearby, you can see a giant paint can outside of The Paint Store!

Have you ever seen the Big Pencil? If not, it's one of the coolest and quirkiest roadside attractions to visit in Virginia. Don't leave Wytheville without stopping at Skeeter's Hot Dogs, a local joint that's over 100 years old! The menu is simple and classic—chili dogs, chips, crinkle-cut fries, sandwiches, soda—and we think the hot dogs are just as good as they were when it first opened in 1925.

Plan your Virginia road trip to Wytheville today. If you need help deciding what to bring, our official road trip packing list has you covered. It includes a mix of essentials and less-common items you might not have considered, so you won’t be left wondering if you forgot anything.