If you've never been to Wytheville, you're not alone. It's a small town tucked away on the edge of Jefferson National Forest where I-77 and I-81 meet.
On main street you'll find the E. N. Umberger store. An old building that would be famous enough as the birthplace of Edith Bolling Galt Wilson. The second wife of the 28th president of the United States.
The building its self seems not to have been renovated since Edith's pitter patter could be heard in what is now the restaurant. A rotary phone. Hardwood floors and fixtures and the feel like you've stepped back in time. So much so that you'll be looking for a Delorian out front. It all adds up to a quaint little store serving up some pretty tasty treats.
Skeeter dogs are a rather simple dog. Plain white hot dog buns with red weiners. Both are steamed. They come in a variety of options but the "Works" dog is the home run. Topped with onion, mustard, cheese sauce, chili and creamy coleslaw, the magic takes place. Each component of the "Works" dog is nothing all that special in and of its self. It's the sum that's far greater than that of it's parts. I'm not sure what kind of witchcraft they practice in there but the balance of flavours is just perfect. The fact that they've sold over 6 million of these Skeeter dogs would lead you to believe that I'm not alone in my assertion.
I first found out about the Skeeter dog from the good folks at the Virginia welcome centre on I-77. I must pass along my thanks to these people as they've turned what would be just another town on the way to my in-laws into a "Must stop" lunch destination.
So if you're ever in that neck of the woods, stop by, have yourself a Skeeter dog (The Works of course) and tell them you read about them on my blog
We'll see you again in a little while
DT
