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Wythe County, Virginia
A railroad town that still runs on time
Rural Retreat grew up beside the tracks between the depot and the dairy. Town Hall is open Monday through Friday, and most of what you need is one click away.
A red caboose on display in Rural Retreat.
Start here
What most people come here for
- Pay a BillWater, sewer, and tax payments online.
- Water & SewerRates, billing dates, and service.
- Trash & BrushTrash day is Thursday.
- Meeting CenterAgendas, minutes, and video.
- Public NoticesHearings and legal notices.
- Document CenterForms, permits, and PDFs.
- Parks & RecreationHeritage Park and Rural Retreat Lake.
- Contact Town HallPhone, email, and hours.
Water and sewer
Know your bill before it arrives
Water and sewer rates effective July 1, 2026. Every account also pays a $4.00 monthly sanitation fee. Enter your gallons in the estimator and see the whole bill, water, sewer, and trash together.
Downtown Rural Retreat from the air. Photo: Town of Rural Retreat
Town Council
October 13, 2026
Council meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.
Farmers Market
October 7, 2026
Wednesdays at Heritage Park, mid June through late October.
Town news
Recent news and notices
Community news
Heritage Park Mural
Thursday, September 3, 2026
Work on the Heritage Park mural is underway.
Community news
2026 Farmers Market
Thursday, August 27, 2026
The market is open Wednesdays, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., through October 21, 2026.
Official notice
Water & Sewer Rates Effective July 1, 2026
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
New water and sewer rates took effect July 1, 2026.
Coming up
On the town calendar
- OCT7
Farmers Market
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., Heritage Park
- OCT13
Town Council Regular Meeting
Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 7:00 p.m., Town Hall, 307 South Main Street
- OCT14
Farmers Market
Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., Heritage Park
- OCT21
Farmers Market
Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., Heritage Park
Photo: Town of Rural Retreat
Heritage Park
Splash pad, playground, and a place to sit
The park sits a block off Main Street with a splash pad, new playground equipment, and covered seating. It is also where the Farmers Market sets up each Wednesday in season.
Wednesdays in season
Rural Retreat Farmers Market
Growers and makers from Wythe County and nearby set up under the pavilion. The 2026 season runs June 17 through October 21.
Photo: Town of Rural Retreat
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The town's story
From Mt. Airy to a depot the whole county knew
The Virginia and Tennessee Railroad came through in the 1850s, the depot followed, and the dairy and cabbage trade grew around it. The mural at Heritage Park tells that story in paint.
Stay informed
Get town alerts on your phone
Sign up for emergency notifications, or text RR to 91896 for town updates.
Town Hall
307 South Main Street
P.O. Box 130, Rural Retreat, VA 24368
Phone: 276-686-4221
Email: support@townofruralretreat.com
Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Open government
Council, departments, and records
Town Council
Who serves, terms, and committee assignments.
Departments
Town Manager, Treasurer, Police, and Public Works.
Document Center
Budgets, ordinances, forms, agendas, and minutes.
Staff Directory
Names, roles, and how to reach each office.
Not sure where to look?
Search the site, browse the site map, or call Town Hall at 276-686-4221 and a person will answer.