Regional Information

Experience the Region

Bristol and the surrounding areas of the region are rich in historic sites, outdoor activities, cultural opportunities, and arts and entertainment. They also offer plenty of lodging options, so stay a while and you can make the most of your visit! Shop, dine, and play at The Pinnacle, then explore the region’s additional attractions.

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Andrew Johnson’s Homestead

Greeneville, TN

Trace the life of Andrew Johnson, a tailor who became the 17th president of the U.S. The site includes a tailor shop, Johnson’s home, and a museum.

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Appalachian Caverns

Blountville, TN

Experience amazing natural beauty located deep beneath the Earth’s surface. The site features guided tours of the caverns, a campground, picnic area, gem mine, and gift shop.

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Barter Theatre

Abingdon, VA

Be entertained and amazed by the live performances that happen almost every evening at the Barter, the state theatre of Virginia.

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Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium

Kingsport, TN

Bays Mountain is a 3,550-acre nature preserve with a planetarium. Live animal habitats, hiking, biking, and public programs are available on weekends and daily during the summer.

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Biltmore Estate

Asheville, NC

Tour the vast grounds of Biltmore Estate and take in all the architecture, artwork, gardens, winery, and more from the Gilded Age.

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Birthplace of Country Music Museum

Bristol, VA

From the Bristol Sessions and beyond, our region influences music around the world. This museum embodies this and promotes Bristol as the Birthplace of Country Music.

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Blue Ridge Parkway

Asheville, NC

One of the most popular outdoor North Carolina attractions, enjoy hiking and scenic walks, historic and interpretive sites, and so much more!

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Bright’s Zoo

Limestone, TN

Bright’s Zoo is a family-owned facility dedicated to the conservation of exotic animals, including both common and rare or endangered species.

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Bristol Caverns

Bristol, TN

A journey through Bristol Caverns will take you through millions of years of timeless beauty. Guided tours are conducted about every 20 minutes at this year-round attraction.

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Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway

Bristol, TN

Bristol Motor Speedway (the “World’s Fastest Half-Mile”) and Dragway (“Thunder Valley”) are two of the most popular motorsports venues around.

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Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion

Bristol, TN

Bristol, VA

Rhythm & Roots is an annual festival that attracts folks from all over the world each September, offering tons of live music, food, craft vendors, and more.

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Buffalo Mountain Park

Johnson City, TN

Spend the day exploring the 725 acres of Buffalo Mountain Park on your own, or sign up for a guided nature hike. Be sure to visit Tip Top and White Rock for amazing views!

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Carter Family Fold

Hiltons, VA

This historic concert venue is dedicated to the preservation of country and bluegrass music. Enjoy weekly performances on the very stage once graced by legends like Johnny Cash.

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Erwin National Fish Hatchery

Erwin, TN

Take a tour of the Erwin’s fish hatchery and learn about the importance of maintaining good fishing in public waters.

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Founders Park

Johnson City, TN

With an amphitheater, a manmade river rock stream, sculptures, and walking paths in the heart of downtown, Founders Park is one of Johnson City’s most popular outdoor attractions.

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Hands On! Discovery Center

Gray, TN

Visitors to Hands On! learn by doing “hands on” exploration of interactive permanent exhibits, traveling exhibits, and special events in art, sciences, and humanities.

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Hungry Mother State Park

Marion, VA

Enjoy an outdoor paradise with campgrounds, cabins, yurts, hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, boating, and more!

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Kingsport Aquatic Center

Kingsport, TN

The center’s three indoor heated pools are open year-round, and in the summer months the outdoor water park features two waterslides, a water playground, and a lazy river.

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Kingsport Renaissance Center & Theatre

Kingsport, TN

This facility serves the community as a center for the Arts and Senior Citizen activities, and as a facility for events such as meetings, parties, receptions, classes, and seminars.

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Natural Tunnel State Park

Duffield, VA

Slide down the 100-foot-slide at the pool, ride the chair lift to the tunnel floor, or take a cave tour of the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

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Roan Mountain State Park

Roan Mountain, TN

With breathtaking mountain views, and plants and animals, Roan Mountain is a nature lover’s paradise and home to the world’s largest Catawba Rhododendron garden.

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Rocky Mount Living History Museum

Piney Flats, TN

Become part of the happenings of the year 1791 through the first-person interpretation of daily lifestyles, domestic and work skills, food, clothing, furnishings and games.

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South Holston Lake

Abingdon, VA

Bristol, TN

Spend the day relaxing or playing on the waters of South Holston Lake, perfect for fishing, boating, water skiing, and nature lovers.

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Steele Creek Park

Bristol, TN

Enjoy this more than 2,200 acres natural playground with disc golf, trails, multi-use fields, nature center, lake, paddle boats, picnic areas and more.

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Sugar Hollow State Park

Elizabethton, TN

This 400-acre park has several facilities to enjoy an array of outdoor activities including soft ball, soccer, picnicking, camping, biking, and swimming.

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Sycamore Shoals State Historic Site

Elizabethton, TN

Sycamore Shoals was the first permanent settlement outside the 13 colonies, serving as the muster point for the Overmountain Men on their way to the Battle of King’s Mountain.

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Tweetsie Trail

Johnson City, TN

This rails-to-trails project traversing the former ET&WNC (“Tweetsie”) railroad right-of-way between Johnson City and Elizabethton is perfect for walking, hiking, running, and biking.

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Unaka Mountains / The Beauty Spot

Unicoi County, TN

The popular Beauty Spot on Unaka Mountain offers spectacular sunsets, refreshing waterfalls, and gorgeous photo opportunities.

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USA Raft

Asheville, NC

Erwin, TN

Experience the excitement of rafting on the Nolichucky and French Broad Rivers, whether you’re a beginner or an expert!

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Virginia Creeper Trail

Abingdon, VA

Take in the beauty of nature, and make stops along the way to explore an old railroad station, and go trout fishing Creek Junction!

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Warrior’s Path State Park

Kingsport, TN

Hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating, fishing, picnicking, playing—the opportunities for adventure are endless at Warriors’ Path, located on the South Fork of the Holston River.

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Watauga Lake

Elizabethton, TN

With 106 miles of shoreline, you can enjoy many relaxing activities such as horseback riding, biking, boating, swimming, and more.

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Winged Deer Park / Boone Lake

Johnson City, TN

Come out and spend your day at the batting cages, disc golf course, sand volleyball, or just enjoying a picnic with the family.

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Worley’s Cave

Bluff City, TN

Worley’s Cave is touted as one of the best natural spelunking spots this side of the Mississippi, with over 4,000 feet of caverns and tunnels to be explored.

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