Things to Do
Around here, you're never far from kayaking, hiking, back-road cycling, and trophy trout fishing. Experience a NASCAR race at Bristol Motor Speedway, golf on rolling hills, and shop for whatever catches your fancy. From hands-on museums to master storytellers, a place of great history beckons the imagination. The site of the first permanent American settlement outside the 13 original colonies is here.
And festivals are everywhere! One celebrates the gorgeous rhododendron, another the humble apple. And most include some of the nation’s finest Americana, old-time, celtic, country, bluegrass, and gospel music. After all, this is a land where country music was born and where mountain music thrives.
The following listings are official members of Northeast Tennessee Association.
Allandale Mansion
Allandale Mansion
Located 3 Miles From 1-26. Intriguing History And Southern Elegance Create The Romantic Setting Of Kingsport's Allandale Mansion, Often Called Kingsport's "White House." Built In 1950 By Ruth And Harvey Brooks, Allandale Still Houses their fine furnishings, antiques and art.
Wedding Planning at Allandale Mansion
The mansion makes a perfect romantic setting for your wedding, elegant surroundings making memories to last a lifetime. If the mansion is too formal, consider the newly redecorated barn with a hayloft for dancing, a stage for musicians & a butler's pantry for serving refreshments.
The Mansion and its grounds are open for rental purposes and tours by appointment only. Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5p.m. AC. L/HA.
Services offered: Reception and Ceremony Venues
E-Mail: allandale@chartertn.net
Andrew Johnson National Historic Site
Located 14 miles from I-81. This historic site honors the life of the 17th President. Andrew Johnson's presidency, 1865-1869, illustrates the United States Constitution at work following President Lincoln's assassination and during attempts to reunify a nation torn by civil war. His presidency shaped the future of the United States and his influences continue today. The site includes a visitor center, museum, tailor shop, two Greeneville homes and National Cemetery, the burial site of President Johnson. Visitor Center Open 9am-5pm daily. Closed New Years Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. AC. L/HA.
Appalachian Caverns
Come and join us for an hour-long guided tour through amazing formations our lighted pathways will take you through areas rich in history and beautiful views. A three-hour wild tour is also available for the more adventuresome. Hours: 9 a.m.-6p.m. Mon- Sat and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. Open year round, closed Christmas Day. AC. PC, TC and CC accepted. L/HA.
Wedding Planning
We have a unique place for that special couple “Appalachian Caverns.” Get married in a timeless setting not man made but God inspired. Marriage parties that are not too large will find this as a great venue. Pricing for such an event is based on the number that attend. Use of the cavern for must be supervised by cavern staff at all times. All that enter must sign a waiver of safety concerns. We reserve the right to not allow this service to be offered, as we deem necessary.
Services Offered: Ceremony Venue
Barter Theatre
Located 3 miles from I-81, exit 17. Professional repertory theatre at its best, at the State Theatre of Virginia. Barter launched the careers of such notable actors as Gregory Peck, Patricia Neal, and Ernest Borgnine . Enjoy classics, comedies, dramas and musicals on two stages. Introduce your children to theatre with The Barter Players and be sure to top by The Café at Barter Stage II. Open Feb. – Dec. Call or go on-line for performance schedule. AC. PC, TC, & CC accepted. L/HA.
Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium
Located 3 miles off I-26. A 3,550-acre nature preserve with state of the art planetarium, 44-acre lake, live animal habitats, 36 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking and much more. Public programs each Sat. & Sun., and daily during the summer. Park hours: 8:30am-5:00pm. Extended hours during the summer. No pets allowed. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day, and New Years Day. Call for more information. AC. TC & CC accepted at gift shop.
Wedding Planning
For weddings Bays Mountain Park offers a scenic, beautiful woodland setting for couples considering an outdoor wedding. Ceremonies are performed annually at the park’s Amphitheater and even during a barge ride on our 44-acre lake. Our Farmstead Museum provides a convenient, nearby location for the reception afterwards. Rental rates do apply and advanced reservations are recommended.
Services Offered: Reception and Ceremony Venues
Geocaching
Bays Mountain – N 36° 30.536 W 082° 36.649
Between the nature center and dam you will find a nice walking trail. The cache is blended in with the pristine nature of the park. Keep an eye out for wandering deer. Regular Park hours: (March-May) & (September-October) M-F 8:30am – 5pm; Sat 8:30am – 8pm; Sun 1pm - 8pm. Summer Hours: (June-August) M-Sat 8:30am – 8pm; Sun 1pm – 8pm. Winter Hours (November-February) M-Sat 8:30am – 5pm; Sun 1pm - 5pm.
Birthplace of Country Music Alliance
The Birthplace of Country Music Alliance is a non-profit grassroots organization established to preserve and promote the rich musical heritage of our region. The site of the historic 1927 "Bristol Sessions." The United States Congress officially designated Bristol, TN/VA as the "Birthplace of Country Music." Visitors to our region can listen to and learn about our region’s living musical history online at www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org
Blountville Historic District
Founded in 1795, Blountville's historic district includes two 18th-century buildings— the Old Deery Inn and the Anderson Townhouse— and several notable 19th-century structures.
Sullivan County Department of Archives & Tourism
3425 Highway 126, Blountville 37617
(423) 323-4660
Bristol Caverns
Located 8 miles from I-81. A journey through the caverns will take you through millions of years of timeless beauty. Largest and most beautiful in the Smoky Mountain Region. Guided tours about every 20 minutes. A year-round attraction. Open Mar. 15 -Oct. 31, Mon. - Sat. 9am-5pm; Sun. 12:30-5:00; Nov. 1-Mar. 14, Mon. - Sat. 10am-4pm; Sun. 12:30-4:30. Closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. AC. TC & CC accepted. L/HA.
Bristol Historic District
Take a stroll down Bristol’s unique downtown State Street and you’ll discover why Bristol is rich with history. Marked by brass markers, the official state line of Tennessee and Virginia runs down the middle of the street. A great opportunity to take a picture while standing in two states at once among several downtown attractions, cultural arts, café’s, and antique & specialty shops. The historic Bristol sign spanning the state line declares Bristol “A Good Place to Live.” Bristol is Home of the Birthplace of Country Music and the World’s Fastest Half Mile.
Bristol Convention & Visitors Bureau
20 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol 37620
(423) 989-4850
Bristol Motor Speedway
Located 8 miles from I-81. Known as "The World's Fastest Half-Mile," BMS annually hosts two NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series events. Bristol Dragway, better known as "Thunder Valley," hosts the NHRA Drag Racing Series, its own Bracket Series program and its popular street-legal racing series called Street Fights. Visitors also can share in the spirit of the holiday season during “Speedway in Lights” exhibit. Track tours available. Call for a complete schedule of events and tour schedule. Office hours: Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm. AC. PC, TC & CC accepted. F/HA.
Geocache
Bristol Motor Speedway – N 36° 30.949 W 082° 15.601
This should be an easy find but sometime things in plain site are not so easy to see. Find your way to the Bruton Smith Building and happy hunting through the parking area. Cache available 8am – 5pm Monday-Saturday: Sunday Noon-5pm. Access may be limited for this cache during weeks of major speedway or dragway events due to high volume of visitors.
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