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How to Staycate in Northeast Tennessee

Top Attractions

June 22, 2016

Let’s admit it, we probably have spent more time exploring places far away from home than we have the sites of our own area or region.  This is natural.  People tend to dismiss local sites or always assume they’ll go there some day.  So there are bound to be places around us we haven’t explored or activities we haven’t tried. Northeast TN and Southwest Virginia offers culture, history and outdoor thrills. Create your own lifetime memories right here in our backyard.

History

Northeast Tennessee is home to noteworthy trailblazers. Step into the restored cabin of a celebrated frontiersman at Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park. Trace the life of the tailor who became a president at Andrew Johnson National Historic Site
. Travel Daniel Boone’s Wilderness Road, a pathway to the west for 300,000 settlers. Other historical landmarks and sites include: Sycamore Shoals, Tipton Haynes, and Rocky Mount.

Culture and Arts


Congress declared Bristol to be the “Birthplace of Country Music,”
which was the launching pad for musicians such as the Stanley Brothers, Tennessee Ernie Ford and Kenny Chesney. Try something unexpected such as visiting the Gray Fossil museum to see exhibits of fossil remains dating back 4.5 to 7 million years ago. Join in the fun of a “Dig Pit,” full of fossil finds. Stroll the streets of historic downtown Johnson City, and pop in the shops and eateries of Blue Plum Village. Save the third weekend in September for Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, an infectious, three-day music experience bursting with creative passion.

Catch a show at JC Community Theater, Barter Theater, Paramount Theater, or Niswonger Performing Arts Center

Shopping

Downtown JC - Take a stroll on the Tweetsie Trail, enjoy lunch at Downtown Grocery, take the kids for exploration at Hands On Museum, and finish with a wonderful treat at Fizz Soda Bar!

Downtown Kingsport 

Downtown Bristol 

Downtown Abingdon 

Outdoors

You’re on top of the world at 6,285 feet with breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains and more than 600 acres of blooms at the famous Rhododendron Gardens of Roan Mountain. Swim in pools at the base of a 100-foot waterfall, or hike the trails at Elrod Falls. Boat, picnic or fly fish in clear Watauga Lake with spectacular scenery. Head to Bays Mountain Park for a hike, barge ride on a mountaintop lake or wildlife habitats. Raft the rapids of the Nolichucky with a guide from the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Blaze your own trail in Northeast Tennessee.  Grab your bikes and take a family ride on The Tweetsie Trail. 

Minor league baseball is revving up in the Tri-Cities this upcoming weekend. Catch a game with the JC Cardinals, Kingsport Mets, Bristol White Sox, Elizabethton Twins, or the Greeneville Astros.

Bays Mountain 

Wetlands Water Park

 

 

Warriors Path State Park

Another great resource for ideas is your local Chamber of Commerce.

The options are endless for staycation ideas in Northeast TN and Southwest VA!