Appalachian Adventures Await in Bristol, Tennessee

With a wide variety of restaurants, there’s no shortage of delicious meals to be had in Bristol. 

As you walk through downtown, let your taste buds guide you to 620 State or Bistro on 6th for creative lunch and dinner options, Machiavelli’s for authentic Italian food and drinks, or Delta Blues BBQ for barbecue, Cajun dishes and live music. 

Burger Bar has been serving patties since 1942 and is (supposedly) where Hank Williams had his last meal – that’s why you can order burgers with names like, “Hey Good Lookin’” and “Cold, Cold Heart.” Plan a nightcap at The Bristol Hotel’s rooftop bar, Lumac, which offers handcrafted cocktails and 360-degree mountain views.

Bristol boasts a strong lineup of breweries downtown, including Tennessee Hills, the state’s largest craft distillery, Cascade Draft House, Elderbrew, Squabble State and Michael Waltrip Brewing. Lost State Distilling produces small-batch rum, gin and whiskey that can be sampled at their tasting room, along with a selection of specialty spirits.

As for the sweet treats, fulfill your sugar cravings at The Southern Churn (handmade fudge, candy and ice cream) or Bristol’s legendary Blackbird Bakery (pies, pastries, cakes and more).

Bristol is home to The Pinnacle, the region’s largest shopping center at 1.3 million square feet. Here, you’ll find your favorite familiar stores, including the area’s largest Belk and only Bass Pro shop, plus plenty of places to eat. For other local fly shops, visit Explore Bristol's Outdoors guide and select “Fly Shops” from the drop-down menu.

For boutique shopping, explore downtown’s cluster of specialty stores. Wm. King Clothiers and Blakely-Mitchell offer “updated traditional” men’s clothing and sportswear, while The Local Merchants, Misty Mountain and Studio 6 showcase women’s clothing.

If you’re looking for interesting treasures, browse the country decor at Cranberry Lane or try your luck at The Village Antiques and Home Decor Mall or Bristol and Willow Creek Antiques. And if you prefer to take home a new skill? Book a class at AR Workshop and learn how to make everything from wood signs to chunky knit blankets.

Make a pit stop at Bristol Motor Speedway – you’ll get a “Thunder Valley” thrill whether an event is happening or not. One of NASCAR’s most iconic tracks, this world-famous facility hosts lively race weekends every spring and fall with passionate fans, plenty of food and incredible energy. Drag-racing events are held at the nearby (and equally impressive) Bristol Dragway. 

Get a closer look at BMS by taking a tour or enjoy a view from the campsite overlooking its grounds. Before leaving town, snap a photo of State Street’s NASCAR mural featuring Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Richard Petty. 

Don’t forget to visit Bristol Dragway, one of NHRA’s most popular dragstrips, which produces an incredible roar when Top Fuel Dragsters race down the quarter-mile at speeds over 330 mph.

On most nights, you can take in live music at downtown venues like the Paramount Bristol and the Cameo Theater. And every September, the three-day Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion delights country, bluegrass and Americana fans while commemorating Bristol’s role in the evolution of Appalachian music.

On most nights, you can take in live music at downtown venues like the Paramount Bristol and The Cameo Theater. And every September, the three-day Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion delights country, bluegrass and Americana fans while commemorating Bristol’s role in the evolution of Appalachian music.

Bring on the fun with friends and family at one of Bristol’s many parks. Covering more than 2,200 acres, Steele Creek Park is the third-largest municipal park in Tennessee. It features a 52-acre lake, approximately 25 miles of hiking and biking trails, golf and disc golf courses, a nature center and picnic areas. Travel south to Whitetop Creek Park for a smaller yet equally enjoyable experience, which includes a walking trail, soccer and softball fields, and a basketball court – all set against a picturesque mountain backdrop.

For a different kind of park (and a different kind of fun), Just Jump Trampoline Park at The Pinnacle is a 25,000-square-foot facility where you can bounce, play dodgeball and attempt a ninja course. 

Borderline Billiards, owned by a ranked professional player, on State Street, is a great spot to sharpen your pool skills, while Pins and Friends, which features duckpin bowling, as well as a restaurant, is always a popular stop. 

Bristol Sportsplex, which features tennis, pickleball, fitness and recovery zones, and much more, is a fantastic stop for a great workout.

Bristol’s South Holston Lake and Holston River are known for their fly-fishing (especially trout) and stunning views. Stock up on supplies, then spend the morning or afternoon by the water. 

If you decide to stay overnight (or longer), hunker down at a nearby lodge. The owners of Tailwaters Lodge were inspired to open their tranquil retreat after hiking the Appalachian Trail, while South Holston River Lodge offers luxury riverside accommodations, and the Orvis-endorsed South Holston River Rentals boasts charming properties and homegrown comfort. All three options are a great home base for fishing and hiking expeditions, couples’ getaways or simply unplugging from the busyness of life. Lakeside camping at Observation Knob Park, just shy of the state line, is another great way to experience the water.

Finally, Bristol Caverns is the place to visit if you want to go underground. It was formed hundreds of millions of years ago by an underground river and today, it features paved walkways and stairs that allow you to explore its three levels of stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Another great spot is Appalachian Caverns, a magnificent example of nature’s beauty, which also offers a gem mine, campground and gift shop. 

So, no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it in Bristol, Tennessee! Learn more at explorebristol.com.