Appalachian Adventures Await in Bristol, Tennessee

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

As you stroll downtown, let your taste buds guide you to the cafe-inspired Bistro on 6th for unique lunch and dinner choices, or Bristol Bagel & Bakery, which features some of the best Mexican food around. Delta Blues BBQ is a wonderful spot for some tasty barbecue, Cajun food, and live music, while Burger Bar has been slinging patties since 1942 and is (supposedly) where Hank Williams ate his last meal – that’s why you can order burgers with names like Hey Good Lookin’ and Cold, Cold Heart.

If you’re in need of a quick pick-me-up, Whimsicals, is a great choice for coffee, smoothies, and lunch, and make sure you plan for a nightcap atop The Bristol Hotel at Lumac, the city’s picturesque rooftop bar, which serves up handcrafted cocktails and 360-degree views of the mountains and Bristol Sign. 

Bristol also has a solid selection of craft breweries downtown, including Cascade Draft House and Elderbrew. Lost State Distilling produces small-batch rum, gin, and whiskeys that you can sample in their tasting room — in addition to a selection of specialty spirits. Tennessee Hills, near The Pinnacle, is a 35,000-square-foot facility featuring handcrafted spirits, desserts, food, a museum, and live music.

As for the sweet stuff, satisfy your sugar cravings at The Southern Churn (handmade fudge, candy, 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, look no further than downtown’s cluster of specialty stores. Wm. King Clothiers curates “updated traditional” men’s clothing and sportswear, while Studio 6 carries an array of beautiful, stylish women’s apparel. Wiseman’s, a western apparel store, has a huge selection of unique clothing, hats, and boots, while Kil’n Time, a contemporary ceramics studio, is an awesome place to find unique gifts while firing up your inner artist!

If you’re looking for interesting treasures, browse the country decor at Cranberry Lane or try your luck at Willow Creek Antiques. Winslow Savage Millinery is a cool shop where you’ll find beautiful couture hats for men and women. And if you prefer to head home with 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 the Bristol Motor Speedway – you’ll get a “Thunder Valley” thrill even if there’s no action happening on the track. One of NASCAR’s most iconic speedways, this world-renowned facility hosts festivity-filled race weekends every spring and fall with throngs of excited fans, tons of food, and unbeatable energy. NHRA drag racing events are held at the adjacent, equally impressive Bristol Dragway. 

Get a closer look at the facility by taking a tour or admire it from above by staying at the campsite overlooking its grounds. Before you leave town, take a picture of State Street’s NASCAR mural featuring Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Richard Petty.

The rich musical heritage of Bristol can be seen and heard all across the city. The historic 1927 Bristol Sessions – known as the “big bang” of country music – were influential recordings that helped shape the genre’s early sounds and practices. Their story is told at the award-winning Birthplace of Country Music Museum (an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution) through interactive exhibits, vintage instruments, a performance theater, a live radio broadcast, and a commemorative mural.

On most nights, you can listen to live music and touring theatrical performances at downtown venues like Paramount Bristol and Cameo Theatre. 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.

Bristol is home to Virginia’s first casino, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, a beautiful 620,000-square-foot resort located just off I-81. 

The complex features nearly 1,500 slot machines, more than 50 table games, a sportsbook, 303 hotel rooms, a spa, multiple restaurants, including a Hard Rock Café, Council Oaks Steaks and Seafood, and Hard Rock Live, a music venue that seats 2,000-plus. The stunning venue features an exciting lineup of talented local musicians and renowned artists year-round. 

Filled with authentic music memorabilia, the resort has quickly become the region’s most popular year-round destination.

Bring on the fun with friends and family at one of Bristol’s many parks. At more than 2,200 acres, Steele Creek Park is the third-largest municipal park in Tennessee, with a 52-acre lake, about 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 but just as enjoyable experience, which includes a walking trail, soccer and softball fields, and a basketball court – all with 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. And, if you want to try your hand at pickleball or tennis or get a workout in, the Bristol Sportsplex is one of the region’s finest fitness facilities.

Bristol’s South Holston Lake and Holston River are famed for their fly-fishing (especially trout) and tremendous views. Stock up on supplies and 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 be if you want to go low. It was formed hundreds of millions of years ago by an underground river; today, it features paved walkways and stairs that allow you to explore its three levels of stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Another great location is Appalachian Caverns, a glorious example of nature’s majesty that also offers a gem mine, campground, and gift shop. 

So, no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it in Bristol, Tennessee!