Things To Do
Inspire Wine Bar
Inspire is one of our favorite wine bars in the Tri-Cities, and we love going there for a relaxing evening together. It’s right in downtown Kingsport, with a great selection of wines, tasty small plates, and desserts. The cozy atmosphere makes it one of those places we always enjoy spending time at.
The Reserve
If you’re up for a relaxed, stylish evening in downtown Kingsport, check out The Reserve – a great cocktail and small plates venue with a full-bar vibe. The mixologists craft top-shelf drinks, the small plates hit just right, and the atmosphere is friendly but elevated. Perfect for a pre-wedding outing or just winding down before our big day.
Bays Mountain Brewing Company
Bays Mountain Brewing is our go-to brewery in downtown Kingsport. It’s just down the street from Inspire Wine Bar. The vibe is always laid-back with good beer, food trucks, and various brewery events, and it’s a spot we really enjoy hanging out at.
Gypsy Circus Cidery
Gypsy Circus in Kingsport is Tennessee’s first craft cidery, and it’s where Abbey and Emil went on one of their first dates. This location has a fun, laid-back vibe with a rotating lineup of ciders, cocktails, and BBQ. It’s a great spot to hang out, try something new, and enjoy the local scene.
Johnson City Brewing Company
Johnson City Brewing is our favorite local brewery, and Emil is a proud Lamplighter Mug Club member here. They’ve got two locations in Johnson City and one in Boones Creek, but we usually end up at the downtown spot since it’s our go-to. It’s a fun, laid-back place to grab a pint and enjoy the local craft beer scene. It’s become a running joke and one of Emil’s favorite phrases: “Hey guys! You want to go to JCBC?”
Tennessee Hills Distillery
There are Tennessee Hills locations in Johnson City and Jonesborough, but the new Bristol one is our favorite. We love stopping in for a tasting, drinks and a quick bite, with a great atmosphere and mountain views. It’s one of our favorite local spots, and we think you’ll enjoy it too!
King City Distillery
King City Distillery is a cool little spot in downtown Kingsport known for their flavored moonshines like salted caramel, peach, and blackberry. The tasting room is open Thursday through Saturday, and it’s right next door to Ole Crow Tavern, which makes it easy to grab a bite before or after a tasting. It’s a fun stop if you want to try something local and a little different.
Ole Crow Tavern
Ole Crow Tavern is a newer BBQ spot in downtown Kingsport serving up great meats, craft beers, and a laid-back atmosphere. Emil also loves their burgers and the Ole Crow Peach craft beer. It’s right next door to King City Distillery, making it easy to grab some craft moonshine before or after your meal. A solid stop if you’re looking for good food, drinks, and a fun downtown vibe.
Stir Fry Cafe
Stir Fry Café has been a go-to restaurant in Kingsport. The menu has a little bit of everything from sushi to Asian fusion to grill favorites, and they also serve really good cocktails and local craft beer from Great Oak Brewing. We always enjoy stopping in for a fun, flavorful meal downtown.
Southern Craft BBQ
Southern Craft BBQ hits the spot when we’re in the mood for barbecue, with locations in both Johnson City and Kingsport. Emil’s go-to is the Killer B Brisket sandwich, and they also make a solid spicy Bloody Mary. It’s an easy place to relax and enjoy some good food while you’re in town.
Fusion at Ridgefields
Fusion at Ridgefields is a great spot on the Ridgefields golf course where you can grab brunch, lunch, or dinner. They serve a mix of Italian, Tex-Mex, and American dishes, have a solid bar, and the whole place has an easy, relaxed vibe. Abbey and Emil actually had their first brunch date here, so it’s a special place for us. It’s a nice option if you’re looking for something tasty and casual while you’re in Kingsport.
Juniper
Juniper is a special spot we love for higher-end dining on special occasions in the Tri-Cities. With chefs who have worked at The Ritz-Carlton and The Greenbrier, the food and service are always top notch. The Brussels sprouts, focaccia bread, and duck are some of the best around, and be sure to make a reservation if you decide to dine here.
Red Meze
Red Meze is Emil’s favorite easy go-to spot for food in Johnson City. It may not look like much on the outside, but the food is awesome, the people are super friendly, the prices are reasonable, and they’ve got good beers plus a nice outdoor patio. If Emil disappears for food during the weekend, there’s a good chance he slipped over here.
Label Restaurant
On our second date, Emil brought Abbey to Label and swore they had the best sweet potato fries in town. Although they’re Emil’s favorite, Abbey didn’t quite agree — but she still stuck around. Label is a fun downtown Johnson City spot with classic American food, some higher-end bourbons, and a menu that goes from sushi to steaks to burgers. We’d “Label” it as one of the best all-around spots in Johnson City.
Pal's Sudden Service
Pal’s Sudden Service is a must-try regional fast food chain and one of Abbey’s favorites. It’s home to one of the best burgers in town and is known for its unique burger and hotdog restaurant design with super quick drive-thru service. A true local favorite you won’t find anywhere else.
Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium
Bays Mountain is super close to MeadowView and one of our favorite spots to get outside. There’s a big lake, tons of trails, and even a planetarium and animal habitats. We especially love walking the Lakeside Trail together or hiking up to the Fire Tower for the views.
Warriors' Path State Park
Warriors’ Path State Park is a great spot in Kingsport if you want to get outside. There are plenty of trails, lake views, and even a golf course next door. We’ve done the Duck Island loop and really like it for an easy, relaxing walk by the water.
Cattails at MeadowView Golf Course
Cattails is one of the nicer golf courses in the area, and it’s located right at our reception location at MeadowView. With Bermuda fairways and Bentgrass greens, it offers a beautiful and challenging 18-hole layout. A great choice if you want to play a round without a long drive.
Graysburg Hills Golf Course
If you want to get a round in while you’re here, Graysburg Hills Golf Course in Chuckey is a great option just outside the Tri-Cities. It’s actually Emil’s favorite golf course, with 27 holes designed by Rees Jones, bent-grass greens, bermuda fairways, and awesome East Tennessee views. Whether you’re serious about your swing or just want a relaxed afternoon on the course, it’s a solid pick.
King's Sport Axe House
King’s Sport Axe House is a fun spot in downtown Kingsport where you can throw some axes and grab a drink. We think it’s a great place to hang out and try something different while you’re in town.
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol
If you’re looking to switch things up while you’re here, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Bristol is a fun option. There’s plenty to do between the casino floor, live music, bars, and restaurants. It’s an easy place to walk around, grab a drink, and spend an evening if you’re in the mood for something lively.
