Michelle & David
Things To Do
Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium
Hike at Bays Mountain! This park has a lot of hiking trails with different lengths and difficulties, a planetarium, and some animal exhibits for wolves, deer, etc. We like the lake trail for a nice hike around the lake and the fire tower trail to climb the tower and see some great views! The fire tower looks a bit rickety, and some people don't like to go up it, but one of us thinks it's fun!
Escape Room Kingsport
Test your skills at the local Escape Room in Kingpsort!
Gray Fossil Museum
The only known fossil site of its age in the Appalachian Highlands! Learn about the area dating back to 5 million years ago
Downtown Johnson City and Restaurants
Visit the quaint downtown area of Johnson City. Enjoy local restaurants such as The Label, Freiberg's, White Duck Taco, Mellow Mushroom, Watauga Brewing Company, Cafe Lola, and Scratch Pizza. Walk Founder's Park and enjoy the new playground area.
Kingsport Restaurants
If you are looking for somewhere to eat in Kingsport, here are some of our recommendations: The Chop House, Stir Fry Cafe, El Loco Taco Taqueria, Riverfront Seafood Company, Thai Noodle Town or Thai Cuisine, Bagel Exchange
Tipton-Haynes Historic Site
This historic site shares the history of Northeast Tennessee and features historic buildings, nature trail, cave, and a visitor center. All less than 30 minutes from the Kingsport hotels!
Bristol Caverns
Explore the Bristol Caverns deep under the earth's surface! Come for the stalagmites, stay for the stalactites!
Bristol Motor Speedway
Come for a race or a tour. The Bristol Speedway is just 30 minutes away from the Kingsport hotels!
Brights Zoo
Local zoo outside of Johnson City!
Warriors' Path State Park
This state park is just on the other side of the highway from the venue! It features great short hiking trails, a lake, and a golf course!
Beauty Spot Gap
This trailhead is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Kingsport. It's a very short hike to get to the top and take in the beautiful views! You can continue on the Appalachian Trail for more hiking!
Roan Balds Trail (Carver's Gap Trailhead)
This trailhead is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Kingsport. We usually hike the first three balds and turn around. It has great panoramic views of the mountains! And you get to drive most of the way to the top :). (about 4 miles round trip depending on where you turn around)
Grayson Highlands State Park
This state park is actually in Virginia, about 1.5 hours from Kingsport. However, the trip is worth it, not only for the different trails, but because wild ponies roam the trails!
The Channels Natural Area Preserve
This trailhead is about an hour away from Kingsport. This hike is mostly moderate but does have a steep part at the end. There are some really cool rock formations and "channels" that you get to walk through at the end! (6 miles round trip)
Biltmore
Visit the beautiful home of the Vanderbilt family in Asheville, NC! Take a tour of the house and the grounds, visit the gardens, winery, and plenty of outdoor activities. We really enjoyed our time here and spent the whole day exploring!
Sierra Nevada Taproom & Restaurant
This is a huge brewery that offers tours, a restaurant, and a huge outdoor pavilion with music and outdoor yard games. A nice way to relax with friends and family close by to Asheville, NC.
Triple Falls Trail
A cool hike that is close to Asheville that is filled with waterfalls! Click on the link for directions to trailhead parking
Knoxville Zoo
Can't beat the zoo! Enjoy a day spent at the zoo in Knoxville!
Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum
Enjoy the beautiful gardens in Knoxville! Visit stone terraces, walk through a bamboo forest, and embrace the smell of flowers in these free gardens.
Dollywood
If you are craving rollercoasters and shows, visit Dollywood! It is only 1.5 hours away from the Kingsport hotels in Pigeon Forge.