Things To Do
Food
• Southern Craft BBQ - Great local BBQ + rooftop views • The Olive Downtown - Classic downtown atmosphere, handmade Italian comfort food, and cocktails • Label Restaurant - A distinguished steakhouse that offers a diverse menu that caters to all paletes • The Original Ridgewood Barbecue - Located 20 minutes outside of Johnson City, this food joint is known by locals to be the most legendary barbecue in East Tennessee • Lazy Lady Bakery - Coffee, pastries, and breakfast favorites • Fearless Coffee & Kitchen - Locals recommend this great brunch and coffee stop • Pal's Sudden Service - If you're looking for a quick stop, keep your eyes open for a Pal's! This growing fast food chain is an East Tennessee staple, known for their speedy service, burgers and fries
Drinks
• Yee-Haw Brewing Co. - Popular brewery with outdoor seating, games, and frequent live music • Johnson City Brewing Company - Relaxed downtown brewery with local beer selection • Watauga Brewing Company - Brewery + food menu with mountain vibe • Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards - A short 30 minute drive from Johnson City, this upscale vineyard spans 13-acres producing many varieties of wine. Enjoy the taste of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains in every sip.
Outdoor Activities (local)
• Winged Deer Park - Walking trails, lake views, kayaking, and disc golf • Buffalo Mountain Park - Hiking trails with beautiful overlooks • Beauty Spot - Incredible mountain views and a favorite local sunset spot • Roan Mountain State Park - One of the most scenic areas in East Tennessee • Warriors' Path State Park - Named for the historic Cherokee war and trading path, this park offers endless activities such as hiking, mountain-bike trails, fishing piers, boat rentals, birdwatching, playgrounds and disc golf
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Here you will discover amazing hikes, waterfalls, wildlife viewing, and iconic mountain scenery. We recommend Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for family friendly attractions, mountain-town adventures, distilleries, shopping, and restaurants. If you're looking for a scenic drive, we recommend Cades Cove. This is an 11-mile, one-way loop road through a lush, scenic valley renowned for its historic churches, mountain homesteads, and frequent wildlife viewing.
Day Trips
• Jonesborough - Tennessee’s oldest town with charming shops and restaurants • Bristol - Home of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and the famous state-line downtown • Asheville, NC - Incredible restaurants, breweries, art galleries, mountain views, and the Biltmore Estate