With the incomparable Appalachian Mountains for a backdrop, Bristol is known for its incredible outdoor beauty and is one of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia’s most exquisite gems. A rich musical heritage, a world-renowned racing facility, a casino, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet make it a perfect destination for your next great adventure!
New Trails and Additional Fun
Featuring more than 40 square miles of inland lakes, rivers, and freshwater streams in the area, South Holston Lake and Holston River are a must. If you’re into nature, it doesn’t get much better. Bring your fishing gear because these waters are full of trout, bass, catfish, crappie, and more. Fly fishermen, in particular, flock to the fabled weir dam, an angler’s paradise.
The lake area is also a popular biking/hiking spot. The Tennessee Valley Authority recently unveiled four new multi-use trails, all considered easy, allowing them to be used by those with disabilities and inexperienced hikers and bikers. Biking and mountain biking can also be enjoyed along the Mendota Trail, Steele Creek Park, and Sugar Hollow Park. Steele Creek and Sugar Hollow offer various other activities, including disc golf, picnic shelters, and playgrounds. Steele Creek also features golf, a lake, a splash pad, paddle boats, and a train for kids, while Sugar Hollow has camping, a pool, a wetlands trail, and soccer and softball fields.
Take on the Town
Once you pull yourself away from Bristol’s outdoor beauty, there’s plenty of other fun to enjoy. Bristol Motor Speedway, one of NASCAR’s most popular tracks, is a must, as is having your photo taken in front of the “It’s Bristol Baby” sign which sits right outside the massive track. Bristol is also home to Bristol Casino: The Future Home of Hard Rock. The 30,000-square-foot temporary gaming floor currently features 870 gaming selections, including table games, slot machines, Baccarat, blackjack, craps, three-card poker, roulette, restaurants, and much more!
You can’t miss a trip to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum located in historic Downtown Bristol, which tells the story of the 1927 Bristol Sessions – recordings that were influential in shaping early commercial country music’s sounds and practices.
Bristol by Night
Downtown Bristol, home of iconic State Street, Tennessee and Virginia’s official state line, is a visitor hub. You’ll love seeing the famous Bristol Sign, the Paramount and Cameo theaters, specialty shops, breweries and distilleries, and galleries, and enjoying lots of live music. There’s also the Axe & Ale House and Pins and Friends, two great family fun and nightlife options!
Hungry? Bristol has lots to choose from – from 5-star restaurants like J Frank to other locally owned and popular spots like The Angry Italian, Burger Bar, 620 on State, Black Bird Bakery, Southern Churn, Stateline Grille, and Union 41. If you’re really in the mood for shopping, The Pinnacle, the region’s largest shopping center, is packed with dozens of shopping, dining, and entertainment options anchored by Bass Pro, Belk, and Pinnacle 12 by Marquee Cinemas. In addition, The Falls in Bristol, VA is another shopping and entertainment hotspot for visitors.
Before you head out, stop by Bristol Caverns, one of the city’s oldest and most stunning attractions, which features three levels of caverns and an underground river.
Explore more at ExploreBristol.com
