With the gorgeous Appalachian Mountains serving as a backdrop, Bristol is known for its incomparable outdoor beauty, is one of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia’s most precious jewels. A rich musical heritage, a world-renowned racing facility and some of the friendliest people you will ever meet make Bristol the perfect destination for your next great adventure.
Day One
Morning
There’s no better place to start your day than at South Holston Lake, and Holston River where the already spectacular views are lit up the bright orange, red, and yellow hues. Autumn views don’t get any better than from these shores. Like to fish? Don’t forget to pack your gear because you’ll find a wide array of options here, from trout to catfish, bass, crappie and more.
Afternoon
Autumn awesomeness is in abundance at the spectacular 2,200-acre Steele Creek Park. The third-largest municipal park in Tennessee, it features a 52-acre lake and hours of family fun including an 18-hole disc golf course, nine-hole golf course, miles of hiking trails, paddleboats, a nature center, and splash pad
Evening
On any given night in Bristol, you’ll find a range of live music at several of our downtown Bristol venues, including Cascade Draft House, with 40 rotating taps to satisfy all your craft beer cravings and an outstanding lineup of live music.
Day Two
Morning
Wake up to the freshest of treats at Blackbird Bakery, where you’ll find everything from Bavarian crème donuts to jalapeño bacon Kolaches, to fresh-brewed coffee and more. When in Bristol, a trip to the Bristol Motor Speedway, one of NASCAR’s most popular tracks, should be on your itinerary.
Afternoon
Get out and enjoy the outdoors again on the Mendota Trail, a 12.5-mile hiking and biking corridor that will take you across forests, giving you a variety of spectacular views. Head to downtown’s State Street, where you cross the line into Virginia and back again and find specialty stores, breweries, distilleries and antiques. After a lunch at one of several locally owned restaurants, take a walk over to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and hear the story of the 1927 Bristol Sessions, which were instrumental to shaping the sound of country music for generations to come.
Evening
Ready for some dinner? You are in the right place. For classic, elevated American and Southern fare, try 620 State. Sample the outstanding homemade Chicago Pizza at the Angry Italian, or at Machiavelli’s also known for its handmade offerings, and then settle in for some live music where you can hear every song but Wagon Wheel (there’s even a sign).
Cover Photo: Bristol Sullivan Co Paramount Center credit Tennessee Tourism
