Things To Do - Attractions
While you are here, enjoy all that the region has to offer. Take in
a Barter Theater production, visit the world’s fastest half-mile –
Bristol Motor Speedway and enjoy Roan Mountain State Park - one of the
many state parks in the region . Check out all the region has to
offer……
NOW OPEN, THE GRAY FOSSIL SITE AND MUSEUM
The Gray Fossil Site and Museum is Tri-Cities newest attraction. The
Gray Fossil Site is the only late Miocene - early Pliocene terrestrial
fossil locality in the Appalachian Mountains. Recently discovered in
Gray, Tennessee the deposit covers roughly 5 acres and is about 100
feet deep. The site contains well-preserved, very high quality plant
and animal remains dating about 4-8 million years old.
LEARN MORE
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ANDREW JOHNSON NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE 423-638-3551 www.nps.gov/anjo The Andrew Johnson National Historic Site honors the life of the 17th President. Andrew Johnson's presidency, 1865-1869, illustrates the United States Constitution at work following President Lincoln's assassination and during attempts to reunify a nation torn by civil war. His presidency shaped the future of the United States and his influences continue today. |
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APPALACHIAN TRAIL www.appalachiantrail.org Though it hugs the North Carolina border for nearly 200 miles, the Appalachian Trail doesn’t officially cross into Tennessee until it reaches the Nolichucky River—at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (about four miles outside Erwin). On this section of the trail, elevations frequently exceed 5,000 feet. |
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BAYS MOUNTAIN PARK & PLANETARIUM 423-229-9447 www.baysmountain.com A 3,000-acre nature preserve with Planetarium located 3 miles off I-26. Eight live animal habitats, hiking, biking, public programs: Sat. & Sun. and daily during the summer. Park hours: 8:30am-5pm. Extended hours during the summer. No pets allowed. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and day, and New Years. Call for more information. |
| BRISTOL CAVERNS 423-878-2011 www.bristolcaverns.com Located 8 miles from I-81. A journey through the caverns will take you through millions of years of timeless beauty. Largest and most beautiful in the Smoky Mountain Region. Guided tours about every 20 minutes. A year-round attraction. Open Mar. 15 -Oct. 31, Mon. - Sat. 9am-5pm; Sun. 12:30-5pm; Nov. 1-Mar. 14, Mon. - Sat. 10am-4pm; Sun. 12:30-4pm. AC. TC & CC accepted. L/HA. |
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CHEROKEE ADVENTURES, INC. 1-800-838-7238 www.cherokeeadventures.com Since 1979, Cherokee Adventures Inc. has provided exceptional whitewater trips on the Nolichucky River. Located in Erwin, Cherokee Adventures is a short trip from Johnson City or Jonesborough. Fleet includes rafts and fun yaks to suit the water level. The trip includes riverside buffet luncheon, equipment, skilled guides and free camping. |
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DAVY CROCKETT BIRTHPLACE 423-257-2167 www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/DavyCrockettSHP/ The celebrated frontiersman, warrior and backwoods statesman was born on the banks of the Nolichucky River in Limestone. Visit the cabin that has been restored and furnished in the period style of the late 1700s. Special events: • Crockett Days (August) |
| DICKSON-WILLIAMS MANSION 423-639-6996 www.mainstreetgreeneville.com/tours_mansion.html Located 14 miles from I-81 in Historic Downtown Greeneville. "Showplace of East Tennessee." Designed and constructed by two craftsmen from Ireland (1815-1821). The circular staircase, arising three full flights, is the "tour de force" of the builder's art. Built by William Dickson, Greeneville's first postmaster for his only child, Catharine, who married Dr. Alexander Williams. This house served as headquarters for both Union and Confederate armies during the Civil War. Tours daily at 1 p.m. limited to 12 people. Advance reservations for groups over 12 people. Closed holidays. AC. |
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DOE RIVER COVERED BRIDGE 423-547-3850 www.tourelizabethton.com/scenic-historic/ Stretching across the beautifully flowing, clear and cool water of the Doe River, Elizabethton's Covered Bridge is one of Elizabethton's premier and most photographed attractions. It is one of two bridges in Tennessee identified by a Tennessee Historical marker and is included on the National Registry of Historic Sites. |
| EXCHANGE PLACE 423-288-6071 www.exchangeplace.info A living history farm, is Kingsport's tonic for today's fast paced life. The site was once a community that served as a self-supporting plantation, a relay station along the Old Stage Road and the Post Office for Eden's Ridge, TE. Exchange Place -- the Gaines-Preston Farm recaptures life in the early 1800s. |
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| FARM HOUSE GALLERY & GARDENS 423-743-8799 www.farmhousegallery.net Located 2 miles from I-26 exit 28. Unique! 75-acre farm with studio gallery of artist Johnny Lynch, gardens, meeting and event facilities. On premise catering and barbecue kitchen. Blacksmith shop. Open year-round. Tues.-Sat. 10am-5pm. Closed major holidays and Sun. & Mon. PC, TC & CC accepted. |
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NETHERLAND INN 423-247-3211 www.netherlandinn.com The restored Netherland Inn and section of the Old Boatyard depict an intimate study of a way of life that is intriguing part of America's heritage. A visit to this historic landmark is a real and meaningful experience for young and old. |
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ROAN MOUNTAIN STATE PARK 423-772-3303 With breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountain range and plenty of plant and animal life, Roan Mountain is a nature lover’s paradise. The park is home to the largest natural Catawba Rhododendron garden in the world, which comes alive every year in early summer. The park offers world-class hiking and some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere. |
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SYCAMORE SHOALS STATE HISTORIC AREA 423-543-5808 www.state.tn.us/SycamoreShoals A short drive from Johnson City to Elizabethton places you in the first permanent settlement outside the 13 colonies. Sycamore Shoals served as the muster point for the Overmountain Men on their way to the Battle of King’s Mountain. Visit the reconstruction of Fort Watauga, peruse the museum and enjoy a year-round interpretive program.
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USA RAFT 1-800-USA RAFT With a base camp in Erwin, USA Raft provides adventurers with an 8.5-mile journey down the deepest gorge in the east. Express trips and relaxed family paddling trips down the Nolichucky are also available. |
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VIRGINIA CREEPER TRAIL Once the bed of a rugged mountain railroad, the Virginia Creeper Trail is a 34-mile journey through magical forest scenery. The trail is a favorite among hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, and includes more than 100 bridges and trellises. |
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WATAUGA LAKESHORE RESORT & MARINA 423-926-8090 Located in Hampton just 20 minutes from Johnson City, this lake features public docking facilities, as well as picnic areas to accommodate beautiful boating scenery |