Vacation in Northeast Tennessee – attractions, events, heritage, music, golf and outdoor adventure
   
Northeast Tennessee: America's First Frontier
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Tennessee Vacation Guide
Attractions

Holler out loud for your favorite driver at the “world's fastest half-mile”. The one-and-only Bristol Motor Speedway hosts two NASCAR races a year, while the Bristol Dragway (known as "Thunder Valley") also features numerous events. At the Fun Expedition, fun is an understatement when the whole family gets into mini golf, laser tag, bumper cars and indoor and outdoor go-karts. And not far from here, get the whole family lost in a corn maze.

Get your hands dirty while digging up some fun, and fossils, at The Gray Fossil Site and Museum. Deep inside the region’s breathtaking caverns, take a guided tour… or take a wild trip through the undeveloped areas. For something more elegant, visit a southern mansion or stop by a local vineyard for a free tour and taste of award winning wines.



ATTRACTIONS

ALLANDALE MANSION
Allandale Mansion Photo4444 WEST STONE DRIVE, KINGSPORT 37660
(423) 229-9422
FAX: (423) 224-2479
WEBSITE: www.allandalemansion.com

Located 3 miles from 1-26. Intriguing history and southern elegance create the romantic setting of Kingsport's Allandale Mansion, often called Kingsport's "White House." Built in 1950 by Ruth and Harvey Brooks, Allandale still houses their fine furnishings, antiques and art. Today, the mansion and its grounds are open for rental purposes and tours by appointment only. Office hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm. AC. L/HA.

APPALACHIAN CAVERNS
Appalachian Caverns420 CAVE HILL ROAD, BLOUNTVILLE 37617
(423) 323-2337
FAX: (423) 279-0992
WEBSITE: www.appacaverns.com

Come and join us for an hour-long guided tour through amazing formations our lighted pathways will take you through areas rich in history and beautiful views. A three-hour wild tour is also available for the more adventuresome. Hours: 9 a.m.-6p.m.Mon- Sat and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. Open year round, closed Christmas Day. AC. PC, TC and CC accepted. L/HA.

BAYS MOUNTAIN PARK
Bays Mountain Park 853 BAYS MOUNTAIN PARK ROAD, KINGSPORT 37660
(423) 229-9447
FAX: (423) 224-2589
WEBSITE: www.baysmountain.com

Located 3 miles off I-26. A 3,550-acre nature preserve with Planetarium. Eight live animal habitats, 27 miles of hiking trails, 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. AC. TC & CC accepted. F/HA.

BRISTOL CAVERNS
Bristol Caverns 1157 BRISTOL CAVERNS HIGHWAY, BRISTOL 37620
P.O. BOX 851, BRISTOL 37621
(423) 878-2011(phone or Fax)
WEBSITE: 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. 12:30-5:00; Nov. 1-Mar. 14, Mon. - Sat. 10am-4pm; Sun. 12:30-4:30. Closed Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. AC. TC & CC accepted. L/HA.

BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY & DRAGWAY
Bristol Motor Speedway 151 SPEEDWAY BOULEVARD, BRISTOL 37620
P.O. BOX 3966, BRISTOL 37625
TICKET OFFICE (423) 989-6900
FAX: (423) 764-1646
WEBSITE: www.bristolmotorspeedway.com or www.bristoltix.com
Located 8 miles from I-81. Known as "The World's Fastest Half-Mile," BMS annually hosts two NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series events. Bristol Dragway, better known as "Thunder Valley," hosts the NHRA Drag Racing Series, its own Bracket Series program and its popular street-legal racing series called Street Fights. Visitors also can share in the spirit of the holiday season during “Speedway in Lights” exhibit. Track tours available. Call for a complete schedule of events and tour schedule. Office hours: Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm. AC. PC, TC & CC accepted. F/HA.

COUNTRYSIDE VINEYARDS & WINERY
Countryside Winery 658 HENRY HARR ROAD, BLOUNTVILLE 37617-4931
(423) 323-1660 (PHONE or FAX)
WEBSITE: www.cvwineryandsupply.com
Located just 1.5 mile from I-81 exit #63. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Countryside Vineyards in Blountville, Tennessee ripens a rich harvest of memorable flavors from the earth. Home to the several award-winning wines recognized throughout the state of Tennessee and other national competitions. Stop by for a free tour and taste of our award winning wines. Open Mon.-Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 1-6pm. Call to confirm hours. Closed Christmas Day and New Years Day. Limited hours all other holidays. TC & CC accepted. F/HA.

THE DICKSON-WILLIAMS MANSION
108 NORTH IRISH STREET, GREENEVILLE 37743
(423) 787-0500
WEBSITE: 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.

ERWIN NATIONAL FISH HATCHERY
520 FEDERAL HATCHERY ROAD, ERWIN, 37650
(423) 743-4712
FAX: (423) 743-9793
WEBSITE: http://www.fws.gov/southeast/erwin/index.html

Located 1 mile from I-26. The hatchery produces 10 million disease-free eggs annually from four strains of Rainbow Trout broodstock. These eggs are shipped to federal, state and tribal hatcheries all over the United States to support recreational fishing efforts. Guided group tours with advance reservations. The facilities are also open to the public for self-guided tours. Open Mon-Fri. 7am-3:30 p.m. F/HA.

FARMHOUSE GALLERY & GARDENS
Farmhouse Gallery and Gardens121 COVERED BRIDGE LANE, UNICOI 37692
(423) 743-8799
FAX: (423) 743-0796
WEBSITE: www.farmhousegallery.net

Located 2 miles from I-26 exit 27. 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.

FUN EXPEDITION
2805 NORTH ROAN STREET, JOHNSON CITY 37601
(423) 747-0707
FAX: (423) 283-4105
WEBSITE: www.funexpedition.com

Located 1 mile from I-26. Fun Expedition appeals to children, parents and grandparents alike by honoring tried and true values, morals and ethics in an atmosphere of fun. Among the activities you'll find at Fun Expedition are mini golf, batting cages, climbing wall, laser tag arena, state of the art arcade gallery, indoor and outdoor go-kart track, bumper cars, bowling, and toddler/soft play area. For your special events, there will be private party rooms to reserve. We accommodate groups as small as 15 and as large as 400. We can customize a package for any need you or your organization have. Our all-you-care-to-eat Box Car Buffet boasts over 30 varieties of piping hot pizzas made throughout the day in addition to a generous salad, pasta and dessert selection. If your destination is FUN, then get on board at Fun Expedition. Open Mon. - Thurs. 11am - 9 pm; Fri. & Sat. 10am - 11 p.m. L/HA. TC & CC accepted.

GRAY FOSSIL SITE & MUSEUM
1212 SUNCREST DRIVE, GRAY 37615
TOLL FREE (866) 202-6223 or (423) 439-3640
FAX: (423) 439-3658
WEBSITE: www.grayfossilmuseum.org

Located 1.8 miles from I-26, Exit 13 in Gray. Become a paleontologist at the ETSU & General Shale Brick Natural History Museum and Gray Fossil Site, our newest attraction. This site has a secret that's been tucked away underground for over 4 millions years. Get a first-hand look at the late Miocene Period - a time when the area was home to rhinos, tapirs, saber-toothed cats, alligators, shovel-tusked elephants and red pandas. This site contains the world's richest deposit of fossilized tapirs. Open daily 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. AC. PC, TC and CC accepted. F/HA.

KIL'N TIME CERAMICS
818 STATE STREET, BRISTOL 37620
(423) 573-9950
WEBSITE: www.kilntimeceramics.com
E-MAIL: kilntimellc@aol.com

MYERS PUMPKIN PATCH & CORN MAZE
Myers Pumpkin Patch 3415 GAP CREEK ROAD, BULLS GAP 37711
(423) 235-4796
FAX: (423) 235-3003
WEBSITE: www.myerspumpkinpatch.com

Located in Greene County. Myers Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze offers visitors a unique outdoor experience for all ages…pumpkins, mums, Indian corn, squash, gourds, kid's activities, hay rides, 24 acre corn maze, 9 acre "Trail of Terror," and more! Corn Maze is not open Mon.-Fri. during school hours. Educational field trips during school hours. "Trail of Terror" haunted maze open Fri.-Sat. nights during Oct. Seasonal: Open daily Sept. - Oct. PC accepted. L/HA.

HISTORIC SITES

ANDREW JOHNSON NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
121 MONUMENT AVENUE, GREENEVILLE 37743-5552
(423) 638-3711
FAX: (423) 798-0754
WEBSITE: www.nps.gov/anjo or discovergreeneville.com/andrewjohnson/
Located 14 miles from I-81. Home of the 17th President of the United States. The Andrew Johnson National Historic Site includes a Visitor Center, museum, tailor shop, two Greeneville homes and National Cemetery, the burial site of President Johnson. Celebrating the 200th birthday of President Andrew Johnson in 2008. Special events plan throughout the year. Visitor Center Open 9am-5pm daily. Closed New Years Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. AC. L/HA.

NETHERLAND INN/EXCHANGE PLACE ASSOCIATION
P.O. BOX 293, KINGSPORT 37662-0293
(423) 247-7982 (NETHERLAND INN)
(423) 288-6071 (EXCHANGE PLACE)
WEBSITE: www.netherlandinn.com
WEBSITE: www.exchangeplace.info

NETHERLAND INN (1818) - The restored Inn faces the Old Stage Road and Holston River, which served as migratory spot for settlers to build boats for their westward trip during the mid-1700's. Open 2-4:30pm Sat.-Sun., May 1-Oct. 31.
EXCHANGE PLACE - Revisit the mid-1800s when people lived off the land. This living farmstead derived its name from the Exchange of currency and of horses when it served as a stagecoach stop. Open 10am-2pm Thurs.- Fri.; 2-4:30pm Sat.-Sun., May – Oct. Both sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. AC. L/HA.

ROCKY MOUNT LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
200 HYDER HILL ROAD, P.O. BOX 160, PINEY FLATS 37686
(423) 538-7396 or (888) 538-1791
FAX: (423) 538-1086
WEBSITE: www.rockymountmuseum.com

Located 4 miles from I-26 on Highway 11-E. The First Capitol of the Southwest Territory (1790-1792), now a Living History Museum. Interpreters invite you to become a guest of the Cobb family in 1791 and experience everyday life on American's first frontier. Open Mar. - Mid Dec. (first and second Fri. and Sat. in December). Tues.-Sat. 11a.m.-5 p.m. other times by appointment. Closed Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day. AC. Group tour rates available. PC, CC & TC accepted.

SYCAMORE SHOALS STATE HISTORIC AREA
1651 WEST ELK AVENUE, ELIZABETHTON 37643
(423) 543-5808
FAX: (423) 543-0078
WEBSITE: www.tnstateparks.com
Located 8 miles from I-26. Sycamore Shoals was the site of the first permanent American settlement outside the 13 original colonies and where the largest private or corporate real estate transaction in the nation's history took place, the Transylvania Purchase. Park features a visitor's center, which houses a museum, theater, gift shop and bookstore. Reconstructed replica of Fort Watauga as it stood in 1776, a 450-seat amphitheater, picnic area and two mile walking trail. Park is open Mon.-Sat. 8am-4:30pm; Sun. 1-4:30pm. PC, TC & CC accepted. F/HA.

TIPTON-HAYNES STATE HISTORIC SITE
2620 SOUTH ROAN STREET, P.O. BOX 225, JOHNSON CITY 37605-0225
(423) 926-3631
WEBSITE: www.tipton-haynes.org

Located 2 miles from I-26 exit 24. Home of Col. John Tipton, John Tipton, Jr. and Confederate Senator Landon C. Haynes whose lives represent the history of Tennessee from 1783-1870. Site of the Battle of The Lost State of Franklin in 1788. Site features eleven buildings, a museum with permanent and temporary exhibits, education center and reception space, a museum shop, and a library and archives that relate to the early history of Tennessee, as well as the Tipton and Haynes families. Open Tues. - Sat. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Call for alternate winter hours Dec. - Mar. AC. L/HA.

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CULTURAL ARTS and MUSEUMS

BARTER THEATRE
127 WEST MAIN STREET, ABINGDON, VA 24210
P.O. BOX 867, ABINGDON, VA 24212
(276) 628-3991
FAX: (276) 619-3335
WEBSITE: www.bartertheatre.com

Located 3 miles from I-81, exit 17. Professional repertory theatre at its best, at the State Theatre of Virginia. Barter launched the careers of such notable actors as Gregory Peck, Patricia Neal, and Ernest Borgnine . Enjoy classics, comedies, dramas and musicals on two stages. Introduce your children to theatre with The Barter Players and be sure to top by The Café at Barter Stage II. Open Feb. – Dec. Call or go on-line for performance schedule. AC. PC, TC, & CC accepted. L/HA.

BIRTHPLACE OF COUNTRY MUSIC ALLIANCE
P.O. BOX 216, BRISTOL 37621
(276) 645-0035
FAX: (276) 645-0036
WEBSITE: www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org

The Birthplace of Country Music Alliance is a non-profit grassroots organization established to preserve and promote the rich musical heritage of our region. The site of the historic 1927 "Bristol Sessions." The United States Congress officially designated Bristol, TN/VA as the "Birthplace of Country Music." Visitors to our region can listen to and learn about our region’s living musical history online at www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org

THE CARTER FAMILY MEMORIAL MUSIC CENTER, INC.
A.P. CARTER HIGHWAY, P.O. BOX 111, HILTONS, VA 24258
(276) 386-6054
WEBSITE: www.carterfamilyfold.org
Click here to send an email
The Carter Family Memorial Music Center serves fans and supporters of old-time country and folk music through the presentation of weekly performances at the Carter Family Fold, in Southwest Virginia. The facility honors the memory of the first family of country music, the legendary Carter Family (A.P. Carter, Sara Carter, and Maybelle Carter), whose first recordings (in 1927) are credited with giving birth to the commercial country music industry. The Carter Family Memorial Music Center was founded and is directed by Janette Carter, daughter of A.P. and Sara, who with Sara's cousin Maybelle, comprised the original Carter Family. A Saturday night with us in rural southwest Virginia will supply you with an evening of musical entertainment and country hospitality you won't soon forget. Open each Saturday beginning at 7:30 p.m. year round. AC. Group rates available. For up-to-date program information (recorded), call (276) 386-6054, or (276) 645-0035 or visit our website.

DOAK HOUSE MUSEUM
HIGHWAY 107, P.O. BOX 5026, GREENEVILLE 37743
(423) 636-8554 or (800) 729-0256 ext. 251
FAX: (423) 638-7166
WEBSITE: www.tusculum.edu/museum/doak.html

Located at Tusculum College, the oldest college west of the Allegheny Mountains founded in 1794. The Museum is the restored home of Samuel Witherspoon Doak, pioneer educator, minister, and farmer. Focus on religion and education before the Civil War. Open: Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm. Closed campus holidays. Call in advance to confirm hours. AC. L/HA.

GRAY FOSSIL SITE & MUSEUM
1212 SUNCREST DRIVE, GRAY 37615
TOLL FREE (866) 202-6223 or (423) 439-3640
WEBSITE: www.grayfossilmuseum.org

Located 1.5 miles from I-26, Exit 13 in Gray. Become a paleontologist at the Gray Fossil Museum, our newest attraction. This site has a secret that's been tucked away underground for over 4 millions years. Get a first-hand look at the late Miocene Period - a time when the area was home to rhinos, tapirs, saber-toothed cats, alligators, shovel-tusked elephants and red pandas. This site contains the world's richest deposit of fossilized tapirs. Open daily 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. AC. PC, TC and CC accepted. F/HA.

HANDS ON! REGIONAL MUSEUM
315 EAST MAIN STREET, JOHNSON CITY 37601
(423) 434-HAND
FAX: (423) 928-6915
WEBSITE: www.handsonmuseum.org

Located one block from I-26. Hands On! Regional Museum is a unique environment for children of all ages, designed to make learning fun. Programs and activities in the arts, sciences, and humanities are offered daily. Open: Tues.-Fri. 9am-5pm; Sat. 10am-5pm; Sun. 1-5pm. Mon. 9am-5pm (Jun.-Aug. only). Closed holidays. AC. PC, TC & CC accepted. L/HA.

HARRY V. STEADMAN MOUNTAIN HERITAGE FARMSTEAD MUSEUM
853 BAYS MOUNTAIN PARK ROAD, KINGSPORT 37660
(423) 229-9361 or 229-9447
FAX: (423) 224-2589
WEBSITE: www.baysmountain.com

Located 3 miles off I-26 at Bays Mountain Park. The Farmstead Museum is a showcase for the way of life that existed on and around the mountain from pioneer days to the end of the 19th Century. Tools, machinery and household items are on display to remind us of days gone by. The building itself is of hand-hewn logs to illustrate building techniques of that era. Open weekends 2-5pm; daily in summer. AC. F/HA.

INTERNATIONAL STORYTELLING CENTER
116 WEST MAIN STREET, JONESBOROUGH 37659
(423) 753-2171 or (800) 952-8392
FAX: (423) 913-8219
WEBSITE: www.storytellingcenter.net

Located 7 miles off I-26 in Historic Downtown Jonesborough. The International Storytelling Center celebrates the storytelling tradition through performance, seminars, exhibits, and a retail shop filled with a wide selection of storytelling books, tapes, and gifts. The Center produces the annual National Storytelling Festival, which is seen around the world as the premier storytelling event in America; it’s held the first full weekend in October. The Center also hosts Storytelling Live!, an annual teller-in-residence program that runs June-October with daily performances Tuesday-Saturday at 2:00 p.m. Office hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Center hours: Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. PC, TC, & CC accepted. F/HA.

JONESBOROUGH-WASHINGTON COUNTY HISTORY MUSEUM
117 BOONE STREET, JONESBOROUGH 37659
(423) 753-1015 or (423) 753-9580
FAX: (423) 753-1020
WEBSITE: www.heritageall.org

Located 7 miles off I-26. The Jonesborough-Washington County History Museum tells the history of Tennessee's oldest town and county, from the movement towards statehood to the 20th century. We look forward to your visit. Open Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm; Sat.- Sun. 10am-5pm. AC. PC, TC & CC accepted. F/HA.

NATHANAEL GREENE MUSEUM
101 WEST McKEE STREET, GREENEVILLE 37743
(423) 636-1558
WEBSITE: www.nathanaelgreenemuseum.com

Located 12 miles from I-81. A state chartered non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and exhibiting a record of the life and heritage of Greeneville and Greene County. Ten galleries. Vintage automobile, motorcycle and Cushman Cart. Open Tues. - Sat. 10am-4pm. Closed Mon. and the month of January. No admission fee, donations accepted. L/HA.

NISWONGER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
210 TUSCULUM BLVD., P.O. BOX 727, GREENEVILLE 37744
(423) 638-1328
TICKET OFFICE: (423) 638-1679
FAX: (423) 638