Ready to experience music history, high-speed thrills, and Appalachian charm? Head to Bristol, Tennessee! Straddle two states, jam out where country music was born, and catch the roar of NASCAR. Whether you're into outdoor escapes or downtown vibes, Bristol delivers authentic Southern adventure with a creative, high-octane twist.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Bristol is in the spring and fall (April–May and September–October), when the weather is comfortable and major events like the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion or races at Bristol Motor Speedway are in full swing.
How to Get There
- By Car: Located on the Tennessee–Virginia border along I-81, Bristol is an easy drive from Knoxville, Asheville, and Roanoke.
- By Air: Fly into Tri-Cities Airport (TRI), just 20 minutes away, with connections to major hubs.
- By Bus: Regional bus lines like Greyhound provide service to nearby cities; car travel is most convenient once in town.
Where to Stay
- The Bristol Hotel – Chic boutique stay with a rooftop bar and live music in downtown Bristol.
- Fairfield Inn & Suites – Comfortable and modern option close to the speedway and attractions.
- Blackbird Bakery Guest Suites – Cozy, stylish accommodations above one of the town’s favorite sweet spots.
Unique Attractions
⮕ Bristol Motor Speedway
Feel the roar of engines and enjoy an exciting, high-speed adventure.
© LUGOSTOCK/stock.adobe.com
Constructed in 1960 and located in Bristol, Northeast Tennessee, Bristol Motor Speedway, known before as Bristol International Raceway, is a famous NASCAR short-track. It is popularly called The Last Great Coliseum for its Roman-like architecture and epic battles. The track is known for its steep banking, two pit roads, concrete surface and stadium-like seating that fans and participants love. Capable of accommodating almost 162,000 spectators, the speedway is one of the world’s largest sporting venues. Besides the speedway, Bristol also has a quarter-mile drag strip used for the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, NHRA annual event. The drag strip is popularly known as Thunder Valley because of its scenery and location.
151 Speedway Blvd, Bristol, TN 37620
⮕ Steele Creek Park
Walk wooded trails and enjoy a peaceful family-friendly day outdoors.
© GCapture/stock.adobe.com
Steele Creek Park in Bristol is one of the largest municipal parks in Tennessee. Opened to the public in 1964, the park covers the area of more than 2,000 acres and has miles of hiking trails, a 52-acre lake, nine-hole golf course, a nature center and nine shelters that can be rented for private events. There is a lodge with a party room, kitchen and conference room, 20 picnic tables scattered around the park, large multi-use playing field with soccer goals, exercise trails and stations, kids’ playground with a swing set, horse-shoe pit, Steele Creek Express – a bright red replica of a real steam engine, paddle boat rentals and a splash pad.
4 Little Ln, Bristol, TN 37620, Phone: 423-989-5616
⮕ South Holston Dam
Admire mountain views and enjoy a quick, scenic stop.
© diy13/stock.adobe.com
Located on the South Fork Holston River in Sullivan County, Tennessee, South Holston Dam was built in 1940 for flood control and production of hydroelectric power. It is one of three dams on the South Fork Holston. In 1950 the valve gate closed and accumulated water created South Holston Reservoir. The dam today impounds the 7,550-acre South Holston Lake, which stretches across the Tennessee-Virginia border. About 60 percent of the lake shoreline is bordered by Cherokee National Forest. There is a footbridge below the dam that leads to Osceola Island with a one mile long loop wildlife trail. The lake is very popular with fishermen, for smallmouth bass fishing. It is also is known as a fly fisherman’s paradise. It is also great for boating, water skiing and nature observation.
Holston View Dam Road, Off Highway 421, Bristol, TN
Recommended Activities for Families
⮕ Ernie Ford House
Visit the birthplace of a legend and enjoy a quiet historic stop.
© Ernie Ford House
Ernie Ford House is a small white clapboard house in Bristol, Tennessee, a birthplace and home of world-renowned musician and entertainer Ernie Ford. The nicely restored house features artifacts that portray his illustrious career and can be visited by appointment through Bristol Historical Society. Ford started his 50-year long illustrious carreer as a successful radio personality, which led in1949 to signing with Capitol Records. Until 1976 he released eighty-three albums on the label and scores of single records, including his famous version of Merle Travis’ anthem to the working man, “Sixteen Tons.” The record was the fastest selling single in Capitol’s history. During his career, Ford has sold over 90 million records worldwide. He was best known for gospel, hymns and spirituals.
1223 Anderson St, Bristol, TN 37620, Phone: 276-466-9116
⮕ Bristol Caverns
Explore underground wonders and enjoy an unusual geological trip.
© Earl Robbins/Stock.adobe.com
Regarded as one of Tennessee’s oldest natural attractions, the Bristol Caverns
draws in and amazes large crowds of tourists every year. As visitors tour through levels of vaulted chambers and the winding banks of an ancient underground river over 100 feet below the earth’s surface, they’ll find beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations in various sizes and dazzling hues of red, blue, and even sparkling wine. The caverns date back beyond the frontier era, where Native Americans would use the underground river as a route to attack and escape from foreign settlers. In addition to tours, gemstone panning and picnic areas are also available along with a gift shop offering rocks, geodes, and other souvenirs.
1157 Bristol Caverns Highway, Bristol, Tennessee 37620, Phone: 423-878-2011
Attractions for Couples
⮕ Lost State Distilling
Sip local spirits and enjoy a fun, affordable tasting experience.
© Lost State Distilling
Stop by this family-owned distillery awarded as the country’s best new craft distillery in 2020 by readers of USA Today. Lost State Distilling prides itself in producing top-quality spirits using only the finest ingredients. While their products may be found in various local stores, visitors are invited to their distillery to sample their craft gin, rum, and Tennessee whiskey along with a special selection of spirits only found in their tasting room. Some of their spirits include the Franklin Four Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Secession Tennessee Gin, Cinnamon Maple Flavored Whiskey, and their very limited Franklin Four Cask Strength Single Barrel Bourbon. In addition to their tasting room, Lost State Distilling also offers daily tours of their distillery along with a year-round gift shop.
200 State Street, Bristol, Tennessee 37620, Phone: 423-797-4432
⮕ Paramount Center for the Arts
Catch a live show and enjoy a romantic night out.
© Paramount Center for the Arts
Built in 1931, Paramount Center for the Arts has been a long-standing historical landmark and pillar for the performing arts in Bristol. After its opening, the theater quickly gained popularity in the flourishing city, showcasing Hollywood blockbusters, presenting live touring performances, and hosting weekly Saturday morning cartoons for thousands of children. After being recognized as a valuable part of the community, the theater was restored in 1989, carefully preserving its original Art Deco interior while upgrading its facilities. Today, Paramount Center for the Arts is a multi-use center welcoming thousands of audience members each year for various performances including theater, film, music, dance, comedy, and family entertainment.
518 State Street, Bristol, Tennessee 37620, Phone: 423-274-8920
⮕ Tri-Cities Escape Game
Solve puzzles with friends and enjoy an exciting indoor challenge.
© JackF/stock.adobe.com
Whether for a birthday, team building, or a simple friendly gathering, Tri-Cities Escape Game is ready to host you for a night of mystery and laughter. Their rooms are rated as some of the top escape games in Tennessee with over 1,500 five-star reviews. Players will test their wits as they attempt to solve these creative and fully-immersive games. Tri-Cities offers three rooms varying in themes and missions like returning an ancient relic to the Amazon, investigating alien abductions, and protecting a secret Jurassic island. Located on Bristol’s lively State Street, several dining options are available just steps away for players to enjoy after their game.
642 State Street, Bristol, Tennessee 37620, Phone: 423-573-2114
Where to Eat
- Blackbird Bakery – Beloved local bakery with donuts, coffee, and a warm, quirky vibe.
- 620 State – Eclectic menu blending sushi, Southern favorites, and global flavors in a stylish setting.
- Delta Blues BBQ – Dig into smoky brisket, ribs, and signature sides at this downtown favorite.
Local Events
- Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion (September) – Celebrate Bristol’s musical legacy with 3 days of live performances downtown.
- Bristol Motor Speedway Night Races – Experience one of NASCAR’s most iconic events under the lights (spring and summer).
- Border Bash (Summer series) – Free live music, food vendors, and family fun along State Street.
Day Trips Within 30 Minutes of Bristol, Tennessee
- South Holston Lake (20–25 min) – Boat across clear mountain waters, cast for trout, or picnic lakeside with Appalachian views.
- Bluff City (10–15 min) – Stroll along the riverfront, fish from the boardwalk, or explore charming antique shops downtown.
- Warriors’ Path State Park (25–30 min) – Hike forested trails, kayak peaceful coves, or play a round at the scenic golf course.
- Abingdon, VA (20–25 min) – Catch a show at Barter Theatre, bike the Virginia Creeper Trail, or browse artisan galleries and cafes.
- Emmett Trail (15–20 min) – Walk or cycle through wooded hills, spot birds and wildlife, or relax along Holston River views.
- Downtown Kingsport (30 min) – Discover vintage shops, enjoy local brews, or stroll through historic Church Circle.
- Appalachian Caverns (25–30 min) – Tour stunning underground formations, learn regional geology, or enjoy family-friendly nature trails.
- Steele Creek Park (10–15 min) – Ride the miniature train, paddle the lake, or visit the nature center with hands-on exhibits.
FAQ
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Where is Bristol located?
- Bristol is a fairly small city in Sullivan County, Tennessee.
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What is unique about Bristol's location?
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What do Bristol, Tennessee, and Bristol, Virginia, share?
- The two cities share much, from the main street, which acts as the border between two states, to the downtown district and the reputation as The Birthplace of Country Music.
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What role does Bristol play in country music history?
- While the museum is located in Bristol, Virginia, it showcases the role of both Bristol, Tennessee, and Bristol, Virginia, in the birth and development of country music as a new music genre.
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What annual event takes place in Bristol?
Bristol, TN at a Glance
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. |
The Bristol Hotel – A stylish boutique hotel with rooftop views. |
Explore Steele Creek Park – Hike scenic trails and enjoy spring wildflowers. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm and great for music and racing events. |
Hampton Inn Bristol – A comfortable stay close to downtown attractions. |
Visit the Birthplace of Country Music Museum – Discover the rich musical history of Bristol. |
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning autumn colors. |
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Bristol – A convenient and cozy option. |
Attend the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion – Enjoy live music celebrating Appalachian heritage. |
Winter (December-February) – Cold and festive, great for holiday events. |
Courtyard by Marriott Bristol – A warm and inviting winter retreat. |
See the Speedway in Lights at Bristol Motor Speedway – Experience a spectacular holiday light display. |
Plan Your Trip