Here's a list of some of the best things to do around the Tri-Cities area of Tennessee (which includes Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol), along with details to help you find and enjoy these attractions:

Bristol Motor Speedway Location: 151 Speedway Blvd, Bristol, TN 37620 Details: Known as "The Last Great Colosseum," this NASCAR short track hosts major races and events. Even when there's no race, you can take a tour of the facility. Expect a thrilling atmosphere during race weekends with crowds of up to 162,000 fans.

Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium Location: 853 Bays Mountain Park Rd, Kingsport, TN 37660 Details: This 3,550-acre nature preserve offers hiking trails, a planetarium, and a wildlife habitat with wolves and raptors. Visitors can enjoy scenic views, educational programs, and outdoor activities. The park is open year-round.

Birthplace of Country Music Museum Location: 520 Birthplace of Country Music Way, Bristol, VA 24201 Details: Located in Bristol (which straddles the TN/VA border), this Smithsonian-affiliated museum celebrates the 1927 Bristol Sessions, considered the "Big Bang" of country music. Expect interactive exhibits and live performances.

Warriors' Path State Park Location: 490 Hemlock Rd, Kingsport, TN 37663 Details: This park offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, boating, and golfing. It features a popular mountain bike trail system and a disc golf course. The park is open year-round, with camping available.

Gray Fossil Site & Museum Location: 1212 Suncrest Dr, Gray, TN 37615 Details: This active paleontological site and museum showcases fossils from the Miocene epoch. Visitors can watch ongoing excavations and explore exhibits about prehistoric life in the region. Open year-round, with special events and educational programs.

Hands On! Discovery Center Location: 1212 Suncrest Dr, Gray, TN 37615 Details: Located at the same site as the Gray Fossil Site, this interactive science center offers hands-on exhibits and activities for all ages. Expect a fun, educational experience with a focus on STEM topics.

Elizabethton Covered Bridge Location: E Elk Ave, Elizabethton, TN 37643 Details: This historic covered bridge, built in 1882, is a picturesque landmark. Visitors can walk across the bridge and enjoy the surrounding park area. It's a great spot for photos and picnics.

Watauga Lake Location: Near Elizabethton, TN Details: This scenic lake in the Cherokee National Forest offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. Several marinas and campgrounds are available around the lake. Best visited in warmer months.

Johnson City Farmers Market Location: 105 W Main St, Johnson City, TN 37604 Details: Open on Saturdays year-round and Wednesdays during peak season, this market offers local produce, crafts, and prepared foods. It's a great place to experience local culture and flavors.

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park Location: 1651 W Elk Ave, Elizabethton, TN 37643 Details: This park preserves the site of several important frontier-era events. Visitors can explore a reconstructed fort, hike nature trails, and attend living history demonstrations. The park hosts special events throughout the year.

*These attractions offer a mix of outdoor activities, historical sites, and cultural experiences that showcase the best of the Tri-Cities area.

This list provides a diverse range of activities. Contact us if you want to be listed!