Family Fun (Young Children)
Day One
Start your day at Hands
On! Regional Museum and take a ride down the Katie
Ellen coal mine, forecast the weather on WKID-TV and check
out our ever-changing exhibits. Kids can become a pioneer,
an explorer or an inventor – imagination is the only
limitation.
Next, travel down I-26 to the Gray
Fossil Site & Museum. This is the worlds largest
Miocene Fossil Site where you will experience new species
of fossils never seen before up to 5 million years old.
Watch the paleontologist dig for bones at the observation
area or join in the fun and dig for some in the kids dig
area.
Enjoy a simple lunch at the fossil site or stop by one
of the areas many restaurants before heading to Appalachian
Caverns. Here you will take a one hour guided tour
savoring the breathtaking beauty the labyrinth of corridors
and rooms have to offer. Almost one mile of walkways,
some winding through great rooms with ceilings reaching
an impressive height of 135 feet, provide a full hour
of excitement and adventure.
Day Two
Enjoy the day at Wetlands
Water Park in Jonesborough, Tennessee’s oldest town.
Lounge in the lazy river, take a dive down a water slide
and enjoy the kiddy-sized play areas with water fountains
and shaded swimming.
When you have had your fill of sun and excitement, travel
into downtown Jonesborough.
Visit the International
Storytelling Center, take a carriage ride around the
town, enjoy unique shopping and treat the kids at the
local sweets shops.
Day Three
Enjoy a trip to Bays
Mountain Park & Planetarium. Originally a tract of
land bought to protect the source of Kingsport’s water
supply, Bays Mountain Park, at over 3,550 acres with a
44-acre lake in a natural valley between two ridges and
27 miles of hiking trails. It is one of the largest city-owned
parks in the nation. Be sure to drop by the Nature Center
and view the exhibits and visit the various wildlife habitats,
including the famous wolves. There’s also a planetarium
and an observatory on the grounds.
Back to Top
Family Fun (Adventure)
Day One
Spend the day experiencing the natural world at Steele
Creek Park, Bristol Caverns, and Bays Mountain Park &
Planetarium. Start at Steele
Creek Park and Nature Center where you and the family
can enjoy hiking scenic trails and paddle boating on the
lake. While you are near Bristol, be sure to stop and
see the exciting cave formations of Bristol
Caverns. The Caverns conceal an underground river
that was once used by Indians as an attack and escape
route!
After the Caverns, head toward Kingsport to spend the
rest of the day at Bays Mountain. Bays
Mountain Park & Planetarium has several exciting
features including a planetarium, observatory, nature
center, and museums. The nature center offers visitors
a chance to watch live wild animals including wolves,
bobcats, hawks, and deer.
Day Two
Take the family for a real outdoor adventure whitewater rafting down the Nolichucky
River. You will travel through the deepest gorge in the Eastern United States while
looking up at steep cliffs and towering forests. Some trips provide lunch and
opportunities to swim along the way.
Day Three
Spend the last day relaxing on Watauga Lake. Rent a boat and enjoy swimming, fishing,
and water skiing on one of the cleanest and most exciting lakes in the region. If you
get hungry during the day, be sure to dock at one of the great lakeside restaurants and
enjoy lunch or dinner overlooking the water.
Back to Top
Historical Tour
Day One
Start your trip back through time in historically rich
Greeneville, home of former President Andrew Johnson –
the 17th President following Lincoln’s assassination.
At the Andrew
Johnson National Historical Site you can learn about
his incredible life by visiting his early home, Homestead,
museum, tailor shop, and National Cemetery where he is
buried.
Spend the rest of the day in historic Rogersville.
The town’s unique original red brick Main Street is
known as the largest collection of Federal style architecture
in the state. Located on the Main Street is the famed
Hale Springs Inn that was built in 1824 and has housed
many distinguished guests including Presidents Jackson,
Polk, and Johnson. Visitors to Rogersville can also learn
why the town has been called the "Cradle of Tennessee
Journalism" by visiting the Tennessee
Newspaper and Printing Museum.
Day Two
Head east through the mountains and stop in at the birthplace
of the legendary backwoodsmen and congressmen Davy Crockett.
On the site of the original Crockett home along the banks
of the Nolichucky River, there is a log cabin similar
to the one the "King of the Wild Frontier" was born in.
Visitors to the Davy
Crockett Birthplace State Park can also visit a museum
commemorating his illustrious life and heroic death at
the Alamo.
Then keep going east to explore Historic
Jonesborough, the oldest town in Tennessee. The town's
extensive efforts to preserve its rich history helped
Jonesborough to become the first Tennessee town to be
placed on the National Register of Historic Places. There
are several interesting sites to see such as the Chester
Inn, the site of Andrew Jackson's law practice, and Jonesborough/Washington
County History Museum. Jonesborough is also home to
the International
Storytelling Center that hosts the National Storytelling
Festival the first full weekend in October.
Day Three
Start the day at the Tipton-Haynes
State Historic Site. The 18th century home was the
residence of Col. John Tipton, a member of the 1776 Constitutional
Convention, as well as Landon Carter Haynes, a Confederate
Senator. The site has nice walking trails, several outbuildings
with 18th century style gardens, and a limestone cave
where Daniel Boone is believed to have camped.
Then go to Elizabethton to explore the first permanent
American settlement outside the 13 colonies and discover
the fascinating history surrounding Fort Watauga at Sycamore
Shoals State Historic Park. Learn about the role the
settlement played in such dramatic events as the Transylvannia
Purchase and the Battle of King's Mountain, South Carolina.
End the day by visiting the Rocky
Mount Museum. Rocky Mount is the oldest territorial
capital in the United States and offers visitors a chance
to step back into 1791 frontier life. Authentic colonial
residents help make you feel like the guests of the Cobb
family as you explore the place that became the center
of government for the southwest territory during George
Washington's Presidency.
Day Four
Spend the last day in Abingdon,
Virginia, a town rooted in history long before its
development. The area was revered by Indians and sought
by white settlers who admired the lush fertility of the
area. Abingdon is home to Martha
Washington Inn, an exquisite manor that has served
as a private mansion, finishing school for ladies, Civil
War hospital, and luxurious hotel. Barter
Theatre, the State Theatre of Virginia, is one of
Abingdon's greatest attractions and provided entertainment
for poor, depression-era farmers who gained admission
through bartering produce and other farm products.
Back to Top
Outdoor Adventure
Day One
To start your adventure trip, head to Blountville to
explore the Appalachian
Caverns. These caverns have served as a hide out for
Indians, Civil War soldiers, and moonshiners over the
years and you can discover why by taking the 3 and half
hour "Wild Trip" through the underdeveloped parts of the
cave. The caverns are also home to several species of
bats including the endangered Grey Bat.
After you return to daylight, hop on I-81 and head north
to Abingdon, Va. to the Creeper Trail. The Virginia
Creeper Trail, which was formerly a railroad, offers
35 miles of scenic and serene biking, hiking, or horseback
riding and is a great way to spend the afternoon.
Day Two
Spend the day exploring the area near the Cherokee's
ancient war and trading route at Warriors’
Path State Park. The park offers some of the area's
best single track mountain biking as well as more leisurely,
scenic trails. If you get tired of biking, there are several
hiking and horseback trails or enjoy a round of golf.
For those who want to spend some time on the water, paddle
boats, canoes, and fishing boats are available for rent.
Want to get in more golfing while your here...Northeast
Tennessee offers beautiful championship quality golf courses.
For an unforgetable round of golf try one of the following
courses: Cattails
at MeadowView, Graysburg
Hills Golf Course, RedTail
Mountain, or Twin
Creeks Golf Course.
Day Three
Take an exciting rafting trip down the Nolichucky through
the deepest gorge in the Eastern United States with Cherokee
Adventures or Mountain
Adventure Guides/USA Raft. You will experience class
II-IV rapids as you wind through the steep cliffs and
towering forests. Those who want more of a challenge can
opt for an individual duck if the water levels permit.
Day Four
Dress a little warmer before you reach the breathtaking
views from the balds of Roan Mountain. At 6,285 ft., Roan
Mountain is one of the area’s tallest mountains and
offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding
peaks and valleys. While atop Roan
Mountain State Park be sure to walk through the beautiful
Rhododendron gardens that are at peak bloom in late June.
Before you leave Roan Mountain, drive to nearby Elk River
Falls for a swim and a view of one of the areas most powerful
falls.
Day Five
Take a break from all your adventures and chill out on
the water. On Boone Lake you can fish, rent jet skis,
rent a boat from Sonny's
Marina, or just soak up the sun. Be sure to hit up
some of the waterfront cafes and bars for some food, drinks,
and live music.
Back to Top
Girlfriend Weekend
Day One
Begin your weekend of elegance by enjoying the beauty
of the Northeast Tennessee countryside. First, visit the
family owned and operated Countryside Vineyards in Blountville.
Countryside
Vineyards & Winery is dedicated to extracting
some of nature's most enticing flavors and making them
into award winning wines. The vineyard offers tours and
sampling to enhance your visit.
After you leave the vineyards, head east toward the mountains
and stop in Unicoi at the Farmhouse Gallery and Gardens.
Located on a beautiful 75-acre farm, this is a place to
relax and enjoy lunch in the serenity of nature. The farm
regularly hosts picnics, festivals, retreats, weddings,
and many other events that benefit from the excellent
facilities. While you are there be sure to view the gallery
of paintings by wildlife artist Johnny Lynch.
Day Two
Spend the day shopping! The Tri-Cities is a great place to shop with newly remodeled
malls, strip centers, several shopping centers, and lots of antique stores.
After a long day on your feet lugging bags around, pamper
yourself at Austin
Springs Spa at the Carnegie Hotel or one of our numerous
spas through the region. Rejuvenate the spirit and the
senses and renew the self and soul.
Day Three
Head north to enchanting Abingdon, Virginia. Abingdon
offers visitors great places to visit and shop. Be sure
to go shop at Dixie
Pottery where you can find interior decorations for
your home.
For round two of your lavish treatment, go to The
Spa at the historic Martha Washington Inn and indulge
in their amazing menu of services. They have several spa
packages to choose from and you're sure to find one that
is perfect for you.
Finally, take the night to enjoy a show at the famed
Barter
Theatre. In addition to being the state theatre of
Virginia, Barter has launched the careers of such celebrity
performers as Wayne Knight, Gregory Peck, Patricia Neal,
and Ernest Borgnine. Barter offers a wide range of performances
including musicals, classics, comedies and dramas, all
of which you are sure to enjoy.
Back to Top
