3 Must-Visit Places for Chocolate Lovers in Kingsport

February 23, 2017 · 3 min read

Although Easter is a religious holiday, it is synonymous with the opportunity to eat lots of delicious chocolate. The use of eggs as a symbol of Easter might seem commercially driven, but it is steeped in history. German immigrants are reported to have brought the idea of an Easter bunny to the U.S. The idea of decorating eggs goes back as far as the 13th century when Christians used to decorate eggs and eat them on Easter Sunday to mark the end of Lent. Luckily, if you live in Kingsport, Tennessee, you can indulge in delicious chocolate treats at any time of the year, not just at Easter. If you are a chocolate lover in search of a delicious sweet treat, read on to find out about three must-visit local establishments in Kingsport to get your chocolate fix.

1. Bellafina Chocolates

Head down to Bellafina Chocolates on Cherokee Street for an incredibly diverse selection of indulgent chocolate truffles. You'll be able to purchase truffles in a large array of flavors, and there are even gift boxes to satisfy any chocolate lover. A really special and heartwarming characteristic of this company is that all net proceeds after accounting for normal business expenses go toward funding charities that help disadvantaged or sick children. By getting your chocolate fix at Bellafina, you'll not only be tasting some heavenly treats, but you'll also be helping some of the most vulnerable people in society.

2. Sax and Liz

Sax and Liz is the place to go if you want to add some personalized touches to your chocolate fix. You can order customized chocolate bars, cakes, and truffles at this creative and quirky chocolatier. The talented staff at Sax and Liz will also create any other chocolate designs you can think of, including chocolate shoes. The company is owned by a husband and wife who place great importance on sourcing the best ingredients to make the tastiest chocolate treats. You can find Sax and Liz on Fort Henry Drive.

3. Chocolate Elegance

Chocolate Elegance is the place to find some of the finest specialty chocolates in Kingsport. The business is now owned by the Ketron family, having been sold to them after the death of a previous owner and the subsequent retirement of her widower husband Bob Scibor. The chocolates here are produced in small batches before being hand-dipped to give exceptional flavor. Chocolate Elegance is the ideal place to come if you need to make an impression in either a corporate setting or at an important family event with some fine chocolates. A lot of emphasis at Chocolate Elegance is placed on the presentation of the chocolates, so you can rest assured you'll be buying chocolate treats of the highest quality that look great, too. These three Kingsport establishments are the best places to get your chocolate fix in town at any time of the year, so be sure to sample some chocolates from each one throughout the year. Image via Pixabay

Posted in:

Aug 25, 2023 in Activities and Excursions

Drive on Over: 4 Great Spots for Taking Photos Near Kingsport, TN

Northeast Tennessee is a perfect place for memorable selfies and pics for the album. Don't miss these fantastic photo spots near and dear to Kingsport, TN. 1. Selfie Trail #CaptureKingsport is the hot tag for the city's famed Selfie Trail. Selfie Location Markers mark the spots where you can enjoy the sights of Kingsport while striking your best pose. The Kingsport Sign at 400 Clinchfield St. begins the journey with its clever inclusion of the Tennessee flag. Feel like royalty by snapping a pic in front of 4444 West Stone Dr.'s Allandale Mansion, or harken back to a bygone era at 4812 Orebank Rd.'s Exchange Place. Travel to 245 E. Main St. and take a picture with St. Nick anytime at the Spirit of Generosity Sculpture. The sports landmark Miracle Field (at 2017 Brickyard Park Dr.) gifts the opportunity to capture a wow-worthy baseball play against a majestic mountainous backdrop. And 350 Clinchfield St.'s Kingsport Carousel will help you recapture childhood with a family photo amidst the whimsical hand-painted horses. more 2. Bays Mountain This sprawling park has also earned honored top spots along the Selfie Trail. Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium itself offers photo ops at every turn. Pose in front of the sparkling 44-acre lake. Become wildlife photographer-extraordinaire at animal habitats featuring natural royalty such as raptors, bobcats, and iconic howling wolves. Preserve Mother Nature in all her glory along the plentiful hiking trails. Or get your night vision camera ready for a tour of the stars. For a truly postcard-pic, head on over to 853 Bays Mountain Park Rd. and discover the ultimate scenic view of Kingsport's beauty (with you as the star) in the Bays Mountain Fire-tower. Or indulge in a round of golf at the mountain's base on 1901 Meadowview Parkway. Go for the sport at Cattails, but stay for the incredible scenery and the parcel of pics that'll result. 3. Netherland Inn Road First on the photo itinerary at this Selfie Trail fixture is the captain of the namesake road: Netherland Inn. Stationed at the 2144 address, one of the region's oldest historic sites takes visitors back in time to the early 19th century with authentic period-era furnishings, toys, architecture, and more. Who needs a pricy old-time photo shoot when you can experience the real deal? And that striking Holston River view adds to the ambiance. Continue your natural odyssey with plentiful snapshot moments along 1795 Netherland Inn Rd.'s Greenbelt. Streams, marshlands, wildflower meadows, and rivers are just waiting for their time in the spotlight on this ten-mile linear trail made for walking and biking. The suspension bridge is one of many great places fit for a pic. Plus, get a flavor of Kingsport culture with photo-laden strolls through residential neighborhoods and historic downtown. 4. Downtown Mural Trail Speaking of downtown, you'll find local artworks brimming with vibrant color and vivid creative themes hugging every street. Nearly two dozen murals embody this amazing city's spirit. Easily fill a photo album with miniature masterpieces. For an automotive masterpiece, turn heads in the Toyota GT86. This ultra-sleek and affordable sportscar could steal centerpiece status in any photo spread. Autos have never looked better than they do in Kingsport. Visit Toyota of Kingsport and behold runway-ready rides.

Jul 28, 2023 in Activities and Excursions

Just Down the Road: 5 Favorite Bookstores Near Kingsport, TN

Kingsport, TN located in the “Mountain Empire” that spans a portion of southwest Virginia and the mountainous counties in northeastern Tennessee, has a long history and a number of bookstores that you can lose yourself in. Read on to find out some of our top picks. Bubba's Book Swap Bubba's Book Swap at 331 E Sullivan St, Kingsport is a fantastic used book store brimming with an extensive selection of books. They cater impressively to the interests of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and suspense/thriller readers. Browse through their impressive range of both recent and classic titles. The owner's approachability and willingness to assist is sure to leave a lasting impression. The shop offers a cozy, well-stocked ambiance right in Kingsport's heart. We wholeheartedly recommend it to any book enthusiasts in the Tri-Cities, TN/VA area, and look forward to meeting Bubba, the cat, in person during our next visit. more Dewayne's World - Comics & Games This haven for comic book enthusiasts, located at 457 E Sullivan St #423, offers a fantastic array of Gundhams, Funko Pops, D&D merchandise, Collectible Figures, comic books, Little Golden Books, and stuffed animals. Dewayne's World quickly has quickly become a popular local store thanks to its extensive offerings: comics, graphic novels, board games, miniatures, and a plethora of collectibles. The courteous and helpful staff are an additional asset, and they are always willing to talk about their own favorites and give recommendations. Books-A-Million This large store, located at 2626 E Stone Dr, in the Kingsport Pavilion shopping center, is a favorite of many thanks to its well-planned layout. Not only a shop for books, they also cater to fans of comics, manga, and other visual narratives, offering a substantial section dedicated to classics and currently serialized stories. We found their staff to be approachable and would recommend this store to anyone. Mr. K's Used Books, Music, and More Located a bit further in Johnson City, Mr. K's at 4 Mark Twain Ct is a treasure waiting to be discovered. The two-story building houses an impressive selection of used and new books, as well as comics. With a functional elevator and stairs for access, their collection caters to everyone. Though the store size can initially seem daunting, navigating it becomes easier once you familiarize yourself with the layout, and the helpful staff will help you find what you need. The prices are very reasonable and they also run a website offering both new and used books. Maple Tree Book Shop + Coffee House Situated just across the state line in Gate City, Virginia, this used bookstore down at 101 E Jackson St aims to cultivate a passion for reading. They have a particular interest in helping local families, especially those keen to support local businesses but unsure where to start. They are enthusiastic about childhood literacy and recently donated 100 books to local children during a community Back-to-School event. In addition to books, they run a full coffee shop offering a range of espresso drinks, regular coffee, and blended beverages, accompanied by a selection of homemade cookies and pastries. It's a great place to have a browse and a coffee while you find your next read. Whatever your preferred genre, you'll find something to your taste in one of these stores. And whatever kind of vehicle you need, you'll find it when you visit Toyota of Kingsport. From a used Toyota Corolla to a new Toyota Tacoma, you can find the perfect fit with us.

Jul 14, 2023 in Activities and Excursions

Drive on Over: 4 Fun Places to Visit Near Kingsport, TN

Kingsport, TN may boast a regal name, but that doesn't mean the city lacks a lively spirit. Check out these fun places in the region where you can let loose. 1. Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium If you're a nature lover who lives for outdoor adventure, you'll get your fill at this 3,500-acre park located at--appropriately enough--853 Bays Mountain Park Road. Hike nearly 40 miles of scenic trails, or you can safely witness nature's marvels (from bobcats to raptors) at the nature center. You can even listen to the awe-inspiring howling of the wolf-pack. If your interests lean more aquatic, see some action at the 44-acre lake. Or if you want an adrenaline-inducing challenge, test your mettle on the ropes course and zip-lines spanning hundreds of feet. For history buffs, take an immersive trip to a bygone era at an on-site living history farm. Or set your sights on the stars by observing the astronomical wonders at the planetarium. more 2. Putt-Putt Fun Center It's all in the name at this 346 W. Stone Drive destination that's sure to bring out your inner kid with family classics: miniature golf, arcades, go-karts, bumper cars, laser tag, and much more. Find out why this indoor delight is such a popular birthday destination. If you want a more grown-up golfing experience, head over to 1901 Meadowview Parkway and play a few rounds at the world-class Cattails golf course brimming with beautiful Bermuda fairways and Bentgrass greens. Just don't be too wowed by the six sparkling lakes lest they become your next water hazard. 3. More Awesome Athletics Northeast Tennessee is home to minor league baseball's Appalachian League. The boys of summer take to the field at 800 Granby Road's Hunter Wright Stadium. Here, cheering fans are wowed by homers, steals, strikeouts, and amazing plays courtesy of the Kingsport Axmen. You never know what goodies you'll score during the plentiful fan appreciation nights. For fast car fiends, there's NASCAR's nearby Bristol Motor Speedway. But for high-octane action right in the heart of Kingsport take your seat at the city's own speedway on 2961 N. John B. Dennis Highway. Or take a few aquatic laps of your own at the Olympic-size swimming pool at 1820 Meadowview Parkway's Kingsport Aquatic Center...also home to an aqua obstacle course, water slides, and lazy river. 4. Live Entertainment Spectaculars The Renaissance Arts Center and Theatre, located at 1200 E. Center Street, is Kingsport's answer for fun-seekers yearning for a more laid-back experience. The center hosts art shows and concerts year-round, while the 350-seat theater is perfect for play lovers. You can even enjoy a leisurely picnic or game of horseshoes outside. Every summer, Kingsport literally embodies the word fun with its annual FunFest: a multi-venue, 100-plus event fair and festival in one that kicks off in July for nine memory-filled days. Prep for FunFest with Toyota's revamped, game-changing audio multimedia infotainment system. With the massive 14-inch touchscreen available on models from the Highlander to the Sienna, you can easily locate and store your favorite tunes. Find a fun auto to be your ride-or-die. Drop by Toyota of Kingsport and test-drive your selection from our energetic and eclectic inventory.