Four Best Restaurants for Healthy Meals in Kingsport, TN

January 05, 2017 · 3 min read

The fuel we choose to put in our gastric gas tanks can make the difference between our being sleek sports cars or smoke-belching jalopies. Those who care about what they eat are all too familiar with the challenges of dining out. Who knows how it's prepared, or where the ingredients come from? Fortunately, as home to the Healthy Kingsport initiative, this town has no shortage of local restaurants providing high-octane premium fuel for your body.

Mustard Seed Cafe

The quaint, laid-back Mustard Seed Cafe prides itself on locally sourced, fresh, and healthy ingredients. It serves a variety of sandwiches, quiches, and specialty coffees. All of the soups are made daily from scratch. Folks rave about the Tomato Pie quiche, the chicken salad, and the Micah's Smash sandwich. Mustard Seed is nutrition for the soul as well as the body. The pleasant service, relaxing atmosphere, and roomy interior make it a perfect place for a healthy and refreshing meal. Oversized windows flood the restaurant with light. Outside seating is available for those who want an additional dose of vitamin D with their lunch.

Panera Bread

Though Panera Bread is a huge chain restaurant, it doesn't mean they don't care about providing healthy meals that are responsibly sourced. Kingsport knows this, and Panera's presence is welcomed and embraced. The restaurant features fresh-baked bread and a wide variety of sandwiches and salads. Panera has made a commitment to remove all artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners from every one of its cafe and Panera at Home grocery products by the end of 2016. It has even created an extensive "No No List" of commonly used food additives such as sodium benzoate, FD&C colors, sulfites, and glycerides, all of which are either banned from Panera's food or are in the process of being removed. Panera is committed to offering menu transparency to all who choose to dine there.

Barbaritos

As a member of the Healthy Kingsport family, Barbaritos is dedicated to providing fresh ingredients, lean meats, gluten-free options, and a variety of nutritious choices. Its "healthy initiative" menu features delicious offerings such as veggie burritos, guacamole salads, jerk fish tacos, and burrito bowls. The food is prepared fresh every day, salad dressings are made in-house without preservatives or additives, and protein selections include all-natural chicken, 100 percent sirloin steak, organic tofu, and lean ground turkey. Check out the extensive fresh salsa bar to add some pizazz to your meal.

Stir Fry Cafe

This Asian fusion cafe offers a wide spectrum of choices for the healthy eater. Sushi, noodle bowls, and fresh-grilled meats and seafood are all delicious options. The menu is vast, encompassing Japanese, Chinese, and Thai specialties. The cafe even serves burgers, offering not only half-pound Angus beef patties but also grilled chicken breast and vegetarian black bean burgers. Items that are normally frozen or premade, such as French fries, sauces, and even cheeses, are made from scratch right on the premises. Stir Fry Cafe offers fare that's not only scrumptious but also homemade and thus free of preservatives and other chemicals. Health-conscious Kingsport denizens need not starve when dining out, thanks to restaurants such as these. Next time your fuel tank hits the red, consider filling up at one of these fine establishments. Image via Pixabay

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Sep 22, 2023 in Around Town

5 of the Best Scenic Drives in Tennessee

You'll never be short of scenic drives when traveling through Tennessee. Whether you live in Kingsport, TN or elsewhere in the state, you can find plenty of unique visual experiences behind the wheel. 1. Roan Mountain (Nearest Kingsport, TN) It's an hour's journey from Kingsport to Roan Mountain, but the real beauty is found once you arrive in this small village. The views of the mountain itself will delight you, and you can enjoy the day by perusing the delights of Roan Mountain State Park. more 2. U.S. Highway 129 (The Tail Of The Dragon) This route is nicknamed The Trail Of The Dragon because it features hundreds of curves along its 11-mile distance. For this reason, it's a popular road for motorcycle races. Yet, if you take the road at an orderly pace, you'll notice it's a picturesque journey. The best views come courtesy of the Great Smoky National Park, which the highway borders. Despite being a mid-size SUV, the 2023 Toyota RAV4 offers the pristine handling to take on this road without fear. You and up to four passengers will be able to appreciate the ride in great comfort thanks to the modern, spacious interior of this vehicle. 3. Cades Cave Loop Road This is another enjoyable journey within the vicinity of Great Smoky National Park. You'll enjoy plenty of memorable views of the surrounding mountains along this 12-mile route. If you're lucky, you'll spot plenty of the wildlife who call this area their home. This route is reserved for cyclists and hikers on Wednesdays during the summer months, but it's OK for motorists every other day of the year. 4. Cherohala Skyway This 42-mile route connects Tellico Plains in south-east Tennessee with the town of Robinsville in North Carolina. It's named after Cherokee and Nantahala forests since it passes through both of them. It was labeled as a National Scenic Byway back in 1996. You'll experience great views of both forests on this state-maintained highway. The gradients become as steep as 9% at some points. There are plenty of suitable spots for those who enjoy hiking or picnicking in nature with family and friends. 5. Ocoee Scenic Byway Ocoee Scenic Byway was the first route to be labelled a National Forest Scenic Byway. It comprises U.S. Highway 64 and Forest Road 77. Along this route, you can enjoy the sights of the Ocoee River Gorge, Chilhowee Mountain, Cumberland Mountains, Tennessee Valley, and the mountains of Georgia. If you're considering buying a new or used Toyota vehicle, pay us a visit at Toyota of Kingsport. Our team of experts will be delighted to assist you in ensuring you choose the vehicle that best suits your needs.

Sep 01, 2023 in Around Town

Take the Car and Check Out These 3 Free Things to Do Near Kingsport, TN

There's something to do for everyone here in Kingsport, TN. The city has a plethora of activities, and when you're on a budget, you can even find several free things to do. Look at the following list, which is just a sampling of what our fine region has to offer. 1. Warriors Path State Park This 950-acre park is an outdoor enthusiast's playground. Both adults and kids alike will find plenty to do, including hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and witnessing a nature education program. Bring your camping gear and stay overnight too! You can even go to their website and find a list of trail maps if you intend to do lots of hiking. One of the things that makes this park especially unique is that it offers activities for children with disabilities. There's the Lions Narnia Braille Trail, which is a quarter of a mile in length where kids will learn about the Chronicles of Narnia, the famous book by C.S. Lewis. The Anderson Treehouse is also popular among children. The Warriors Path Park office is located at 490 Hemlock Rd., but if you simply follow directions for the park, you'll have no trouble finding it. The park is open every day. more 2. Borden Park Borden Park has been around since 1906 and offers a multitude of activities on its 17 acres. Enjoy a game of basketball on the court, bring your rackets and balls for a game of tennis, and don't forget the picnic baskets. The park offers barbecue grills, six picnic shelters, benches, bathrooms, and even a pickleball court. Please note that you'll need your own net and supplies to play pickleball. You can also get some exercise on the paved walking trail. The kids can enjoy the two playgrounds while the adults relax on the benches. Don't forget to bring Rover as the park is dog-friendly. The park is open from dawn to dusk every day, and it is located at 901 Lamont St. 3. The Kingsport Greenbelt The Greenbelt connects the neighborhoods and downtown Kingsport through a trail that brings nearly 1,000 visitors every day. You can walk or bike along the pathway and take in the scenic streams, meadows, flowers, and even historic sites of the area. You'll also enjoy seeing wildlife along the way. Bring your furry friends as dogs are welcome. The Greenbelt is located at 1550 Fort Henry Dr. and is open Monday through Friday. Take your next local trip in a brand new 2023 Toyota Crown Platinum. Visit Toyota of Kingsport today and see everything we have in stock. We have both new and used vehicles as well as great specials. We are located at 2525 E. Stone Dr.

Jul 07, 2023 in Around Town

3 Farmers Markets in Driving Distance of Kingsport, TN

If you want the very best locally grown and made products in and around Kingsport, TN, farmers markets are great go-to places. Don't miss these fantastic markets in the area. 1. Kingsport Farmers Market During the heart of growing season, the corner of Clinchfield and Center Streets comes alive for the Kingsport Farmers Market. From May to October, you can visit from seven in the morning until one in the afternoon every Wednesday and Saturday. And go early or late in the season by taking advantage of the Saturday openings in April and November. The freshest produce from area farms is always up for sale, as are incredible baked goods and unique crafts from hometown artisans. Fun community programs are plentiful too, such as the Farmacy Fit walking challenge, Saturdays with the Chef cooking demonstrations, and even martial arts classes. The pavilion is available for rentals and brings such activities as Market Jams live music. more 2. Appalachian Farmers Market Travel to Gray's intersection of Lakeview and Fair Streets and you'll come across a Washington County staple in the spring, summer, and fall. Local growers, bakers, and artisans are on-site and ready to answer your questions about their labor of love offerings. Operating hours are Mondays between 4 PM and 7 PM and Saturdays between 7 AM and 12 PM. Indulge in local season veggies from arugula to turnips in the spring, cucumbers to zucchini in the summer, and carrots to pumpkins in the fall. And your fruit bowls will be overflowing with scrumptious strawberries, cantaloupes, watermelons, apples, and so much more. Get your meat fix with beef and egg items, and top off your meal with fresh herbs, spices, and molasses. Visitors with a green thumb will love the plants and flowers. 3. State Street Farmers Market Fellow Tri-City Bristol hosts this market at, appropriately enough, 810 State Street. Dubbed "Bristol by the Bushel," this fixture of historic downtown opens from May until October. Get your fill of locally grown cabbage, gourds, Irish potatoes, sweet corn, and berries of all kinds, among other goodies. You'll find an abundance of tempting foods both at the market and at nearby downtown dining destinations. For downtown and city driving with ease, nothing beats the Toyota Camry. This popular four-door family sedan and coupe is small enough to slot into any tight parking space and big enough cargo capacity-wise to stock up on all your market goods. Better yet, it delivers nimble handling and solid Toyota Safety Sense features such as pedestrian detection and a rearview camera. Rest assured with a ride that boasts comfort and reliability in any season. Visit Toyota of Kingsport for an inventory that delivers for drivers in every way.