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When kids are invested in the arts, they have more opportunities to express their creativity and may do better in school. However, with budget deficits in public schools, arts programs in schools are being reduced. Here are some ways to get your kids involved in the arts outside of school. Brushstrokes n' More If you'd rather not commit to a formal class, consider exposing your kids to a painting studio such as Brushstrokes n' More. They can paint on canvases or ceramics, or make board art. They can even make jewelry or glass crafts. You can go during an open painting session, take a class, or host a kids' birthday party at the studio. Kids can have the opportunity to explore painting without having the supplies at home. This means less cost and mess. more Dance Classes at the Centre for the Performing Arts The Centre for the Performing Arts in Kingsport, Tennessee, offers dance classes to a wide range of age groups from 3-year-olds to adults. For preschool- and kindergarten-aged students, kids learn from a curriculum based in pre-ballet, pre-tap, pre-acrobatics, creative dance, and music appreciation. Starting with 6- and 7-year-olds, students start to learn the classic skills behind ballet, tap, acrobatics, and jazz. A boys-only class is available for boys of all ages. Workshops and Camps at the Kingsport Theatre Guild For many school-aged students, nothing is more fun than playing make believe in front of an audience. If your child has an interest in performing, the workshops and camps available at the Kingsport Theatre Guild are likely a good fit. During the summer, the Kingsport Theatre Guild offers week-long camps for kids, divided by age groups and topic. For instance, Youth Theatre Camp is for kids from kindergarten to sixth grade. In this camp, students act, design sets, try on costumes, and learn more about stage combat. At the end of the camp week, the kids work together to put on their own stage show. During teen theatre camp for seventh graders to 12th graders, teens learn about auditions, monologues, stage lighting, stage combat, improvisation skills, stage makeup, directing, and stage management. The teen camp also features a show that takes place at the end of camp. Portable Art On the Go Are you familiar with busy bags? Busy bags are simple activities that you keep in a bag or case to always have them with you on the go. It is a great way to keep kids entertained when you are out and about, such as in a doctor's office, waiting for food at a restaurant, or on a plane. A busy bag can contain markers and a drawing pad, an age-appropriate learning activity, or stickers and other supplies. You can use busy bags to infuse art time into each day. Getting your kids involved in the arts doesn't have to be a hassle. By using one of these strategies to encourage your kids to participate in the arts, it can be easy. Plus, your kids are sure to have fun Image by bodobe from Pixabay

If you're thinking of a way to make Valentine's day extra special for your loved one this year, Kingsport has fun options for whatever type of celebration you want to have. From a gorgeous day in the outdoors, to a pampering spa experience, to classic dinner and flowers, here are our most romantic Kingsport date ideas. Visit Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium If your partner loves to be outdoors, surprise him or her with a romantic day of hiking in the beautiful landscape of this Kingsport nature preserve. Bays Mountain Park spans 3,550 acres and includes more than 38 miles of hiking trails, with paths ideal for short jaunts and long treks alike. Stroll around the beautiful lake or head out to climb the fire tower for expansive views of the area, keeping your eye out for native flora and fauna along the way. After your hike, relax and enjoy the stars together at the state-of-the-art planetarium on-site. Park entrance is just $5 per vehicle and planetarium tickets are $5 each, so this is a great way to have a fun, intimate Valentine's day even if you're on a tight budget. Bays Mountain is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. more Enjoy a Spa Day at Agota Springs This gorgeous Kingsport retreat is a full-service facility on 120 acres of peaceful woodlands. Plan a full day of relaxation for you and your loved one, with spa services that include facials, microdermabrasion, peels, massages, stone therapy, manicures and pedicures, hair removal, wraps, and packages services. A couples massage is a great choice for Valentine's day; this package includes a 60-minute massage in the spa's couples suite with a complimentary glass of champagne and locally made chocolate truffles for a cost of $165. Gift certificates for spa services are also available. Agota Springs is open for day spa appointments from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Dine at the Chop House This gourmet fine-dining steakhouse is ranked as the most romantic restaurant in Kingsport by TripAdvisor users. Fans of the Chop House praise the perfectly cooked steaks, fresh seafood selections, and outstanding service. Founded in 1992, this restaurant has long been a staple of the Kingsport dining scene, and has been named as the best special occasion restaurant and best overall restaurant by the Knoxville News Sentinel. We recommend making reservations since Valentine's day tends to be busy at this type of romantic establishment. Say it With Flowers Your partner will love a beautiful bouquet from Rainbow's End Florist in Kingsport. They offer a range of specialty arrangements designed to evoke love and romance, including long-stemmed red roses, red and pink tulips, heart-shaped bouquets, the Together Forever mix of roses, carnations and greenery, and the colorful Make Her Day bouquet with hydrangea, spray roses, asters, and chrysanthemums. Every bouquet can be customized by the expert florist, and each order is hand-delivered to the desired recipient with fast, friendly service. Image by NoName_13 from Pixabay

Warrior's Path Riding Stables Get the kids up on horseback at Warrior's Path Riding Stables. Whether they are experienced riders or they are trying it for the first time, the kids are sure to love a day at the stables. There are two miles of horseback riding trails at Warrior State Park with guided tours on the weekends starting in the spring that take you through the scenic woodlands. The price for a short ride is just $18 and longer rides are $26. The little ones can even go on a pony ride. The staff at the stables will take the time to make sure everyone feels comfortable on the horses and then guide you along the trails which cover all kinds of terrain including flat grounds and some steeper parts which add to the experience. more Gray Fossil Site & Museum This museum and activity center is great for kids of all ages. The Gray Fossil site is a place you and the kids can go to see an active Miocene-era fossil dig site and learn about how archeologists to their work. The fossils date back over 5 million years and include a saber-tooth cat, tapir, and a short-faced bear. Admission to the museum is $5 for adults and kids over three years old, and free for children two and under. Leaping Lizards Family Entertainment Center Do your kids need to burn off some energy? Leaping Lizards Family Entertainment Center and all its inflatable structures provide hours of fun and entertainment. You can either sit back and relax while the kids play or join in the fun. The six inflatables include a huge gumball machine, a dump truck, and a giant shark. Book the center for a birthday party, or plan a family night out and you can all have some fun. Leaping Lizards sits on Wilcox Court in Kingsport. Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium The Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium sits on over 3,000 acres of nature preserve and is the largest city-owned park in Tennessee. The park has many activities both inside and out including an adventure course, a planetarium, and animal habitats. There is also a lake, hiking trails, and mountain biking for those who like a little more adventure. The Planetarium theater is just $5 for a show and features different productions throughout the year such as "Cosmic Origins Spectrograph" or "Two Small Pieces of Glass." The kids and anyone who wants an adventure can also try the adventure ropes course with zip lines and thrilling rope climbing. Bring the kids to some of these attractions and spend some fun family time together. Image Via Pixabay

1. Embrace Mountain Terrain One of the most-loved aspects of this forest is the beautiful and boisterous mountain view. As you drive through the hills, take a few deep breaths of the mountain air and enjoy the sensational skyline views. The mountainous natural drive is perfect for a romantic day adventure or a ride with the kids. Make sure to pack a picnic lunch and blanket so you can stop off by a stream and enjoy. more 2. Animal Watching The Cherokee National Forest Park is happily  known for its array of unique animals. If you’d like a venue where you can teach your children about wildlife, this is it. Bring them along to witness the variety, but you must be mindful that there are about 1,500 bears in the forest. Keep safe by educating yourself about how to exercise caution. 3. Zip Lining Not too far from the National Forest Park is the opportunity to take part in a zip lining adventure that will take you across the Ocoee River. Check out the Ocoee River Zipline Tour, where rates start at $65 per person. The tour is set up with seven powerful ziplines for a total of 6,000 feet of fun, and an incredible bird's-eye-view of 4,000 acres. The ride can keep you going for a full two hours. 4. Hiking Needless to say, the ultimate way to experience the wonder and thrill of the Cherokee National Park is to do so on foot. When walking, you can witness the beauty of this famous park, and you have the ability to do so at your own pace. To get started planning your hike through the greenery, consider checking the trails offered. Choose a path that is a good length, where you feel secure. Popular day hiking areas include the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, the Margarette Falls Mountain Hike, the Chestoa Overlook, and many, many more. 5. Rafting If you’re looking for a thrill, check out whitewater adventure rafting. Rafting in tumultuous waters can be hazardous, but there are tour companies who can help manage your experience, if you are willing to try it. Cherokee Rafting provides tours along the Ocoee River, and there are other companies that do so as well. 6. Camp Overnight A day trip can be a fun experience, but nothing compares to spending time overnight. Camp out for a fun weekend and enjoy the romance of a night under the stars. The next day, try one of the park’s peaceful back country trails. There’s lots to do and enjoy in the Cherokee National Forest Park, one of America’s most amazing natural landscapes. Set time aside to enjoy this area on your next trip to the area. The link to the forestry service website for Cherokee National Park is broken. Did you test the link? If so, and it was working previously, then it may be a temporary error. If you didn't test it, we should remove the link from the article. Image by Simon from Pixabay

The fall season in Tennessee is an attraction in itself. The leaves of the 16th state's various hardwood trees change from green to hues of yellow, red, and orange. Starting in mid- to late October, east Tennessee sees their arrival first. Then in early November, the fall foliage spreads to middle Tennessee. Finally, in mid- to late November, the sight breaks out across west Tennessee. Just a few weeks later, those bright colors disappear and the winter season arrives. But don't worry, they'll be back again the following year. Here are three fun areas that you can visit as the kaleidoscope of fall colors emerge in Tennessee. Sunny Side Trail About 90 miles outside of Kingsport is Sevierville, the hometown of country superstar Dolly Parton. A bronze statue of the singer sits in front of the courthouse and marks one end of the famous Sunny Side Trail. Also known as the Early Country Trail, this road course boasts almost 200 stops from the foot of the Smoky Mountains throughout the Tennessee Valley. Among the highlights is Dollywood, Parton's renowned amusement park in Pigeon Forge. Nearby is the small resort town of Gatlinburg which attracts millions of visitors annually. Historical and modern cultures blend as tourists ascend on towns such as Cosby, the Moonshine Capital of the World. more Cades Cove Loop The city of Townsend is 35 miles from Sevierville. It is home to the Cades Cove Loop which is a popular road excursion in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The single winding road is paved and stretches for 11 miles in only one direction. Due to the plentiful sights such as mountains and meadows, the drive can last a few hours. From May to September, only bicycle and pedestrian traffic are allowed two mornings per week. Most visitors enjoy the slow traveling pace, so they can stop and take pictures of their surroundings. Wildlife such as deer, black bears, fox, elk, and more have been spotted frequently. Please do not feed the animals. Cades Cove Loop is the ultimate scenic route. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park This park signifies where the borders of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia meet. Millions of years ago, the elements of wind and water created a gap in the Appalachian Mountain chain, specifically the Cumberland Mountain ridge. It provided a passage for early pioneers and settlers to use for trading and exploring. The gap is over 1,300 feet in altitude. On the Tennessee side, the park is approximately 80 miles from the Kingsport area near Harrogate. You can experience cave tours, hiking trails, and breathtaking overlooks on nearly 25,000 acres. There is no admission fee, but there are costs for camping and guided tours. As you can see, there are many destinations for a fall foliage road trip in Tennessee. From educational adventures to exploratory trails, there is something for everyone in your family or group. In roughly two hours, you could be driving up to a roadside attraction that you've only read about or returning to a favorite. Don't forget your camera or mobile device. You won't want to miss capturing some pieces of history and current day events.

There are 15 different recreational zones to explore in Cherokee National Forest. Whether you're looking for mountains to hike, campgrounds to enjoy, or lakes to fish in, there's an activity to keep you busy this fall. Go Camping Fall is a great time to go camping in Cherokee National Forest. It's not too hot, and the changing leaves are a wonderful sight to see. The Dennis Cove Recreation area is a perfect place to go if you're looking for a truly rustic experience. It's a secluded campground right beside Laurel Fork Creek. There's a picnic area to enjoy your meals, and a lush forest surrounds the whole campground. Another great area for camping in the park is Indian Boundary Recreation Area. The area has over 87 campsites with access to lampposts, electrical outlets, picnic tables, fire pits, drinking water, toilets, and showers. This is the best place ever for families or those that want to enjoy nature while still having a few amenities. more Rent a Boat There are a few options for boat rentals around the park, but the best spot is at Watauga Lake. Enjoy a day of boating and fishing, and if the weather is still warm enough, enjoy some swimming, too. Watauga Lake is 16 miles long and has over 110 miles of coastline to explore. You can also rent a canoe or kayak to take around the lake. It's a fun way to explore the area, enjoy the fall sunshine, as well as do some exercise. Go Hiking One of the most popular activities in Cherokee National Forest is hiking the different trails. There are over 600 miles worth of trails that are automobile-free in the park. Cherokee National Forest also encompasses 150 miles of the Appalachian Trail, a popular option during the summer and fall. Choose from dozens of short walks or opt for a multiday hike through the park. Just be sure to come well prepared with plenty of water, food, and camping equipment. Try Rock Climbing There are so many great places to try rock climbing around Cherokee National Park, and the cool weather of autumn is a great time to give it a go. If you're new to rock climbing, be sure to go with a guide. If you're more experienced, you can opt to rent equipment in the park or bring your own. A few popular rock climbing spots in Cherokee National Forest are Backbone Rock, Blue Hole, and Starr Mountain. Always climb with a partner. Turn it into a social weekend and head to one of the many campsites throughout the park. Bird-Watching The Cherokee National Forest is home to over 260 species of unique birds that come from both the south and the north. Fall is the perfect time for bird-watching as they migrate to warmer weather. Look for species like the Red-breasted Nuthatch, Veery, Winter Wren, Brown Creeper, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Blue-headed Vireo, Chestnut-sided Warbler, and Dark-eyed Junco. There are three popular birding routes in the Forest, the 30-mile Unaka Mountain Wildlife Viewing Loop, Roan Mountain, and the Tellico Wildlife Viewing Loop near the south end of the forest. There are so many reasons to visit Cherokee National Forest in the fall. There are activities, trails, wildlife, and historical sights to see that are sure to keep you busy all season long. Image Via Pixabay

If you are looking to get more active, meet new people, and be part of a team, then check out these fun sports leagues in Kingsport, Tennessee. There are leagues open to adults and youth, offering the opportunity to get better at a favorite sport or learn the tricks of an activity you have never tried before. TNT Sportsplex Located in downtown Kingsport, the TNT Sportsplex is a 33,000-square-foot sporting facility that offers pick-up games for basketball, indoor soccer, volleyball, and other activities. Events take place at this location throughout the year, including tournaments and rivalry games for participants of all ages. The admission cost for one session of open gym is $5, or you can get a two-month pass for $55. An adult must accompany children under the age of 13 at all times. Those participants between 13 and 18 years old can stay on their own as long as they have a signed waiver from a parent or guardian upon arrival. If you are already part of a local team, you can also rent a court or part of the facility for your own use. more Kingsport Parks & Recreation The Parks & Recreation Department of Kingsport also hosts a variety of sporting activities for local participants. During the winter, the adult basketball league is especially popular. The cost to register is $350 per team, plus $10 for any team member who lives outside Kingsport. Registration for basketball opens in early September and closes in late October, and there are four different leagues to choose. These include men's open, industrial, church, and women's 3-on-3. Games take place at locations throughout the city of Kingsport. During the spring and summer, adults can sign up for softball or volleyball leagues. The same registration fee applies to the softball league, while the cost to participate in outdoor volleyball is just $15 per player for residents and $17 per player for nonresidents. The volleyball league ends in early July with all games taking place at Indian Highland Park, Civic Auditorium/Legion Park, and V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex. One final sports tournament offered by Kingsport Parks & Recreation is indoor wiffle ball, which takes place in February. Teams can include men, women, or a combination of both, and the cost to participate is $30 per team. Youth Leagues Kingsport Parks & Recreation also has several athletic programs available to local youth. Members of the Athletic Staff supervise the activities. Most of these programs are only available to Kingsport residents, although the staff may make exceptions. Youth softball, baseball, basketball, soccer, and outdoor volleyball are all open to those who would like to participate in the games. Basketball, softball, and baseball are all split by ages, while the soccer program focuses more on development and teamwork. Get some physical activity and meet members of the community when you participate in local athletic leagues and programs. Whether you are cheering on your kids from the sidelines or participating in adult leagues, there is something for everyone in Kingsport. Image Via Pixabay

Summer has arrived! With its arrival also comes the summer heat, and what better way to stay cool than taking a dip in a local lake or pool? Whether it be a water park, sprinklers, beaches or even a secret swimming hole, making a splash has always been an effective and fun way to beat the heat. Additionally, more time spent near water is less time spent running your air conditioner, meaning a lower power bill and more family fun. Keep reading to learn about the best local Kingsport water hot spots so you can challenge the summer heat head on. Kingsport Aquatic Center The Kingsport Aquatic Center is one of most well-known swimming spots and with good reason. Spanning a vast 46,000 square feet with three indoor pools, an outdoor waterpark, and a 900-foot lazy river to coast down, this aquatic center has become a popular summer spot for families looking to stay cool in Kingsport. A variety of events — everything from swimming lessons to open paddleboarding — are held here annually, keeping guests entertained every year and leaving with a different experience each time. more Warriors' Path State Park Located on the shores of the Patrick Henry Reservoir, Warriors' Path State Park is home to nearly a dozen trails, with beautiful natural scenery and wildlife. Large enough to host approximately 200 campsites, this state park is packed-full with opportunities for family fun. You can rent paddleboards and kayaks — and even dock your boat at the marina. Warriors' Path State Park is also a canine-friendly area, so you can bring all your loved ones with you for incredible summer fun. Roan Mountain State Park More than 2,000 acres of thick woodland life and flora makes Roan Mountain State Park a great place to visit on those hot summer days. From swimming to fishing to biking trails, you'll always have something fun to do at Roan Mountain State Park. With over 12 miles of twisting forest trails, this state park offers plenty of shade to hide from the sun while taking a hike. The ever popular Doe River is also open to fishing year-round, and tour guides can help you spot amphibians and other aquatic life. Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park The Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park, named after American icon Davy Crockett, lives up to the excellence we would expect from such an aptly named park. Conveniently located by local watering holes such as the Nolichucky River and Cherokee National Forest, this state park makes a perfect place to camp, soak up American history, and enjoy the most popular activity at this park — fishing. Home to a large variety of fish, the Nolichucky River is a popular fishing spot visited by thousands of patrons each summer. If you're looking for summer fun and to make a splash, visit any one of these great locations to enjoy activities such as swimming, fishing, hiking, and more. With all the nearby state parks, aquatic centers, and local watering holes, you can easily create a memorable family experience and stay cool in Kingsport. Image Via Pixabay

Lace up those dancing shoes or at least get ready to come out and support a great cause. Dancing with The Tri-Cities Stars is back for its ninth year! For those not in the know, Dancing with the Tri-Cities Stars is an annual benefit event that includes a silent auction, dinner and most importantly – a whole lot of dancing! Each year 10 local “Stars” from Northeast Tennessee spend countless hours practicing their dance routines for a great cause. All proceeds go to benefit SteppenStone Youth Treatment Services in Limestone, Tennessee a great cause that supports and cares for at-risk youth boys age 13-17. Since 2003 SteppenStone Youth Treatment Services has provided counseling and continued treatment programs within a safe, caring environment for young boys. SteppenStone’s primary goal is to help heal and help an underserved segment of the population develop the skills they need to become successful, healthy adults. With the help of our community and all the dancer’s time and effort put into this, can provided the best for the boys in our community. more In addition to supporting a great cause, Dancing with the Tri-City Stars is also a great time. Mirroring the format of the hit ABC show Dancing with The Stars, each “Star” performs their dance routine with either Mike or Kim Alder, who together are two time World Champions in the Couples Division of The United Country Western Dance Council (UCWDC)! The female “Stars” even wear actual dresses from the hit show! Once you’ve seen what the skills that the “Stars” have you’ll want to get up and dance too, and the night concludes with open dancing and a live DJ! This year, Toyota of Kingsport’s very own General Manager Brian Griffith will hit the dance floor as one of the Tri-Cities Stars and with the help of the local community and Brian’s dancing feet, we can make a big difference in the lives of adolescent boys across Tennessee. There’s still time to show your support by donating money in Brian’s, or your favorite dancers, name. Donations will give extra points to the dancers, which help them in the competition. Follow the links below to learn more about Dancing with the Tri-Cities Stars and to help our General Manager Brian Griffith make a difference: http://dancingwiththetricitiesstars.com/stars/ Image Via Pixabay

The summer is a great season to get out and enjoy one of Tennessee's many festivals. Keep reading to learn about three of them you shouldn't pass up. Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival Held since 2002 at  the 700-acre Great Stage Park in Manchester, the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival features dozens of acts ranging from chart toppers to indie up and comers. Past guests have included Beatle Paul McCartney and Fitz and the Tantrums, a Neo Soul act known for high energy and great vocals. U2 and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are two of the headliners this year. Many vendors come and sell art like dreamcatchers or paintings, and you can also get art on your body in the form of temporary tattoos. This year, the festival takes place from June 8-11, and you can expect that music and other festivities will go from about noon each day until very early the next morning. Tickets for general admission start at $349.50 plus applicable fees. However, you can also splurge on a two-ticket Platinum package for $5,000 that includes access to premium stage viewing areas, food served in a special hospitality tent, and the chance to camp in a designated area with other people who have also paid for upscale tickets. more Taste of Music City Festival Nashville is well-known for its country music scene and major record label offices, but music isn't the only thing Music City offers. The Taste of Music City Festival proves this, because it's the largest celebration of food and drink in Nashville. Occurring on June 17 in Public Square Park, the festival offers an all-inclusive ticket that lets attendees feast on gourmet food and sip on high-quality specialty beverages for the entire festival, which happens from 5-9 p.m. What better way to take care of dinner for that night? There is also an instructional element to the festival that allows people to watch as talented chefs whip up new and familiar cuisines. If you're seeking a little inspiration for the meals made in your own kitchen, be sure to check out some of the awesome demonstrations. General admission advance tickets are $59 plus applicable fees, but kids can go to the festival for $15 plus fees. Proceeds benefit St. Luke's Community House, a charity that helps low-income individuals in West Nashville. The Chattanooga Market's Red, White, and Blueberries Festival The Chattanooga Market has become an area favorite because it's a bustling place for people to buy produce and other locally sourced items. It's also known for having several festivals. One notable option is the Red, White, and Blueberries Festival, which happens this year on July 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you have a big appetite, enter a blueberry pie eating contest. Otherwise, just enjoy browsing for the various items available for purchase that feature blueberries on the ingredients list. This free event happens at the First Tennessee Pavilion. Hopefully these three summer festivals get you excited for some of what Tennessee has to offer. While visiting them, you can enjoy good music and tasty food while potentially meeting new friends. Image via Pixabay

Situated on the northeast tip of Tennessee and along the banks of the Holston River, Kingsport is an urban oasis in the middle of the beautiful outdoor wilderness. If you're an avid outdoorsman, it's also the perfect starting point for an excursion into nature. The next time you're looking to get some exercise and a breath of fresh air, make sure to check out a few of these parks in and around Kingsport. 1. Big Ridge State Park If you're willing to take the two-hour drive west of Kingsport, you're rewarded with the scenic landscapes of Big Ridge State Park. Located in the Appalachian Ridge and Valley, this 3,687-acre park is famous for its forests, fertile river valleys, and the majestic Big Ridge Lake. When you arrive, there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied. Fifteen miles of hiking trails will give you more than enough exercise. If that's not your favorite activity, biking, swimming, boating, and the annual bluegrass festival should suffice. If you plan to stay overnight, make sure to check ahead for availability and any park fees. more 2. Warriors' Path State Park For those who don't want to spend half a day driving, Warriors' Path State Park is the perfect destination. Nestled just 12 minutes from downtown Kingsport, this 950-acre park has loads of recreational activities to do throughout the year. The top things include boating, fishing, and hiking, but the real gem is the nationally-renowned bike trail. Designated as part of the National Recreational Trail, this moderate biking path is one of the most scenic in the state. For children, the Boundless Playground and Anderson Treehouse will keep them occupied for hours at a time. 3. Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium Just 20 minutes from Kingsport, another close destination is Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium. This beautiful, 3,550-acre nature reserve is the state's largest city-owned park, and home to tons of wildlife and foliage. The Adventures Rope Course is one of the more exciting parts of this park, featuring a 300-foot zipline that provides panoramic views of the area. If it's raining or you've already explored the area, hop into the planetarium for a jaw-dropping exhibit about the stars and planets of the galaxy. During the spring, the park also offers stargazing outings for free. No matter what you do, you're bound to have a great time at Bays Mountain. 4. Cloud Park If you only have a few hours or you just don't want to drive, Cloud Park is the perfect destination. At only 7 acres, it's easy to explore or enjoy a recreational activity. Park amenities include a fenced children's playground, concrete basketball courts, bicycle trails with a complimentary air pump, a skate park, and a picnic area. It's also nestled along the Holston River, providing brilliant views throughout the year. While it may not have the same ambiance as the other parks on this list, it's an urban park that's worth a look. Getting out into nature in Kingsport is an easy task with so many parks around. This weekend, pack up the car and family and hop into an experience you won't soon forget. Image by Valentin from Pixabay

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. more 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