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Whether you're a fan of spicy food or wanting to try something new, Kingsport, Tennessee, is home to a number of excellent restaurants. From Cajun and Creole to Thai and everything in between, there are several cuisines that serve up some mouth-watering spicy dishes. We've compiled a list of our four favorite restaurants that serve some of the best spicy food in the Kingsport area. So get ready to loosen that belt and read on to discover your next favorite restaurant. Restaurant #1: The Fried Alligator Featuring both American and Cajun cuisines, The Fried Alligator is a great place for either lunch or dinner. With a wide selection of options on the menu, the fried alligator, fried catfish, and shrimp are some of the more popular dishes. For those looking for a spicy dish, we recommend the etouffee. To top it off, the atmosphere is welcoming and festive, the wait staff are both friendly and prompt, and the BYOB option adds to the overall ambiance. If you're looking for a new and adventurous dining experience, look no farther than The Fried Alligator. more Restaurant #2: La Campina Mexican Grill We all know that Mexican food is known for spicy dishes, but La Campina Mexican Grill takes it to the next level. Offering all of your favorite and traditional Mexican dishes, this restaurant combines that flavor and adds even more spices and seasoning. While you can't go wrong with anything from the menu, we do recommend the pollo picosas, which is not only delicious but spicy as well. Located in the downtown area with a friendly atmosphere and great service, La Campina Mexican Grill is known as one of the best Mexican restaurants in the area. Restaurant #3: Thai Noodle Town As one of the only Thai restaurants in the Kingsport and surrounding area, Thai Noodle Town is one of the go-to places for great spicy food that has outstanding flavor. While most dishes are on the conservative side of spice, you can ask the wait staff to kick it up a notch, and they will bring a selection of spices to enhance the flavor. Fan favorites include the drunken noodles dish and tom yum goong soup but, honestly, anything on the menu will leave your taste buds wanting more. Featuring a friendly, clean and fun atmosphere, Thai Noodle Town is a great place for food lovers. Restaurant #4: Sitar Indian Cuisine Serving up some of the most delicious Indian food in the area, Sitar Indian Cuisine features all of the traditional Indian dishes. Offering a range of non-spicy and spicy dishes, all items on the menu have the ability to "up" the spice factor. With the friendly wait staff, clean atmosphere, and welcoming ambiance, this restaurant is one of the best choices for those looking for a little food adventure. Ready to spice it up? Trying any one of the above restaurants and recommended dishes definitely won't disappoint. So tell us — what restaurant will you try first? Image via Pixabay

It's no secret that grits are a Southern staple. From shrimp and grits to cheesy grits to every recipe in between, there's no doubt that this dish is an integral part of the Southern diet. Where can you find some of the best grits in the area? You're in luck — we're here to give you the scoop on some of the best restaurants in Kingsport, Tennessee, that serve up this delicious comfort food. So get ready to have those taste buds start watering and read on to find your next favorite grit-serving restaurant. Restaurant #1: FATZ Cafe With great food, good service and amazing prices, FATZ Café definitely doesn't disappoint. Upon walking through the front doors, the friendly and smiling staff will greet you with true Southern hospitality. While you can't go wrong with any dish on the menu, we recommend trying the fried green tomatoes and grits. Putting their own twist on Southern favorites, this restaurant serves South Carolina's own stone-ground Adluh cheese grits with Cajun-spiced shrimp. Topped with Andouille sausage gravy, parmesan cheese, and scallions, this Lowcountry classic is truly remarkable. more Restaurant #2: Puleo's Grille The warm, friendly vibe of Puleo's Grille is just one of the many reasons why we like this restaurant. It blends the traditional steak and seafood restaurant with Southern comfort and Italian offerings. The menu is jam-packed with a variety of options ranging from salads to fried green tomatoes to steak and everything in between, but we are in love with the grits. Both grit options are served with either chicken or shrimp, Italian sausage, peppers and onions over cheese grits, and tasso gravy. Puleo's Grille adds a unique twist to this classic Southern dish. Restaurant #3: Shoney's Cooking all of your fresh Southern favorites under one roof, Shoney's is a great choice for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Featuring Southern-styled grits, this restaurant serves most of its grit options with side country fried steak, pancakes, or eggs and bacon. It doesn't offer the traditional shrimp and grit choice. However, Shoney's grits are cooked to perfection along with all of their menu items. Coupled with the welcoming atmosphere and hardworking staff, this restaurant is a great place to satisfy all of your grit cravings. Restaurant #4: Two Dads Café N Catering Featuring all of the traditional fried Southern dishes, this place is known for its breakfast. Offering a wide range of breakfast sandwiches and dishes, Two Dads Café N Catering serves up some delicious grits. While only offered as a side dish (available in either a small or large bowl), this restaurant does allow you to pair the grits with any menu item listed. Our personal favorite option is the grits paired with one of their tasty made-to-order custom omelets. And there you have it, a list of our top recommendations for restaurants that serve the best grit recipes in Kingsport and the surrounding area. So tell us — what restaurant are you going to try next? image via Pixabay

Kingsport is a great place to be during Easter, with an abundance of fun events held around the city in celebration of this Christian holiday. Read on to find out about four entertaining Easter events that you and your family can attend around The Model City. 1. Egg Hunt and Puppet Show This annual show is normally held in Warriors' Path State Park, and it makes for an exciting way to celebrate Easter. Music and puppetry are used to tell the story of Easter in a fun and engaging way, and afterward, you and your family can partake in the traditional egg hunt. 2. Hop to It Community Egg Hunt It wouldn't be Easter in Kingsport without a frantic egg hunt. Upwards of 3,000 people from Kingsport and further afar normally attend this event, which is typically held in the field adjacent to the playground at Andrew Johnson Elementary School. You'll have the chance to win some amazing prizes that'll keep the kids happy, including video games, bicycles, and more. There is free food available so you and your family can be full of energy for that all-important egg hunt, which is split into three different age groups to give everyone a fair chance to find some eggs. There are 20,000 candy-filled eggs in total to be found. You can also get a memorable family photograph with the Easter Bunny or have the kids' faces painted. more 3. Son of Sorrows Son of Sorrows is a wonderful Easter musical held every year at the LampLight Theatre on Broad Street in Kingsport. The actors normally begin rehearsing for this show in mid-January, so a lot of preparation goes into getting it right. The play depicts the last few days of Jesus Christ's life, with the actors delivering powerful and memorable performances. The entire production is huge; Son of Sorrows features more than 100 actors. The show wouldn't be what it is without the dedication of the 50 volunteers who work as tech crew, ushers, and theater courtesy staff. You can check out the dates and ticket prices for this year's event on the theater's website. 4. Bays Mountain Observatory There's something happening all the time at Bays Mountain Park, which is Tennessee's largest city-owned park. You should visit the Bays Mountain Observatory this year for an alternative and intriguing way of celebrating Easter. Light is one of Christianity's most important symbols, and the normally clear skies in Kingsport at this time of year make it an ideal time to celebrate the sense of hope and divinity that transcends Christianity by observing the sun up close. Daytime viewings of the sun are normally held on weekends at 3 p.m., and the high-tech equipment ensures you get a really clear image of the closest star to Earth and its most abundant source of light. Consider attending some or all of the above family focused events for an entertaining Easter this year. You'll be sure to make some special memories. Image via Pixabay

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. more 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

Dotted across the Kingsport region in Tennessee are some great venues where you can kick back, enjoy some tasty food and listen to some of the area's best music. Here are a few not-to-be-missed restaurants that support local artists and feature open mic nights. 1. The Woodstone Deli There are a few good reasons to visit The Woodstone Deli. First, their burger is listed as one of the best burgers in town. Second, owner Jeremy Jones has a big heart. He's well-known for giving back to the community, and you'll even find a Give Back Meal. It's a $5 sandwich and if you pay more than the price, the extra money goes toward helping those less fortunate. The third reason is for the varied live music. Wednesday night is open mic night featuring music across various genres, plus you get a basket of wings for only $5. The restaurant welcomes up-and-coming talent, so if you'd like a spot on open mic night, get in touch with the manager. more 2. The Acoustic Coffeehouse If you venture 30 minutes out of Kingsport, you'll find The Acoustic Coffeehouse in Johnson City. Locals and visitors alike thoroughly enjoy the relaxed vibe at this venue. It's nothing much from the outside and not in the best area, but patrons love the atmosphere, the eclectic mix of people, and the great local talent which tends to lean towards folk music. There's also a nice patio space out back, which is dog and smoking friendly. The name may be a bit misleading, as it has more of an unfussy live music bar feel than coffee house feel to it. Beer lovers will appreciate the wide sampling of locally brewed beer. 3. The Willow Tree Coffeehouse & Music Room Also called the living room of Johnson City, its easy style is incredibly welcoming. There's a delightful reading corner with armchairs, bookcase, and coffee table. This place is a popular student hangout, with many tapping away at their laptops while downing a latte. It's colorful, quirky, and reminiscent of bygone hippy days. Here, you'll find an owner deeply dedicated to encouraging the exposure of local musicians and bands. This place is perfectly suited to indie music. You might feel as if you're at an indie venue in San Francisco. So sit back and relax – the coffee is superb and they also serve the best chai tea around these parts. 4. Jiggy Ray's Pizzeria If you're hankering for some country and bluegrass music, you'll have to drive just a little further to Elizabethton 40 minutes away. For a pizza joint, it's confusingly country, but it works. They've snagged the title of best pizza in town, and folks rave about the salad bar as well. The music lineup rocks with downtown country on Tuesdays, open mic on Wednesdays, and karaoke on Thursdays. If you're interested in performing, contact them via their Facebook page. If they end up offering you a regular gig, you'll get listed on the website with your own individual event page. Tennessee's music heritage shines through even in its small towns. If you're passing through, make sure to stop at any of these restaurants and support the local music scene. Image by freestocks-photos from Pixabay

Kingsport may not be the biggest city in the world, but it sits in the perfect spot in Tennessee to draw from all kinds of musical traditions. It's just across the border from Virginia and a short drive away from Kentucky and North Carolina. Between the four states, live bands who play all kinds of music are always stopping by. Twilight Alive Summer Concert Series Throughout June and July, you can go to the corner of Broad Street and Market Street at 7 p.m. on Thursdays to enjoy Bluegrass on Broad, and you can stop by on Fridays to listen to Twilight Alive. The Thursday night events are obviously geared towards bluegrass bands and bluegrass lovers, but the Friday night bands come from a few different genres. Guest bands have included '80s tributes, country bands, and a few local acts. more The Carter Family Fold The Carter Family Fold is a musical venue which sits about a half-hour north of Kingsport on the other side of the Virginia border. It's a venue that focuses first and foremost on traditional and folk music, particularly the kind of music that evolved out of the Appalachian Mountains that surround Kingsport and the Family Fold on every side. The Carter family takes pride in being the foundation of the American country music industry, since they sold the very first country records in 1927, and you can catch a live show every Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Niswonger Performing Arts Center If you head south of Kingsport for most of an hour, you'll reach the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, a large performance venue that happens to be a part of Greeneville High School. Niswonger hosts concerts from a variety of surprisingly major bands, such as ZZ Top, and the musical acts that show up play genres like classic rock, country, jazz, and traditional. Sleepy Owl Brewery Just head up East Main Street along the railroad tracks and you'll come across the Sleepy Owl Brewery. Like the name implies, you can find all sorts of unique beers for tasting and enjoying, and they host live bands every now and again who play styles like rockabilly, old-fashioned country, blues, bluegrass, and rock. O'Mainnin's Pub & Grill O'Mainnin's is over in Bristol, on State Street, which means you can see Virginia if you take a seat by the front windows. On most weekends, you can hear local bands playing, and no matter what day you stop by, you'll be sure to find some fine company and a good drink. There's always plenty of music to find when you live in the Appalachians. From the traditional styles that grew up right here in the mountains to the country acts fresh from Nashville and the bluegrass sounds that took their name from the fields of western Kentucky, Kingsport has a lot to offer a music lover. Just make sure you grab your ID before you head out, because most of these music venues know that good music goes great with a good beer in your hand. Image via Pixabay

As the weather starts to turn colder and the leaves change colors, it's a perfect time to visit some of the most beautiful gardens around Tennessee. These gardens offer you a unique look at some of the state's foliage and flora, and give you special access to plants you may not see anywhere else. 1. Cheekwood Botanical Gardens Cheekwood Botanical Gardens offers a number of individual garden areas, including Howe Garden, Roberson Ellis Color Garden, Sigourney Cheek Literary Garden, and the Japanese Garden, Shomu-en. Each garden in the collection offers a different look at the plants, and features a variety of species. Cheekwood Botanical Gardens is part of the Cheekwood property. Admission here is $16 for adults, $14 for seniors, $12 for college students, $9 for children age 3-17, and free for those age 2 and younger. There is also a 50 percent discount for those with a current military ID. The park is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. more 2. Tennessee River Gardens Tennessee River Gardens is located in Chattanooga. Here you can enjoy the beauty of nature around the river. This is a wildlife and nature preserve, giving you a beautiful view of everything Tennessee has to offer. Tennessee River Gardens features a butterfly pavilion, a duck habitat, and a wildflower trail, as well as the beautiful trees and foliage of the area. Tennessee River Gardens offers a membership, as well as tours for school classes and individuals. You will need to call ahead to get pricing for your group, as well as request a time. 3. Blount Mansion Blount Mansion in Knoxville features amazing gardens, and you can take a tour of the mansion while you're there, as well. Admission for the tours is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $5 for children ages 6-17, while children 5 and under are free. The visitor's center is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed during major holidays and University of Tennessee home games. The historic gardens offer a look at Colonial revival style. 4. Dixon Gallery and Gardens In Memphis, check out Dixon Gallery and Gardens, which features 17 acres of gorgeous landscaped gardens. The English landscaping includes two acres of woodland gardens, a greenhouse, statuary, and a cutting garden. The Dixon Gallery and Gardens is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, $5 for college students, $3 for children age 7-17, and free for children ages 6 and under. There are also special group rates with advanced notice. When you're looking for some of the best gardens in Tennessee, keep in mind that nearly every city in the state offers something unique and beautiful. Those listed here are some of the most popular and interesting gardens you'll find, but they are by no means the only options throughout the state. Image by Marie R. from Pixabay

A summer road trip is a perfect way to enjoy the warm weather and vacation at your own pace. Before you set off on a long road trip, make sure your Toyota is ready. By taking the time to prepare your vehicle, you can prevent breakdowns, and keep your road trip smooth from start to finish. Schedule Any Necessary Service If your vehicle is due for an engine tune-up or an oil change, be sure to schedule it before you leave on a long road trip. By keeping up with your vehicle's regular maintenance, it will be at its most reliable during your road trip. If possible, schedule any major servicing at least a month before you leave. This gives your mechanic time to address any problems that they might discover during servicing. more Top Up Your Fluids Check the level of your engine fluids before taking a road trip. Running out of fluids is inconvenient at best or disastrous at worst. You may not always be in a place where you can purchase new fluid if you start to run low. If you suspect you're going to need more windshield wiper fluid, purchase a container before you go, so you can top off no matter where you are. Check Your Tires It is important to check your tires to make sure they're inflated to the proper pressure. Driving with low tire pressure consumes more gas and can lead to a blowout. Also, be sure to check for bulges or tears in the sidewalls, which make the tire unsafe to drive on. Take a look at the tread on your tires, and note of any uneven wear, bald patches, or low tread. If you're concerned about tire safety, replace your tires before your road trip. Have an Emergency Kit Ready While you're preparing for a road trip, check to make sure your Toyota has an emergency kit. Your kit should include first aid supplies, a flashlight, a blanket, a tire gauge, jumper cables, and basic tools. During a summer road trip, make sure you take a supply of drinking water with you in case an emergency leaves you sweating on the side of the road. You should also have a few high-energy snacks, such as mixed nuts or granola bars with you. Update Your GPS Navigator A GPS navigator makes it easy to plan your trip and helps you locate gas stations, restaurants, and other important destinations. Before you hit the road, update your GPS so you have the latest maps available. Keep a paper road map in the vehicle as well in case you can't use your GPS navigation system. A paper road map won't break down, and you don't need to plug it in to use it. Enjoy the freedom of the open road with a summer road trip. Preparing your Toyota for your road trip properly allow you to relax knowing you've taken care of and are preventing potential problems. Image by Brian Tucker from Pixabay

Tennessee is a beautiful state for anyone to visit, but it is especially popular among fans of country music. When you're ready for your own country music tour of Tennessee, put these five attractions at the top of your list. Graceland A visit to Elvis Presley's famous home in Memphis should also be on the bucket list of any country fan. Although Elvis is better known for rock and roll, his country influence was strong enough to earn him an induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame. The 14-acre estate includes Presley's mansion, private jet, almost three dozen automobiles, and other personal items and memorabilia. more Grand Ole Opry The Grand Ole Opry actually refers to a country music radio show based in Nashville. It has been on the air since 1925 and is often referred to as "country's most famous stage," perhaps contributing to the misperception that it is a building. You can buy tickets online to watch the show live at the Grand Ole Opry House. While you're here, be sure to check out the historic Ryman Auditorium, as well — where country stars in the 50s would perform during the Grand Ole Opry. This auditorium hosts the "Opry Country Classics" show on Thursday nights. Country Music Hall of Fame Another Nashville attraction, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum makes the list for obvious reasons. Nowhere else will you find such an impressive collection of country memorabilia. Current exhibits highlight Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, Sam Phillips, musicians like Dylan and Cash who made Nashville the hub of country music, and the Bachman-Gretsch collection of vintage guitars. The core exhibit, permanent to the museum, walks guests through the history of country music. To complete the experience, catch a live show at the CMA Theater and tour the Historic RCA Studio B, located on Music Row. Dollywood Dolly Parton left her mark on Pigeon Forge, Tennessee when she opened her own theme park in 1986, appropriately named Dollywood. The 150-acre park includes roller coasters, live entertainment, and a water park. Summer is the best time to visit, as this is when the park hosts a 40-minute country music performance called "The Great American Country Show." The odds that you will run into Dolly Parton may not be too high, but you'll have a better chance here than in most places. Loretta Lynn Ranch In Hurricane, Tennessee you will find Loretta Lynn Ranch. More than just an homage to Loretta Lynn (one of country music's biggest stars), this ranch is the site of her current home. You can even tour the first floor. Also located on the property are her former home, a replica of her childhood home, and a few museums — including one that displays the dolls and gifts sent to the country star by fans. The best part? While these are some of the best country music attractions in Tennessee, this is by no means an exhaustive list. From the historic Printer's Alley to the Johnny Cash Museum, fans will find plenty more must-see stops for their pilgrimage to the state. Image via Pixabay

With summer break just a few months away, it's time to start planning your family vacation. For anyone cringing at the thought of hours in the car, here are five tips for surviving a family road trip. Use Checklists for Packing Packing for yourself is hard enough; when you add in an entire family, it gets even harder. Make a packing list ahead of time to help you remember everything. Check off items as you pack them — and then hang onto the list. Using it again at the end of your trip will make you less likely to leave anything behind. If you make the list on your computer, you will only need to do it once. After that, you can use the same list with minor tweaks based on the season, destination, and planned activities. Remember to add things like plastic bags (for trash and car sickness), healthy snacks, and pillows for in-car naps to your list. more Invest in an Entertainment System A rear entertainment system can be a lifesaver on a family road trip. Some vehicles offer a built-in option, or you can buy one of the many aftermarket alternatives available. On vehicles equipped with their own Wi-Fi hotspot, headphones and a tablet or two may be all you need. The goal is for backseat passengers to keep themselves entertained with a movie, TV show, or video game. Headphones make this possible without subjecting mom and dad to the sounds of something they can't see. Take Advantage of Audio Books Can't afford a rear entertainment system? No worries! There are other ways to keep the entire family entertained. In addition to music, you could bring along some audio books for the road. If you have younger children, focus on winners of the Newbery Medal and Newbery Honor books — "Charlotte's Web," "Island of the Blue Dolphins," "The Graveyard Book." Recent bestsellers like the Harry Potter books or Lemony Snicket's "A Series of Unfortunate Events" are also good choices. You can find an audiobook that will last all the way to your destination or bring along a couple of shorter books for variety. Break up the Hours Speaking of variety, scheduling several different activities to break up the hours can help the time pass more quickly. You could plan stops at a few roadside attractions and pick a spot for a picnic lunch. You can also alternate between music, audiobooks, and traditional car games. Let passengers take turns choosing the activity to give everyone something to look forward to. Also, keep in mind that experts recommend driving only four hours in one day if you have a baby and six to eight with older children. Stay Flexible Perhaps the most important tip, at least in terms of your own sanity, is to stay flexible. Plans and routines are good — but there's no reason to stick to one that isn't working. With young children especially, you may need to stop more often than you'd like. That's OK. Make the journey part of the adventure and cut yourself some slack. Keeping everyone happy and healthy is more important than being on time. Following the tips above will help everyone have a good time, even in the close quarters and long hours of a road trip. Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay

Besides Nashville, other cities around Tennessee host music festivals every year throughout the spring and summer. Highlighted below are some of the most popular upcoming music festivals in Tennessee. Rhythm N' Blooms The 2016 Rhythm N' Blooms music festival returns to Knoxville from April 8-10 to showcase nationally known and local artists. Set near the Great Smoky Mountains, the music festival also focuses on the city's and East Tennessee's history. Artists come from genres ranging from rock to country. Featured acts include groups like G. Love & Special Sauce, Robert Randolph and The Family Band, and Mutemath. General and VIP passes cost from $50 to $150. Good for the entire weekend of the event, the passes give fans access to such perks as artist meet-n-greets, reserved seating, and commemorative items like a Rhythm N' Blooms t-shirt and poster. more Beale Street Attracting more than 1 million music fans from the United States and internationally, the Beale Street Music Festival brings together big-name artists in rock, soul, blues, and contemporary genres to downtown Memphis. The 2016 festival kicks off April 29 and continues through May 1 at the city's Tom Lee Park. Past acts of the Beale Street Music Festival have included Lenny Kravitz, Ed Sheeran, John Fogerty, and Alabama Shakes. Open to music enthusiasts of all ages, the festival offers general admission tickets ranging from $95 to $135. Bonnaroo Music Festival Scheduled for June 9-12 in Manchester, the Bonnaroo Music Festival will be celebrating its 15th year on The Farm, the site of the main event. This music and arts festival attracts thousands of fans. This year's anticipated lineup includes Pearl Jam, Ellie Goulding, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, and many others. Between musical acts, visitors can entertain themselves through on-site activities such as camping, light shows, and The Fountain, which serves as a great way to cool off from the hot weather. While a ticket price for general admission is almost $350, payment plans are available. CMA Music Festival Happening June 9-12 in 2016, the CMA Music Festival presents the best in country music. Held throughout downtown Nashville, the major music event hosts concerts on multiple stages. During the daytime, the city fills up with free music events and activities such as karaoke, giveaways, games, and food sampling. Past acts have included Carrie Underwood, the Zac Brown Band, Luke Bryan, and several others. Ticket prices vary for the main event, which is held at the Nissan Stadium (formerly LP Field). Riverbend Festival Located in Chattanooga, the Riverbend Music Festival boasts eight days of concerts on five stages starting on June 10. Held along the 21st Century Waterfront, Riverbend attracts more than 600,000 fans for country, classic rock, bluegrass, and urban contemporary music. A marketplace, children's village, and mobile exhibits round out the daily activities during the festival. Artists expected to perform include Heart, Salt N Pepa, Blackberry Smoke, REO Speedwagon, and more. Admission to the Riverbend Festival costs $25 per day and free for children 10 and under. These well-known festivals occurring around Tennessee appeal to all musical tastes. Make the most of your spring and summer by attending one of these exciting events. Image via Pixabay

Kingsport is surrounded by beautiful wildlife and historic landmarks, which make for exhilarating road trips when you're aching to leave town. When combined with old-fashioned Southern hospitality, these Tennessee destinations guarantee fun for your friends and the entire family. Ready to venture on a quick weekend getaway or weeklong adventure? Follow one of the routes below to explore unique wonders located throughout the state of Tennessee. 1. The Lost Sea Adventure Located at Craighead Caverns in Sweetwater, The Lost Sea is the world's second largest underground lake. To get to The Lost Sea from Kingsport, follow Highway 11W S. to TN-68 S. in Monroe County, then take exit 60 and follow TN-68 S. to Lost Sea Road. Tour Craighead Caverns to learn more about its history, which dates back to the time of the Cherokee Indians. At the bottom of the cave, board a glass-bottom boat to tour the wondrous Lost Sea. Then, venture over to Old Sweetwater Village to explore log cabins that house a General Store, the Cavern Kitchen Cafe, ice cream parlor, and gift shop. more 2. Fall Creek Falls Known as one of the most breathtaking scenic locations in Tennessee, Fall Creek Falls is the state's largest and most visited state park. From Kingsport, drive two hours and 40 minutes along Highway 11W S. to TN-101 S. in Crossville, then take exit 322 from I-40 W. Continue on TN-101 S. Drive for 45 minutes to TN-284 W. in Van Buren County. Fall Creek Falls is at 10821 Park Road in Spencer. Standing tall at 256 feet, Fall Creek Falls features countless streams, gorges, and cascades. Book a room at the local inn for a panoramic view of the falls, or stay in one of 30 cabins that accommodate up to 10 people. During your stay, explore up to 34 miles of trails that surround the falls. 3. Downtown Franklin Established in 1799, downtown Franklin combines rich history with modern establishments that offer something for everyone who visits this quaint, charming town. Take Highway 11W S. from Kingsport to I-40 W. in Knoxville. Then, follow I-40 W. to Franklin and take exit 65 from I-65 S. Continue driving on Murfreesboro Road until you reach downtown Franklin. Take a Civil War, history, or ghost tour, explore the town's 60 shops in historic buildings, and grab a bite to eat at one of over 25 restaurants. 4. Arrington Vineyards Located in the beautiful hills of Tennessee wine country, Arrington Vineyards offers wine tasting along with gourmet chocolates, cheeses, and sausages you can eat from one of several outdoor picnic tables that overlook the vineyard's 75 acres. From Kingsport, take Highway 11W S. from Kingsport to I-40 W. in Knoxville. Then, follow I-40 W. and TN-840 W. to US-31 ALT S. in Williamson County. Take exit 42 from TN-840 W, then follow Patton Road until you reach the vineyards. Take advantage of your time in Tennessee to explore the state's many scenic roads and attractions. When stopping for gas, ask the locals to direct you to their favorite landmarks to make the most of your road trip. Image by SALVATORE MONETTI from Pixabay