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Finding an interesting learning experience near Kingsport, Tennessee, is easy thanks to the many museums and historical sites in the area. Whether you're a life-long learner or you want to show a slice of history to your family, these fascinating museums in the area should do the trick. more Birthplace of Country Music Museum If you're a fan of country music, you can discover your roots at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum over in nearby Bristol. This 24,000-square-foot museum is full of interactive exhibits that walk you through the world of 20th-century country music. The museum is housed in the building where the influential 1927 Bristol Sessions took place, which played an important role in developing the music genre. Gray Fossil Site & Natural History Museum The Gray Fossil Site is an active dig site that allows visitors to get an inside view of not only the world 5 million years ago but also of the archeological process itself. The scientists that work on this site believe that the Gray Fossil Site was created when an underground limestone cave collapsed and created a sinkhole that collected and preserved nearby creatures and plant life. The hands-on learning opportunities this natural history museum is home to make it a unique learning experience. The Netherland Inn and Complex Kingsport's own Netherland Inn was built in the first decade of the 1800s. Now it features museum-quality furnishings and decor to allow visitors to see what the inn looked like in its heyday. In addition to the Netherland Inn, you may also be able to explore an old schoolhouse, a Daniel Boone cabin, an early boatyard that gives a clue into the Netherland's original purpose, and more. Rocky Mount State Historical Site Visiting Rocky Mount State Historical Site is like taking a step back into the past. Discover the Cobb House, which served as the capital for what was the Southwest Territory in the late 1700s. The costumed living history actors make it easy to inspire young visitors to learn about the early history of the nation. During your tour of the 40 acres Rocky Mount sits on, you may be able to see artifacts from the 18th and 19th century, a blacksmith's shop, a beautifully maintained garden, and even a flock of Cotswold sheep. Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park Nature- and history-lovers alike will love what the Sycamore Shoals State Historic has to offer. Explore the interpretive museum to see displays that take you through the 18th century of Sycamore Shoals. Discover the beginnings of the American Revolution, the birth of Fort Watauga to protect the settlers who took this land for their own, and more. You can easily spend an entire day here if you're up for a hike through the trails that wind through the beautiful natural area around the museum. Choose the museum that most intrigues you or get a crash course into a topic you've never thought about before. Whichever you choose, these Kingsport-area museums are sure to fill your day with fascinating views into the past. Image via Pixabay

It's time to reward yourself with a great dessert. If you're lucky enough to be in the Kingsport, Tennessee, area, you have plenty of dessert options to choose from. Here are a few of Toyota of Kingsport's go-to spots to satisfy any sweet tooth. more Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop You can't beat an expertly crafted home-made pie. Make your way to Johnson City to try Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop 's amazing baked goods. This adorable bakery offers their top-notch Granny's Apple pie, a Southern buttermilk custard pie, a summer-perfect key lime pie, and more. Get your slice a la mode to upgrade your dessert to the next level. Marble Slab Creamery Marble Slab Creamery is a national chain that offers some top-notch ice cream. Whether you take yours piled high with toppings in a sundae, mixed in a shake, or you enjoy a simple scoop in a cone or cup, Marble Slab has you covered. Choose between the dozens of options of ice cream flavors, including chocolate banana, birthday cake, caramel macchiato, and butter pecan. You'll also find a great selection of tried-and-true flavors. If you want a dessert spot that will please the kids, Marble Slab Creamery is a good bet. Seaver's Bakery If you're looking for some of the best donuts in the Tri-Cities area, be sure to stop by Seaver's Bakery. Stop by the shop to watch Seaver's tasty glazed donuts go by along a conveyor to make their ways into a box you can take home with you. You'll find plenty of donut options here, whether you're looking for filled, cake, or just a simple delicious glazed yeast donut. Pair your favorite donut with one of the espresso-based drinks or a cup of coffee to round out your experience. Sloopy's Diner Sloopy's Diner gives you a classic burger-and-a-shake experience that will make you feel like you stepped back into the 1960s. Even if you don't dig into the tasty sandwiches this burger joint serves up, you need to try its classic dessert options. Split a banana split with your beau, enjoy a hand-dipped ice cream cone on a hot summer day, or a hot fudge cake during the winter. You can't go wrong with Sloopy's American Friday night diner experience. Sweet Spoon Frozen Treats Head to Kingsport's Fort Henry Mall to visit the go-to spot for cold dessert treats. Sweet Spoon Frozen Treats has 33 flavors of frozen yogurt to choose from, as well as 60 toppings you can customize your dessert with. If you're not in the mood for frozen yogurt, Sweet Spoon also offers a selection of old-fashioned candy, confectioner creations, and more. This local business is one of our top spots to treat ourselves. Whether you're looking for a tasty baked treat or a cold dessert to cool down with on a summer day, Kingsport, Tennessee, has you covered. Trying a sweet dessert from each of these places to find your family's new go-to spot might be hard work, but you just might be the perfect person for the job. Image via Pixabay

Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or you just need to get away from it all, there's no better way to treat yourself than with a spa day. Fortunately, there are several excellent spas in the Kingsport, Tennessee, area. Here are some excellent destinations in and around Kingsport where you can enjoy a relaxing spa day. more The First Lady Day Spa Since 2002, The First Lady Day Spa has been the go-to destination for Kingsport residents in need of some pampering. The spa offers several types of massages, including deep tissue, aromatherapy, and hot stone. For some full-body rejuvenation, try a Moor mud cocoon, French sea salt scrub, or warm algae wrap. If you're in the mood for a new hair-do, The First Lady's salon experts can give you a stunning cut and color. The First Lady Day Spa also offers manicures, facials, and hair removal treatments. The spa's ion cleansing foot detox will leave you feeling energized and ready to face the day. For the full spa day experience, consider one of The First Lady's Pamper Packages. The couples' treatments are a great way to celebrate an anniversary. During your visit, you'll be provided with a robe, sandals, a locker, and shower facilities. Valley Springs Spa With two convenient locations in the Kingsport area, it's easy to enjoy a spa day at Valley Springs Spa. The spa's knowledgeable staff is trained in Swedish, deep tissue, and prenatal massage techniques, among others. During your massage, be sure to try Valley Springs Spa's eco-fins. These muslin sleeves are filled with a warm and aromatic paraffin alternative, moisturizing your skin and relaxing the muscles in your hands and feet. You can also add a peppermint scalp refresher. The spa's skincare treatments include deep cleansing facials, glycolic peels, and microdermabrasion. During your visit, be sure to get a manicure or relaxing shampoo in the salon. For a truly unique experience, book a halotherapy session. As you sit in the spa's salt room, you'll feel renewed and energized. If you're celebrating a special occasion, check out Valley Springs Spa's bridal shower and baby shower packages. The Charlemont The Charlemont is your one-stop shop for all things beauty. Whether you're looking for a treatment that will enhance your look or you want a full makeover, the talented staff at The Charlemont is ready to help. The salon experts can suggest the perfect cut and color for your facial shape and complexion. The manicurists and pedicurists will have your nails looking so good that you won't even recognize them. The Charlemont also offers facials, lash extensions, and brow threading. You can also get your makeup done for weddings and other special events. During your visit, be sure to browse through The Charlemont's boutique, where you'll find the cutest clothing and accessories in Kingsport. After your makeover, you're also welcome to relax by the fireplace with a glass of wine. These are just three of the fantastic locations in and around Kingsport where you can enjoy a spa day. No matter which one you visit, you're sure to enjoy some rest and relaxation. Image via Pixabay

If you're in the mood to get out of the house and treat yourself to something nice, consider exploring one of Kingsport's shopping centers. There's something for everyone at these retail meccas. Whether you're looking for the latest fashions, electronics, or home decor, you'll find it. Check out some of the best places to shop in Kingsport. more East Stone Commons East Stone Commons offers the perfect mix of major retailers and restaurants. Fashionistas on a budget will find clothing and accessories at Ross Dress for Less, TJ Maxx, and Rack Room Shoes. Five Below carries unique toys and gifts. If you're into arts and crafts, you have to stop by Hobby Lobby. You'll be impressed by their huge selection of scrapbooking tools, beads, and other crafting materials. Pick up a new toy or tasty treat for Fido at PetSmart. All of that shopping is sure to make you work up an appetite, so be sure to grab lunch or dinner at Olive Garden, Chili's, or McAlister's Deli. Kingsport Pavilion When you need to make a Target run, head to Kingsport Pavilion. This premier shopping center also features Kohl's, Michael's, and Best Buy. If you're looking for the latest best-seller, graphic novel, or board game, drop by Books-A-Million. Maybe you're in the mood to give yourself a makeover. At Ulta Beauty, you'll find all the cosmetics and beauty treatments you need. If it's your house that needs a brand-new look, Lowe's has you covered. For workout gear or your favorite team's merchandise, check out Dick's Sporting Goods. When you need a bite to eat, a sandwich from Zaxby's or Jersey Mike's will really hit the spot. Fort Henry Mall As the only regional mall serving the Kingsport area, Fort Henry Mall is a very popular shopping destination. The mall's many trendy clothing stores include American Eagle Outfitters, rue21, and Urban Market. Find a unique gift for that special someone at Spencer's or I Love Books. If you're into gadgets and games, stop by Cell World, FYE, or Music Masters. Treat yourself to premium fragrances, body washes, and candles at Bath & Body Works. If you're looking for the right vitamins and supplements, the knowledgeable staff at GNC is happy to help. When you're in the mood for something a little more indulgent, stop by Great American Cookies. Fort Henry Mall's other eateries include Charley's Philly Steaks, Italian Village, and Auntie Anne's. Downtown Kingsport In Downtown Kingsport, you'll find some of the city's best locally-owned shops and restaurants. If you're searching for unique clothing and accessories, stop by The Dressy Owl, The Wooden Hanger, or Sassy Lady Gifts. At Bubba's Book swap, you'll stumble across rare and out-of-print books that you won't find anywhere else. Home chefs will want to check out Abingdon Olive Oil Company and KPC Butcher Shop. For the perfect home decor, stop by Appalachian Ironworks and Home Cottage 1771. No trip to Downtown Kingsport is complete without a meal at Barberito's, The Mustard Seed Cafe, or Backwoods Burger Bar. As you can see, Kingsport has a lot to offer when you're in need of a little retail therapy. No matter which shopping destination you visit, you're sure to have fun. Image via Pixabay

There are times when that craving for Asian food needs to be satisfied. Whether you're looking for a great moo goo gai pan or a tasty teriyaki beef, you need to know where to find the best in the area. Here's a list of where to grab Asian fare in Kingsport. more Ming Garden Oriental Cuisine & Mongolian Grill Located at 1207 N. Eastman Road is Ming Garden Oriental Cuisine & Mongolian Grill. They offer lunch and dinner menus, an extensive buffet, and a Mongolian grill to satisfy your cravings, all available for dine-in or carry out. Start with egg rolls, fried wontons, or crab rangoon. Try their wonton or egg drop soup, which are both delicious. Ming Garden offers dishes with seafood, chicken, pork, beef, as well as vegetarian options. They also have fried rice, egg foo young, chow Mein or chop suey, and lo Mein available. Their daily buffet includes the Mongolian grill and is offered at both lunch and dinner times. Ming Garden also has lunch specials and house specials, including general Tso's chicken. They are open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Thai Noodle Town Thai Noodle Town is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. for dinner, Tuesday through Saturday. Try the pork dumplings or fresh summer rolls for your appetizer, then follow up with the Tom Kha Gai soup. Menu options include fried rice, noodles, curries, and pan-fried items such as spicy eggplant. They also offer several lunch specials, including pad thai and yellow curry fried rice. Another lunch special is the drunken noodles with wide noodles, chili, bamboo shoots, broccoli, green cabbage, bell peppers, and basil, all stir-fried in their homemade sauce. One of the Thai Noodle Town Specials is their rad na, wide noodles with chicken and shrimp, stir-fried and covered in Thai gravy. You can order your next delicious meal through curbside pickup. They are located at 800 Stonegate Road. Stir Fry Cafe Another great restaurant offering Asian, sushi, and Thai options is the Stir Fry Cafe. Find them open for lunch and dinner at 125 Broad Street. Here you can begin with firecracker shrimp or shrimp and pork dumplings. They have a stir fry cobb salad and hot and sour soup for the lighter appetites, along with maki and small plate options. Enjoy their light options of spicy crab roll, cucumber roll, avocado roll, or garden roll. There are over fifteen varieties of sushi, including the red dragon, a spicy crab salad with avocado, tuna, green onions, and a sweet chili sauce. Not in the mood for sushi, then check out their kung pao or sesame chicken options. They also offer stir fry, fried rice, pad Thai noodles, and pan-fried ramen. How about a Mahi Thai fish taco with mahi-mahi, pineapple pico, slaw, and cilantro? For entrees, they have shrimp and grits and teriyaki chicken. And, for those just not into Asian food, they offer burgers and sandwiches. Whether you're visiting the area or looking for your new favorite Asian restaurant, these three are sure to satisfy your cravings. Enjoy! Image via Pixabay

Kingsport, TN is full of rich history to explore and get to know the roots of the town. Check out these outstanding sites, trails, and other locations where you can explore the Kingsport area history and find out how you can get around to see it all. more Boatyard Historic District The Boatyard Historic District offers enough to see to take up the whole day. It covers a swath of land encompassing 385 acres surrounding the forks of the Holston River, and it includes the lower end of the historic landmark that is the Long Island of the Holston. Here, you can see late-Victorian architecture and sites dedicated to domestic living, military history, and more. Exchange Place The Exchange Place is an old log cabin that is a historic building and, today, offers a display of local flora, as well as great food stalls and local arts and crafts vendors. You can also enjoy classes here with tutorials on primitive hands-on crafting. Visiting Exchange Place is like taking a step back in time to see just how our ancestors once lived. Arcadia Originally named Reedy Creek Settlement, Arcadia is an entire community in Sullivan County that resides just outside Kingsport. It was originally founded in the late 1700s and the entire town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Of particular interest here is the Thomas Fain Plantation, which originally bore the Arcadia name that the town is now known by. Bristol Municipal Stadium Don't let anyone tell you there aren't castles in the United States. Built in 1934-1936, the Bristol Municipal Stadium was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. It's designed to look just like an ancient stone castle, and it was part of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal project to help with the aftermath of the Great Depression. Bristol Commercial Historic District Who said you can't enjoy historic sites while still getting some shopping done? The commercial historic district of Bristol, just a few miles from Kingsport, features 83 different buildings, all of which feature thriving businesses enclosed within historic buildings dating to the Victorian era and the early 20th century. First added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003, it was expanded in 2017. Sites to note here include buildings for the YMCA, Reynolds Arcade, the Cameo Theater, McCrory's Department Store, the Paramount Theatre and Office Building, First National Bank of Bristol, the E.W. King Manufacturing Company, and a wealth of other buildings representing the early years of the 20th century. It's a great place to spend a day wandering the streets, shopping, dining, and seeing the sights. These are a few of the exciting historic sights to see in and around Kingsport, TN. If you'd like an outstanding way to travel the region to see even more, Toyota of Kingsport can help. You can explore our blog for all the local happenings, check out our inventory of new Toyota cars, trucks, and SUVs, and give us a call at 423-246-6611 for any auto service or financing inquiries you have for us! Image via Pixabay

Roller skating around a rink offers a freeing feeling. You can listen to upbeat music and laugh with your friends and family. Whether you're a novice roller skater or someone who can regularly do tricks, you need a solid wood floor to perform your maneuvers. If you find yourself in the Kingsport area, make sure you visit one or more of the following roller-skating rinks. more Bristol Skateway Recently remodeled, the Bristol Skateway has a brand-new wood floor ready for you to skate on while listening to some of today's top songs. This Bristol-area rink also offers group and private lessons if you're interested in learning how to skate. The price for lessons includes admission, skate rental, 45 minutes of instruction, and 1 1/2 hours of public skating afterward. The rink also allows you to host private parties. On Monday and Thursday evenings for 1 1/2 hours, you can participate in SkateFit, a fitness workout program that allows you to get in a quality workout on and off skates. It's geared for people ages 16 and older, although children ages 12 through 15 can participate with a parent or guardian. Other special events include Christian Music Night, which occurs the first Monday of each month, and Family Deal on Sundays, which includes admission for four people, four skate rentals, four slices of pizza, and four beverages for $25. Johnson City Family Skating Center Located in nearby Johnson City, the Johnson City Family Skating Center has a large skating area for you to enjoy. The rink holds events daily, including open skating, day skating, and family-night skating. Check the calendar for event updates. Keep in mind that everyone younger than age 18 must pay admission, whether or not they skate. However, nonskating adults who enter with a paying child can enter for free. The rink is closed on Mondays and Wednesdays. Although you cannot bring in any outside food or drinks into the facility, you can opt to host a party at the rink. At these parties, which include renting the facility for a private party or holding it during normal business hours, you can enjoy pizza, cake, ice cream, chips, and beverages. Twi-Lite Roller Skating Rink Located in Morristown, Twi-Lite Roller Skating Rink has been in business since 1984 and is open throughout the year. The spacious rink is ideal for in-line and roller skating. You can host a private party at the rink and celebrate with all your friends and family. The rink is closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays. Although roller-skating rinks used to be more popular several decades ago, plenty of facilities remain open for business. The above Kingsport-area roller rinks are ideal spots for you to bring your family and friends and get in a few laps. The best part is that these roller-skating rinks make the skates available directly at the facilities themselves. All you need to bring is some money and a little coordination, and you're guaranteed to have a fantastic time. Note: Due to the pandemic, please verify the current state of operation for these businesses before making plans to visit them. Image via Pixabay

When autumn turns to winter, finding the motivation to work out can be difficult. You might feel like bundling up and staying indoors. But even though the outside temperature drops, you can still work up a sweat and stay active indoors. If you want to get in a quality workout in the Kingsport, Tennessee, area, explore one of the following four facilities. more Anytime Fitness Kingsport Although Anytime Fitness Kingsport offers the traditional treadmills and weights, the facility strives to help you become healthier. Located at 111 Jack White Drive, the gym encourages you to incorporate fitness, nutrition, and recovery into your lifestyle. All coaches at the gym are certified personal trainers and understand that not everyone's needs are the same when it comes to working out. As a result, the fitness coaches can create a customizable plan for each person. You can connect with your coach at any time, thanks to the gym's Anytime Fitness Coaching app. Stop in and sign up for a free seven-day pass. Exalt Gym Located at 1664 E. Stone Drive, Exalt Gym offers weight training and a variety of fitness classes to help you reach your fitness and strength goals. In addition to the equipment and classes, you can participate in one of the Exalt Spin classes, low-impact, high-intensity indoor cycling classes that focus on endurance and strength through interval training. This spin class is included in the membership fee, or you can pay $5 to drop in if you don't have a membership. You can purchase an annual membership or opt for a month-to-month contract. Membership is valid at two other Exalt Gym locations, both in nearby Piney Flats. GBC Wellness Center Located at 3246 Memorial Blvd., GBC Wellness Center sets itself apart from other fitness centers in the area by hiring employees who possess college degrees in exercise science. These exercise physiologists and athletic trainers have extensive knowledge about exercise and how it relates to the human body. Membership includes access to all equipment, the training room, outdoor turf field, and fitness classes. All memberships are on a monthly contract, and you can cancel at any time. When you join, you receive a free 30-minute training session so that you can become acclimated to the 30,000-square-foot facility and all its offerings. Kingsportfitness As a 24-hour fitness facility located at 2450 Memorial Blvd., Kingsportfitness seeks to help you adopt new fitness habits by changing your views on fitness. The team wants you to practice healthy habits so that fitness becomes part of your lifestyle. Its trainers take fitness goals seriously, and they analyze your body type, BMI, and metabolism to create a customized fitness plan. Many plans include healthy eating options and exercise. The facility has free weights, cardio equipment, and Nautilus elliptical trainers. Don't let the cold weather deter you from getting in a quality workout. Any of the above four Kingsport gyms can give you a chance to stay active and help you achieve any fitness goals you set for yourself this winter. Note: Due to the pandemic, please verify the current state of operation of these facilities before making plans to visit them. Image via Pixabay

A date doesn't just have to be a night out. It's a chance to spend quality time together, and it could be a whole day in a romantic spot, a lovely relaxed meal, sharing drinks in a fun atmosphere, or anything else you choose. Kingsport, Tennessee, has some great spots for your romantic date. more Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium Make your date last the whole day while enjoying the great outdoors at the 3,500-acre Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium with the picturesque 44-acre Kingsport Reservoir at its heart. Take a romantic stroll along some of the 39 miles of beautiful hiking trails. You can take in the amazing scenery of the tranquil lake, bubbling streams, and cascading waterfalls. You're sure to encounter the abundant wildlife in its natural habitat, but if you want to get even closer to the animals, you can share nature experiences such as dining with wolves and hearing them howl, or learn about bears, deer, raptors, or snakes. Take a serene barge ride on the lake as a finale to an unforgettable date. Riverfront Seafood Company What could be more romantic than enjoying a relaxing riverside meal? The Riverfront Seafood Company on Netherland Inn Road is one of Tennessee's few fresh seafood restaurants where you'll find superb Southern-style cooking. You can eat inside or enjoy dining on the open or enclosed patios just feet from the South Fork Holsten River. Before eating, treat your date to a cocktail from the bar. On the menu, appetizers include fried gator meat, coconut shrimp, cheesy shrimp dip, and clam chowder. Try grilled or fried seafood dinners such as catfish, swordfish, fried gulf oysters, trout almondine, or fried clam strips. Save room for the delicious key lime pie topped with raspberry sauce. Gypsy Circus Cider Company The Gypsy Circus Cider Company on Fort Henry Drive is Tennessee's first craft cidery and cider bar, and it's a cool and fun place to take your date. The roomy InCider Taproom has a relaxed atmosphere, and outside is a large patio with a separate mezzanine level. You can challenge your date to a video or board game or check for one of the regular events such as trivia nights and live music. The bar offers 20 taps of craft cider, mead, and local guest beers. For a variety of ciders, try a flight with concoctions like Fire Juggler with jalapeno, Jack Tales pumpkin cider, Whirling Dervish coffee cider, and Ginger the Psychic. Have a bite from The Bohemian restaurant with its menu influenced by the flavors of Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, and the Middle East. Kingsport Carousel Add a fun element to your date with a ride on the Kingsport Carousel inside Pal's Roundhouse on Clinchfield Street. The fully restored 1956 carousel is beautifully decorated and features 32 amazing hand-carved animals to ride on. It's sure to bring a smile to your date's face, and at a dollar a ride, it won't break the bank! These are just a few ideas for a date in Kingsport, but with a little imagination, you could probably come up with many more. Image via Pixabay

In and around Kingsport, Tennessee, there are many attractions for visitors and residents alike to enjoy. Here are just a few of the spots to visit near the city. more Kingsport Carousel Who doesn't love a ride on a wonderful old-fashioned carousel? Located in Pal's Roundhouse on Clinchfield Street, the Kingsport Carousel is a fully restored Allen Herschell carousel originally built in 1956. The renovation was a labor of love carried out by a group of passionate volunteers. The carousel's decoration includes scenes from Kingsport's history, 24 paintings of local birds, and 24 clown faces. The historic ride features 32 hand-carved riding animals, two chariots, and 24 carved sweep animals, including raccoons, a skunk, and several birds. Pride of place goes to a flying pig that represents the group's original hopes of completing the project. The carousel is open Wednesday through Sunday and only costs a dollar a ride. Centennial Park Located on East Main Street close to the train depot, Centennial Park was created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Kingsport. The park commemorates the city's past, present, and future. The green spaces are surrounded by a walkway detailing the history of Kingsport. The park features an illuminated, interactive water fountain and the “Spirit of Generosity,” a Santa sculpture commemorating the 75th anniversary of the famous Santa Train. Bays Mountain Park The beautiful Bays Mountain Park covers 3,500 acres and features the 44-acre Kingsport Reservoir. The park has more than 39 miles of hiking trails with 32 miles approved for mountain biking. Take a gentle stroll around the lake, visit tumbling waterfalls or the serene Lily Pad Cove, or for the more adventurous, climb up to the fire tower. The park is teeming with wildlife, and you may spot white-tailed deer, bobcats, red foxes, river otters, and turtles. Nature programs provide education about the animals, and you could dine with wolves. Take a barge ride on the lake with a naturalist and discover the aquatic creatures and birds that live there. Entry to the park is $5 per vehicle. Creation Kingdom Zoo Just 25 minutes north of Kingsport, near Gate City, Virginia, is the Creation Kingdom Zoo. The self-funding zoo features over 200 animals and participates in the Species Survival Programs to help the conservation of endangered species. The zoo enables visitors to get close to and interact with rarely seen animals. With its highly successful breeding facility, you'll often see young animals in a natural environment. See and learn about giraffes, bears, leopards, apes, camels, zebras, birds, reptiles, and more. The keepers give regular talks about the various species. Admission is $13.95 for ages 13 and up and $10 for under 13s. The Kingsport Selfie Trail A great way to see all the area's attractions and keep a record is to follow the Kingsport Selfie Trail. At each place you visit, look for the selfie location marker, take your selfie, and share it using the hashtag #CaptureKingsport. As you can see, Kingsport has a wide variety of nearby attractions. Explore these and more for some fun and excitement. Image via Pixabay

Kingsport is a beautiful part of Tennessee that becomes spectacular in the fall when the leaves transform into their bright autumn colors. The area has many different kinds of trees, so the range of colors extends from yellow to orange to red. The leaves start to change color in mid to late October with peak viewing in the first few weeks of November. For some of the best foliage sites in Kingsport, head to these spots. more Bays Mountain Park Bays Mountain Park has over a hundred different types of trees, so when the weather cools down and the leaves start turning, you'll see a wide range of vibrant colors. While at Bays Mountain, you can hike on any of the 39 miles of trails to see beautiful views or enjoy a barge ride to see all the colors around the lake. If you want, you can get out on the lake on your own to see the colors by launching a kayak or canoe and paddling your way around. The Greenbelt The Greenbelt is a linear park with over 18 miles of paths. The walking trails run along the Holston River and bring you through marshlands where along the way, you'll see all kinds of fall colors. The Greenbelt also has bike-friendly paths if you want to see the fall foliage while you ride. Warriors' Path State Park Warriors' Path State Park has hiking and biking trails for visitors to explore while taking in the fall foliage. Horseback riding is also a popular way to see this park with miles of scenic woodland trails. If you want a guided tour, Warriors' Path also organizes guided group hikes throughout the year. The internationally renowned mountain biking trail system takes you through the park and is a fun way to see the fall colors, or you can take them in while playing a round of golf at the Warriors' Path Golf Course. Laurel Run Park Lauren Run Park is less than a half-hour from Kingsport. This small park is a nice place for a walk in the fall with views of the river and nearby mountains where you can see lots of brightly colored leaves. Laurel Run Falls is a nice waterfall, and it just takes a short hike to get to it. Roan Mountain State Park You'll find Roan Mountain State Park on TN Hwy 143. This park sits at the base of Roan Mountain with over 2,000 acres of hardwood forest. It has 11 different hiking trails to explore, ranging from easy to difficult, so everyone can get out and enjoy the views. The Doe River runs through the park with lots of trout fishing available, and if you want to stay at the park, you can camp or rent a mountainside cabin. You can stay right in Kingsport or take a short drive to see the beautiful fall foliage. Make sure to bring a camera or use your phone to take pictures so you can capture the colors before the leaves start to fall. Image via Pixabay

There is nothing better than rich, spicy Mexican food. Whether it's a simple taco with meat or fish or a quesadilla with melted cheese and salsa, you can find it in or near Kingsport. The area is home to several Mexican restaurants serving up your favorite Tex-Mex dishes and authentic Mexican cuisine. Check out some of the best places to fill up on flavorful Mexican food. more Santa Fe Mexican Grill Order your next delivery or takeout meal at Santa Fe Mexican Grill in Kingsport for authentic Mexican food. The menu offers everything from quesadillas with grilled chicken and melted cheese to enchiladas filled with beef, chicken, cheese, and beans and then topped with melted cheese, red sauce, pico de gallo, and sour cream. The enchiladas Rojas are delicious and come filled with chicken and then topped with mole sauce, and the burritos are also a good choice. You can get the burrito Santa Fe, which has grilled chicken or steak, grilled onions, beans, sour cream, and it comes topped with melted cheese and mole sauce. El Loco Taco Taqueria The burritos and tacos at El Loco Taco Taqueria are amazing and worth making a takeout order. The Mexican style tacos have a corn tortilla that comes filled with your choice of beef, chicken, pork, fish, or Mexican sausage. It's topped with onions, cilantro, radishes, and lime. If you want American style, you can get it with a flour tortilla, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and sour cream. The menu also includes fajitas, quesadillas, nachos, burritos, and huaraches. Los Locos Los Locos is one of the newer Mexican Grills in Kingsport. The menu offers a wide selection of dishes from fajitas to flautas and taquitos. The Taquitos Mexicanos are delicious and come with deep-fried corn tortillas stuffed with either beef or chicken and then topped with lettuce, pico de gallo, and sour cream. Seafood lovers can get their fill at Los Locos too. From Camarones a la Mexicana to Tilapia and shrimp, you'll find something you'll enjoy. You can also get chimichangas, tacos, and even Mexican pizza. The selection of fajitas has something for everyone with options such as fajita Acapulco with steak, chicken, and shrimp, or the fajitas locos with steak, chicken, chorizo, and shrimp. La Carreta La Carreta is a chain of Mexican restaurants serving authentic and delicious food. You will find all of your favorite dishes at the Kingsport location from quesadillas to burritos and tacos. Start your meal with chips and either guacamole or salsa, and then try the Quesadilla el patron, which is always a good choice. It comes with California-style shredded beef, on a bed of rice and topped with cheese dip. You can also try the burrito de Asada, a 10-inch burrito stuffed with Carne Asada and pico de gallo. It's topped with cheese and served with rice. If you can't decide what you want, try one of the combination dinners, and get a little of everything. Kingsport has lots of options if you crave Mexican food. From family-owned authentic restaurants to Tex-Mex restaurants with lots of options, everyone can find something they like. Image via Pixabay