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Looking for the best pick-me-up in the Kingsport area? Finding a great cup of coffee makes any day just a little bit better. If you are a caffeine junkie, or someone who just appreciates a great cup of coffee every now and then, these are the spots for you. That coffee shop atmosphere and a perfectly brewed cup is what's in store for you when you get to any one of these coffee shops. more The Mustard Seed Cafe The Mustard Seed Cafe is known for having some of the best coffee in Kingsport. They also offer a great lunch menu. The Mustard Seed Cafe is a quaint little sandwich shop in the heard of downtown Kingsport. They have a nice selection of sandwiches, salads and incredible coffee. The ambiance is cool and relaxed, perfect for taking a break throughout your busy day. Renewed Brew Coffee Company This coffee shop is another great choice when looking around Kingsport. They make exceptional coffee, and the cafe is the perfect place to relax while getting your caffeine kick. They make delicious lattes, and their coffee is available for purchase to take home and brew at home. The next time you are out around town and find yourself dragging, stop into Renewed Brew Coffee Company. They will set you up to take on the rest of your day. Hibbert-Davis Urban Brews Hibbert-Davis Urban Brews is an all organic, fair trade, single-origin coffee brewer. They take pride in serving only the best beans, and the best ambiance. They are a great cafe offering fresh pastries and snacks, along with incredible coffee and teas. They make tasty sandwiches, and also offer ice cream, wine, and beer. The coffee shop puts off an amazing vibe, capturing the perfect energy to get you feeling restored and ready to handle your day. The Nutty Java The Nutty Java is another good choice for a coffee shop in Kingsport. Pastries go great with coffee, and the Nutty Java makes both perfectly. This place is nice and relaxing, and the staff is very friendly. They offer great desserts and snacks, and are worth a visit if you are feeling a need for a place to relax and have a fresh cup of Joe. The Bagel Exchange The next spot to check out when looking for the best coffee shop is The Bagel Exchange. Aside from having great bagels and sandwiches, they also have incredible coffee. This little shop is right in the heart of Kingsport and is a great place to stop to get a quick bite, relax, and enjoy a quality cup of coffee or tea. The next time you are looking for a place to take your coffee break and grab a snack, stop by The Bagel Exchange. With all of the options available it is easy to find somewhere that serves the best coffee in Kingsport. If you are feeling a little sluggish and need a good pick-me-up, stop into one of these great coffee shops and get yourself a cup of coffee. Image via Pixabay

Looking to find a good book? There are some amazing bookstore options in and around Kingsport to provide you with a nice book or two. If you are looking for a new or pre-owned, or want to trade-in your old books for store credit, here are our picks for the best bookstores in Kingsport. more I Love Books Bookstore I Love Books is a great little bookstore in Kingsport. This store has a great variety of books and an assortment of teas, teapots and more. Located in Fort Henry Mall, I Love Books is a perfect bookstore to browse and find something that interests you. Books A Million Books A Million is a prominent national bookstore chain. Its Kingsport branch is an excellent place to check out some new books and magazines, and you can grab a cup of coffee in the in-store coffee shop. The staff is friendly, and if they don't have something in stock, they are happy to order it for you. This store is clean, and it is a great place to check out next time you are looking for a new book. Bubba's Book Swap Residents and visitors who have stopped by Bubba's Book Swap have a verdict: this is a fantastic place to find a great selection of new and used books. This store offers a friendly discount on most books, and they will buy and trade for books you are done with. They have a massive inventory available for you to browse on their website. Check them out next time you are looking for a book, DVD, or CD. Mr K's Used Books Over in Johnson City — just outside of Kingsport — is Mr K's Used Books & CDs. They have a great assortment of books, movies, CDs, and more. This store will also buy your old books. Although the store's inventory is constantly updated, if they don't have what you are looking for, they are happy to order it for you. Barnes & Noble Booksellers Barns & Noble Booksellers is another famed national bookstore located in Johnson City. They have a huge selection of books, music, and movies, and magazines. The staff is always friendly, and the atmosphere is nice and relaxed. There is plenty of stuff to browse and places to sit, relax, and check out new books. Books-n-things A worthy addition to this list, Books-n-things is sited just outside of town in Blountville. This bookstore sells mostly used and collectors' books. They carry a large variety of genres, so anyone will be able to find the perfect book. Also, they sell gifts, music, movies, and games. The owner is very friendly, helpful, and will answer just about any question you have about something in her store. If you are ready to pick up a new book to get into, go check out one of these great bookstores. They all have amazing selections and offer a great space to spend the afternoon browsing the inventory. You never know what you might find. But you will surely find something you like. Image via Pixabay

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. When you wake up in Kingsport, there are plenty of different options to fill out that first meal of the day. Whether you are looking for something quick during the week, or a more relaxed weekend starter, breakfast rules in Kingsport. more Seaver's Bakery If you are looking for a sweet way to start the day, stop by Seaver's Bakery. They are open early at 5:30 a.m. seven days a week to get your day off to a good start. Located on East Center Street, they offer a wide variety of seasonal and year-round donut flavors. They have chocolate and vanilla iced glazed yeast donuts too. They also have 13 different types of filled doughnuts, such as raspberry, chocolate ice cream, and cream cheese. There are eight different cake donuts on the menu, including plain, with sprinkles, crullers, and vanilla iced cake that tastes like birthday cake. Don't forget your coffee before you leave. All 11 types of espresso drinks are available cold or hot. Ask for it bold for an extra shot of espresso. They offer Americano, Mocha Latte, raspberry mocha, and decaf Americano among other eye-opening choices. The Bagel Exchange Grab a taste of New York City to start your day without leaving Kingsport. The Bagel Exchange is open Tuesday through Saturday for all your breakfast needs. If you are in a hurry, order online before you leave your house and pick it up when you arrive. You can order an egg sandwich on your choice of a bagel or a roll. Add cheese and bacon for a well-rounded meal. Choose from their wide selection of bagels for something quick and hearty. They offer a variety of flavors, including blueberry, sun-dried tomato, and everything. You can get them plain or with cream cheese, flavored cream cheese, butter, or jelly. For something sweet, try one of the muffins or cinnamon buns. Don't forget your coffee. They offer regular, decaf, dark roast, Carmel cream, and French vanilla. You can choose from regular size, tall, or a bottomless cup to get your day going. Mustard Seed Cafe For the days you have a chance to relax while enjoying breakfast, check out the Mustard Seed Cafe. This quaint setting lets you relax and wake up at your own pace while enjoying something from their mouthwatering menu. Try one of their quiches with a side of a salad or fresh fruit in the morning. They offer flavors such as tomato pie, spinach, or chicken Fajita. One of the fantastic breakfast sandwich options is Connie's Bacon, Ham, Cheese, and Carmel Apple Sandwich. It comes topped with lettuce and tomato on grilled sourdough. Another fun option is Jared's Smash. It includes smoked ham, provolone, bacon, and honey mustard on a hoagie roll. All of the sandwiches come with a side of fruit for the morning. Grab your friends and family. Leave the electronics in your car and let your brain wake up with your favorites. Start the day together, sharing a delicious meal before you carry on with the rest of your plans. Image via Pixabay

Next time you are out looking for some exercise and fresh air, stop by one of these great Kingsport parks. Whether you are going solo, with a friend, or taking the kids out for a day of fun there are plenty of options. Check out what we think are the best parks near Kingsport below. more Warriors Path State Park Warriors Path State Park is 950-acres and located along the Houston River and the Patrick Henry Reservoir. You can find places to boat, fish, and hike. They also have a mountain bike trail as well as a golf course. There is definitely no shortage of things to do at this great park. If you want to make a weekend of it check out one of their camping sites. They hold different events year-round for the community to immerse themselves in history and nature. You can find this park at 490 Hemlock Road in Kingsport. Bays Mountain Nature Preserve This park has a wide variety of activities for you and the family. They have a 44-acre lake, a nature center, planetarium, hiking trails, and animal habitats. You can view animals such as wolves, reptiles, and bobcats in well cared for environments. They are over 39-miles of hiking trails to check out too. Be sure to check out their adventure course which is a collection of high ropes, low ropes, and zip lines. This park is located at 853 Bays Mountain Park Road. Centennial Park This unique park includes lots of fun things to do for the whole family. There is an interactive water fountain, a nice green space, and a Santa statue that they call “Spirit of Generosity.” It is located adjacent to the old train depot at 245 East Main Street. Domtar Park This park is set up next to a beautiful riverside. It has baseball fields, a loop to walk for exercise, and a great playground for the kids. When there are games in session it can get a bit crowded, but there are plenty of times the park offers a quieter setting. They also have a sand volleyball court. Domtar Park can be Lund at 1414 Riverport Road. J Fred Johnson Park This Veteran's Memorial Park is a great place to spend some outdoor time. The park includes access to several playground structures for smaller kids, aged 3 to 6 years. There are also barbecue grills, benches, and the memorial. It isn't an overly large facility so you can watch the kids easily while they play. J Fred Johnson Park is located at 1630 Fort Henry Drive. Indian Highland Park Indian Highland is owned and operated by the Kingsport School System and is very well maintained. They have a softball field for games. They also have a playground for the kids, a soccer field, a walking path, and even batting cages. Hours are from dawn until dark except when they have an event. This park is located at 1814 East Center Street. We hope that your next day out at one of these great area parks is fun and provides memories to last. Image via Pixabay

When you are part of a community that you love, giving back doesn't seem like a chore as much as it does a way of life. Not only is it a feel-good moment for you, but it also helps out everyone. If you have children, including them also teaches them what it means to be a part of something bigger than themselves. We have compiled a list of some of the best places to give back to your community here in our lovely town of Kingsport, Tennessee. more TCGC Animal League Inc. TCGC Animal League Inc. is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to changing the lives of neglected animals. When you volunteer here you are giving back to the animals of the community by taking care of them and helping to find them homes. Animals are held near and dear to our hearts. To find out a good time to volunteer, make sure to contact them directly. If you are unable to give your time, they do take donations for the animals such as money for surgeries, medications, and food. They also accept pet supplies such as Purina One cat food and dog food. If you are able to foster an animal of theirs, that would also be a great help. Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee Inc. If you are looking for another way to volunteer, the food bank is a great place to start. They are always looking for volunteers and donations. They depend on volunteers to help with serving the community's needs. Ways to get involved include sorting and packing groceries with nonperishable food items, health items, paper goods, and frozen goods. They also have a backpack program for eligible children to provide them with weekend meals. In addition, you can donate food and funds to the program to help with these items. Toastmasters International The Toastmaster program has a goal to provide a supportive environment for individuals to learn and develop communication skills. This large program is headquartered out of Colorado but has a local club. You can donate to the program as an individual to the Smedley fund to help with the monetary needs of the program. Members of the club do have to pay a small fee but it helps them grow to be successful adults. United Way of Greater Kingsport The United Way of Greater Kingsport has a simple mission, “fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our community.” They do this through the work of volunteers and donations. This nonprofit organization helps the homeless, teens, families, animals, education, and just about any person in need. If there is one particular thing close to your heart, volunteering through the United Way can help connect you to it. There are many different ways to volunteer, even for just a few hours every month. This is a great way to give back to your community. You can donate through their website as well. We hope our list has given you some great ideas of where to go next time you are feeling generous. Our community thanks you. Image via Pixabay

Kingsport, Tennessee, has plenty to offer when it comes to entertainment and the arts. Whether you're looking for family fun or some cultural enlightenment, the city has something for you. Here are five of the best locations. more Kingsport Carousel Located in Pal's Roadhouse on Clinchfield Street, the Kingsport Carousel is a 1956 Allen Herschell carousel that has been completely renovated. It features 32 hand-carved animals, two chariots, and 24 sweep animals above that include birds, raccoons, and a skunk. The final animal to be put in place was a flying pig that celebrates the obstacles that had to be overcome to make the carousel project happen. To commemorate Kingsport as a bird sanctuary, the carousel also has 24 hand-painted birds around the sides. Above the carousel is a carving studio where you can watch the skilled carvers at work. The carousel is open Wednesday through Sunday and all rides are $1. The Mountain Music Museum The Mountain Music Museum on Broad Street was set up by the Appalachian Cultural Music Association to educate people about the history of the region's music. Among the musical treasures to be discovered at the museum are exhibits from legends such as the Carter family, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Flatt and Scruggs, and Dr. Ralph Stanley. The museum also hosts the long-running "Pickin' Porch Show" on Thursday nights. National and international acts perform a variety of music including country, old-time, Americana, and bluegrass. Tickets for the show can be bought at the museum or online and are $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Putt-Putt Fun Center For some family fun, head down to the Putt-Putt Fun Center on West Stone Drive. The 18-hole golf course will provide a challenge for all ages and abilities and is sure to bring out the competitive side of you as you negotiate the obstacles. The cost for one game is $5, but there are discounts for multiple game purchases. Children 5 and under play for free. Kingsport Art Guild The Kingsport Art Guild is located on the second floor of the Renaissance Arts Center. It was established more than 70 years ago to provide opportunities for the local community to experience the visual arts. Shows throughout the year feature photography, art created in various media, and special arts such as quilting. The gallery also offers special events, instructional classes, lectures, and exhibitions. Kingsport Speedway If you prefer high octane entertainment, the Kingsport Speedway on North John B. Dennis Highway will provide the whole family with high-speed thrills. Known as the Concrete Jungle, the speedway hosts a variety of racing events through the year such as the vintage class, the Super Cup stock car series, the kids' power wheels race, Ford or Chevy street car nights, and the NASCAR divisions championship night. These five venues show the variety of entertainment available in Kingsport. You could also check out the Kingsport Ballet, the Symphony of the Mountains, the Kingsport Theater Guild, and more. Image via Pixabay

When you're want to escape the hubbub of city life for some peace and quiet, you don't have to travel too far from Kingsport, Tennessee, to find some beautiful spaces where you can get closer to nature. Here are some of the best parks and preserves in the area. more Kingsport Greenbelt The easiest way to access nature from the city is the Kingsport Greenbelt which stretches 9 miles from one end of town to the other. With numerous entry points, the Greenbelt is a linear park that connects commercial districts, residential neighborhoods, and traditional parks. It features more than 18 miles of walking trails and bike-friendly paths along rivers, creeks, wetlands, and forests. Walk above the wetlands on the boardwalk, see The Forks where two rivers merge into one, and watch for wildlife on the Kingsport Birding Trail. Bays Mountain Park Covering 3,500 acres, Bays Mountain Park in Kingsport is the largest city-owned park in Tennessee. With 39 miles of walking trails, you can hike up the mountain to take in the views from the fire tower, take a stroll around the 44-acre lake, or visit the waterfalls. For mountain bikers, 32 miles of trails provide a challenge for all skill levels. The park is a nature preserve where you can visit the protected habitats of wolves, bobcats, red foxes, white-tail deer, river otters, reptiles, and turtles. Wildlife that you might spot around the park includes deer, raccoons, blue herons, geese, ducks, and beavers. Barge rides on the lake are available so you can view the park from the water. Warriors' Path State Park Warriors' Path State Park on the shores of the Patrick Henry Reservoir offers 950 acres for recreational activities. The park has 12 miles of hiking trails meandering along streams, through fields and forests, and over high bluffs. More than 12.5 miles of scenic trails are also available for mountain bikers. To get you out on the water, the marina rents canoes, single and tandem kayaks, paddleboats, and paddleboards. Fishermen may be able to catch catfish, trout, bass, and crappie. Almost 120 bird types have been observed in the park including wetland, woodland, old field, and waterfowl species. To prolong your stay in the park, 134 campsites are available with tables and grills. Many of the sites have water and electric hook-ups. Natural Tunnel State Park Just over 20 miles northwest, across the state line in Virginia, is the Natural Tunnel State Park. The tunnel for which the park is named is 100 feet high and 850 feet long and was once called “the eighth wonder of the world.” Seven walking trails lead you to a number of unique features of the park including Lover's Leap, Gorge Ridge, Tunnel Hill, and the tunnel itself. Some fishing is available along Stock Creek with the chance of catching trout. For overnighters, there are campgrounds, yurts, and a lodge. For longer stays, cabins can be rented by the week. Whether you want a short, peaceful stroll, a strenuous hike, or just to relax with nature, these locations offer the perfect getaway. Image via Pixabay

If you're looking for a way to enjoy the natural wonders of Eastern Tennessee, birdwatching is an excellent activity. There are several sites in the Kingsport area where you can enjoy viewing the area's feathered inhabitants. Let's explore some of these sites. more Kingsport Birding Trail The Kingsport Birding Trail (KBT) meanders through several unique habitats, each one an excellent spot for birdwatching. When exploring the urban areas along the trail, you'll see how natural and human-constructed environments exist together and allow each other to thrive. The KBT also includes stops in rural areas, mountain top outposts, and the Kingsport Greenbelt. As the trail takes you along the Holston River, be sure to keep an eye out for the bald eagles that nest there. Other species who live along the Kingsport Birding Trail include the white pelican, snowy egret, and red-necked grebe. Warriors' Path State Park Warriors' Path State Park, on the shores of the Patrick Henry Reservoir, provides visitors with 950 acres to enjoy and explore. The reservoir is home to several species of waterfowl, including heron, kingfisher, and osprey. As you hike the park's 12 miles of trails, you'll journey through a forest that is home to the pileated woodpecker, brown creeper, and Carolina chickadee. You'll also traverse through a marsh where you'll see the barred owl, wild turkey, and ruby-throated hummingbird that live in the park. Warriors' Path also features a creek that serves as a habitat for wood duck, hermit thrush, and great horned owl. Sycamore Shoals State Park Not only is Sycamore Shoals State Park home to many historical sites, but it also features many natural wonders. The Watauga River Trail is an excellent area for spotting yellow-crowned heron, ducks, and migratory warblers. Be sure to stop by the trail's butterfly garden and Monarch waystation. The park's Longhunter Loop takes you through open fields, shrubs, and saplings as you observe cedar waxwing, indigo bunting, and Cooper's hawk. The Sycamore Shoals Arboretum is home to more than 30 species of native trees, as well as blue jays, woodpeckers, and the tufted titmouse. Eastern bluebirds, American robins, and the great horned owl live on the grounds of the historic Carter mansion. Roan Mountain State Park Roan Mountain State Park, located at the base of Roan Mountain, contains more than 2,000 acres of rich hardwood forest, hollows, and ridges. The park's Forest Road Trail traverses two ridges that are home to the hairy woodpecker, northern flicker, and Acadian flycatcher. At the park's picnic shelter, situated along the Doe River, you can observe the belted kingfisher, Louisiana waterthrush, and great blue heron. Screech owl, Cooper's hawk, and wild turkey inhabit the grounds of the historic Miller Farmstead. The Peg Leg Mine Trail and Cloudland Nature Trail, suitable for beginner hikers, are great areas for spotting mourning dove, scarlet tanager, and eastern towhee. These are just some of the fantastic sites for birdwatching in the Kingsport area. No matter which one you visit, you're sure to have a wonderful time discovering these Tennessee treasures. Image via Pixabay

If you're planning to propose, celebrating an anniversary, or going out for your regular date night, it's essential to choose the right setting. Luckily, there are several romantic restaurants in the Kingsport area. Let's discuss some of those restaurants and what they have to offer. more The Chop House The Chop House is an upscale steakhouse with a charming and sophisticated atmosphere. You and your date will enjoy sharing a plate of crispy calamari and shrimp, sweet corn tamale plates, or ahi tuna. Entrees include grilled chicken parmesan, petite pork chops, and cold water lobster tail. Of course, The Chop House serves up the finest cuts of beef, such as filet mignon, ribeye, and New York strip. If you're looking for something on the lighter side, try the Caesar, grilled chicken, or balsamic blue cheese salads. Cap off your romantic evening by sharing a slice of chocolate mousse cake. Riverfront Seafood Company Riverfront Seafood Company offers guests a dining experience overlooking the Holston River, an excellent setting for a romantic night out. Start your meal off right by sharing some coconut shrimp, fried green tomatoes, or oysters on the half shell. Riverfront's entrees are prepared using only the freshest seafood and other quality ingredients. The farm-raised catfish, trout almandine, and snow crabs come highly recommended. If you're not in the mood for seafood, you should try the grilled pork chop, beef tenderloin, or chicken Alfredo. Riverfront's desserts are all made from scratch and include blackberry cake, key lime pie, and bread pudding. Wasabi Wasabi is a traditional Japanese steakhouse and sushi bar featuring cozy seating and impressive performances from master hibachi chefs. You and your date will enjoy sharing appetizers like calamari, chicken tempura, and crab naruto. The sushi is made fresh to order and comes in a hand roll, traditional roll, or a la carte. Diner favorites include the tempura sweet potato roll, Philadelphia roll, and summer roll. Teriyaki and tempura entrees are served with a salad, soup, and white rice. Wasabi's menu also features several noodle dishes. If you want to sample a little bit of everything, you can order a dinner bento box. For dessert, try the tempura cheesecake or tempura fried ice cream. Giuseppe's Giuseppe's serves up all of your favorite Italian dishes in a warm, candlelit atmosphere. Baked clams, mozzarella-stuffed mushroom caps, and shrimp cocktail are just some of the freshly prepared appetizers you and your special someone can enjoy. Delicious seafood entrees include broiled Maine lobster tails, Tilapia Francese, and mussels marinara. Meat-lovers will savor the filet mignon, prime rib, and New York strip. House specials include the gnocchi Bolognese, ravioli Portobello, and pasta Toscana. If you and your date are in the mood to share, you can order one Giuseppe's specialty pizzas You can also have fun creating your own from a variety of fresh toppings. These are just some of the romantic restaurants in the Kingsport area. No matter which one you choose, you and your special someone are sure to enjoy a special evening. Image via Pixabay

Kingsport, Tennessee, is home to a great variety of restaurants where you can head for a tasty lunch. Ranging from coffee shops to barbecue joints to drive-thrus, Kingsport features the perfect lunch spot for every occasion. Here are a few places that you definitely want to check out the next time you're on a lunch break. Braeden's Barbeque If you fancy authentic hickory-smoked barbecue served by friendly staff, pop by Braeden's Barbeque for lunch. The venue has an informal and cheerful vibe, featuring a big counter painted in bright colors, a few booths, some wooden tables and chairs, and a rough-pine-wall focal point. People don't only go to Braeden's for the ambiance — they are there for the excellent barbecue. On the menu are all the favorites, including pulled pork or turkey, beef brisket, and ribs, which you can complement with your choice of sauce such as hot & spicy, sweet & bold, honey, or the popular house sauce. No barbecue dish, however, is complete without a healthy helping of sides. At Braeden's they serve fries, coleslaw, potato salad, mac n' cheese, sweet potatoes, and onion rings. If barbecue is not your thing, the menu also features a wide selection of burgers, prepared from 100% Black Angus beef, hot dogs, deli sandwiches, and fresh salads. more Pratt's Pratt's has been around since 1971, when patrons could buy fried chicken dinners for 99 cents, and has been a firm favorite with locals since then. Today, the Pratt family still owns Pratt's. The iconic venue is easily recognizable, as it features a 32-foot-tall statue, called "The Big Indian," at the entrance. Inside, the venue is delightful, featuring red-and-white-checkered tables, quaint booths, and a raised "porch" seating area complete with pillars, swinging benches, and windows. The menu at Pratt's boasts loads of meat dishes, including smoked barbecue, St. Louis ribs, meatloaf, glazed ham, smoked turkey, and fried chicken. Guests choose their own sides from the side's menu, which includes Southern favorites like green beans, buttered corn, coleslaw, cinnamon apples, and mashed potatoes. For guests who want something a bit more Southwestern, smoked-chicken quesadillas, pulled-pork tacos, and nachos are also offered. Purple Cow If you don't have time for a sit-down lunch, Purple Cow drive-thru is your go-to place for quick, tasty, and fresh food. The drive-thru is family-owned, which means that guests always receive friendly and attentive service. The owners also take pride in preparing all their dishes from scratch, and from only the freshest and locally-sourced ingredients and produce. On the menu are a variety of subs, burgers, salads, and steak. You can, for instance, opt for The Intimidator, which is a 1-pound beef patty burger with cheese and bacon; the Chicken Bomb, which is a sub with sliced chicken breast, green peppers, mushrooms, and provolone cheese; a Chicken Cordon Blue sandwich; or a Kraut and Wieners hot dog. Their milkshakes are also delicious. Whether you want to spoil yourself with a slow, sit-down lunch on a weekend afternoon, or want to grab a wholesome meal on the run, Kingsport houses the perfect lunch spot for every occasion. Image by tookapic from Pixabay

Kingsport is a tried and true hub of National Forests. No matter which direction you head in, you're sure to wind up in one of the area's excellent and beautiful protected forests. Each offers stunning vistas and days worth of recreational activities. If the opportunity for adventure around Kingsport, Tennessee, has sparked your interest, check out this comprehensive guide to some of the incredible National Parks in the vicinity. more George Washington and Jefferson National Forests This massive chunk of land offers a vast amount of opportunity for outdoor fun and recreation. If you're looking to cool off with a swim in the hot summer months, this park includes several great beaches. Cole's Point daytime recreation area includes a large swimming area as well as a large field for games, and there is a one-mile trail and a three-mile trail for hikers. The Bolar Mountain recreation area, Brandywine recreation area, and Beartree recreation area all have great beaches as well. This National Forest is a true gem for fishing fanatics. With the wide variety of fish species available at several optimal bodies of water, it's hard to argue against a day of fishing at these locations. Those with a boat can access miles of wooded shoreline for prime bass fishing. Other species include brown trout, bluegill, crappie, catfish, sunfish, and pickerel. If you don't have a boat, there are dozens of shoreline and pier-fishing opportunities at several recreational areas throughout the park. If you're looking to take advantage of camping opportunities in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. The Clinch, Eastern Divide, Glenwood Pedlar, James River, Lee, North River, and Warm Springs ranger districts all have a multitude of campsites available, many of which include spaces to fit RVs. Hookup availability varies, so check ahead of time. This National Forest is a top destination for local outdoor enthusiasts. Other recreational activities include winter sports, biking, horseback riding, and hunting. Cherokee National Forest Another popular National Forest in the Kingsport area is the Cherokee National Forest. There is a wide variety of water activities in this national forest. Swimming locations include the Chilhowee recreation area, Mac Point Beach, Parkville Beach, Indian Boundary recreational area, and Snook Branch beach. The wet-and-wild fun doesn't end with a few swimming holes. World-class whitewater rafting, motorized and non-motorized boat access, and tubing are all available in the forest's boundaries. The forest has no shortage of fishable waters. You'll find access to rivers, streams, secluded ponds, and large lakes all provide incredible angling opportunities to catch many of the same sought-after species as were listed in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. The wide range of bodies of water creates exciting tests of skill for all levels of fisherman as well as peaceful and memorable vistas. If you're looking for outdoor adventure in the Kingsport area, head to one of the two amazing National Forests listed above. Whether you're looking to do some weekend camping with the family or are heading out on a longer outdoor adventure the area's National Forests have just what you're looking for. Image via Pixabay

As summer gets closer and the temperatures continue to climb, you might decide to head outside to enjoy the beautiful weather. Fortunately, Kingsport, Tennessee, has a variety of parks in the area that offer something for everyone to enjoy. When you're ready to have some fun this summer, check out a few of these top options. more Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium The 3,550-acre Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium offers the ideal place to explore nature. Head to the nature center and animal habitat area to get a closer look at some of the animals that live in the area. If you need to stretch your legs, the park has over 39-miles of hiking trails. You can also check out a show at the planetarium, take a barge ride on the Kingsport Reservoir, or have some fun on the adventure course. Preston Forest Park The three-acre Preston Forest Park provides several recreational opportunities to enjoy. If you're looking to play some sports, the park has soccer goals, a basketball court, a backstop for baseball or softball, and open green space. Children will also have a good time at the playground and multi-station swing set. You can also bring a lunch to enjoy at the pavilion or picnic tables. Centennial Park The beautiful Centennial Park in the heart of Kingsport provides a unique destination to learn more about the city and spend some time outside. The park was created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the city. You can take a stroll along the walkway to read about the history of the city. The interactive water fountain at the center of the park is a popular spot on hot days and it even illuminates at night. Riverview Park When you're looking to have some fun, plan a trip to Riverview Park. This eight-acre park has a basketball court, two lighted tennis courts, lighted open green space, and a children's playground. When it's hot outside, you can cool down with the surface water jets, rotating water cannons, and dumping buckets at the Riverview Splash Pad. Cloud Park Cloud Park makes it easy to have fun on wheels. The seven-acre park is home to Scott Adams Skate Park, it's open to bikers and skateboarders. The park also provides access to the Kingsport Greenbelt, which is a nine-mile path that meanders through the city and offers an excellent opportunity for walking and bicycling. Edinburgh Park Edinburgh Park is a 4.5-acre neighborhood park that's a nice place to relax. The walking paths wind around two ponds and feature ornamental landscaping and decorative lighting. If you want to enjoy the view of the birds swimming in the water or the fountain in one pond, you can take a seat on one of the park benches. The ponds are also stocked with fish. If you have your fishing license, you can drop a line and see what's biting. Whether you want to get out and hike or find some relief from the summer heat, you'll have a great time when you check out these Kingsport parks. Image via Pixabay