Blog / Tennessee

Blog

All Tennessee New Toyota Cars Kingsport Toyota Dealer Around Town Activities and Excursions Kingsport Toyota Service Car Maintenance Car Tips SUVs Driving Safety Toyota Trucks Car Features Toyota of Kingsport Service About Toyota Car Buying Tips Toyota of Kingsport Toyota Performance Vehicles Hybrid Vehicles Fun Facts Kingsport Used Cars Toyota Tundra Travel Destinations Used Toyota Cars Car Warranty Information Fuel Efficient Toyota All-Wheel Drive Vehicles Electrified Vehicles Toyota History Toyota RAV4 Toyota Tacoma
Scenic Drives in Tennessee

5 of the Best Scenic Drives in Tennessee

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

free things near Kingsport TN

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

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

Farmers market

3 Farmers Markets in Driving Distance of Kingsport, TN

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

Wonderful Things to Love About Living in the Kingsport, TN Area

Once known as Salt Lick, and later as King's Port, the city that became Kingsport, TN was planned out as a Garden City in 1917. Today it has sculpture trails, popular restaurants, a music and arts scene, and more, to offer the resident or visitor. In addition, Kingsport's proximity to Bays Mountain Park makes outdoor pursuits easily accessible. We've put together a few things to love about Kingsport that we think show its special character. more Kingsport Carousel In the heart of Kingsport, the Carousel is a landmark, with thirty hand-painted animals, some handsome, some whimsical, and all very colorful, mounted on a restored 1950s frame. The project started in 2008 with one person, Kingsport resident Gale Joh, and grew to involve many, including some very dedicated woodcarvers, as each animal took over 700 hours to carve. The results are quite spectacular, and at a dollar for a ride, who wouldn't want to take a spin! The Kingsport Carousel is accommodated inside 'Pal's Roundhouse' at Clinchfield St, which provides the structure with a temperature-controlled environment for its preservation. Look out for the twenty-four unique bird paintings, chosen to represent indigenous species, and add yet more color. With rounding-boards also decorated, with scenes of Kingsport history, we don't know if there is any more cheerful way to celebrate the city. Bays Mountain Where the Holston River splits into three tributaries, you can see the termination of Bays Mountain. The mountain is a ridge of the Valley and Ridge Appalachians and runs from Knoxville to Kingsport. Its name comes from the two Bays brothers, who became famous in the region for their hunting prowess in the late eighteenth century. Kingsport is home to Bays Mountain Park. Bays Mountain Park has 3,650 acres of nature preserve and boasts a 44-acre lake. This habitat is home to reptiles, raptors, wolves, and bobcats. Exploration is almost endless here; of hiking and biking trails there are plenty. Explore the stars, too, at the Planetarium, where you can experience the ultra-modern Carl Zeiss Starmaster ZKP-4 Star Projector. Pal's You can't miss a Pal's Sudden Service! The founder of Pal's, Fred 'Pal' Barger opened the first branch here in Kingsport, on Revere St, in 1956. The second arrived on Lynn Garden Drive, four years later. Now firmly established in the fast-food landscape, Pal's has about 30 locations. Fred introduced novel methods with human resources too, using quiz-style teaching, and increasing the time spent on training for employees. Fred Barger was an enterprising business operator, and in the 1980's he engaged the talents of Karen and Tony Barone, who created Pal's iconic quirky architecture. Notably, they placed giant food sculptures on the roof!  Making Pal's so easily recognizable was one of the ingredients of the chain's success. From ultra-modern stargazing to a vintage-framed carousel, to fast-food innovation, Kingsport is a place where good things happen. See us at Toyota of Kingsport today to buy a brand new Toyota model for a great deal or receive professional and skilled auto services to keep your current vehicle in great shape while driving it around the local Kingsport, TN area! Image by Lori Robinett from Pixabay

4 Road Trips to Take in Tennessee

Tennessee is a beautiful state to visit any time of the year. There are several great destinations for a weekend getaway or day trip. From mountains to big cities, Tennessee has something to offer everyone. Follow the Natchez Trace Parkway and National Scenic Byway for an adventure. Gas up the car, grab the kids and check out these four road trips to take in Tennessee. more Nashville Tennessee is synonymous with Nashville, the country music capital, and it's a definite must-see destination. There's so much to see and do in Nashville that the longer you can take to get it all in, the better. A few of our favorites include the Country Music Hall of Fame, The Ryman Auditorium, and the Broadway Honky Tonk Highway. You're sure to find an abundance of live music shows from performers hoping to get their big break. One such place is the Wildhorse Saloon, with three floors, a restaurant, bar, and dance floor where they offer free line dancing lessons. When you work up an appetite wandering around Nashville, be sure to fill up at Arnold's Family Kitchen, Capitol Grill, or The Loveless Cafe. Stick around into the evening and catch a drink at the Oak Bar inside the Hermitage Hotel, Honky Tonk Central, or the Tootsies Orchid Lounge. Franklin Just a bit down the road is the city that has the only Great American Main Street in Tennessee that runs through it. Downtown is a quaint historic district, consisting of 15 blocks. Enjoy the brick sidewalks and Victorian architecture. Stop under the lights of the Franklin Theater, built in the 1930s, closed in 2007, and has recently been renovated and is better than ever. In addition to movies, they also host live music on occasion. When you start to get hungry, check out Puckett's Grocery & Restaurant in downtown Franklin. They offer some of the best southern cooking around. Hohenwald Continuing along the Natchez Trace Parkway, you'll find an elephant sanctuary in Hohenwald. The sanctuary offers 2,700 acres of natural habitat and an Elephant Discovery Center for visitors. At the center, visitors can view the animals on the Elecam, as there are no visitors allowed in the sanctuary itself. When you've finished watching the elephants play, try the food at Junkyard Dog Steakhouse. The 20-ounce porterhouse or blackened tilapia are both worth the drive. Centerville The next stop along the way on Natchez Trace Parkway is Centerville, home of Minnie Pearl, a famous Grand Ole Opry comedian. Visit Grinder's Switch Winery, where you can stroll through the 100-acre vineyards, taste a variety of their offerings, and shop their selection of local handmade items. Be sure to check their website for upcoming events to help you plan your visit. They've been known to offer food truck days as well as wine and yoga events. This list is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to spots to stop, places to eat, and cities to visit along the Natchez Trace Parkway and National Scenic Byway. Other places include Leiper's Fork and Waynesboro. Take the entire trip at once, or break it up over days, or plan a new adventure over the course of several trips and make sure to visit Toyota of Kingsport before going on your trip to check out the new and used cars we have for sale in Kingsport, TN! Image by Shelly Yingling from Pixabay

Alligator at the Memphis, TN zoo

The Top 5 Things to Do in Tennessee During Spring

If you're seeking history and culture, family-friendly adventure, or arts and entertainment, Tennessee has you covered. Here are five of the top activities to do throughout Tennessee when spring blooms. Memphis Zoo With more than 3,500 animals on display, visitors get to see giant pandas, including Le Le and Ya Ya, who arrived at the zoo from China in 2003. Some other exhibits at the Memphis Zoo include Cat Country's array of African lions, cheetahs, and tigers, and the Aquarium with its variety of balloonfish, softshell turtles, and red-bellied piranhas. Admission to the Memphis Zoo ranges from $10 for children to $15 for adults and it includes $5 parking. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from March 1 to October 16, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. from October 17 to February 28. more Great Smoky Mountains National Park Known as one of America's most visited, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park highlights its diverse plant life and wildlife, along with its beautiful mountains and waterfalls. Horseback rides throughout the Cades Cove, Smoky Mountain, the Sugarlands, and Smokemont are available. Visit historic homes, churches, and farms built by the early settlers of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, in the Cataloochee Valley, Mingus Creek Trail, and Roaring Fork areas. The park remains open year-round, but some roads and facilities close during winter. National Civil Rights Museum at The Lorraine Motel Opened in 1991, the National Civil Rights Museum highlights the people, places, and events surrounding the American Civil Rights Movement. It is located at the Lorraine Motel — the site where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in 1968. Approximately 260 artifacts and more than 40 interactive media and films capture five centuries of history from slavery to the Civil War to the late 20th century. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, including 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The museum closes every Tuesday. Tin Pan South Every spring in Nashville, also known as "Music City," Tin Pan South showcases more than 350 songwriters and acts from various genres at venues around the city. Thousands of music lovers attend the event recognized as one of the world's largest songwriter festivals. Venues have included the Blue Bar, the Hard Rock Cafe, and the Listening Room Cafe, among others. Admission for the music festival is on a show-by-show basis, unless you buy a Fast Access pass, which ranges from $100 to $125 and covers most of the shows. Dollywood Fun for the entire family, Dollywood features several thrill, kiddie and family rides, and water excursions. The popular Daredevil Falls is a boat expedition with a 60-foot drop at 50 mph. Other attractions include the Barnstormer, Chasing Rainbows, and a new roller coaster named the Lightning Rod, which is anticipated to be one of the world's fastest wood roller coasters. The amusement park opens in mid-March, and admission prices vary for one-day and three-day passes. Tennessee offers a variety of activities, especially when the warm weather arrives. Whether traveling solo or with your family, you can always plan a weekend getaway or a day trip to any of these attractions. Image via Pixabay

Musician playing an acoustic guitar

The 5 Best Music Festivals Coming Soon to Tennessee

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

4 Must-Do Tennessee Road Trips

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

The 4 Most Scenic State Parks in Tennessee

East Tennessee is home to some of the country's most beautiful scenery, so you don't have to drive far to enjoy a scenic state park. Whether you're planning an afternoon drive or a weekend getaway, here are some destinations you'll want to consider: Roan Mountain State Park Located just an hour from Kingsport on Highway 143, Roan Mountain State Park encompasses more than 2,000 acres around the majestic Roan Mountain. While it makes an ideal day trip, if you'd rather spend the night, the park offers camping sites and multiple cabins with rocking chair front porches and wood-burning stoves. Fishing is the park's most popular activity, and the trout are regularly stocked. You also won't want to miss the park's 12 miles of hiking trails. more Fall Creek Falls State Park At more than three hours away, this one is more of a weekend getaway than a quick day trip, but it's well worth the extra mileage. Fall Creek Falls State Park is the state's largest and most visited park. Sprawling more than 26,000 acres, its landscape is laced with gorges, lush hardwood timber, streams, and white cascades. At 256 feet, Fall Creek Falls itself is one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States, but there are plenty of other waterfalls to see on a Fall Creek Falls excursion. Learn about the area at the hands-on Nature Center, play a round at the 18-hole golf course, go rock climbing, zip line, or fish for largemouth bass. Paris Landing State Park Another one worth an extended trip, Paris Landing State Park is located about six hours from Kingsport near the town of Buchanan. This park boasts a diverse and varied landscape with affordable lodging accommodations and family-friendly activities that encourage visitors to come back year after year. There's no access fee to enjoy the park, and once you're in, you can enjoy a wide range of activities that include geocaching, biking, birding, hiking, swimming, fishing, and even disc golf. Unique vacation packages are also available, and they include educational waterfall tours, interpretive programs, meals, transportation, and accommodations. Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park This popular park is a little bit closer to home. Located in Limestone less than an hour from Kingsport, Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park is dedicated to the soldier, pioneer, industrialist, politician, and famous Tennessean that was born here in 1786. The 105-acre historic park is a beautifully maintained memorial to Davy Crockett that features a visitor center, replica cabin, picnic pavilions, and 88 campsites. If you're interested in fishing, the Nolichucky River provides opportunities to catch bass, bluegill, crappie, catfish, and redeye. There are also a variety of easy and moderate hiking trails that provide stunning views of the local flora and wildlife. In addition to the state park, you can also visit the Crockett Tavern Museum in nearby Morristown as well as the Cherokee National Forest. Tennessee certainly has a lot to offer when it comes to natural beauty, so plan on visiting one of these state parks on your family's next outing. Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

5 Small Towns in Tennessee Worth Visiting

When you want to plan a relaxing getaway, there's nothing quite like visiting a small town. Tennessee is brimming with these small, charming places that embody Southern hospitality and put other locales to shame, so be sure to add one of these to your travel itinerary: Kingsport Another small city, but one that's larger than Dayton, Kingsport is part of the Mountain Empire that spans Southwest Virginia and the mountain counties of East Tennessee. Kingsport itself is idyllic and historic with easy access to state parks, spas, antique shops, smokehouses, and family-friendly events that include a popular hot air balloon festival. When you're looking for a small-town feel with city amenities, Kingsport is the place to be. more Dayton Located in Rhea County between Chattanooga and Knoxville, Dayton is a picturesque small city oozing with charm. If you're familiar with the name, it's probably because you've heard of Dayton, Tennessee, being the location of the famous Scopes Trial in 1925, which is the town's main claim to fame. Dayton offers countless parks and recreational fields for its size, and the nightlife is an unexpected bonus with its exceptional restaurants and live music scene. Townsend Townsend tends to be overshadowed by the popularity of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, but it's a peaceful little town nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that should be at the top of your list of places to visit. There isn't much here but ample opportunity for peace and relaxation, but that's part of its appeal. Drive around the loop at Cades Cove, check out the Tuckaleechee Caverns, or visit the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center. You can bet your weekend will be packed with nothing but the natural beauty and quiet of the mountain region. Jonesborough This quaint little town is perfect for those who love Southern history. Jonesborough is home to more than 5,000 people, but it's retained its historic charm in ways few towns in America have. Jonesborough's claim to fame is that it's the oldest city in Tennessee, even older than the state itself, so you can expect to encounter a lot of historical significance during your visit. Walk through the Chester Inn Museum, visit the International Storytelling Center, go antiquing, pop into one of the art galleries, or simply stroll along the picturesque streets. Bell Buckle The smallest on our list, Bell Buckle is home to just over 500 residents. It's a close-knit art lovers' community that will make you feel as if you've stepped back in time. As it stands today, this tiny town is a preserved and restored railroad village featuring Victorian homes, farmland, and horse country that is known for its handmade crafts, country music, quilts, antiques, and Southern hospitality. You also can't beat the home cooking. Thousands of visitors are drawn to Bell Buckle each year for its annual festivals, though the town is a great place to visit any time of year. Give yourself a chance to breathe again. Get away from the daily grind and plan a trip to one of these laid-back Tennessee towns. Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay

Contact Us

Fill out this form below and we'll contact you shortly
*Required Fields