Three Must-See Tennessee Festivals This Summer

May 11, 2017 · 3 min read

The summer is a great season to get out and enjoy one of Tennessee's many festivals. Keep reading to learn about three of them you shouldn't pass up.

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival

Held since 2002 at the 700-acre Great Stage Park in Manchester, the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival features dozens of acts ranging from chart toppers to indie up and comers. Past guests have included Beatle Paul McCartney and Fitz and the Tantrums, a Neo Soul act known for high energy and great vocals. U2 and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are two of the headliners this year. Many vendors come and sell art like dreamcatchers or paintings, and you can also get art on your body in the form of temporary tattoos. This year, the festival takes place from June 8-11, and you can expect that music and other festivities will go from about noon each day until very early the next morning. Tickets for general admission start at $349.50 plus applicable fees. However, you can also splurge on a two-ticket Platinum package for $5,000 that includes access to premium stage viewing areas, food served in a special hospitality tent, and the chance to camp in a designated area with other people who have also paid for upscale tickets.

Taste of Music City Festival

Nashville is well-known for its country music scene and major record label offices, but music isn't the only thing Music City offers. The Taste of Music City Festival proves this, because it's the largest celebration of food and drink in Nashville. Occurring on June 17 in Public Square Park, the festival offers an all-inclusive ticket that lets attendees feast on gourmet food and sip on high-quality specialty beverages for the entire festival, which happens from 5-9 p.m. What better way to take care of dinner for that night? There is also an instructional element to the festival that allows people to watch as talented chefs whip up new and familiar cuisines. If you're seeking a little inspiration for the meals made in your own kitchen, be sure to check out some of the awesome demonstrations. General admission advance tickets are $59 plus applicable fees, but kids can go to the festival for $15 plus fees. Proceeds benefit St. Luke's Community House, a charity that helps low-income individuals in West Nashville.

The Chattanooga Market's Red, White, and Blueberries Festival

The Chattanooga Market has become an area favorite because it's a bustling place for people to buy produce and other locally sourced items. It's also known for having several festivals. One notable option is the Red, White, and Blueberries Festival, which happens this year on July 2 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you have a big appetite, enter a blueberry pie eating contest. Otherwise, just enjoy browsing for the various items available for purchase that feature blueberries on the ingredients list. This free event happens at the First Tennessee Pavilion. Hopefully these three summer festivals get you excited for some of what Tennessee has to offer. While visiting them, you can enjoy good music and tasty food while potentially meeting new friends. Image via Pixabay

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Aug 25, 2023 in Activities and Excursions

Drive on Over: 4 Great Spots for Taking Photos Near Kingsport, TN

Northeast Tennessee is a perfect place for memorable selfies and pics for the album. Don't miss these fantastic photo spots near and dear to Kingsport, TN. 1. Selfie Trail #CaptureKingsport is the hot tag for the city's famed Selfie Trail. Selfie Location Markers mark the spots where you can enjoy the sights of Kingsport while striking your best pose. The Kingsport Sign at 400 Clinchfield St. begins the journey with its clever inclusion of the Tennessee flag. Feel like royalty by snapping a pic in front of 4444 West Stone Dr.'s Allandale Mansion, or harken back to a bygone era at 4812 Orebank Rd.'s Exchange Place. Travel to 245 E. Main St. and take a picture with St. Nick anytime at the Spirit of Generosity Sculpture. The sports landmark Miracle Field (at 2017 Brickyard Park Dr.) gifts the opportunity to capture a wow-worthy baseball play against a majestic mountainous backdrop. And 350 Clinchfield St.'s Kingsport Carousel will help you recapture childhood with a family photo amidst the whimsical hand-painted horses. more 2. Bays Mountain This sprawling park has also earned honored top spots along the Selfie Trail. Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium itself offers photo ops at every turn. Pose in front of the sparkling 44-acre lake. Become wildlife photographer-extraordinaire at animal habitats featuring natural royalty such as raptors, bobcats, and iconic howling wolves. Preserve Mother Nature in all her glory along the plentiful hiking trails. Or get your night vision camera ready for a tour of the stars. For a truly postcard-pic, head on over to 853 Bays Mountain Park Rd. and discover the ultimate scenic view of Kingsport's beauty (with you as the star) in the Bays Mountain Fire-tower. Or indulge in a round of golf at the mountain's base on 1901 Meadowview Parkway. Go for the sport at Cattails, but stay for the incredible scenery and the parcel of pics that'll result. 3. Netherland Inn Road First on the photo itinerary at this Selfie Trail fixture is the captain of the namesake road: Netherland Inn. Stationed at the 2144 address, one of the region's oldest historic sites takes visitors back in time to the early 19th century with authentic period-era furnishings, toys, architecture, and more. Who needs a pricy old-time photo shoot when you can experience the real deal? And that striking Holston River view adds to the ambiance. Continue your natural odyssey with plentiful snapshot moments along 1795 Netherland Inn Rd.'s Greenbelt. Streams, marshlands, wildflower meadows, and rivers are just waiting for their time in the spotlight on this ten-mile linear trail made for walking and biking. The suspension bridge is one of many great places fit for a pic. Plus, get a flavor of Kingsport culture with photo-laden strolls through residential neighborhoods and historic downtown. 4. Downtown Mural Trail Speaking of downtown, you'll find local artworks brimming with vibrant color and vivid creative themes hugging every street. Nearly two dozen murals embody this amazing city's spirit. Easily fill a photo album with miniature masterpieces. For an automotive masterpiece, turn heads in the Toyota GT86. This ultra-sleek and affordable sportscar could steal centerpiece status in any photo spread. Autos have never looked better than they do in Kingsport. Visit Toyota of Kingsport and behold runway-ready rides.

Jul 28, 2023 in Activities and Excursions

Just Down the Road: 5 Favorite Bookstores Near Kingsport, TN

Kingsport, TN located in the “Mountain Empire” that spans a portion of southwest Virginia and the mountainous counties in northeastern Tennessee, has a long history and a number of bookstores that you can lose yourself in. Read on to find out some of our top picks. Bubba's Book Swap Bubba's Book Swap at 331 E Sullivan St, Kingsport is a fantastic used book store brimming with an extensive selection of books. They cater impressively to the interests of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and suspense/thriller readers. Browse through their impressive range of both recent and classic titles. The owner's approachability and willingness to assist is sure to leave a lasting impression. The shop offers a cozy, well-stocked ambiance right in Kingsport's heart. We wholeheartedly recommend it to any book enthusiasts in the Tri-Cities, TN/VA area, and look forward to meeting Bubba, the cat, in person during our next visit. more Dewayne's World - Comics & Games This haven for comic book enthusiasts, located at 457 E Sullivan St #423, offers a fantastic array of Gundhams, Funko Pops, D&D merchandise, Collectible Figures, comic books, Little Golden Books, and stuffed animals. Dewayne's World quickly has quickly become a popular local store thanks to its extensive offerings: comics, graphic novels, board games, miniatures, and a plethora of collectibles. The courteous and helpful staff are an additional asset, and they are always willing to talk about their own favorites and give recommendations. Books-A-Million This large store, located at 2626 E Stone Dr, in the Kingsport Pavilion shopping center, is a favorite of many thanks to its well-planned layout. Not only a shop for books, they also cater to fans of comics, manga, and other visual narratives, offering a substantial section dedicated to classics and currently serialized stories. We found their staff to be approachable and would recommend this store to anyone. Mr. K's Used Books, Music, and More Located a bit further in Johnson City, Mr. K's at 4 Mark Twain Ct is a treasure waiting to be discovered. The two-story building houses an impressive selection of used and new books, as well as comics. With a functional elevator and stairs for access, their collection caters to everyone. Though the store size can initially seem daunting, navigating it becomes easier once you familiarize yourself with the layout, and the helpful staff will help you find what you need. The prices are very reasonable and they also run a website offering both new and used books. Maple Tree Book Shop + Coffee House Situated just across the state line in Gate City, Virginia, this used bookstore down at 101 E Jackson St aims to cultivate a passion for reading. They have a particular interest in helping local families, especially those keen to support local businesses but unsure where to start. They are enthusiastic about childhood literacy and recently donated 100 books to local children during a community Back-to-School event. In addition to books, they run a full coffee shop offering a range of espresso drinks, regular coffee, and blended beverages, accompanied by a selection of homemade cookies and pastries. It's a great place to have a browse and a coffee while you find your next read. Whatever your preferred genre, you'll find something to your taste in one of these stores. And whatever kind of vehicle you need, you'll find it when you visit Toyota of Kingsport. From a used Toyota Corolla to a new Toyota Tacoma, you can find the perfect fit with us.

Jul 14, 2023 in Activities and Excursions

Drive on Over: 4 Fun Places to Visit Near Kingsport, TN

Kingsport, TN may boast a regal name, but that doesn't mean the city lacks a lively spirit. Check out these fun places in the region where you can let loose. 1. Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium If you're a nature lover who lives for outdoor adventure, you'll get your fill at this 3,500-acre park located at--appropriately enough--853 Bays Mountain Park Road. Hike nearly 40 miles of scenic trails, or you can safely witness nature's marvels (from bobcats to raptors) at the nature center. You can even listen to the awe-inspiring howling of the wolf-pack. If your interests lean more aquatic, see some action at the 44-acre lake. Or if you want an adrenaline-inducing challenge, test your mettle on the ropes course and zip-lines spanning hundreds of feet. For history buffs, take an immersive trip to a bygone era at an on-site living history farm. Or set your sights on the stars by observing the astronomical wonders at the planetarium. more 2. Putt-Putt Fun Center It's all in the name at this 346 W. Stone Drive destination that's sure to bring out your inner kid with family classics: miniature golf, arcades, go-karts, bumper cars, laser tag, and much more. Find out why this indoor delight is such a popular birthday destination. If you want a more grown-up golfing experience, head over to 1901 Meadowview Parkway and play a few rounds at the world-class Cattails golf course brimming with beautiful Bermuda fairways and Bentgrass greens. Just don't be too wowed by the six sparkling lakes lest they become your next water hazard. 3. More Awesome Athletics Northeast Tennessee is home to minor league baseball's Appalachian League. The boys of summer take to the field at 800 Granby Road's Hunter Wright Stadium. Here, cheering fans are wowed by homers, steals, strikeouts, and amazing plays courtesy of the Kingsport Axmen. You never know what goodies you'll score during the plentiful fan appreciation nights. For fast car fiends, there's NASCAR's nearby Bristol Motor Speedway. But for high-octane action right in the heart of Kingsport take your seat at the city's own speedway on 2961 N. John B. Dennis Highway. Or take a few aquatic laps of your own at the Olympic-size swimming pool at 1820 Meadowview Parkway's Kingsport Aquatic Center...also home to an aqua obstacle course, water slides, and lazy river. 4. Live Entertainment Spectaculars The Renaissance Arts Center and Theatre, located at 1200 E. Center Street, is Kingsport's answer for fun-seekers yearning for a more laid-back experience. The center hosts art shows and concerts year-round, while the 350-seat theater is perfect for play lovers. You can even enjoy a leisurely picnic or game of horseshoes outside. Every summer, Kingsport literally embodies the word fun with its annual FunFest: a multi-venue, 100-plus event fair and festival in one that kicks off in July for nine memory-filled days. Prep for FunFest with Toyota's revamped, game-changing audio multimedia infotainment system. With the massive 14-inch touchscreen available on models from the Highlander to the Sienna, you can easily locate and store your favorite tunes. Find a fun auto to be your ride-or-die. Drop by Toyota of Kingsport and test-drive your selection from our energetic and eclectic inventory.