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

March 11, 2022 · 3 min read

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.

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

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Dec 03, 2021 in Tennessee

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

Sep 22, 2023 in Around Town

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.

Sep 01, 2023 in Around Town

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.