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Late Night Dinning in Kingsport, TN

Four Best of Late Night Dining in Kingsport, Tennessee

Whether you're out on the town or just getting off the late shift, when you've got the midnight munchies, you need to find a place that's open late. We've compiled this list of great, late-night restaurants in Kingsport, Tennessee, along with a few of their must-try menu items. Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen Cheddar's is all about quality, with made-from-scratch dishes using whole foods prepared with care, like the hand-pinched crust on the classic chicken pot pie. Order the perfectly seared grilled salmon blackened or bourbon glazed. It's mouthwatering and served with two hearty sides. Sip on a glass Firefly Sweet Tea with your meal. It's a yummy adult beverage with vodka, amaretto, and lemonade. Check out Cheddar's "Goodness" blog that features heartwarming stories, not-so-secret recipes, and delicious, seasonal taste trends. Cheddar's Kitchen has 20 items on the menu for under $10 to satisfy what you're hungry for. Come as you are in your casual attire. Cheddar's Kitchen is open late, until 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Macado's Filled with the nostalgic decor, Macado's eclectic ambiance is popular with the college crowd. Their extensive menu is loaded with all your favorites such as gourmet burgers, mac and cheese, and the classic Reuben. Choose from one of 40 different sandwiches like the Titanic, piled high with roasted prime rib or the Johnee Dee that's loaded with grilled chicken, pepperoni, and melted provolone. Join Macado's for their annual events including the St. Patrick's Day and Halloween Parties, and always stay connected with friends or the babysitter during your meal with Macado's free Wi-Fi. Stay late. Macado's is open every day until 12:30 a.m. The Main Street Pizza Company Don't let the name fool you. Main Street Pizza has all your traditional handmade pies, plus a whole lot of other internationally inspired dishes on the menu. Start with the pancetta cups, perfect for sharing, then move on to a Greek salad. For the main course, try the refreshing Thai pizza. It's a combination of coconut, spicy Sriracha sauce, chicken, and green apple chutney, or order the Nolichucky BLT, named after Tennesee's famous Nolichucky River. Main Street Pizza is open weekends until 11 p.m. When you don't feel like driving, get your pizza delivered. With more than 50 toppings, your choices are endless. Stir Fry Cafe Next time you get that late-night craving for Asian cuisine, head over to the Stir Fry Cafe. A comfortable venue right downtown, their menu is updated daily with specials that keep you coming back for more. Start with a sushi dragon roll stuffed with salmon, cream cheese, and asparagus or the seared tuna tataki plate with a ginger soy sauce. Voted the best sushi in the Tri-City for 2018 by Johnson City Press readers, Stir Fry Cafe serves up the best late night dishes. Tuesday nights feature $2 pints, while Thursday's bar special includes half-off wine bottles. Get your sushi fix late on Friday and Saturday, until 10:30 p.m. Are you a night owl with the munchies? There's something for every taste on one of these after-dark menus right here in Kingsport. Igor Ovsyannykov from Pixabay

Best Toyota Car Models for Your Teen Driver in Kingsport

As parents, watching your children grow is often difficult but handing over the keys to your 16-year-old is the hardest. With all the cutting edge technology automakers are putting in today's cars, mom and dad can rest a little easier knowing your teen — and your Toyota — are protected. We've compiled this list of the four safest Toyotas that are sure to help your new driver feel safe behind the wheel. 2019 Corolla Toyota's Safety Sense suite of driver-assist features comes standard with every Corolla trim. It features a collision system, lane departure alerts,  pedestrian detection,  steering assist, and automatic high-beams to keep your easily distracted teen on task. Teens drive a lot, so fuel efficiency is important in your next Toyota. The Corolla LE Eco delivers outstanding gas mileage, so their thirst for adventure won't stop at the pump — or your wallet. 2018 Camry The redesigned Toyota Camry has been named a 2018 Best Midsize Car for Families, a 2018 Best Midsize Car for the Money, and a Best New Car for Teens as well. Mom and dad will love the indulgent interior while appreciating the 2018 Camry's Top Safety Pick Plus designation from the IIHS. It also earned NHTSA's top five-star overall crash test rating. If that's not enough accolades, the 2018 Camry earned a terrific 4.5 out of five for predicted reliability from J.D. Power. With this kind of dependability, maintenance and repair costs should be minimal as the Camry ages, and you won't have any 2 a.m. breakdown phone-calls. 2019 Prius Most parents look to the Prius for its earth-shattering fuel economy. This plug-in hybrid delivers up to 25 miles on electric power alone and a combined range of 640 miles with help from its gasoline engine. Technology is another one of the new Prius' strong suits. It comes standard with all the best safety features, such as the top-level Advanced trim's rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring. These systems are designed by Toyota's top engineers to support your teenager's awareness while they're cruising down the road. 2018 Yaris If your teenager is ready for their first very own car, take a look at the 2018 Yaris hatchback. It offers the hot curb appeal and eye-popping colors that appeal to today's youth, and its reliable and budget-friendly nature satisfies mom and dad. The smallest Toyota, the Yaris is available in multiple trim levels, plus two-door and four-door styles. Tech-savvy teens will love the standard Entune 6.1-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth streaming audio. Use the Yaris' iPhone connectivity and USB port to access Siri Eyes Free and advanced voice recognition, so your new drivers can keep their focus on the road ahead. Toyota is committed to keeping you and your family protected on the road, and we know you want the best vehicle possible for your teen driver. Toyotas are built with safety in mind, making them ideal for less experienced drivers. Stop by Toyota of Kingsport and test drive your new Toyota today. Image via DealerOn

Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium in Kingsport, TN

Best Ways to Spend the Day at the Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium

Embark on an exciting adventure at the Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium. Perched on Bay Mountain in Kingsport, Tennessee, this 3550-acre recreational area features a picturesque lake, an adventure course, a state-of-the-art Planetarium Theater, and a wildlife zoo. Discover the magic of Bay Mountain with these three best ways to spend the day. Fly High on the Adventure Course Bays Mountain Park is home to three thrilling adventure courses, designed to excite kids of all ages. Explore a variety of stimulating features and guaranteed fun with the high and low rope courses as well as the zip line courses. Each sequence offers its own set of challenges from The Flying Fox, a controlled fall from a 44-inch high platform, to the two-tiered, high course's 40-foot Hawk's Nest. Ride The Flying Squirrel, Bay Mountain's zip line. It's an exciting 310-foot race through trees to the landing ramp. But first, you have to scale the 28-foot rope net to get to the takeoff. How's that for an exhilarating afternoon? Experience the Planetarium Stargazers are going to love Bay Mountain's planetarium. Completely renovated in 2009, this gateway to the stars boasts upgraded surround sound and a Zeiss star projector, thanks to a $1.3 million endowment by the nonprofit Bays Mountain Park Association. Today the star field is so realistic that visitors use binoculars to see two dozen deep-sky objects on the 40-foot dome that you can't see with the naked eye. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking imagery as the night sky is accurately reproduced just for your viewing pleasure. Catch a variety of rotating and exciting shows such as t he main feature, “Sunstruck.” Travel back in time and watch the birth of the sun or catch a showing of the whimsical “Planetary Visions,” both playing now through Dec. 31. Discover the Animal Habitats Get to know some of the area's native animals at Bays Mountain. The park invites you to explore the various ecosystems throughout the grounds, featuring a wonderful collection of residents from the favorite wolves to the playful river otters. In 1992, a family of gray wolves joined the lineup of featured guests at Bay Mountain. They were born in captivity, yet they are not considered tame. See if you can spot an elusive bobcat; the Bobcats are well-camouflaged creatures and blend in with their surroundings. Visit the park's Raptor Center, home to birds of prey such as hawks, owls, and falcons. The herpetarium houses the center's reptiles and amphibians. It also touts America's only marsupial: opossums. Visit the watershed exhibit in the lower level of the Nature Center building. Inside you can follow a single raindrop as it falls from the sky and eventually ends up in the Holston River. Finish up your tour with a glimpse of native fish as they go about their busy lives in the showcase's aquarium. Offering school programs, miles of hiking trails, and plenty of special events, there's a little something for every adventure-seeker at Bay Mountain Park and Planetarium. Plan your visit today, and make sure to invite the whole family. Image by Hans from Pixabay

Brunch Spots in Kingsport, TN

Four Awesome Brunch Spots Around Kingsport, TN

The late morning meal of brunch became a popular American pastime in the 1930s. It's an excellent way to combine breakfast, lunch, and maybe even a glass of champagne. When you're hungry for more, try these four awesome brunch spots around Kingsport, Tennessee. The Bagel Exchange When you're craving an authentic New York-style bagel, head to The Bagel Exchange. It's a relaxing place to pick up a sandwich and a cup of coffee. Baked fresh daily, try the house breakfast bagel. It's piled high with scrambled eggs and your choice of cheese. Add ham, bacon, sausage, or turkey to this mountain of flavor, all for under five bucks. If you're feeling more on the lunch side of brunch, sample the NYPD Blue featuring chicken and ham with melted swiss cheese perched atop a multigrain bagel. Bring your laptop and surf the net while you dine with the Bagel Exchange's free Wi-Fi. Lynn Garden Restaurant Family owned and operated by the Kerneys since 1989, Lynn Garden Restaurant is a tasty choice for brunch any day of the week. Their delicious, homestyle dishes are prepared fresh daily, and their extensive breakfast menu has something for every taste. Order up the Sunrise Special featuring eggs, biscuits, and gravy with sausage or get the short stack with a pancake special. Feast on the unlimited salad bar or order a basket of crispy onion rings. If you're feeling extra hungry, discover Lynn Garden's all-you-can-eat buffet, open for brunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to close. Perkins Restaurant and Bakery Perkins is an American tradition where you can get your fill of breakfast classics any time of day. Choose from farm-fresh omelets or a mouthwatering sunrise skillet, or build your own plate with dozens of tasty items. Get fantastic fruit pies, mammoth muffins, and scrumptious cookies for home from Perkins' bakery. Bring the kids along and order their favorites from the Kid's Perks menu. Whether they're hungry for the three pancake dippers served with syrup or the classic grilled cheese, Perkins aims to please. Join the club with an MYPERKINS account and get 20 percent off your next meal. You'll be the first to know about exclusive offers, including a special birthday gift. Cracker Barrel Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, with its Southern country theme and delightful gift shop, is a Tennessee darling. Founded in Lebanon in 1969, this hometown restaurant is famous for their brunch menu. Try traditional dishes such as Grandpa's Country Fried Breakfast with two eggs, grits, hash brown casserole, and a country fried steak. It comes with all the fixings from sawmill gravy to the best fruit preserves. Did you know that Cracker Barrel also offers catering? Whether it's a church brunch or a baby shower, have all of your dishes prepared by the professionals and save the cleanup for them too. Brunch is a hearty meal that's good for the soul. No need to wait for Sunday. Set out for a mid-morning feast today, at one of these awesome brunch spots around Kingsport. Image by JayMantri from Pixabay

The 2019 Camry Is Sportier Than You Might Think

Toyota makes plenty of fantastic cars, and one of them is the all-new 2019 Camry. With a handsome and expertly crafted exterior design, exceptionally powerful specifications under the hood, convenient features inside, and advanced safety additions to navigate you to your destination as safely as possible, there's no denying the Camry is an all-around great vehicle. Some have gone as far as to say the car offers a sporty aesthetic, and they're not exaggerating. There are plenty of reasons as to why the Camry is sportier than you might think. Here are a few that stand out to us. Sporty Engines The main reason why the 2019 Camry has been described as sporty is thanks to what's under the hood. You can configure the Camry with either a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque or a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 301 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. Both offer enough performance to navigate to any destination with ease, no matter how tight a turn or sub-optimal a driving condition you come across. Powerful Accommodations But, of course, that's not all. The 2019 Camry also comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive, advanced suspensions, electric power steering, power-assisted brakes, and more. All of these features combined with the incredible engines Toyota includes, make it clear the Camry can provide the same performance you'd find out of a car specifically designed to offer a sporty experience. Clean Design Of course, any sporty car needs to look as good on the outside as it does under the hood, and the 2019 Camry doesn't disappoint. The car features an alluring design with modern head and taillight designs, clean lines, perfectly sculpted edges, and an incredible grille design. Even the tires look really good and are enough to turn some heads. No doubt about it, you'll fall in love with the Camry's sporty design the moment you lay eyes on it. Amazing Cabin Driving any sporty car has to be enjoyable, and the 2019 Camry delivers once again with its array of features that make the car both fun to drive and convenient day to day. For instance, you get available Cockpit Red leather-trimmed seats, a panoramic roof, and available paddle shifters that will remind you of a race car you'd find at the track. The interior also comes with many conveniences such as Apple CarPlay, a premium audio system, a navigation system, an 8-inch multimedia touchscreen, and more. All of these features are implemented with the expert craftsmanship only Toyota could provide. With so many features aboard the 2019 Camry, it's no wonder why so many people call Toyota's vehicle sporty, exciting, and attractive. Of course, with so much more to learn about the Camry, you'll want to make sure you stop by Toyota of Kingsport in the near future and take one for a test drive to experience this amazing vehicle first-hand. Trust us, you'll feel like the king of the road from the moment you step inside this incredibly-capable sedan. Image via DealerOn

Steak and Seafood Restaurants in Kingsport, TN

4 Irresistible Steak and Seafood Restaurants in Kingsport

Sitting in the northeast corner of Tennessee, Kingsport is a modest city right in the heart of the southern Appalachian range. The city isn't well-known for its cattle pastures or its fishing industry, but that doesn't stop it from having some of the best steak and seafood restaurants in the Mountain Empire region. If you find yourself in the area at dinner time, you should stop by one of the following places to see what Kingsport can offer. The Chop House The Chop House is a Tennessee chain restaurant, and its outpost in Kingsport sits on North Eastman Road by Indian Highland Park. The Chop House makes a point of offering cornfed, aged Midwestern beef, tender prime rib, and fully inspected seafood. The menu includes steakhouse classics like colossal fried onion rings, Caesar salad, and rib-eye steaks, but you can also find options like Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, homemade crab cakes, seasonal seafood, and steaks seared with a horseradish crust. Riverfront Seafood Co. The Riverfront Seafood Company sits on Netherland Inn Road in the shadow of the US-23 bridge. Like the name promises, Riverfront Seafood gives you a great view of the Holston River, both from inside the building and from the tables on the back porch. The restaurant offers plenty of seafood options, including mahi-mahi, oysters from the Gulf, crab cakes, and Alaskan white fish, but you can also choose from chicken tenders, beef filet, and pork chops. Stop by at 11 a.m. and you can buy your fish fresh from the daily seafood market that the restaurant hosts. Surf N Brew Surf N Brew is an oyster bar with two locations: one in North Carolina, and one near the Indian Path Medical Center on East Stone Drive in Kingsport. The restaurant puts a big emphasis on delivering plenty of oysters and locally brewed beers and ciders, but that's not all they offer. You can also order surf 'n turf and combine oysters or crab legs with steak or chicken, and you can order a steam pot full of shellfish and corn for the whole family to enjoy together. The Fisherman's Dock Despite the name, The Fisherman's Dock sits at one end of a strip mall on Fort Henry Drive. It's an unassuming place with a diner atmosphere and quiet patrons, but the menu includes all the classic seafood and steak options and all the Southern-style love you could ask for. You can get hush puppies and crinkle-cut fries piled onto just about every menu item, and popular side orders include baked potatoes still in the foil and coleslaw by the cup. Kingsport isn't the biggest city in Tennessee, but it's big enough to bring in area chains and offer some classic food served in local diners. Whether it's the surf or the turf that has your attention, and whether you want properly aged beef or oysters by the bucket, you can get your fill at any of the restaurants listed above and without having to visit a national chain to find it. Image by Stefan from Pixabay

Three Awesome 2019 Toyota Models for Tailgating

With football season in full effect, many fans are gearing up to travel to their favorite team's stadium and have a great time with friends and family with a tailgating party. Oftentimes, you might think you need a big and inefficient vehicle to have the most fun with everyone, but that's not necessarily the case. In fact, Toyota offers up lots of different cars that can make for a great tailgating experience. Whether you need extra room for food or to store everything you'll need for the day ahead, Toyota has something for everyone in their lineup. Here are three Toyotas that make perfect tailgating companions. 2019 Toyota RAV4 It might not seem like the most obvious choice at first, but the 2019 Toyota RAV4 SUV is a great car to help you have a fantastic tailgating time. It includes up to 73.4 cubic feet of cargo room that allows you to store everything you need for the party, plus you can tow up to 1,750 pounds of cargo if you need it. You also get an Entune Audio system for jamming out to some hype music as you wait for the game to start. On top of all that, you get the standard array of RAV4 features, such as incredible performance, a slick design, and advanced safety features. Overall, you can't go wrong with this exceptional SUV. 2019 Toyota Tacoma Next up on our list is the 2019 Tacoma. A more obvious choice for tailgating, this truck can carry a payload of up to 1,440 pounds and tow up to 6,800 pounds of cargo. Plus, its bed offers just enough room to fit everything you need for the party, such as chairs, tables, and food. You're also getting incredible performance thanks to Toyota's implementation of a 3.5-liter V-6 direct-injection engine. Plus, with trailer-sway control, you'll be sure to get everything you need to your destination as safely as possible. 2019 Toyota Tundra Finally, consider the 2019 Toyota Tundra. This truck is similar to the Tacoma in that it offers a large bed for storing all the necessary supplies you need for a good time, but the Tundra ups the ante with even more performance under the hood and an even bigger towing capacity of 10,200 pounds. Combine these amazing features with an Entune Audio system for a fantastic music experience, you and your guests will be in for a real treat as you tailgate the night away. There are lots of exceptionally capable vehicles in Toyota's lineup that could all serve as tailgate companions. However, the vehicles we mentioned here will likely give you the best experience possible the next time you and your friends are looking to party. And with so much power and so many features packed inside, all three serve as great everyday vehicles as well. If you're interested in learning more about the vehicles mentioned here, be sure to visit Toyota of Kingsport. Image via DealerOn

Gyms in Kingsport, TN

Stay Strong and Healthy at One of These Gyms in Kingsport

Working out is a great way to keep yourself healthy, strong, and agile. Finding the perfect place to work out at, however, can be a tedious process. Luckily, if you live in or around Kingsport, Tennessee, you'll find that there are lots of gyms open for getting your exercise in. And while choosing one might not be easy at first, we've found three gyms we think you're going to love, which should help you in your search for your new workout spot. Snap Fitness Located right in Kingsport, Snap Fitness has everything you need to get in the best shape of your life. The gym offers heart-rate monitoring, cardio, strength training, plenty of available weights, and 24/7 access for all members. No matter what type of workout you're looking to perform, you're bound to find all the right equipment at this gym along with the necessary training to obtain the body of your dreams. Plans at Snap Fitness start at just $8.95 for a 30-day membership. Be sure to visit their website for more information on plans and pricing. Anytime Fitness At Anytime Fitness, they're ready to help you reach your fitness goals with cardio and strength equipment, fun classes, experienced personal trainers, virtual coaching with custom workout programs, and much more. Located right behind O'Charleys on Eastman Drive in the Downtown East Shopping Center, Anytime Fitness is another great option if you're looking to meet your goals. Memberships at Anytime Fitness start at $34.99 per month. There's also a free seven-day trial available that will get you acquainted with the gym and how it operates. You'll want to stop by or visit their website for more information. Gold Star Fitness & Racquet Club Located on American Way in Kingsport, Gold Star Fitness & Racquet Club offers a fun and friendly atmosphere where you can achieve your fitness goals among others looking to do the same. Locals say the gym offers a good array of equipment, a friendly staff, and fun music to listen to as you're pumping iron and getting your reps in. Whether you're a beginner or are looking to maintain an already-jacked physique, Gold Star Fitness & Racquet Club is a great place to burn some calories and work up a sweat. For pricing information on plans and memberships, be sure to visit Gold Star Fitness & Racquet Club in person. You can also check out their Facebook page here. There are lots of great gyms out there, but when you visit any of the three we've mentioned here, you'll be in for a unique experience with each designed to help you achieve your fitness goals and maintain a healthy, strong, and active lifestyle. Of course, you can also feel free to explore Kingsport even more since we don't have time to mention all of the great gyms in the area. These are simply a few of our favorites we're positive you'll fall in love with. Image by Markus Spiske from Pixabay

5 Reasons to Take the 2018 Toyota 4Runner On Your Next Adventure

Whether you like heading off-road or going camping, you know you need a vehicle that can handle a variety of conditions. That's why the 2018 Toyota 4Runner is an excellent option. Learn more about the top features of the 4Runner that make it an excellent choice for your next adventure. Convenient Exterior Features Since off-road conditions are sometimes a challenge, the 2018 Toyota 4Runner comes standard with a variety of exterior features to make the drive a little easier. The integrated fog lights and LED taillights provide excellent illumination when you need it. If the weather starts to change while you're out, you'll appreciate the convenience of the windshield wiper de-icer. The privacy glass on the rear windows and liftgate window is stylish and functional. Additionally, the skid plates on the fuel tank, engine, front suspension, and transfer case offer some extra protection from rocks, logs, or anything else in your path. Excellent Power and Performance From the daily commute to off-road adventures, you'll love the power and performance you can feel every time you get behind the wheel of the 2018 4Runner. Every vehicle comes standard with a 4.0-liter V-6 engine that generates 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Additionally, with your choice of standard part-time four-wheel drive with Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) or available full-time four-wheel drive with A-TRAC, you know you'll enjoy confident handling on a variety of road conditions. Versatile Interior Every adventure is different, which is why the Toyota 4Runner has an interior designed to adjust to your needs. The standard 40/20/40 fold-flat second-row seat makes it easy to create the combination you need for carrying cargo and passengers. If you know you'll have plenty of people joining you on your getaways, you'll appreciate the available third-row seat that increases your seating capacity up to seven. Plus, if you fold all the seats down, you'll enjoy up to 89 cubic feet of cargo space. Great Technology Features Along with great versatility, the inside of 2018 4Runner also includes some excellent technology features to help you stay connected with civilization even when you're leaving it behind. The 4Runner comes standard with a 6.1-inch touch-screen display that includes an auxiliary port, USB port, Bluetooth wireless technology for music streaming and hands-free phone capabilities, voice recognition controls, and Siri Eyes Free. Impressive Safety Features Since you never know what an off-road adventure will throw at you, the 2018 Toyota 4Runner comes with plenty of great safety features. Whether you're trying to back up around trees or hitch to a trailer, the standard rearview camera with projected path can make it easier to see what's behind the vehicle. The 4Runner also comes standard with the Star Safety System, which includes Smart Stop Technology, anti-lock brakes, brake assist, brake-force distribution, vehicle stability control, and traction control. No matter what type of outdoor adventures you enjoy, you'll find these great features and more make the 2018 Toyota 4Runner the perfect companion for your fun. Image via DealerOn

Railroad Museums in East Tennessee

5 Railroad Museums Worth Checking Out in East Tennessee

From Chattanooga to the Tri-Cities of Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol, Tennessee has a long and rich history with the railroads that helped build the area. Whether you're interested in trains or simply want to learn more about the history of the area, make some plans to check out these top railroad museums in East Tennessee. Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society & Museum The Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society & Museum offers a variety of interesting activities worth exploring. If you head to the town of Jonesborough, you can take a tour of the historic Chuckey train depot, which has been restored and now serves as a museum. The historical society also offers excursions on the picturesque Great Smoky Mountains Railroad, which has been a popular location for filming movies, including "The Fugitive," "My Fellow Americans," and "Forces of Nature." George L. Carter Railroad Museum Located on the campus of East Tennessee State University, the George L. Carter Railroad Museum draws thousands of visitors every year to view the railroad memorabilia, toy trains, operating displays, and more. The Dr. Fred J. Alsop III Gallery has displays of railroad charts, photos and paintings, and three operating model train layouts. The Charles Ken Marsh Gallery recreates the route that brought ore from Cranberry, North Carolina, to Johnson City, Tennessee. Finally, even the smallest engineers can have fun in the Little Engineers Room, which is a railroad-themed playroom. Little River Railroad Museum In 1901, W.B. Townsend created the Little River Lumber Company and Little River Railroad to cut timber from the forests in the Great Smoky Mountains and transport it around the country. The lumber company and railroad went on to become one of the largest commercial logging operations in the area. Today, the Little River Railroad Museum showcases this history with its museum and outside exhibits. You can view a vintage caboose, two vintage flatcars, a steam engine, and more outside of the museum. Inside the museum you'll learn the story of Little River through photographs, tools, and other small artifacts. Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum Take a trip to Chattanooga to explore the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum. Often described as a moving museum, the Tennessee Valley Railroad offers interactive excursions that give an up-close look at history. Not only does the railroad offer regularly scheduled rides throughout the year, such as the Hiwassee Loop and Missionary Ridge Local, but you can also sign up for special excursions, like Dinner on the Diner, Halloween Eerie Express, and North Pole Limited. Monterey Depot Museum Tucked away in the small town of Monterey is the Monterey Depot Museum. Although the museum offers history about train service in the area and how it impacted jobs and industries, you'll learn about more than just trains when you visit. The museum also has displays that look at the lives of the Native Americans, coal miners, and timber cutters who once lived in the area. Whether you want to view model trains or head out on a real excursion, you'll find plenty of enjoyable activities at these railroad museums in East Tennessee. Image by Michael Krämer from Pixabay

5 Reasons to Take the 2018 Toyota Corolla to College

When you're searching for a stylish and fun compact car that's ideal to take to college, consider the 2018 Toyota Corolla. With impressive features inside and out, you're sure to find several reasons to love the Corolla. Learn some of the top reasons why the Corolla is the perfect vehicle to take you back to college. Sporty Exterior You'll love taking the 2018 Toyota Corolla for a spin to show off its sporty exterior. The Corolla comes standard with Bi-LED headlights and LED daytime running lights that are sharp, eye-catching, and efficient. The available rear spoiler integrates perfectly on the back of the vehicle to provide good looks and more aerodynamics. Other available features you'll enjoy as you go up in trim levels include heated side mirrors with built-in turn signal indicators, a power tilt and slide moon roof, and chrome-tipped exhaust. Stylish Interior Along with plenty of style on the outside, the 2018 Corolla offers some great stylish features on the inside as well. The available SofTex-trimmed seats offer a leather-like feel that provides plenty of support for long road trips and stain and water resistance for those little mishaps along the way. Plus, with the available automatic climate control and heated front seats, you'll always feel comfortable no matter what type of weather you have outside. Plenty of Technology When you're looking for some of the latest connectivity technology, you'll find it inside the Toyota Corolla. The Corolla comes standard with an infotainment system that includes music streaming and hands-free phone access using Bluetooth, advanced voice recognition, Siri Eyes Free, and a six-speaker audio system. You'll be able to access and work this system using either the 6.1-inch touch-screen display or the built-in controls on the steering wheel. You'll also enjoy a USB port and 12-volt outlet to keep everything charged while you're on the road. Excellent Performance While you want a fun drive, you also need an efficient one. That's why the 2018 Toyota Corolla comes standard with a 1.8-liter engine that produces 132 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. On its own, this engine gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in the city, 36 mpg on the highway, and 32 mpg combined. However, press the available ECO Mode button and the Corolla will ease gas pedal output and adjust the air conditioning to give you even better fuel efficiency. Great Safety Features To help you stay safe when you're on the road, the Corolla comes standard with plenty of impressive safety features. You'll enjoy a rearview camera that automatically turns on when you put the vehicle in reverse. The Corolla also comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes automatic high beams, lane departure alert with steering assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. Other standard safety features include hill start assist, a tire pressure monitor system, traction control, and brake assist. When you're looking for the ideal vehicle to take to college, you can't beat the style and features offered on the 2018 Toyota Corolla. Image via DealerOn

Seafood Restaurants in the Tri-Cities Area

Top Five Seafood Restaurants in the Tri-Cities Area

The Tri-Cities area of Kingsport, Johnson City, and Bristol, Tennessee, is home to plenty of great restaurants, including some incredible seafood options. Whether you're craving crab or in the mood for shrimp, the next time you're planning a meal out, make sure you check out one of these top seafood restaurants in the Tri-Cities. Harbor House Seafood and Steaks Locally owned and operated in Johnson City, Harbor House Seafood and Steaks offers an impressive variety of domestic seafood options. Open for lunch and dinner, you can start the meal with a bowl of the clam chowder or the shrimp cocktail. For the main meal, the ultimate crab cakes come with your choice of one or two cakes, the stuffed flounder comes packed with delicious pieces of crab meat, and the Harbor House Special includes Alaskan whitefish, oysters, deviled crab, butterfly shrimp, sea scallops, and clam strips. Riverfront Seafood Company Located right on the shores of the South Fork Holston River in Kingsport, Riverfront Seafood Restaurant offers great waterfront views to go along with its seafood meals. When you stop by for lunch or dinner, consider the Riverfront Combo Platter, which comes with Alaskan white fish and popcorn shrimp, or the North Atlantic salmon, which is grilled with your choice of seasoning. If you're interested in dining at home, be sure to check out the fresh seafood market for options you can cook yourself. Surf N Brew Oyster Bar With locations in Johnson City and Kingsport, it's easy to find a Surf N Brew Oyster Bar when you're looking for a fun place to enjoy seafood. With around 24 craft beers and ciders from local breweries on hand, you're sure to find an excellent drink to go along with your meal. If you're not sure what to get, the steam pots are always a popular option. The Duo Brew Bucket includes 12 steamed oysters, a half-pound of shrimp, half-pound of snow crab legs, two pieces of corn, hush puppies, and coleslaw. Greene's Fresh Seafood Head to Greene's Fresh Seafood in Bristol for a nice selection of seafood options for lunch and dinner. In the afternoon, the blackened tuna sandwich and crab cake sandwich are popular options. If you're stopping by for dinner and bringing your appetite, the Seaside Sampler Platter comes with fresh whitefish, jumbo shrimp, scallops, oysters, and deviled crab. Don't forget to finish the meal with a slice of the Key lime pie or New York-style cheesecake. The Fisherman's Dock The Fisherman's Dock in Kingsport serves up quality seafood in a warm and friendly environment. Stop by for lunch or dinner and you can start with the oyster stew or New England clam chowder. Popular seafood dishes include the broiled sea scallops, flounder fillet with jumbo shrimp, crab cake, and crispy clam strips. Be sure to check out the daily lunch and dinner specials as well. No matter what type of seafood you're in the mood for, you're sure to find it when you dine at one of these top seafood restaurants in the Tri-Cities. Image by 昕 沈 from Pixabay

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