Drive Around Town: 5 Great Local Attractions Near Kingsport, TN

For great local attractions in northeast Tennessee, Kingsport is indeed king. Hop in your car and check out these favorite local hot spots.

Warriors’ Path State Park

It’s only fitting that a park named for a series of famed Native American trails should serve up a feast of amazing trail experiences. Hiking trails range from easier paved pathways to more challenging climbing hikes. If you prefer to take in the forest, wetland, and historical settlement-lined scenery in a different way, several mountain biking and horseback riding trails are also available.

What else can you enjoy at this 950-acre natural paradise? For aquatic enthusiasts, launch a boat or canoe from the Patrick Henry Reservoir marina. Try your hand at catching some catfish, trout, or bass. Or take a dip in the Olympic-sized swimming pool. In addition, campers can set up shop at one of 90 different campsites. And the athletic-minded can partake in a little friendly competition on the tennis courts, golf course, or soccer field.

Bays Mountain Planetarium and Nature Center

At this other local park favorite, the hiking trails and expansive lake are just a bonus. The nature center is a cherished centerpiece that offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with regional wildlife in a safe manner. You’ll see white-tail deer, river otters, bobcats, raptors, and more up-close via animal displays.

Hear the haunting howls of the gray wolf. Embark on a pontoon boat ride of the 44-acre lake. And watch history come to life at the living history farm museum. As if that’s not enough, see the stars at an incredible, state-of-the-art planetarium theater.

Bristol Motor Speedway

Towering over the outskirts of neighboring city Bristol, this beloved short-track hosts raucous NASCAR races every year. The high-octane experience offers unique racing experiences in the form of night runs under the lights and dirt track fun. Drag racing and monster truck extravaganzas have also made their mark at the popular site. With a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that can deliver 380-plus horsepower, the Toyota Supra demonstrates why Toyota is racing royalty fit for anyone.

 The speedway isn’t just for racing fanatics, though. It’s recently transformed itself into a country music concert and a college football game. And every winter, the track undergoes another makeover into a sparkling, Christmas-light-lined holiday wonderland.

Netherland Inn

The city hosts a few historical sites, such as the White House of Kingsport and Allandale Mansion. The spot that’s earned a distinguished slot on the National Register of Historic Places, though, is a property that’s greeted travelers near and far for centuries, including former presidents. Now, the Netherland Inn is a distinguished museum that pays homage to pioneer transportation and the culture of a bygone era.

Kingsport Carousel

Part stunning art piece and part imaginative playland, this brainchild of a long-time Kingsport citizen became a labor of love for community volunteers. When it finally opened, residents marveled at the 32 hand-painted animals and 24 sweep animals that were joined by two stunningly rendered chariots. From Wednesday until Sunday, kids and kids at heart can take a ride to remember.

Enjoy many more rides to remember with a great new auto. Visit Toyota of Kingsport in Kingsport, TN, and browse through new and used inventories you won’t soon forget.

Image by mibro from Pixabay

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