4 Fun Outdoor Activities to Enjoy in Kingsport
Spring is here, and it’s time to get outside, and in the Kingsport area there is plenty to do whether you like adventure or something more relaxed. From hiking and biking trails to historic sites worth exploring, you can gather the whole family for a day outside in the sunshine and fresh air. Here are some fun outdoor activities to enjoy in Kingsport.
Explore Exchange Place
Exchange Place is a living history museum with 62 acres of farmland to explore. Visitors can take a walk through the farm to see what life was like for farmers and early settlers during the 1850s. There are buildings to tour including an old schoolhouse, blacksmith forge, and the granary. The main house is also open to the public, along with barns which are home to some unique breeds of chickens, sheep, horses, and cattle. The Exchange Place opens up in May and stays open until October, leaving you plenty of time to get there and check it out.
The RAV4 Conquers Just About Every Terrain
The 2019 Toyota RAV4 has received some significant updates. Along with a new platform and more aggressive off-road styling elements, it also has upgrades to the interior and improved performance. Toyota designed this new generation of RAV4 for drivers who want to tackle all kinds of terrain with just one vehicle. Here are some of the features that allow this SUV to conquer almost anything.
The Adventure Model
The Adventure trim raises up the RAV4 to give it extra ground clearance to help get up and over rough terrain. This trim also has a more advanced all-wheel-drive system that adds extra traction. The Adventure model adds taller roof rails along with hill-descent control and an upgraded backup camera system. The Technology Package is an available option which adds parking sensors, rear cross-traffic automatic braking, and tech features including wireless smartphone charging and an upgraded JBL stereo system.
The area that is now Kingsport, Tennessee, sits where the North and South Forks of the Holston River join. First settled in the 1700s, early settlers used the area as a staging ground for pioneers who were traveling over the Wilderness Road to Kentucky. It is the home of the Battle of Kingsport during the Civil War, and later, was one of the first municipalities to use a city-manager form of government. Because it has such an interesting history, there are many historic sights to see in the area. Here are some that shouldn’t be missed.
Exchange Place
Exchange Place is a living history farm in Kingsport. It was once a self-supporting plantation, along with a Post Office for Eden’s Ridge, and the Old State Road relay station. This farm recaptures life in the 1800s when people exchanged horses instead of money. Buildings on site include The School House, the Cooks Cabin, the Blacksmith Forge, and the Gaine’s Store. The animals on the farm represent what was on a farm in 1850. You can see milking shorthorn cattle, Suffolk horses, pigs, and Dominique chicken. All of the animals played a part in providing the farm and the people with what they needed from food to shelter and clothing.
Why the 2019 Tacoma is Perfect for Work and Play
The Toyota Tacoma is a rugged-looking and acting midsize pickup truck designed to handle all kinds of on and off-road situations. The 2019 model has an upgraded TRD Pro trim level with even more off-road equipment, and all the trims now come with two extra USB charging ports. Here are some of the reasons why the 2019 Tacoma is perfect for both work and play.
The Power
The base engine in the Tacoma is a 2.7-liter four cylinder that develops 159 horsepower and 189 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain works along with a six-speed automatic transmission, and it provides plenty of power for the everyday driver. The TRD Sport gets a more powerful 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive versions with this engine get a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive models get the option for a performance six-speed manual.
Four Museums You Must Visit Near Kingsport, TN
Whether your interests are in education, archeology, or getting an up-close view of the past, a visit to one of Kingsport’s museums is an enlightening experience. Here are four to consider that will give you something for everyone.
Exchange Place/Gaines-Preston Farm
You’ll find plenty to see and do at the 62-acre Exchange Place, once known as the Gaines-Preston farm. The farm served as a post office and a relay station back in the day. Learn what was involved in the day-to-day life of farmers and the many chores they had to do by watching live performances by actors and actresses dressed in period costumes. You’ll see a blacksmith at work, sheep being shorn, animals being fed, and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to step back in time and explore the granary, smokehouse, schoolroom, cook’s cabin, springhouse, and kitchen. The museum has scheduled events such as the Spring Garden Fair, Hamlett-Dobson Farm Fest, Fall Folk Arts Festival, Heritage Day, Witches Wynd, and Christmas in the Country. The museum is open from May through mid-October. Hours are 2-4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Check Out the 2020 Corolla in Kingsport, TN
With the 2019 models out and about, it’s not too soon for a few 2020 models to be making their debut. For Toyota, it’s all about the new 2020 Corolla and the latest updates and features it has to offer to consumers. Redesigned, refreshed, and ready to roll, the Corolla is making its presence known as a quality ride in a car with an impressive reputation.
Design
The Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) is the latest innovative platform from the company that is designed to reduce vehicle weight, increase safety, enhance driving maneuverability, and improve fuel economy. Several models are part of the platform, including the Corolla.
Exterior Trims and Enhancements
The 2020 Corolla is available in five trims plus a hybrid — L, LE, LE Hybrid, XLE, SE, and XSE. The exterior is streamlined with a sculpted front and back and a smooth-gliding hood. The take on the new design is that it looks better than the old design with a more lean, clean, and sophisticated attitude. The front grille is imposing yet subtle, emoting a friendly grin enhanced by standard LED lights on all models. Depending on the trim, available features include alloy wheels, dual chrome exhaust tips, 16-inch wheels, 18-inch wheels, and a sunroof.
With the full bloom of the spring season fast approaching, one colorful thing to look forward to are the buds, blossoms, and blooms at botanical gardens near Kingsport.
Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum
The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum is a beautiful destination about an hour and a half from Kingsport. The 47-acre gardens provide walking trails winding past stone walls and terraces, vintage buildings, and historic horticulture and through diverse display gardens with colorful hybrid witch hazel and Lenten roses in bloom. The gardens are open daily until dusk. Admission is free.
3 Breweries to Check Out Near Kingsport, TN
If you like sipping on good beer served in a laid-back and intimate environment, then you should head out to the breweries that Kingsport houses. At these joints, you can savor experimental and exotic brews or settle for a tried-and-tested recipe. Be assured though, that whatever you taste has been home-brewed with love and care.
Gypsy Circus Cider
Gypsy Circus Cider, as the name suggests, is a brewery that specializes in ciders. Here you can try out ciders with exotic and daring flavors such as coffee, pumpkin, and cherry. But if drinking cider is not your thing, don’t worry, the brewery serves home-brewed beer as well. The establishment doesn’t have a kitchen, but you’ll find food trucks outside on most nights. The owners also don’t mind if you bring in your own food.
The taproom is spacious and has a warm and homely atmosphere. If the weather is balmy, you might prefer to sample your cider in the outside area. Over weekends Gypsy Circus also features live music to keep their guests entertained. Ciders that you can currently sample include The Fire Juggler, which is a jalapeno vintage cider; Jack Tales, a fire-roasted pumpkin cider; and the Whirling Dervish, a Nashville coffee cider.
Not everyone wants to drive a big, off-road vehicle around town. It would possibly make sense to own a car that is easily accessible, effortless to park, and light on fuel. Driver-assist, safety features, and controls, that are easy to reach, would also be advantageous. These three Toyota vehicles are convenient, cost-effective, and safe.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla, which comes in either a sedan or hatchback body shape, is both affordable and fuel-efficient. An aerodynamic design that has been exposed to rigorous testing ensures great performance and efficiency as well as minimizing interior noise levels. If you want optimal fuel economy from your Corolla, opt for the LE Eco model that features an Eco driving mode. This mode controls gas output and also regulates the air conditioner for increased fuel efficiency.
It’s easy to get in and out of the Corolla, and the interior is comfortable and roomy. This car also offers a large cargo area, as well as a 60/40 split-folding rear seat for versatility. But most importantly, the Corolla is super-safe to drive. Not only will a voice-recognition system and steering-wheel controls allow you to keep your eyes on the road, but the Toyota Safety Sense package also comes standard. This suite features advanced driver-assist systems such as a pre-collision with a pedestrian detection system, lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control.
Best Campgrounds Near Kingsport, TN
If you’re into camping, you’ll find plenty of campgrounds in and around Kingsport, Tennessee, that offer beautiful scenic views, loads of activities, and convenient amenities. Whether you want to get lost in nature, enjoy water sports, or prefer a campground that offers entertainment for the kids, you’ll find a spot in and around Kingsport that’s perfect for you.
Warrior’s Path State Park
Warrior’s Path State Park, located in Kingsport, was named for the Great Cherokee War and Trading Path. The 950-acre park, which lies on the shores of the Fort Patrick Henry Reservoir on the Holston River, offers a variety of trails that can be used for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. A marina on the reservoir features boat slips and offer canoes and paddle boats for rent. If you’re into fishing, the waters contain crappie, trout, catfish, bass, and bream. The park also houses an Olympic-size swimming pool, as well as a nationally recognized golf course.
Children will enjoy the Boundless Playground and the Anderson Treehouse, which is fully accessible. The camping facilities at the park are well-maintained, consisting of 94 sites that offer electricity and water, and 40 no-hookup sites that are located in the overflow campground. All sites contain tables and grills, and the restrooms provide hot showers and lavatories.
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