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.
4 Reasons Why You’ll Love a Toyota Tundra
The 2019 Toyota Tundra is a full-sized truck that offers reliability and capability. With this truck, you’ll get excellent off-road performance, a sporty on-road drive, respectable towing capability, and a suite of advanced driver-assist features.
Superior Off-Roading With the TRD Pro
If you’re into off-roading, the new TRD Pro trim that is now offered with the 2019 Tundra will provide you with all the off-road capability you need. This tough vehicle features 18-inch forged BBS wheels that reduce unsprung mass by 3.35 pounds per wheel, affording you a better cornering response. It also boasts a TRD-tuned Fox suspension, featuring 2.5-inch Fox dampers and beefy 46-mm-thick pistons, that will help keep the ride smooth when encountering rough terrain.
To afford your visibility no matter what the conditions, the TRD Pro also comes with full LED front lighting and Rigid Industries fog lights that boast a rugged construction and a 35-degree wide-angle pattern. Other off-road features offered with the trim include aluminum skid plates and a tuned dual exhaust. You’ll recognize the TRD Pro trim by its hood scoop and TRD Pro stamping on the rear panels.
Are you in need of a fun destination in Kingsport that the whole family will love? You’ll find more than a few lively and unique places around the city ideal for a day out. Whether you’re jotting down ideas for an upcoming free weekend or school break or you’re simply interested in exploring the recreational wonders around Kingsport, these top four places are great suggestions for both indoor and outdoor amusement.
Kingsport Carousel
Located less than 10 minutes away from Ocean Quest within the Lynn View Community Center is our next attraction, the Kingsport Carousel. This indoor merry-go-round is gorgeous and grand from the ground up. It’s also family-friendly and offers affordable fun for only $1 per ride. The carousel is elegantly adorned in gold trim and features more than 20 bird murals, two chariots, and 32 hand-painted and wood-carved animals, including a majestic horse, cougar, and Siamese ballerina cat.
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