Let me show you around Bristol, Tennessee! Bristol is a small town on the border of Tennessee and Virginia with a lot more to offer than racing. After you read this I hope you start planning a trip to the city in two states.

WHERE TO STAY

The Bristol Hotel

The Bristol Hotel is brand new to the area and is already topping the list as the #10 best hotel in the U.S. by Travel and Leisure in 2020. Check out my post on their gorgeous rooftop bar here. You can make reservations here.

WHERE TO EAT

Bristol has quite a few restaurants worth your time and money. I’ve divided them up by category so you can find the perfect place depending on your preference.

Best Coffee Shop

Bloom Café and Listening Room

Best Sweet Treat

Blackbird Bakery

Best Kept Secret

Eatz (family owned, serves soul food)

Best For Date Night

620 State, J. Frank’s

Best Place For Cocktails

620 State, Lumac Rooftop Bar (full post here), J. Frank’s

Breweries

Bristol Station Brewery & Pub, Elderbrew, State Street Brewing, Holston River Brewing Company

Best Casual Bites

Bristol Café and Market (full post here), Cootie Brown’s, Burger Bar, The Angry Italian, Bristol BBQ, Delta Blues BBQ (full post here), The Mad Greek, Bloom Café and Listening Room, Lumac Rooftop Bar, 620 State

WHAT TO DO

Get A Photo With the Bristol Sign

While you’re downtown check out the Bristol sign. You can’t miss it!

Go Antique Shopping

State Street is covered on both sides with antique stores. You never know what you’ll find!

Enjoy The Birthplace of Country Music Museum

While many people think of Nashville when they think country music, that’s where it settled but Bristol is where it started. Learn about the historic Bristol Sessions and hear about country music legends at the museum. You can read my full post about it here.

Rock Out At Rhythm And Roots Music Festival

Bristol’s Rhythm and Roots Reunion is a three day music festival hosted every September to celebrate the birthplace of country music. There are all kinds of live music, delicious food, and handmade art on display. You can read my full post about it here. Rhythm and Roots was cancelled in 2020 but is scheduled for September 10th through the 12th, 2021.

Explore Bristol Caverns

These caverns are easy to walk and temperature controlled year-round. You can read my full post about it here.

Catch a NASCAR Race

Bristol Motor Speedway usually hosts a couple big races a year but there are quite a few smaller races as well. Check the schedule here for dates and tickets. During the holiday season you can drive on the track and get in the spirit at Speedway in Lights.

See a movie at the Drive-In

Twin City Drive-In Theatre is affordable as well as family and pet friendly. You can see my full post about it here.

Take a Walk around Steele Creek Park

Steele Creek Park was originally intended to be a state park and is over 2,200 acres. It has disc golf, playgrounds, hiking and walking trails, a splash pad, picnic shelters, and there’s even a bark park for your canine family members.

Stand In Two Places At Once

In the heart of downtown Bristol is State Street that splits the city into the Tennessee side and the Virginia side. If you straddle the double yellow lines you’ll be in two places at once. BOOM.