Each of the cities in Northeast Tennessee has a unique personality. For Kingsport, abounding, natural beauty surrounds a bustling and hospitable town that creates a memorable, family-friendly atmosphere. So if you're seeking out a getaway spot where you can have as much fun as the kids, check out these can't-miss lakes, eats, city streets and mountain parks. What you find here just might surprise you.
Photo Credit:
@baysmountainpark
Outdoor Marvels and Local Eats: Experience Kingsport, Tennessee
From Bays Mountain to walking the charming downtown area, add Kingsport, Tennessee to your travel bucket list.
August 19, 2023
Located on 950 acres, Warriors' Path offers a variety of outdoor activities like 12 miles of hiking trails, the Warriors' Path Golf Course (an 18-hole course with views of Fort Patrick Henry Lake shores and the Appalachian Mountain foothills), 12.5 miles of biking trails, fishing, birding and two miles of horseback riding trails. The park has 134 campsites with 94 of them featuring water and electric hookups.
Warriors' Path State Park is located at 490 Hemlock Rd. Kingsport, TN 37663.
Local Icon: Pal's Sudden Service
Once you've worked up an appetite, head back into town and straight to the iconic Pal's Sudden Service, with the original location in downtown Kingsport. Serving up burgers, hot dogs, fries and sodas within the blink of an eye - hence, "Sudden Service" - Pal's is a must stop spot. And if you don't make it to the original location at 327 Revere St., Kingsport, TN 37660 just keep your eyes peeled for the aqua-colored buildings around town, the ones that have the giant hot dog on the roof. I promise, you can't miss it.
Shop + Dine: Downtown
Anchored on Broad Street and running for several blocks in both directions, Kingsport's downtown district provides visitors and residents alike with shopping and dining opportunities. Try a New York-style bagel at the Bagel Exchange or grab some sweet treats at Little Cake Bakery. Grab a gourmet cup-of-joe at Renewed Brew Coffee Company and cross the street to explore the aisles at P&J Antiques and Pilgrims Rare Books. For a great meal, grab a table at the perennially popular Stir Fry Cafe or at Macado's Kingsport. Just whatever you do, leave time to walk down the Church Circle, a beautiful old town area located on a round-about at one far end of Broad Street.
Family Adventure: Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium
A trip to Kingsport has to include a morning or afternoon at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium. Providing another series of waterborne activities, you can also take leisurely hikes around Kingsport Reservoir and visit the animal enclosures, which include otters, deer and even a pack of grey wolves. Admission to the park is $5 cash, so make sure to drop by an ATM before driving out.
Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium is located at 853 Bays Mountain Rd., Kingsport, TN 37660.
Have Big Fun in the Small Town of Smithville
About an hour east of Nashville is Smithville surrounded by Center Hill Lake. Cool down and have fun in this small town.
