# Explore Bristol > Explore Bristol is the official destination marketing organization for Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia — a twin-city community straddling the Tennessee-Virginia state line in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. The site serves as the primary trip-planning resource for visitors, promoting Bristol's attractions, lodging, dining, outdoor recreation, live music heritage, motorsports, shopping, and events. Bristol is widely recognized as the Birthplace of Country Music, home to the 1927 Bristol Sessions that launched the careers of the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers. The city is also home to Bristol Motor Speedway, one of NASCAR's most iconic and popular tracks. In recent years, Bristol has added the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol and a new visitor center as major draws. The destination appeals to motorsports fans, music and heritage travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, food and drink explorers, and families looking for a memorable Appalachian getaway. Explore Bristol is located at 215 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, TN. Contact: info@explorebristol.com | (423) 212-3637. --- ## Attractions Source: [https://explorebristol.com/attractions/](https://explorebristol.com/attractions/) Bristol offers a wide range of attractions for visitors. The following are the primary destinations featured on the site: ### Birthplace of Country Music Museum The Birthplace of Country Music promotes and celebrates Bristol's rich musical heritage. The museum tells the story of the 1927 Bristol Sessions and the artists who recorded there, including the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers. It is a Smithsonian Affiliate located in downtown Bristol. ### Bristol Motor Speedway The Last Great Colosseum. The World's Fastest Half-Mile. The Bristol Bullring. The Colosseum of Crash. Thunder Valley. Bristol Motor Speedway is a .533-mile oval with 36-degree banking, making it one of NASCAR's most popular and iconic tracks. Opened in 1961, BMS has hosted crowds of up to 160,000. The facility includes Colossus TV (the world's largest outdoor center-hung four-sided video screen with a 540,000-watt audio system), track tours, and the annual Speedway In Lights holiday drive-through event. ### Historic Downtown Bristol The vibrant heart of Bristol features the iconic Bristol sign on State Street marking the Tennessee-Virginia state line. Downtown is home to locally owned restaurants and shops, live music and entertainment venues, arts and culture, and Bristol's celebrated history. Believe in Bristol serves as the Main Street community organization for downtown. ### The Pinnacle The region's premier lifestyle shopping destination located right off I-81 (exit 74B). This outdoor shopping complex is anchored by national retailers like Bass Pro Shops, CARMAX, Belk, and Best Buy, along with a selection of restaurants and entertainment options. ### South Holston Lake & Dam South Holston Lake and Dam offers some of the most gorgeous scenery in Tennessee and Virginia. The lake provides boating, fishing, and water recreation. The South Holston River below the dam is a nationally recognized trout fishery and one of the top fly fishing destinations in the world. ### Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol features a 303-room hotel with multiple suite offerings, a large gaming facility, Hard Rock Live concert venue, indoor/outdoor pool, spa, multiple restaurants and bars, the Rock Shop, and Body Rock fitness center. Located in Bristol, Virginia. ### Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards A vineyard estate experience in the Virginia Highlands near Bristol offering lodging, wine tasting, and scenic mountain views. ### Appalachian Caverns Appalachian Caverns and Campground in Northeast Tennessee features underground cave tours showcasing natural geological formations. A campground is available on site. ### Bristol Caverns Bristol Caverns offers guided underground tours through a cave system beneath the Bristol area, featuring an underground river and dramatic rock formations. ### Believe In Bristol Believe in Bristol is Bristol's Main Street community organization. As a Certified Main Street Community, Downtown Bristol offers expanding options for dining, shopping, entertainment, and community events. --- ## Entertainment Source: [https://explorebristol.com/entertainment/](https://explorebristol.com/entertainment/) Bristol's entertainment options include live music venues, the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway, Paramount Center for the Arts, Cameo Theatre, Theater Bristol, Axe and Ale House (axe throwing, arcade, restaurant, and bar), comedy clubs, and minor league baseball. The city has a growing reputation as a live entertainment destination with the addition of Hard Rock Live at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol. --- ## Heritage Source: [https://explorebristol.com/heritage/](https://explorebristol.com/heritage/) Bristol has a deep heritage story rooted in Appalachian history, music, and community. Heritage sites and landmarks include: - Anderson Townhouse in historic Blountville - Battle at Blountville – Civil War Trail site (September 22, 1863) - Believe In Bristol / Main Street community - Birthplace of Country Music Museum - Bristol Caverns - Bristol Historical Association - The iconic Bristol sign on State Street - The State Street Marker - The Country Music Mural - Paramount Center for the Arts - Cameo Theatre The region also connects to broader Civil War Trail routes and Appalachian cultural heritage. --- ## Shopping Source: [https://explorebristol.com/shopping/](https://explorebristol.com/shopping/) Shopping in Bristol includes The Pinnacle (regional outdoor shopping center off I-81), Historic Downtown Bristol boutiques and specialty shops, and a variety of local retailers. Featured shopping destinations include: - A Work of Art Gallery & Gifts (State Street Artist Cooperative) - AR Workshop Bristol (DIY workshop and boutique) - Bass Pro Shops - Benjamin Walls Fine Art Gallery - Birthplace of Country Music Museum Gift Shop - Black Wolf Harley-Davidson - Cranberry Lane - L.C. King (historic workwear brand) - Mountain Sports - The Falls --- ## Events Source: [https://events.explorebristol.com/](https://events.explorebristol.com/) Explore Bristol maintains a dedicated events calendar on a subdomain featuring festivals, concerts, NASCAR and NHRA races, seasonal activities, and community events throughout the year. Major recurring events include NASCAR race weekends at Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival, Speedway In Lights holiday event, and the Bristol Sessions Festival series. --- ## Blogs & Trip Ideas Source: [https://explorebristol.com/blogs/](https://explorebristol.com/blogs/) The Explore Bristol blog publishes trip-planning articles and editorial content for visitors. Topics covered include: - Tennessee Hills Distillery tours and tastings - Christmas and holiday hotspot guides (22 and 25 top spots) - Brunch on the Border in Bristol TN/VA - The sweetest time of year (cookie and dessert guide) - Fall activities and foliage guide - Hoppy Possum Southern Brewers Cup - Sweet shops and dessert spots - Fly fishing in Bristol (South Holston River guide) - Seasonal activity roundups --- ## Lodging Source: [https://explorebristol.com/lodging/](https://explorebristol.com/lodging/) Bristol offers a full range of lodging options for visitors. The directory is filterable by type: Hotels, Lodges, and Campgrounds. ### Hotels - The Bristol Hotel — boutique hotel in Historic Downtown Bristol - The Sessions Hotel — boutique hotel in downtown Bristol - Delta Hotels Bristol — Marriott property - Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol — 303-room resort with spa, pool, Hard Rock Live venue - Fairfield Inn & Suites — Marriott property - Hampton Inn — Hilton property - Tru by Hilton — Hilton property - Bristol Parkway Inn - Quality Inn ### Lodges & Estates - Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards — vineyard estate with lodging in the Virginia Highlands - South Holston River Lodge ### Campgrounds & RV - Bristol Motor Speedway Race Lodging & Event Camping - Observation Knob Campground - All Journey's Travel & Race Lodging LLC ### Vacation Rentals Local home rentals are available through Airbnb and VRBO for the Bristol, TN area. --- ## Outdoors Source: [https://explorebristol.com/outdoors/](https://explorebristol.com/outdoors/) Bristol is surrounded by Appalachian Mountains scenery and offers extensive outdoor recreation. The outdoors directory is filterable by category: Biking, Motorsports, Fly Shops, Fly Fishing, Horseback, Waterfalls, Trails, Boat & Pontoon Rentals, Marinas, Disc Golf, Golf, and general Outdoors. ### Fly Fishing The South Holston River below South Holston Dam is a nationally recognized trout fishery and one of the top fly fishing destinations in the world. Multiple fly shops and guide services operate in the area, including Bristol Anglers. ### Trails & Hiking The Appalachian Trail passes through 94 miles of Tennessee, some adjacent to Bristol. Additional hiking trails are available at Steele Creek Park & Nature Center and throughout the surrounding mountains. ### Waterfalls Blue Hole Falls is a popular 0.3-mile loop trail near Elizabethton, Tennessee (a short drive from Bristol) featuring a scenic waterfall. ### Biking Bike rental and riding opportunities include the Virginia Creeper Trail (accessible from the region), Blended Pedaler e-bike rentals in downtown Bristol, and Boyd Bicycle Shop for service and gear. ### Horseback Riding Blue Ridge Equestrian offers riding lessons and trail rides in the Tri-Cities area. ### Water Recreation South Holston Lake offers boating, pontoon rentals, and marina access. Multiple marinas serve the lake. ### Caverns Both Appalachian Caverns and Bristol Caverns offer guided underground tours. ### Golf & Disc Golf Multiple golf courses and disc golf courses are available in the Bristol area. ### Motorsports Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol Dragway, and Muddy Creek Raceway provide motorsports experiences ranging from NASCAR races to drag racing and motocross. --- ## Racing Source: [https://explorebristol.com/racing/](https://explorebristol.com/racing/) ### Bristol Motor Speedway Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) opened in 1961 as Bristol International Speedway, the creation of Bristol entrepreneurs Larry Carrier, Carl Moore, and R.G. Pope. Originally a perfect half-mile with 22-degree banking and 18,000 seats, the track was reshaped in 1969 into a .533-mile oval with 36-degree banking. Bruton Smith purchased the track in 1996 and expanded it to a peak capacity of 160,000 seats with approximately 200 suites. Key facts about BMS: - .533-mile oval with 36-degree banking - Known as The Last Great Colosseum, The World's Fastest Half-Mile, The Bristol Bullring, The Colosseum of Crash, and Thunder Valley - First night race held August 1978 - First Cup race on a concrete surface August 1992 - Track resurfaced in 2007 - 55 consecutive sellouts through March 2010 - Hosted the largest crowd for a college football game in 2016 (nearly 157,000 for Tennessee vs. Virginia Tech) - Features Colossus TV — the world's largest outdoor center-hung four-sided video screen with a 540,000-watt audio system - Hosts Speedway In Lights, an annual holiday drive-through event and fundraiser for Speedway Children's Charities - Track tours available year-round Notable drivers associated with Bristol include Richard Petty, David Pearson, Bobby Allison, Cale Yarborough, Dale Earnhardt (nine Bristol wins), Darrell Waltrip, Rusty Wallace, Kyle Busch, Jeff Gordon, and Kurt Busch. ### Bristol Dragway Thunder Valley's Bristol Dragway hosts NHRA drag racing events and other motorsports programming adjacent to Bristol Motor Speedway. ### Muddy Creek Raceway Muddy Creek Raceway provides motocross and off-road racing in the Bristol area. ### Bootleggers & Burnouts Trail A themed regional driving trail connecting moonshine heritage and motorsports history across Northeast Tennessee. Managed by the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association (NETTA). --- ## Music Source: [https://explorebristol.com/music/](https://explorebristol.com/music/) ### The 1927 Bristol Sessions In the summer of 1927, producer Ralph Peer of the Victor Talking Machine Company set up a recording operation in Bristol. Over 12 days from July 25 to August 5, 1927, Peer recorded local and regional musicians. These recordings — known as the 1927 Bristol Sessions — launched the careers of the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers, and are widely regarded as the founding moment of commercial country music. The Sessions gave birth to a new sound and established Bristol as the Birthplace of Country Music, a designation recognized by the U.S. Congress. ### Birthplace of Country Music Museum The museum in downtown Bristol tells the story of the Bristol Sessions and celebrates the region's musical heritage. It is a Smithsonian Affiliate and features exhibits, educational programming, and rotating collections. The museum also operates Radio Bristol, a live music and broadcast space. ### Bristol Sessions Festival Bristol Sessions Nights is a 12-night cultural music series running from May 2026 through April 2027, building toward the 100th anniversary of the 1927 Bristol Sessions on Memorial Day weekend 2027. The core organizers are the City of Bristol Tennessee, Tennessee Hills, and the ETSU Appalachian Music Collective. Events are staged at the Bristol Listening Room inside the historic L.C. King Building in downtown Bristol. More info: [bristolsessionsfestival.com](https://bristolsessionsfestival.com/) ### Live Music Scene Bristol has an active live music scene with venues throughout downtown and the surrounding area. The city's musical identity extends beyond country into Americana, roots, bluegrass, and rock. Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion is a major annual music festival held in downtown Bristol. --- ## Restaurants Source: [https://explorebristol.com/restaurants/](https://explorebristol.com/restaurants/) Bristol has a diverse dining scene spanning six pages of restaurant listings. The directory includes upscale dining, locally owned eateries, pizza shops, bakeries, BBQ, cafes, and national chains. Featured restaurants include: - 620 State — upscale casual restaurant with over 330 bourbons, whiskies, and scotches - Bistro on 6th — regionally sourced downtown dining - Bella's Pizza — locally owned pizzeria for over 30 years - Big Guy Italiano's — family Italian restaurant - Blackbird Bakery — full-service bakery with doughnuts, cakes, specialty coffees, and Homestead Creamery ice cream - Boomershine Pizzeria — locally owned pizza - Bristol Bagel & Bakery — locally owned bagel shop - Bristol BBQ — locally owned BBQ with drive-through - Bristol Cafe & Market — modern cafe with handcrafted sandwiches, soups, and salads - Aubrey's — creative American cuisine - Applebee's — national chain The full directory includes dozens more restaurants across all cuisines and price points. --- ## Breweries & Distilleries Source: [https://explorebristol.com/breweries-distilleries/](https://explorebristol.com/breweries-distilleries/) Bristol has a growing craft beverage scene with several breweries and distilleries: - Cascade Draft House — located in the heart of downtown Bristol, TN with 40 rotating taps of craft beer and beverages - Elderbrew — Historic Downtown Bristol's first small batch brewery, focusing on creative hand-crafted ales and lagers - Lost State Distilling — craft distillery in Bristol, Tennessee producing small batch gin, rum, and Tennessee whiskey with free tours and tastings - O'Mainnin's Pub — pub and grille for guests 21 and older - Squabble State — hard cidery, distillery, and apple orchard with mountain views overlooking Bristol, VA - Tennessee Hills Distillery — one of the largest craft distilleries and breweries in Tennessee, a 39,000-square-foot facility located just off I-81 offering tours and tastings --- ## Visitor Center Source: [https://explorebristol.com/visitor-center/](https://explorebristol.com/visitor-center/) The Explore Bristol Visitors Center is located at 215 Volunteer Parkway and serves as an information hub for tourists and locals. The center features heritage displays about the region's history, interactive touchscreens for navigating local attractions and hidden gems, expert community advice from staff, and a gift shop with Bristol-themed apparel and souvenirs. It is the recommended starting point for any visit to Bristol. --- ## Visitor Guide Source: [https://explorebristol.com/visitor-guide/flipbook/](https://explorebristol.com/visitor-guide/flipbook/) Explore Bristol publishes an official Visitor Guide available as an interactive digital flipbook. The guide covers attractions, lodging, dining, outdoor recreation, events, and trip planning information for Bristol, TN/VA. --- ## Featured Experiences ### Bootleggers & Burnouts Trail Source: [https://northeasttennessee.org/bootlegburnouts/](https://northeasttennessee.org/bootlegburnouts/) The Bootleggers & Burnouts Trail is a themed driving trail through Northeast Tennessee connecting moonshine heritage and motorsports history. The trail promises a journey through time where history meets horsepower. It is managed by the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association (NETTA). ### Bristol Sessions Festival Source: [https://bristolsessionsfestival.com/](https://bristolsessionsfestival.com/) A 12-night cultural music series (May 2026–April 2027) staged at the Bristol Listening Room inside the historic L.C. King Building in downtown Bristol. The series builds toward the 100th anniversary of the 1927 Bristol Sessions on Memorial Day weekend 2027. Organized by the City of Bristol Tennessee, Tennessee Hills, and the ETSU Appalachian Music Collective. ### Sullivan County 250th Source: [https://sullivan250.com/](https://sullivan250.com/) Events and programs commemorating 250 years of American history and unity in Sullivan County, Tennessee. ### Fly Fishing in Bristol Source: [https://explorebristol.com/explore-one-of-the-top-fly-fishing-destinations-in-the-world/](https://explorebristol.com/explore-one-of-the-top-fly-fishing-destinations-in-the-world/) Bristol is recognized as one of the top fly fishing destinations in the world. The South Holston River below South Holston Dam is a nationally recognized trout fishery. Warmer weather is particularly popular for both locals and visitors looking to cast a line and enjoy time on the water. Multiple fly shops and guide services operate in the area. --- ## Contact Information Source: [https://explorebristol.com/contact/](https://explorebristol.com/contact/) - Email: info@explorebristol.com - Phone: (423) 212-3637 - Address: 215 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, TN - The contact page includes an embedded Google Map showing the Explore Bristol office and visitor center location. --- ## Regional Partners Explore Bristol is connected to the following regional tourism and government organizations: - [City of Bristol Tennessee](https://www.bristoltn.org/) — municipal government for Bristol, TN - [Tennessee Vacation (Made in TN)](https://www.tnvacation.com/) — state tourism promotion for Tennessee - [Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association (NETTA)](https://northeasttennessee.org/) — regional tourism organization for Northeast Tennessee - [Visit Southwest Virginia](https://visitswva.org/) — regional tourism organization for Southwest Virginia - [Virginia is for Lovers](https://www.virginia.org/) — state tourism promotion for Virginia --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Where is Bristol and how do I get there?** Bristol straddles the Tennessee-Virginia state line in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, roughly equidistant between Knoxville, TN and Roanoke, VA. Interstate 81 runs directly through the area, and the Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) in nearby Blountville, TN provides commercial air service. Bristol is approximately 300 miles from Charlotte, NC, 285 miles from Nashville, TN, and 140 miles from Asheville, NC. **What is Bristol known for?** Bristol is best known as the Birthplace of Country Music. The 1927 Bristol Sessions — a series of recordings made by producer Ralph Peer for the Victor Talking Machine Company — launched the careers of the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers and are considered the founding moment of commercial country music. Bristol is also home to Bristol Motor Speedway, one of NASCAR's most iconic tracks, and the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol. The city has a vibrant downtown, strong outdoor recreation scene, and a growing craft beverage community. **What are the top things to do in Bristol?** Major attractions include the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Bristol Motor Speedway (track tours available year-round), Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, Historic Downtown Bristol and its iconic State Street sign, The Pinnacle outdoor shopping center, South Holston Lake & Dam, Bristol Caverns, Appalachian Caverns, and Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards. The city also has a strong live music scene, craft breweries and distilleries, and fly fishing on the South Holston River. See the full attractions directory at https://explorebristol.com/attractions/. **Where should I stay in Bristol?** Bristol offers a range of lodging from boutique downtown hotels to national chains and campgrounds. Notable options include The Bristol Hotel (a boutique property in Historic Downtown), The Sessions Hotel, Delta Hotels Bristol, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol (303-room hotel with spa, pool, and concert venue), Fairfield Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn, and Tru by Hilton. Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards offers a vineyard estate experience outside the city. Campground and RV options are available near Bristol Motor Speedway. Vacation rentals are available through Airbnb and VRBO. See the full lodging directory at https://explorebristol.com/lodging/. **What outdoor activities are available in Bristol?** Bristol is surrounded by Appalachian Mountains scenery with extensive outdoor recreation. The South Holston River is a nationally recognized trout fishery and one of the top fly fishing destinations in the world. Other activities include hiking (the Appalachian Trail passes nearby), mountain biking, horseback riding, disc golf, golf, boating and pontoon rentals on South Holston Lake, visiting waterfalls like Blue Hole Falls, and exploring underground caverns at Bristol Caverns and Appalachian Caverns. See the full outdoors directory at https://explorebristol.com/outdoors/. **What is the Birthplace of Country Music Museum?** The Birthplace of Country Music Museum in downtown Bristol tells the story of the 1927 Bristol Sessions and Bristol's role in launching commercial country music. The museum features exhibits on the Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers, and the broader Appalachian music tradition. It is a Smithsonian Affiliate and operates Radio Bristol, a live music and broadcast space. Learn more at https://explorebristol.com/music/. **What is Bristol Motor Speedway?** Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) is a .533-mile oval track with 36-degree banking, commonly known as The Last Great Colosseum and Thunder Valley. Opened in 1961, it is one of NASCAR's most popular and iconic venues. The track has hosted crowds of up to 160,000 and features Colossus TV, the world's largest outdoor center-hung four-sided video screen. BMS also hosts the annual Speedway In Lights holiday event, drag racing at Bristol Dragway, concerts, and other events. Track tours are available. Learn more at https://explorebristol.com/racing/. **What is the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol?** The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol is a full-scale resort featuring a 303-room hotel, a gaming facility, Hard Rock Live concert venue, indoor/outdoor pool, spa, multiple restaurants and bars, the Rock Shop, and Body Rock fitness center. It is located in Bristol, Virginia. Learn more at https://explorebristol.com/hard-rock-bristol/. **Where can I eat and drink in Bristol?** Bristol has a diverse dining scene ranging from upscale restaurants like 620 State (known for its bourbon collection) and Bistro on 6th to locally owned pizzerias, bakeries, BBQ joints, and cafes. The craft beverage scene includes Elderbrew (downtown Bristol's first small batch brewery), Cascade Draft House (40 rotating taps), Lost State Distilling (gin, rum, and Tennessee whiskey), Tennessee Hills Distillery (one of the largest craft distilleries in Tennessee), and Squabble State (hard cidery and distillery with mountain views). See the full directories at https://explorebristol.com/restaurants/ and https://explorebristol.com/breweries-distilleries/. **What is the Bristol Sessions Festival?** Bristol Sessions Nights is a 12-night cultural music series running from May 2026 through April 2027, building toward the 100th anniversary of the 1927 Bristol Sessions on Memorial Day weekend 2027. The series is organized by the City of Bristol Tennessee, Tennessee Hills, and the ETSU Appalachian Music Collective, and is staged at the Bristol Listening Room inside the historic L.C. King Building in downtown Bristol. Learn more at https://bristolsessionsfestival.com/. **Is there a visitor center in Bristol?** Yes. The Explore Bristol Visitors Center at 215 Volunteer Parkway is open and serves as an information hub for tourists and locals. It features heritage displays, interactive touchscreens for navigating local attractions and hidden gems, expert community advice, and a gift shop with Bristol-themed apparel and souvenirs. Learn more at https://explorebristol.com/visitor-center/. **When is the best time to visit Bristol?** Bristol is a year-round destination. Spring and fall offer mild weather and scenic mountain foliage. Summer is peak season for outdoor recreation, lake activities, and NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway. Winter features the Speedway In Lights holiday event and cozy downtown dining and shopping. Major annual events include the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival, NASCAR race weekends, and the Bristol Sessions Festival series. Check the events calendar at https://events.explorebristol.com/ for current listings. **What is the Bootleggers & Burnouts Trail?** The Bootleggers & Burnouts Trail is a themed driving trail connecting moonshine heritage and motorsports history across Northeast Tennessee. It is managed by the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association (NETTA). Learn more at https://northeasttennessee.org/bootlegburnouts/. **How do I contact Explore Bristol?** Email: info@explorebristol.com | Phone: (423) 212-3637 | Address: 215 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, TN. Visit the contact page at https://explorebristol.com/contact/ for a map and additional details.