# 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. ## Things To Do - [Attractions](https://explorebristol.com/attractions/): Directory of Bristol's top attractions including Bristol Motor Speedway, Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Historic Downtown Bristol, The Pinnacle shopping center, South Holston Lake & Dam, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards, Appalachian Caverns, Bristol Caverns, and Believe In Bristol. - [Entertainment](https://explorebristol.com/entertainment/): Listing of entertainment venues and experiences including live music venues, the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway, Paramount Center for the Arts, Cameo Theatre, Theater Bristol, axe throwing, comedy clubs, and minor league baseball. - [Heritage](https://explorebristol.com/heritage/): Heritage sites and historical landmarks including the Bristol Train Station, the iconic Bristol sign on State Street, Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Paramount Center, Cameo Theatre, the State Street Marker, the Country Music Mural, and Civil War Trail sites in the region. - [Regional Attractions](https://explorebristol.com/regional-attractions/): Attractions and destinations in the broader Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia region surrounding Bristol. - [Shopping](https://explorebristol.com/shopping/): Guide to shopping in Bristol including The Pinnacle outdoor shopping complex, downtown boutiques, and locally owned retail shops. - [Bank Street Mural](https://explorebristol.com/bank-street-mural/): Information about Bristol's Bank Street Mural, a public art installation in the downtown area. - [Events](https://events.explorebristol.com/): Calendar of upcoming events in Bristol hosted on a dedicated events subdomain covering festivals, concerts, races, seasonal activities, and community events. ## Trip Ideas - [Blogs](https://explorebristol.com/blogs/): Trip-planning articles and editorial content covering seasonal activities, dining guides, holiday hotspots, brunch spots, sweet shops, outdoor itineraries, brewery tours, and visitor tips for Bristol. ## Lodging - [Lodging](https://explorebristol.com/lodging/): Directory of hotels, boutique lodging, lodges, campgrounds, and vacation rentals in Bristol. Featured properties include The Bristol Hotel, The Sessions Hotel, Delta Hotels Bristol, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn, Tru by Hilton, Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards, and Bristol Motor Speedway event camping. Also links to Airbnb and VRBO local home rentals. ## Outdoors - [Outdoors](https://explorebristol.com/outdoors/): Comprehensive directory of outdoor recreation in and around Bristol including fly fishing on the South Holston River (a nationally recognized trout fishery), hiking trails, biking, horseback riding, disc golf, golf courses, waterfalls (Blue Hole Falls), marinas, boat and pontoon rentals, motorsports, caverns, and the nearby Appalachian Trail. Features filterable categories for biking, fly fishing, fly shops, horseback riding, waterfalls, trails, boat rentals, marinas, disc golf, golf, and motorsports. ## Racing - [Racing](https://explorebristol.com/racing/): Detailed information about Bristol Motor Speedway — The Last Great Colosseum — including its history from 1961 to present, track specs (.533-mile oval, 36-degree banking), NASCAR race schedule, Thunder Valley's Bristol Dragway, Muddy Creek Raceway, track tours, Speedway In Lights holiday event, and Colossus TV. Also covers the Bootleggers & Burnouts Trail connecting motorsports heritage across Northeast Tennessee. ## Music - [Music](https://explorebristol.com/music/): Bristol's deep musical heritage starting with the 1927 Bristol Sessions that gave birth to commercial country music. Covers the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Radio Bristol, live music venues, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion festival, the Bristol Sessions Festival (a 12-night cultural series running May 2026 through April 2027 building toward the 100th anniversary of the 1927 Bristol Sessions), and the broader Americana roots music scene. ## Food & Drink - [Restaurants](https://explorebristol.com/restaurants/): Multi-page directory of restaurants in Bristol spanning upscale dining, locally owned eateries, pizza shops, bakeries, BBQ, cafes, and national chains. - [Breweries & Distilleries](https://explorebristol.com/breweries-distilleries/): Guide to local craft breweries and distilleries in Bristol including Tennessee Hills Distillery, one of the largest craft distilleries in Tennessee. ## Visitor Center - [Visitor Center](https://explorebristol.com/visitor-center/): The Explore Bristol Visitors Center at 215 Volunteer Parkway serves as an information hub for tourists and locals featuring heritage displays, interactive touchscreens for navigating attractions, expert community advice, and a gift shop with Bristol-themed apparel and souvenirs. ## About & Contact - [Contact](https://explorebristol.com/contact/): Contact information for Explore Bristol including email (info@explorebristol.com), phone ((423) 212-3637), physical address (215 Volunteer Pkwy), and an embedded map. - [Careers](https://explorebristol.com/careers/): Employment opportunities with Explore Bristol. ## Visitor Guide - [Digital Visitor Guide](https://explorebristol.com/visitor-guide/flipbook/): Interactive digital flipbook version of the official Explore Bristol Visitor Guide. ## Featured Experiences - [Bootleggers & Burnouts Trail](https://northeasttennessee.org/bootlegburnouts/): A themed regional trail connecting moonshine heritage and motorsports history across Northeast Tennessee. Managed by NETTA (Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association). - [Bristol Sessions Festival](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 downtown, building toward the 100th anniversary of the 1927 Bristol Sessions. - [Sullivan County 250th](https://sullivan250.com/): Events and programs commemorating 250 years of American history and unity in Sullivan County. - [Fly Fishing in Bristol](https://explorebristol.com/explore-one-of-the-top-fly-fishing-destinations-in-the-world/): Editorial guide to Bristol as one of the top fly fishing destinations in the world, covering the South Holston River tailwater fishery. ## Regional Partners - [City of Bristol Tennessee](https://www.bristoltn.org/) - [Tennessee Vacation (Made in TN)](https://www.tnvacation.com/) - [Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association (NETTA)](https://northeasttennessee.org/) - [Visit Southwest Virginia](https://visitswva.org/) - [Virginia is for Lovers](https://www.virginia.org/) ## 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](https://explorebristol.com/attractions/) for more. **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](https://explorebristol.com/lodging/) for all options. **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](https://explorebristol.com/outdoors/) for listings. **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 [Music](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 [Racing](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 [Hard Rock Bristol](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 [Restaurants](https://explorebristol.com/restaurants/) and [Breweries & Distilleries](https://explorebristol.com/breweries-distilleries/) directories. **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 [bristolsessionsfestival.com](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 [Visitor Center](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](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 [northeasttennessee.org/bootlegburnouts](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](https://explorebristol.com/contact/) for a map and additional details.