In Bristol, you’ll experience the stories of legends; like a recording session that spawned a musical genre and an old-fashioned race track that grew into NASCAR’s most beloved venue. Racers and musicians have become legends here…and legends have been born here.
Day One
Spend the day in historic downtown. Stroll through antique shops, boutiques and galleries. Take an art class or paint your own ceramics. Learn the history, and legends with the self-guided walking tour. See a show at the historic Paramount Center for the Arts or Theatre Bristol. Enjoy a relaxing meal at one of the many local restaurants. Make an appointment to visit the childhood home of the nationally-renown entertainer and Bristol native, Tennessee Ernie Ford. The Ford house is garnished throughout with memorabilia of his career.
Being the official Birthplace of Country Music, music is taken seriously in Bristol. The Birthplace of Country Music promotes and celebrates Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia as the birthplace of country music. BCM celebrates Bristol’s role in the birth and development of country music through the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival, WBCM Radio Bristol, and educational outreach and programming.
You’ll find live music most night of the week. The warmer months offer free concerts at many outdoor venues. Visit the third weekend in September and enjoy a 3-day music festival, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion.
Day Two
Get ready for an adventure underground at the Bristol Caverns where chambers feature geologic formations and year-round temperature of 56-60 degrees. You will see some of the largest caverns in the region and over 200 million years old.
Then gear up for a visit to the Home of the “World’s fastest half-mile track”, the Bristol Motor Speedway. The speedway is host to Nationwide and Sprint Series NASCAR events in March and August. The Bristol Dragway hosts NHRA nationals and many other events. Track tours are available most days. From November – January enjoy Speedway In Lights. With almost 2 million holiday lights, a Santa’s Village and more, this night-time driving tour is sure to get anyone in the spirit of the season. During the summer nights take in a game with Bristol’s own minor league team, the Bristol White Sox.
