Living in The Tri-Cities

Kingsport, TN - In the mid-18th century adventurous men looking to move further west discovered this area. King’s Port was an area where many pioneers gathered to decide if they were going west by land or water and consequently, it became an important shipping point on the Holston River. During this period, King’s Port was also the source of relaxation for three American presidents, and was frequently visited by frontiersmen like Davy Crocket and Daniel Boone.

Today Kingsport is a model of innovation and progress, while remaining rooted in tradition and history, starting with outdoor activities like hiking, climbing, camping, boating, golfing, or biking - Kingsport is nationally ranked and recognized as a premier spot for all! Visit Bays Mountain Park, Warriors Path State Park, or the Kingsport Greenbelt, and see why Kingsport is recognized as a nature lover's paradise. The pristine mountains, lakes, and rivers reveal a wondrous landscape, lush with the colors and climes of all four seasons, and Kingsport has become a destination of choice for those seeking a quiet lifestyle without sacrificing modern amenities and luxuries. Read More.

Also in the Area

Bristol, TN and VA - The first country music recordings earned Bristol the title of the Birthplace of Country Music. The tradition continues with great live performances such as the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion music festival, music venues in our historic downtown, and heritage attractions like the nearby Carter Family Fold and Crooked Road. If you are feeling the need for speed, the "World's Fastest Half Mile" at Bristol Motor Speedway and Bristol Dragway are fan favorites for high-powered stock car and drag racing. Not far away is the Barter Theatre in Abingdon, Virginia, one of America’s most beloved theatrical venues.

Families can play and picnic at Steele Creek Park, Sugar Hollow Park, and beautiful South Holston Lake. Special nearby attractions include the 35-mile long Virginia Creeper Trail for hiking or biking and the challenging Appalachian Trail. And if you love to venture underground, don't miss Bristol Caverns and Appalachian Caverns.

Johnson City, TN - Originally a train depot, Johnson City is now a metropolitan melting pot with invigorating music, enchanting culture, and exhilarating mountain adventure. Home to East Tennessee State University, the James H. Quillen College of Medicine, Freedom Hall and the Carnegie Hotel, the city flourishes with tradition, heritage, and hospitality. Its natural beauty and fresh mountain air make Johnson City a wonderful place to visit.

The Johnson City area also has a rich frontier heritage, and attractions like Tales and Trails and Rocky Mount help bring that history to life. And if you like to go way, way back in time, there’s the fascinating Gray Fossil Site and Museum with fossils dating back four million years! Washington County is also home to Historic Jonesborough, Tennessee’s oldest town, and the International Storytelling Center.

Regionally

It is just a short drive over the mountain to get to Asheville, NC, one of the South's fastest-growing metropolitan centers, and great skiing and snowboarding are just a stone's throw away in beautiful Boone, NC. Travel to Blountville and explore the Appalachian Caverns, or visit historic Greeneville and its rich heritage and museums. Cross over into Virginia and see the Trail of the Lonesome Pine and the John Fox Jr. museum, or spend a weekend in Wise County with the music of Dock Boggs or the Best Friends festival.