Tennessee treasures

A 3 day tour of Tennessee
from our Southeastern issue,
Spring 2012.

	Photo: U.S. Army
	Bristol Motor Speedway is known as the fastest half mile in NASCAR.

Discover eastern Tennessee riches on this three-day trek covering rural art, natural splendor, fabulous food, historic sites and the remains of exotic animals that once roamed this rich and varied destination.

Day One

Explore Farmhouse Gallery & Gardens for a one-of-a-kind experience. Enjoy fiddles and fabulous food topped off with a hayride and bonfire complete with ghost stories. Other regular programs include storytelling, carnivals, magician performances, comedy routines and drama. 

The venue’s large pavilion is situated at the edge of a one-acre pond and seats more than 200. The entire space can accommodate group functions ranging in size from 20 to more than 1,000 participants. 

Day Two

Depart for Bristol Motor Speedway, known as the fastest half mile in NASCAR. Experience the drivers’ perspective with a guided track tour, which includes a ride around the half-mile high banks. 

This is racing the way it ought to be. 

Depart for Rocky Mount Living History Museum. Capture the frontier spirit with traditional Appalachian music as Mr. and Mrs. Cobb welcome your group to Rocky Mount, the first territorial capital of the United States.

	Photo: Courtesy of Johnson City CVB
	Interpreters at the Rocky Mount Living History Museum demonstrate skills once required for everyday life.

Next, head to Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium in Kingsport. The 3,500-acre nature preserve is the largest city-owned park in the state. It features a 44-acre lake, a nature center and animal habitats that are home to wolves, bobcats, raptors and reptiles. 

Then, check out Exchange Place, a historic 1800s farmstead where the Huggins family prepares an entertaining ceremony and dinner. 

Here, well-informed guides relate history, and groups enjoy catered breakfasts, lunches and dinners, comical hijackings, storytelling, a murder mystery dinner theater, craft demonstrations and hands-on projects. 

Return to accommodations. 

Day Three

Begin the day with the Big Dig at the East Tennessee State University Museum of Natural History’s Gray Fossil Site. The attraction is more than 7 million years in the making. It’s home to the largest deposit of ancient tapirs in the world. Less than 1 percent of the site has been excavated, so there’s a good chance to uncover fossils including alligators, shovel-tusked elephants, camels, saber-toothed cats and red pandas. 

Then, make your way to Andrew Johnson National Historic Site and trace the life of the industrious tailor who would later become the 17th president of the U.S. 

Have lunch at the Farmer’s Daughter. The eatery specializes in down-home country cooking served family style. 

After your meal, stroll through the Mennonite store before heading back to your accommodations. 

Finally, depart for Jonesborough, known as the storytelling capital of the world. Trace the footsteps of pioneers and presidents in the oldest town of Tennessee. Listen to a few tales and savor a sumptuous feast from Bistro 105, which specializes in fusion cuisine and is influenced by foods representing many cultures.

Johnson City CVB
(800) 852-3392
(423) 461-8000
www.visitjohnsoncitytn.com

Offer your Tennessee itineraries to the editor.
Mail: 2465 112th Ave.
Holland, MI 49424
Fax: (616) 393-0085
Phone: 1-800-767-3489 between 8am - 5pm, EST.