COME VISIT BRISTOL!

ATTRACTIONS

ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES

When you’re taking a break from the action at BMS, take some time to explore the rest of the area. Bristol is a charming town with roots in both sides of the Tennessee-Virginia state line. It may be the Bristol Motor Speedway that brought you here, but as the birthplace of country music, it’s rich in musical heritage, lined with amazing restaurants, cultured by local artists and surrounded by outdoor recreation.

When you wander into downtown on State Street, especially at night, you’ll want to capture Bristol’s most iconic landmark. Standing as the keeper of State Street since 1921, you’ll know why Bristol truly is a good place to live.

You can’t come to the Bristol without visiting the Smithsonian-affiliate Birthplace of Country Music Museum to understand the history of country music long before Nashville. As you start your stroll in downtown, you’ll want to take a break at one of the many fantastic restaurants or local breweries. 

Don’t leave without a dose of nature. Pack a picnic and head out to one of the many outdoor attractions. Take a hike at Steele Creek Park, enjoy the angler’s paradise that is South Holston Lake or venture into the earth at the Bristol Caverns. 

There is something for everyone in Bristol and we hope you love it as much as we do!

SOME OF OUR FAVORITES...

DOWNTOWN BRISTOL

Downtown Bristol has it all from quaint retail shops, local artistry, a theater, restaurants and much more! Take a stroll down State Street, grab a bite to eat and you'll soon realize why this town is a special place.

BIRTHPLACE OF COUNTRY MUSIC MUSEUM

The Birthplace of Country Music Museum, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, tells the story of the 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings and how they started the rich tradition of country music. It's a must see!

STEELE CREEK PARK

Enjoy solitude, take in the beauty or strike out on a hiking adventure. A beautiful 2200-acre retreat located right in town, Steele Creek is a wonderful place to hang out for the day.

BRISTOL CAVERNS

Wander far below the earth's surface to see the magical and beautiful Bristol Caverns!

Follow the paved path as your guide shares the story of how an ancient underground river carved these majestic caverns.

SOUTH HOLSTON LAKE & DAM

South Holston Lake, a Tennessee Valley Authority reservoir covers 7,580 acres and offers hundreds of miles of lake shoreline for the fisherman, boating enthusiast, skier and nature lover. You can't visit the lake without seeing the dam. Standing at a whopping 285 feet high and 1,600 feet in length, it's the third largest earthen dam in the world.

BRISTOL MOTOR SPEEDWAY & BRISTOL DRAGWAY

If you're here for the race, you've obviously seen the venue, but have you ever taken the tour? Have you seen their Christmas lights? Check out all the events held at Bristol Motor Speedway. It's not just racing . . .