Johnson City, cradled in the mountains of extreme northeast Tennessee, is a bustling university town and part of the Tri-Cities (together with Bristol and Kingsport). From big box national stores to tiny antique shops, Johnson City is a regional shopping Mecca for the surrounding area. Outdoor recreation, concerts, history and great places to eat make this a well-rounded town to visit.
East Tennessee State University, one of the state's largest, offers concerts, art exhibitions and is home to the Center for Appalachian Studies, a repository of regional music and art. Carroll Reece Museum, also located at ETSU, features six galleries of art and history. Area history is on display at Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site, a preserved homestead and at nearby Rocky Mount, site of the oldest territorial capital in the U.S., now a living history museum. Activities for children include Hands On! Regional Museum downtown.
Outdoor activities are varied here and include boating on Boone Lake, golfing or just enjoying nature. Access the lake from Winged Deer Park or enjoy disc golf, hiking or walking along the shore. Hike on your own at Buffalo Mountain Park, a 725 acre nature preserve, or try a guided nature hike.
Dining options are diverse but barbecue is especially popular here at spots such as the Firehouse Restaurant. Nightlife includes many concerts and other events at ETSU plus live music at Down Home.
Johnson City is located on Hwy. 11E and I-26 off I-81, just over 100 miles northeast of Knoxville, Tennessee.
