A city to get your motor revving
Who says you can’t be two places at the same time? The small but vibrant city of Bristol sits right on the state line between Tennessee and Virginia – the border actually runs right through the main street. But that’s the only thing this city does by halves. From the deafening roar of motors at its famous NASCAR short-track to the twanging strings and soul-stirring vocals of its annual rhythm and roots festival, Bristol is bursting with all kinds of entertainment. Bristol vacation rentals are just as varied: you can book a historic townhouse to explore downtown, or embrace the wilderness from a secluded cabin in the forested hills around the city.
The roar of the cars and the crowd
Don’t miss a visit to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, a 24,000 square-foot showpiece brimming with interactive exhibits and fascinating local and musical history. The Bristol Motor Speedway is another huge draw for visitors, and there are plenty of Bristol vacation rentals close to the racetrack. Even when NASCAR isn’t in town, a visit to the “Last Great Colosseum” is an incredible experience, with the roars of the engines surpassed only by the roars of the crowd. As if these thrills and spills aren’t enough, the nearby Bristol Dragway also plays host the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals.
Bristol: the birthplace of country music
Bristol has been officially dubbed “the Birthplace of Country Music”, which is a pretty bold claim, but a deserved one. After all, this was the location of the legendary 1927 Bristol Sessions – these were the trailblazing recordings which cemented the genre known as country music. This heritage is celebrated in a buzzing live music scene, which peaks each September with the Rhythm and Roots festival. Legions of artists play on numerous stages in historic downtown Bristol, bringing the sounds of country, the tempting scents of BBQ and chili, family-friendly festivities, and an all-round party vibe to the streets.
Year-round adventures in Bristol
As downtown is packed with artisan restaurants, gift and antique shops, and more live music venues than you can shake a guitar at, Bristol is worth visiting no matter what the seasons bring. Saying that, the summers are warm and long, and the winters are short. If you’re here during the cooler months, you can enjoy the atmosphere of the bars and eateries come early nightfall, while during the sunnier months you can head out of town and explore the glittering lakes, lazy rivers, forested hillsides, and majestic mountains on the doorstep of your Bristol vacation rental.
Going hiking around Bristol
Bristol has an enviable location close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and there’s a wealth of geological wonders to discover. Just outside town, the Bristol Caverns present an eerie subterranean realm of lit walkways taking you past cascades of stalactites and vaulted chambers glimmering with colorful minerals. Nearby, you can sail, fish, and walk the shore at South Holston Lake, while there are plenty of natural waterways nearby, great for kayaking, swimming and hiking. You can watch the mist rising off still waters framed by pine-shrouded hillsides, or be roused by the sound of hidden waterfalls.
Traveling to and around Bristol
The nearest airport is in Tri-Cities, TN (TRI-Tri-Cities Regional), located 14.5 mi (23.4 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you might consider flying into Abingdon, VA (VJI-Virginia Highlands), which is 10.6 mi (17.1 km) away.
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