John’s Guidebook to Downtown Bristol, Outdoor Activities
Food scene
Great variety of smoked meats and barbeque sauces! You can't go wrong.
35 locals recommend
Southern Craft BBQ Bristol
15 Commonwealth AveGreat variety of smoked meats and barbeque sauces! You can't go wrong.
Eatz on Moore Street
17 Moore StDelicious down-home cooking and you're welcomed like family.
Delta Blues
724 State StGreat barbeque and really amazing blues entertainment!
A little off the beaten path, but worth it. Their greenhouse, where they grow their own ingredients, is there on the premises.
Bristol Gardens & Grill
285 Vance StA little off the beaten path, but worth it. Their greenhouse, where they grow their own ingredients, is there on the premises.
It's a 45 minute wait for the Classic Chicago Deep Dish pizza, but absolutely worth every second!
19 locals recommend
The Angry Italian Restaurant
714 State StIt's a 45 minute wait for the Classic Chicago Deep Dish pizza, but absolutely worth every second!
Great for brunch and lunch. Amazing coffees. They offer delicious dinner reservations Thur - Sat.
17 locals recommend
Bloom
601 State StGreat for brunch and lunch. Amazing coffees. They offer delicious dinner reservations Thur - Sat.
Favorite local breweries & taphouses
State Street Brewing
801 State StGreat local beers!
Over 30 local and national craft beers on tap. Check back often, they switch drafts daily.
9 locals recommend
Cascade Draft House
828 State StOver 30 local and national craft beers on tap. Check back often, they switch drafts daily.
The Corner
501 State StreetGreat food, great beer and atmosphere.
Great national and local brews available with a fantastic view of downtown Bristol.
17 locals recommend
Lumac Rooftop Bar
115 Country Music WayGreat national and local brews available with a fantastic view of downtown Bristol.
Sightseeing
An affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the museum explores our rich musical heritage.
81 locals recommend
Birthplace of Country Music Museum
101 Country Music WayAn affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, the museum explores our rich musical heritage.
Don't miss out on exploring our beautiful section of the Appalachian Trail.
22 locals recommend
Appalachian Trail
Don't miss out on exploring our beautiful section of the Appalachian Trail.
Virginia Creeper Trail
331 Douglas DriveOutdoor Activities
Best trout fresh water fly-fishing experience possible! Ask for Sam Dennis.
7 locals recommend
The South Holston River Company
1084 Aberlea Valley CirBest trout fresh water fly-fishing experience possible! Ask for Sam Dennis.
Beautiful lake with mountain views. Boat rental available through several local marinas on the lake.
38 locals recommend
South Holston Lake
Beautiful lake with mountain views. Boat rental available through several local marinas on the lake.
Entertainment
The recently restored Cameo Theater, one of the 15 oldest theaters in Virginia, offers up-close access to your favorite artists.
14 locals recommend
The Cameo Theater
703 State StThe recently restored Cameo Theater, one of the 15 oldest theaters in Virginia, offers up-close access to your favorite artists.
The theater is as much of a treat as the entertainment. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this building, reminiscent of the 1930s Art Deco movie palaces, offers music, dance, comedy, theater and more.
40 locals recommend
Paramount Center for the Arts
518 State StThe theater is as much of a treat as the entertainment. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this building, reminiscent of the 1930s Art Deco movie palaces, offers music, dance, comedy, theater and more.
City advice
Customs and culture
It is not pronounced App-a-lay-shun :)
We locals get testy if you try to glamour up our pronunciation. As a visitor to the Appalachian Highlands, it's important to pronounce it correctly: App-a-latch-un :) But if you don't, we'll forgive ya, bless your heart.
Don't miss
Check out the Historic Downtown Walking Tour
Find all the cool spots with the Historic Downtown Walking tour: https://discoverbristol.org/signature_experience/historic-downtown-walking-tour/