Four Seasons Filled with Adventure in Johnson City

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn.—As 2009 gets underway, families will begin to fill up their calendars for upcoming spring breaks, summer vacations, fall getaways and winter excursions. However, with the current state of the economy, families may begin to alter their traditional vacation routines, opting for trips that are budget-friendly, can be driven to within a day and offer “one-stop shopping,” or a destination that offers a variety of activities the entire family can enjoy without traveling to another location.
For travelers looking for a destination that offers unique character, authentic heritage, culture and adventure, all in a convenient location, Johnson City, Tenn. may just be the escape they are looking for. As a budget-friendly destination for travelers of all ages, Northeast Tenn. offers the beauty of the mountains, character of its Appalachian heritage, world-renowned music, art, cuisine and storytelling, and outdoor recreation year-round. And, it’s all within a days drive of half of the US population, making it a great stopping point for exploring the region, but only a tank of gas away for most people.
“Johnson City is an ideal vacation for families or groups because of the countless opportunities available to explore upon arrival, said Brenda Whitson, executive director of the Johnson City Convention and Visitors Bureau. “With a mix of authentic cultural experiences, interactive family fun and invigorating mountainous adventures, visitors can arrive to Johnson City without a high travel cost and have a calendar full of sites or events to explore. And no matter what the season is when they arrive, visitors are sure to enjoy any of the four beautiful mountain seasons we experience in Johnson City.”
Spring
Rocky Mount Woolly Day
On April 4, visitors will travel back in time at the Rocky Mount Museum as they host Woolly Day, exhibiting the events that took place on the farm at the coming of spring, when farmers would prepare for the upcoming season and move past the winter months. The annual Woolly Day event began almost 20 years ago as a way to celebrate spring with the Cobb family as they prepare to welcome the warm spring months.
Woolly Day allows guests to experience live reenactments of the Cobb family preparing for the growing season after fighting a cruel winter. Woolly Day also focuses on 18th century wool processing, along with other agricultural events. For children, Woolly Day also provides games and storytelling from the time period.
“Woolly Day events span all ages. Children and adults are able to see the new born lambs, watch the sheep sheering process and learn how wool is spun and made into clothing,” said Gary Walrath, executive director with the Rocky Mount Museum and Living History Site.
From March to mid-December, Rocky Mount operates from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday to Saturday. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors over 60 and $4 for children ages six to 17. Rocky Mount also offers AAA and AARP discounts. For more information, please visit www.rockymountmuseum.com, or call (423) 538-7396.
Fiddlers and Fiddleheads Festival
The Fiddlers and Fiddleheads Festival is hosted annually by The Farmhouse Gallery and Gardens, a historic studio-gallery sitting on a 75-acre farm in the historic hills of East Tennessee and filled with rich Appalachian heritage. The festival, which will be held on April 24 and 25, is a day of old-time charm, featuring storytelling, blacksmithing demonstrations, music, salt making, classic cars and hit and miss engines. In addition to the gospel, country and bluegrass music that fills the festival grounds, The East Tennessee Model “A” Restorers Club sponsors a classic car show and guests are invited to bring cars 25 years and older to showcase throughout the day.
Since its beginning, the annual festival has grown to a regional event with more than 3,000 visitors attending. For more information, please visit www.farmhousegallery.net, or call (423) 743-8799.
BBQ Festival
For a weekend of tasting championship barbecue and listening to the roar of a classic car’s engine, head to the Northeast Tennessee Battle of the Pigs BBQ Cook-off and Car Show. Taking place on May 22-23 at the Appalachian Fairgrounds in Gray, a ten minute drive from Johnson City, the Battle of the Pigs is a sanctioned event by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, the largest society of barbeque enthusiasts in the world.
“Johnson City wanted an event to start off the summer and this will be an event for the entire region,” said Jacob Higginbotham, event organizer. “On top of all of the barbeque and car show, we are also having musical entertainment throughout the weekend.”
Along with the area’s grillers competing to serve the best beef brisket, pork ribs, pork or chicken, car enthusiasts will be contending for a trophy or the coveted People’s Choice Award with hot rods, custom, sports, stock or import cars. The festival will also feature arts and crafts booths, entertainment and a kid’s zone with games and entertainment.
The Battle of the Pigs and Car Show is a festival to benefit the Rotary Club of Johnson City. The funds raised will be used to support the local and national Rotary Foundation. Admission to the event is $10 per person and children six and under are free. For more information about the Battle of the Pigs and Car Show contact Jacob Higginbotham at (423) 538-8191 or visit www.battleofthepigs.com.
Hiking and Biking
For those looking to get off the beaten path and explore the mountains, Johnson City’s network of hiking trails provides visitors with a variety of options. Ranging from beginner to difficult, the trails in Northeast Tennessee are anywhere from one to 25 miles long, offering journeys in area parks or through the mountains. In Johnson City, trails are located on Buffalo Mountain, including the Tip Top Trails and White Rock Trail, as well as Winged Deer Park and a portion of the Appalachian Trail. Nearby, visitors can also experience the Virginia Creeper Trail, located in Abingdon, Virginia, and Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium, located in Kingsport.
“One of the country’s most well known trails, the Appalachian Trail, passes directly through Johnson City. This route travels the Appalachian Trail through the Indian Grave Gap Trail, which is approximately 10 miles round trip,” said Whitson. “At the top, hikers can experience the open terrain, which provides 360-degree views of surrounding mountains, which include Unaka and Grandfather Mountains. In late summer, blueberries are in bloom.”
Johnson City also has designated bike routes that run throughout the town, and it has been selected by the League of American Bicyclists as a Bicycle Friendly Community. The Johnson City Bicycle Loop is 14 miles of multi-use paths, bike lanes and bike routes throughout the city, including the State of Franklin multi-use trail, a 3.3-mile trail, and the middle anchor of the Med-Tech Corridor, Buffalo Street and Watauga Avenue. Additionally, numerous mountain trails are located nearby for those who want an off-road adventure and two of the best options close to Johnson City include the Virginia Creeper and Buffalo Mountain Trails. Located just 12 miles south of Johnson City, Buffalo Mountain has more than 15 miles of hiking and biking trails. The Buffalo Mountain Park also contains 723-acres of spectacular scenic overlooks that give visitors an opportunity to experience some great hiking, biking, and bird watching, as well as providing the opportunity to study wildflower, tree and animal habitats.
Nestled in the Southwest Virginia Blue Ridge Mountains in the small town of Damascus, VA, only minutes away from Johnson City, The Virginia Creeper Trail is one of the nation’s most historical biking trails. With a rich, regional history and beauty, this fascinating trail began as a Native American footpath, and was used by early pioneers, including the explorer Daniel Boone.
“Our region is the perfect place to get out and experience nature, and what better way to do that then taking a brisk hike or a bike ride in the mountains,” said Whitson.
For more information on hiking or biking in Johnson City, please visit www.visitjohnsoncitytn.com or call (423) 461-8000 or (800) 852-3392.
Summer
Blue Plum Festival
On June 6, downtown Johnson City will come alive as more than 60,000 people will gather to celebrate the region’s rich arts, crafts and music communities at the Blue Plum Festival. The Blue Plum Festival, a two day outdoor festival, features local and national entertainment, animation contests, handmade arts and crafts, children’s activities, a 5K run and food concessions. The unique downtown shops, Hands On! Regional Museum, restaurants and antique shops are also open for visitors to explore.
“The Blue Plum Festival attracts attendees from different states because of its ability to provide something entertaining for every member of the family,” said Whitson. “The festival showcases what is unique about the community, as well as highlights talented artists from the surrounding areas. Festival attendees have an eclectic mix of art to choose from, including crafts, woodwork, pottery, jewelry, paintings, photography, sculptures and metalwork, as well as an abundance of musical entertainment ranging from country, rock and bluegrass.”
For more information, please visit www.blueplum.org, or call (423) 928-3479.
Umoja Festival
On August 14 and 15, The East Tennessee State University (ETSU) Umoja/Unity Festival will bring in people from East Tennessee and across the region to celebrate African American culture, diversity and the acceptance and education of other cultures. Held on the grounds of the Freedom Hall Civic Center in Johnson City, the Umoja Festival attracts more than 30,000 attendees that experience the festival’s storytelling, food, cultural merchandise, music, information booths, medical screenings and games.
“The Umoja Festival began with a spotlight on African-American culture, but also began to incorporate other groups as well, including Native American, Cuban-American and Irish American cultures, in an attempt to create awareness about different traditions,” said Whitson.
The Umoja Festival opens with a grand opening event that features a call of the drums, along with Shaka Zulu, which is an African stilt walker, a diversified dance company and of course, storytelling. Throughout the festival, visitors can enjoy a parade, storytelling, and a children’s carnival and dancing. The Umoja festival also features church services presented by local religious establishments and choir groups, storytelling and the closing ceremonies. The free children’s carnival includes rides and karaoke singing.
Leading the region as the area’s award-winning ethnic diversity festival, the Umoja organization hosts the event annually. For more information, please visit www.umojajc.com or call (423) 943-9162 or (423) 426-2851.
Teller-in-Residence Program
For a unique and entertaining summer experience, families can travel to The International Storytelling Center (ISC) for Storytelling Live! as ISC hosts its annual Teller-in-Residence Program. Running from May to October, the program brings 22 of the worlds most talented storytellers from across the country and around the world to perform various stories on the stage of the Krispy Kreme Storytelling Theater located in the center. One storyteller will be featured per week and visitors can expect to hear tales on the questionable joys of again, Scottish folktales, old-timey mountain tales and Native American stories.
“The Teller-in-Residence line-up encompasses a wealth of cultures, geography and styles, spread throughout a five-month period,” said Susan O’Connor, ISC’s director of programs. “It’s designed to offer our regional audience and our visitors an ongoing opportunity to see live storytelling in Jonesborough.”
Worldwide, the Storytelling Center is the only center of its kind, devoted solely to the art of storytelling. Tickets for Storytelling Live! can be purchased by calling (423) 913-1276 or (800) 952-8392 ext. 222. Tickets can also be purchased at the door prior to a performance, but many performances sell out, so reservations are recommended. For more information, please visit www.storytellingcenter.com, or call (800) 952-8392.
White-water Rafting
The Nolichucky River, which streams directly through Johnson City, invites visitors to cool off and tap into their adventurous spirit among the white-water rapids of the river, which streams directly from the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Nolichucky River offers rafters the Upper Nolichucky, filled with class III and IV rapids, or the Lower Nolichucky, containing class I and II rapids and one class III rapid, as well as 700 foot cliffs and forested woodlands. Nolichucky rafters can also experience the Nolichucky River Gorge, the south’s deepest river gorge at 3,000 feet, exhibiting steep cliffs and wildflowers.
Rafters also have access to the rapids of the Watauga and Holston Rivers, which also run through Johnson City. The Watauga River, a dam-controlled river, consists of class I and II rapids, while the Holston River consists of class II and III rapids. Additionally, there are three companies in the area that offer rafting adventures: USA Raft, Nantahala Outdoor Center, and Cherokee Adventure, Inc. Rafters also have a variety of rafting crafts available to choose from, including inflatable ducks, rafts and Funyaks, depending on the season and weather conditions.
“No matter what river or company rafters choose to utilize, they will experience the adrenaline pumping rapids the area boasts, as well as the majestic scenery of the area,” said Whitson.
For more information on Johnson City, please visit www.visitjohnsoncitytn.com or call (423) 461-8000 or (800) 852-3392.
Motorcycles
Johnson City has 12 popular motorcycle routes filled with mountain turns, themes and ability levels.
“Whether a rider is looking for a unique route or challenging terrain to tackle, Johnson City offers the ultimate mix of motorcycle destinations that will showcase everything in the area, from the historical sites to the refreshing mountain scenery,” said Whitson.
Traveling on route 871 through Daniel Boone territory will lead readers to what was once referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World, the Natural Tunnel State Park, a million-year-old landmark that is a huge limestone basin with walls vertically rising to heights more than 400 feet tall. Or, for a cool summer ride, Top of the Roan, beginning out of Elizabethton on the 19E Bypass, will have riders basking in the cool, refreshing air at 6,285 feet above sea level at the top of Roan Mountain. For the historical buffs, the Spelunker Tour ride retraces the footsteps of Indian warriors who attacked frontier settlements, along with nature’s artwork within the Bristol Caverns. This ride provides the opportunity to walk along the banks of the ancient Underground River, which carved these caverns from the earth 200 to 400 million years ago.
For more information about the routes surrounding Johnson City, email foster@johnsoncitytnchamber.com for the complete ride description and driving directions
Golf
Need a round of golf to make the summer vacation complete? With scenic mountain views and two public courses that offer affordable rates, golf enthusiasts can practice their game amid the natural wilderness and beauty as they play.
“The City of Johnson City developed Buffalo Valley and Pine Oaks Golf Courses so recreational golfers would have access to affordable yet high quality courses,” said Whitson. “Additionally, the city has two private courses that offer challenging games.”
Pine Oaks, a 6,200-yard course with a par of 71, was designed to accommodate all levels of golfers. Although the course is considered short, with the championship tee coming in at 6,271 yards, the challenge arises through the elevated greens, blind shots, drives through pine trees and difficult shot placement.
Or, golfers can make the 10 mile trek to Unicoi’s Buffalo Valley Golf Course, an 18-hole course with 6,700 yards of scenic mountain views and elevated tee shots for a course par of 71. Buffalo Valley also challenges golfers with a constant variety of holes, ranging from flat to mountainous or straight to dogleg.
For more information on Johnson City, please visit www.visitjohnsoncitytn.com or call (423) 461-8000 or (800) 852-3392.
Fall
International Story Telling Center
Worldwide, the International Storytelling Center (ISC) is the only center of its kind, devoted solely to the art of storytelling. Located 15 minutes southwest of Johnson City in Jonesborough, the ISC will hold the world’s most prestigious storytelling festival, the National Storytelling Festival on October 2-4. With more than 10,000 visitors that make the journey annually, the National Storytelling Festival features tellers in attendance, presenting their traditions in circus-like tents and entertaining listeners with stories from the Deep South, the British Isles, Africa or even Japan .
“The National Storytelling Festival has truly revitalized the art of storytelling and brings some of the best storytellers in the nation into Johnson City for the three day festival,” said Whitson. “With an eclectic mix of talent in the lineup, every member of the family will find an entertaining tale to laugh with.”
Past festivals have featured tales like W’en Dey Listed by Mitch Capel, historical stories of the journey of the African American soldier during the Civil War; Wickety Whack, Brer Rabbit is Back, by Diane Ferlatte, told from American Slaves; Mucho Macho Muchacho by Angel Vigil, featuring three generations of family men; and Roy, the Reverend & the Devil’s Music by Roy Book Binder, stories of traveling with a blind street musician.
The International Storytelling Center was designed to further infuse storytelling into the mainstream of society, and it’s accomplishing its goal through numerous special events, a medical program and educational exhibits and information. For more information, please visit www.storytellingcenter.com, or call (800) 952-8392.
Rocky Mount Spirit of the Harvest
After showcasing to visitors how an 18th century family celebrated the end of winter, the Rocky Mount Museum and Living History Site will demonstrate how the original settlers, the Cobb family, handled fall chores and tasks in preparation for another winter.
“Spirit of the Harvest serves as a book end to the Woolly Days in the spring. It is the end of the growing season on the farm and now the Cobb family harvests the crops to prepare for winter,” said Walrath.
Spirit of the Harvest, which will take place October 17, showcases the work and experiences of the early colonial farmer and uses first person interpretation to portray the Cobb family’s anticipation of a bountiful harvest in the year 1791. Visitors to the 18th century will see displays of preparation for the harvest season, including soap, apple butter and apple cider making, as well as craft demonstrations, storytelling, music and a tour of the historic site.
From March to mid-December, Rocky Mount operates from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday to Saturday. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors over 60 and $4 for children ages six to 17. Rocky Mount also offers AAA and AARP discounts. For more information, please visit www.rockymountmuseum.com, or call (423) 538-7396.
Turkey Trot 5K Race
On Thanksgiving morning, November 26, visitors can join the 2,500 runners, walkers, strollers and dogs in participating in the annual Turkey Trot 5K Race and Family Fitness Walk, which takes place in Downtown Johnson City. Racers can even compete for the awards given out to top participants in a number of categories.
“The Turkey Trot 5K Race is part of Up & At Em’, Johnson City’s new health initiative to improve the health of citizens by creating an active, healthy community,” said Whitson. “Runners can get their holiday celebration started early by taking in the brisk mountain air and burning some serious calories before they head to family dinners.”
For more information on the race or Johnson City, please visit www.visitjohnsoncitytn.com or call (423) 461-8000 or (800) 852-3392.
Winter
Candlelight Christmas at Rocky Mount
After experiencing how the Cobb family survived the previous year, visitors are sure to want to return and celebrate a historic Christmas at the Rocky Mount Museum and Living History Site. Rocky Mount will portray an 18th century Christmas Eve at Candlelight Christmas, a celebration inviting visitors to join the Cobb family as they celebrate the holiday. On December 4-5 and 11-12, the candle-lit event uses music, dancing, decorations and sacred tales to create a historic festival, and relate the story of a special Christmas that dates back more than 200 years.
“The Candlelight Christmas focuses on a more traditional Christmas, without the commercialization that is seen today. The decorations are hand made and the candles that are used are made throughout the year,” said Walrath.
Candlelight Christmas tours are held from 4:30 until 8 p.m. Reservations are recommended. For information, call (888) 538-1791 or visit www.rockymountmuseum.com.
Visions of Christmas at Tipton Haynes
One of two of the first state owned historical sites, the Tipton-Haynes Historic Site, or the original home of Colonel John Tipton who served in the Revolutionary War, is a live exhibit of the area’s history with 11 buildings dating from the colonial settlement to the Civil War era. On December 5, Visions of Christmas will take visitors back to the 19th century, where they can join the Haynes family to commemorate a special Civil War Christmas celebration. The museum provides holiday music, food and drink, as well as activities for children.
“Over the years, the site has celebrated the holiday season based on a different year during the Civil War, so the program reflects the historical events of our region during the war,” said Penny McLaughlin, executive director with Tipton-Haynes historic site. “Each Christmas we celebrate a different year. We even did one year after the fall of the Confederacy, that truly was not a merry holiday, while in 1861, members of the Haynes family were very optimistic that the South would win the war, so it would be a very merry holiday season.”
Tipton-Haynes also provides annual special events, interactive tours, and educational programs in order to preserve the history of the Johnson City area. For more information call (423) 926-3631 or visit www.tipton-haynes.org.
Speedway in Lights at Bristol Motor Speedway
With the world’s fastest half-mile, Bristol Motor Speedway is a featured location for NASCAR events such as the Nextel Cup and the Busch Series. For NASCAR fans or just adrenaline seekers who want to take a trip around the track, the Speedway in Lights celebration allows visitors to do just that, while raising money for a good cause.
At Speedway in Lights, which runs from November 11-January 11, guests can drive the five-mile route, allowing drivers to circle the concrete oval and the dragstrip at Bristol Dragway. The drive-through route, powered by Tennessee Valley Authority, showcases more than 1.5 million lights and 200 animated displays.
Bristol Motor Speedway is located in Bristol, 25 miles from Johnson City. For more information call (423)-989-6933 or visit www.bristolmotorspeedway.com.
Holiday Antique shopping
For those looking for a holiday shopping experience that is one of a kind, visit the an array of shopping options that Johnson City has to offer, including the downtown Blue Plum district, filled with boutiques, retail malls, and sidewalk shops, or the crafts, antiques and specialty vendors.
Located in the heart of Johnson City’s downtown Historic District, Main Street Antiques and Mercantile is one of the most popular and eclectic antique stores in the region. The three-story, 28,000-square-foot shop showcases all types of antiques including American, European and Chinese furniture; artifacts and collectibles; Oriental rugs; and home décor from around the world.
“The store is truly amazing—visitors can shop for unique gifts ranging from English wardrobes and European painted furniture to Chinese or American antiques,” said Whitson.
Take a walk through the historic streets of Jonesborough, Tennessee’s oldest city, or visit some retail outlet malls in the surrounding area. From the Lollipop shop on Main Street to the Celtic Cupboard and Museum Warehouse, there is something for every type of shopper.
Johnson City is located in Northeast Tennessee and is the fourth largest metropolitan city in the state. Set in a region known as America's First Frontier, Johnson City is “Where the Pioneer Spirit Began”—a historically significant and culturally rich community surrounded by an abundance of unspoiled natural beauty. Johnson City has a history, which dates back more than 200 years, and its culture embraces individual creativity and encourages innovation through expression. The area is world-renowned for its modern and traditional Appalachian and bluegrass music, art and cuisine, and outdoor recreation for the whole family throughout all four seasons. For more information on Johnson City, please visit www.visitjohnsoncitytn.com or call (423) 461-8000 or (800) 852-3392.