Things to do
Learn about Our Region
In Johnson City, we are surrounded by beautiful rolling mountains and a vibrant downtown filled with unique boutiques, craft breweries, and lively music festivals. The cozy coffee shops offer a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the local culture. The area is also a gateway to outdoor adventures, featuring stunning mountain views and a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking on nearby rivers and tranquil fishing spots. Johnson City perfectly combines urban charm with the beauty of nature.
Explore all that Northeast Tennessee has to offer!
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Video Transcript: Life in Our Mountains — Outdoor Recreation
Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, ETSU was named the Top Adventure College by Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine.The Appalachian Highlands offers students access to some of the most breathtaking outdoor recreation in the country. If you have an adventurous spirit, you'll love the endless opportunities the mountains offer to challenge yourself and explore.
Just minutes from ETSU's campus is an outdoor lover's paradise, where you'll discover perfect spots for hiking, mountain biking and other activities. The region is also home to numerous beautiful lakes and rivers, perfect for kayaking, canoeing and fishing. Nearby Boone and Watauga lakes are perfect spots for water sports or cooling off on a hot summer day.
The university has miles of hiking and biking trails to explore. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just starting out, there's a trail for you. More than 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail are in our backyard along the Tennessee and North Carolina border. And unrivaled panoramic views of the stunning Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountain ranges are just a short drive away.
And the best part? You can reach some of these awe-inspiring spots by walking just a few minutes from your car.
You can rent bikes, kayaks, camping gear and other equipment from the campus rec center, or take advantage of some of the organized outdoor adventure trips the center offers.
Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol, Jonesborough, Elizabethton and Greeneville are just a few of the vibrant mountain towns surrounding campus.
Explore places like Tannery Knobs Bike Park, Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium, the Cherokee and Pisgah National Forest, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Buffalo Mountain and the Tweetsie Trail.
ETSU students, faculty and staff even receive discounts on tickets to nearby Dollywood, a mountaintop playground.
With access to all of these adventures at your fingertips, you can create memories with your friends that will last a lifetime.
Life in Our Region
Outdoor Adventure
Our region is brimming with outdoor adventures just waiting to be discovered. Experience breathtaking hiking trails and take on mountain biking routes that showcase stunning views of the mountains.
Explore our national parks, where you can enjoy the beauty of all four seasons: spring, summer, fall, and winter. There are numerous lakes and rivers in our area that are perfect for fishing, boating, and kayaking with friends and family.
Dining & Outings
Our region is thriving with an exciting array of new restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, and other establishments to satisfy your everyday cravings! Whether you're in the mood for a cozy café to enjoy your morning coffee, a trendy restaurant for a weekend brunch, or a local brewery to unwind with friends, there’s something for everyone.
Festivals & Events
Our region is vibrant with festivals, events, and family-friendly outings to enjoy. Throughout the year, you can participate in lively cultural festivals showcasing local music, art, food, and drinks as well as seasonal events such as fairs, parades, and holiday celebrations.
Families can enjoy outings at local parks, some being dog-friendly, and partake in
interactive workshops—all designed to foster connection and create lasting memories
within our community.
Shop & Market
Our region is flourishing with a vibrant array of markets that offer our community the opportunity to shop for fresh, organic, and locally sourced products, catering to every household's needs. From weekly farmers' markets featuring seasonal fruits and vegetables to artisanal stalls selling handmade goods, shoppers can find a bounty of high-quality offerings.
There are numerous flea markets that showcase unique vintage items and collectibles, while charming antique shops are filled with one-of-a-kind treasures. Boutique stores provide a curated selection of clothing, home decor, and gifts, ensuring that every shopping trip is a delightful experience.
Rent or Buy
Deciding whether to rent or buy a home in Northeast Tennessee—particularly in areas like Johnson City, and Kingsport and the surrounding Tri-Cities—depends on your financial situation, lifestyle preferences, and long-term goals.
School Systems
School systems in our region serve a mix of urban and rural communities, offering K-12 education through public districts and private schools. These systems focus on academic achievement, career and technical education, and community engagement, with some integrating early college and dual enrollment opportunities.
Family Life
Family life in our region is rooted in strong community ties, traditional values and a slower pace of living that emphasizes time spent together. Many families participate in local events, outdoor activities, church communities, reflecting the region’s Appalachian culture and close-knit neighborhoods.
Downtown Johnson City
Downtown Johnson City has over 150 events each year and is less than 2 miles away from ETSU Quillen College of Medicine. Experience the revitalized downtown, offering entertainment, outdoor recreation, dining and more.
Downtown Bristol
Downtown Bristol is full of attractions, unique shopping and dining, breweries and distilleries, nightlife, and live music and entertainment venues such as the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, The Cameo Theater, The Paramount Center for the Arts Bristol, Tennessee, and more!
Downtown Kingsport
Downtown Kingsport has much to offer, from restaurants and antique shops, theatre, and sweet treats, the downtown area is for everyone to explore. Come on down and see it for yourself!