Regional Activities

Washington County, TN

The Tweetsie Trail, Johnson City/Elizabethton, TN:

The Tweetsie Trail is a rails-to-trails project traversing former ET&WNC (“Tweetsie”) railroad right-of-way between Johnson City and Elizabethton. The trail provides opportunities for walking, hiking, running, biking, etc. on a relatively flat grade in a beautiful, natural setting. When complete, the 10-mile trail will be the longest rails-to-trails project in Tennessee! FREE but donations for the completion of the trail is encouraged.

Buffalo Mountain Hiking Trail, Johnson City, TN:

Buffalo Mountain Park is a 725-acre natural resource area obtained in 1994 through a land swap with the U.S. Forest Service. The park is located on the north slope of Buffalo Mountain and consists of steep topography and densely forested land. The park functions as a nature preserve primarily for hiking, picnicking, and nature programs.

Winged Deer State Park, Johnson City, TN:

Amenities include five lighted softball fields, scorer’s tower and restroom, three lighted soccer fields, Batter’s Up batting cages, an 18-hole disc golf course, playground area, soccer concession building with restroom, half-mile walking track and paved fitness trails, which wind through the forested section of the park. The lakefront area features two sand volleyball courts, picnic shelter with restroom, public boating access, green space, lighted handicap accessible boardwalk, amphitheater, and a Festival Plaza multi-use area with restroom.

Founders Park, Johnson City, TN:

Founders Park is the beautiful green space that greets visitors and residents as they enter our downtown district from the west, and was designed through a storm water retention project. The lovely creek that flows through the center of the park was developed to help with a flooding problem that had plagued the downtown for decades.

Now, on a beautiful day, you will find folks taking a casual stroll, others admiring the sculptures that have been placed by the Public Arts Committee, musicians enjoying the open-air pavilion and children flying a kite on the great lawn. The five-acre water greenway has become a place to relax and enjoy nature as well as a catalyst for revitalization for downtown.

Willow Springs Dog Park, Johnson City, TN:

The Johnson City Dog Park is a member run organization. The dog park is a fully enclosed place for dogs to run and play without the restraint of a leash. The park is a place for people and their dog to socialize with one another.

The dog park is approximately 1.8 acres and it is fully enclosed with a 6’ fence. Water fountains are available for both dogs and humans. We also have bone shaped dog pools in the spring and summer months to help keep the dogs cool while they play.

Proof of vaccinations for each dog, documenting current inoculations for Rabies, Parvo, Distemper, and Bordetella are required to join the park. Membership fee is $15.00. Registration fee is $20.00 per dog.

Pine Oaks Golf Course, Johnson City, TN:

Pine Oaks Golf Course, located in Johnson City and the mountains of East Tennessee, has been a favorite of locals for years. Quality course conditions, low rates, scenic mountain views and a course design suitable to golfers of all skill levels are but a few of the reasons for the continued popularity of Pine Oaks.  Combine this with a convenient location, well stocked pro shop and a friendly staff focused on meeting your needs and you have all the essentials most are looking for in their next round of golf. Check out the website for current rates.

Buffalo Valley Golf Course, Johnson City, TN:

Buffalo Valley, nestled in the heart of East Tennessee has long been regarded as one of the most scenic and challenging golf courses in the area. The breathtaking mountain views, varied tee to green elevations, quality year round playing conditions and overall challenge of the course are but a few of the reasons people have been talking about Buffalo Valley for years. Come and enjoy the Buffalo Valley “experience” with your next round of golf. Check out the website for current rates.

Hands On Museum, Johnson City, TN:

Hands on museum features many interactive exhibits. Adults and children (ages 3+) is $8.00 Special exhibits change throughout the year. Check the website for the current exhibit that is being shown.

Reel-to-Reel Theatre, Johnson City, TN:

Home of the $3 movie ticket every day. Wacky Wednesday includes $1.50 popcorn, drinks, and candy. Check out the website for current movie showtimes. 

Johnson City Skate Center, Johnson City, TN:

Johnson City Skate Center is the place to go for an indoor skating rink experience. Available for private parties. Call for pricing. Located on 930 West Watauga Ave, JC, TN.

Just Jump Trampoline Park, Johnson City, TN:  

Just Jump is an indoor facility that consists of several thousand square-feet of open jump space, dodge ball, a three-lane air jump, gladiator pit, basketball and an obstacle course. Prices vary between $8-$20 based on age and how long you want to jump. The Kiddie Jump provides a special area for the smallest of jumpers. Just Jump is the premier location for family fun, birthday parties, corporate team building and social outings for all ages. Prices and additional info on parties and events can be found online.

State of Franklin Track Club, Tri-Cities, TN  

The State of Franklin Track Club (SFTC) is dedicated to promoting distance running and fitness walking in the TriCities area of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Throughout the year, SFTC organizes several road races for all abilities and ages from one-mile races to 26.2 mile marathon distance. The club is also "available for hire" through its Timing Services to time and tabulate results; we are regularly hired to manage finish lines for races in the TriCities. Upcoming events can be posted for free on the website's Event Calendar; after the event, race results can also be submitted by any race organization for (free) publication.

Individual Membership Rate: From January 1, 2015- December 31, 2015: $15.00 + $2.50 Processing Fee.

Family Membership Rate (maximum of 10 people living at the same address):  From January 1. 2015- December 31, 2015: $20.00 + $2.50 Processing Fee.

Youth Membership Rate (25 and under): From January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015: $10.00 + $2.50 Processing Fee.

The International Storytelling Center, Jonesborough, TN:

The International Storytelling Center is an organization dedicated to inspiring and empowering people across the world to accomplish goals and make a difference by discovering, capturing, and sharing their stories. The cornerstone of the International Storytelling Center is a belief in a single, immutable principle of life—storytelling. People crave, remember, and honor stories. The International Storytelling Center holds many performances and events throughout the year for families. Current events can be found on the website.

East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN:

Events and Campus Recreation; check out the campus calendar for current programs, events, and activities going on all year round on ETSU’s campus available to students and non-students.

Carter County, TN

Roan Mountain State Park, Roan Mountain TN:

The Roan Mountain State Park is part of the Tennessee State Parks system and was created in the 1950s and developed in the 1970s. Park visitors can enjoy valley or mountain camping in one of the finest campgrounds in the country. Completely modern cabins are available for rent. The Doe River offers magnificent trout fishing. The park also features picnic shelters, a swimming pool, tennis courts, children's play areas, and extensive hiking trails. During summer weekends a variety of entertainment events may be enjoyed in the park amphitheater.

Watauga White Water Rafting and Kayaking:

We provide guided Whitewater Rafting In Tennessee, White Water Rafting In North Carolina, river and lake kayaking adventures and Whitewater Kayaking In North Carolina. We guarantee the best White Water Rafting NC and White Water Rafting in Tennessee prices on the river. All trips include guide, instruction, kayak, paddle and life jacket.

• Classic Kayak Trip: Glide along the shores of a beautiful mountain lake. You may see beaver, otter, geese, deer, bear, rock formations, wildflowers, a secret waterfall, and many other unexpected treats. Cost is $59.00 with 2-3 hours on the water.
• Expedition Kayak Trip: An extended version of the classic, for those wanting to spend a longer time exploring in a beautiful mountain setting. Admire breathtaking colors of the season while enjoying a picnic lunch lakeside. Cost is $79.00 and 4-6 hours on the water. Lunch & snacks included.
• Survivor Kayak Trip: Paddle to an island or cove, play for the day, swim, picnic, and explore the area. Float on a tube and just relax, you set the pace.  Cost is $120.00 and 5.5 to 8 hours on the water. Lunch and snack included.

Sycamore Shoals State Park, Elizabethton, TN:

Sycamore Shoals State Park has biking, birding, boating, camping, fishing, geocaching, golfing, hiking, horseback riding, swimming, and waterfalls. Prices vary depending on activity.

Dennis Cove Falls/Upper Laurel Fork Falls, Hampton, TN:

There are many creek crossings here - 12 - en route to these to lesser visited waterfalls. The numerous fords, easily achieved at normal summer water levels, leave this a warm weather trek. Your first reward will be 20 foot Dennis Cove Falls, a two tiered pourover filling a great pool just a mile from the trailhead. After that, pass through Frog Level, an open mountain meadow, before plunging into a narrowing gorge and finding 25 foot Upper Lauren Fork Falls, a fermenting rush of whitewater hurtling into a rock defile, 3.5  miles of trailhead.

Jones Falls, Roan Mountain, TN:

The world’s most famous footpath- The Appalachian Trail- leads through the hills of Carter County to view this 100-foot cataract. Jones falls dives off a high point, slides over rock and splashes into a non-visible pool before making a second slide that widens to end at your viewing base. The 2 mile hike to the falls is rewarding as you go northbound on the Appalachian Trail with switchback terrain.

Stateline Drive in Movie Theatre, Elizabethton, TN:

Admission Prices: Adults (12 years and older) $6.00, Children (11 years and younger) $2.00.

Johnson County, TN

Cross-Mountain, Cherokee National Forest, TN:

The first mile of this 5.8 mile there and back Appalachian Trail is doable by all. Make your way to Double Spring Shelter, an AT accommodation set in a hollow on Holston Mountain, before backtracking. The first half-mile of the trail has been made wheel chair accessible, an unusual thing for the Appalachian Trail. This first half-mile is 3 feet wide and covered with hard-paced gravel.

Gentry Creek Falls Trail, Mountain City, TN:

The 2.3 mile (each way) Gentry Creek Falls Trail crosses Gentry Creek approximately 14 times, providing hikers with access to spectacular Gentry Creek Falls, a double waterfall approximately 60 feet total in a remote forest setting. Within Cherokee National Forest, this is one of the most photographed waterfalls in the region. After you see the beautiful 40-foot high double falls, you’ll know why.

Backbone Rock, Cherokee National Forest, TN:

This famous Johnson County landmark, Backbone Rock, which is known as the world’s shortest tunnel, is a great destination for a day hike. Created in 1901 out of necessity for the railroad to transport timber, a hole was blasted through Backbone Rock. Today, this recreation area provides hiking trails, fishing in Beaverdam Creek, a day use shelter, outdoor grills, primitive restrooms, and a large parking area. Located inside the Cherokee National Forest, Backbone Rock has been left extremely natural so be sure to use extreme caution when hiking the trails as many of the rock features do not have safety barriers in order to preserve it’s natural beauty.

Doe Mountain, Mountain City, TN:

Doe Mountain is a multi-use family-oriented outdoor recreation area in the beautiful mountains of Northeast Tennessee. Doe Mountain is a range that runs approximately eight miles between the town of Mountain City, Tennessee and the headwaters of Watauga Lake, the highest lake in the TVA system. The recreation area contains approximately 8,600 acres of mostly forested land criss-crossed by miles of roads and trails built for the mining and logging activities that once took place on the mountain. These historical roads and trails are forming the backbone of the multi-use trail system that will be the centerpiece of Doe Mountain recreation. The State of Tennessee purchased Doe Mountain in May 2012 and established the Doe Mountain Recreation Authority (DMRA) to manage Doe Mountain. The DMRA is charged with preparing a master plan for Doe Mountain; conserving the land, waters, and wildlife of Doe Mountain; and fostering economic development through recreational opportunities on the mountain.

Doe Mountain has approximately 30 miles of trails open for OHV use. We are working to add equestrian and mountain biking in the Spring, at which time the majority of the trails are will be multi-use, meaning all users will be using common trails. The DMRA is hoping to expand the trail options and to develop some dedicated horse and mountain biking trails over the next year.

Sullivan County, TN

Warriors Path State Park, Kingsport, TN:

The Warrior's Path State Park is home to premier boating and fishing activity, hiking trails, an internationally-renowned mountain bike trail system (which is a designated National Recreational Trail), an award-winning nature education program and a nationally recognized golf course.

Warriors’ path is the only Tennessee State Park with a Boundless Playground- where children of all physical and mental disabilities can play together. Other unique features throughout the park that are fully accessible include: the Lions Narnia Braille Trail with eight sensory stations along a quarter-mile that tell visitors the story of Aslan of the Chronicles of Narnia, the Anderson Treehouse which is fully-accessible tree house and the Palmer Center Foundation Amphitheater which can host audiences of up to 1,000 people.

Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium, Kingsport, TN:

Bays Mountain Park, located in beautiful Kingsport, Tennessee, is a 3,550-acre nature preserve and the largest city-owned park in the state of Tennessee.  Offering a variety of features, visitors to Bays Mountain Park can enjoy a picturesque 44-acre lake, a Nature Center with a state-of-the-art Planetarium Theater, Animal Habitats featuring wolves, bobcats, raptors and reptiles, and an Adventure Ropes Course complete with a 300-ft. zip line.  Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the park’s 38 miles of trails for hiking, running, sight-seeing, exploration and mountain biking.
This website offers a great deal of information for planning your trip to Bays Mountain Park. Check out our interactive program schedule, downloadable park maps.

Steel Creek Park, Bristol, TN:

At Steel Creek Park, there are currently 9 rental shelters, the lodge with a main room/kitchen, party room and conference room.  There are also 20 picnic tables throughout the park.  The primary use area is approximately 75 acres and there is a 52-acre lake for fishing.   There is a large multi-use field located inside the gate, 9-hole disc golf, a Nature Center with a diverse array of wildlife, paddle boat rentals, and walking, hiking, and biking trails.

Riverfront Park, Kingsport, TN:

http://www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org/riverfront-park-playground/

• One Large Picnic Shelter – can be reserved.
• One Small Picnic Shelter – can be reserved.
• Restrooms
• Walking Trail (1.2 miles long/Greenbelt)
• Playground
• Fishing Docks

Kingsport Greenbelt, Kingsport, TN:

The Greenbelt is a scenic fitness trail that stretches across Kingsport.  This trail is full of historic sites and beautiful scenery.  Along the way, one can see gorgeous historic buildings and houses that have been preserved and restored.  The Greenbelt is comprised of four sections: the Boatyard District, the Woodlawn Section, the Cherokee Grounds Section and the Buffalo Grasslands Section.  The Boatyard Section contains the Historic Boatyard District.  This section is full of Kingsport's historic landmarks.  Among these historic stops are Rotherwood, the Stephen Thomas Cottage, the John Martin House, the Netherland Inn, and Oak Hill all in the Boatyard Section of the tour.  The Buffalo Grasslands Section showcases the Exchange Place, which was built around 1820. This trail is FREE of charge.

Kingsport Carousel, Kingsport, TN:

The Kingsport Carousel is located inside “Pal’s Roundhouse” at 350 Clinchfield Street Kingsport TN [at the corner of E. Center Street & Clinchfield Street in Downtown Kingsport] All rides are $1.Birthday party rental packages are available for $100. Package includes one 8 foot table and one section of the Farmer’s Market building to have your party. It includes 50 tokens to the Kingsport Carousel that can be used during the party or any other time that the carousel is open to the public. Reservations must be made in advance to the Office of Cultural Arts.

Scott Adams Memorial Skate Park, Kingsport, TN:

The skate park is a 10,000 square foot skate park that features two bowls (one 12 feet deep), steps and a grinding rail.  The park is a memorial to Scott Adams, a local Kingsport boy who was struck and killed by a car in a skateboard related accident.  The skate park is located at 717 W. Center Street in Kingsport. Admission is free and the park is open daily from dawn until dusk.  The park is open to bikers and skateboarders. FREE.

ETSU Natural History and Gray Fossil Site Museum, Gray, TN:

5-million year old Gray Fossil Site, discovered by a road construction project in May of 2000. The museum offers views of an ongoing fossil dig, interactive exhibits, education programs for people of all ages, and temporary exhibits that change seasonally. Cost is $5.00 per person.

Paramount Center for the Arts, Bristol, TN:

Pricing vary depending on performance. Tickets, pricing, and list of current events can be found online. Built in 1931 and restored to its original splendor in 1991, the Paramount continues to grow as the Mountain Empire's premier performing arts center. Here audiences share passion and drama, laughter and tears, majesty in motion, joy in music, pride in learning... and memories.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Paramount is an excellent example of the art deco motion picture palaces built in the late 1920's and early 30's. The restoration retained the Paramount's opulent, richly embellished interior. The original Venetian-styled murals and the art deco ambiance were faithfully recreated. The auditorium holds 756. You'll feel as though you are a part of the performance from every seat in the theatre.

With continued progress for The Paramount Center comes a rejuvenated appreciation for the performing arts in the Mountain Empire and beyond. Our audiences are afforded a grand setting; from the Wurlitzer organ to Broadway productions and children's plays, from big band and symphony to ballet and clogging, from children's choruses and concert choirs to mountain music and rock & roll.

Steel Creek Nature Center and Park, Bristol, TN:

Stacy Grayson Park at Steele Creek is the third largest municipal park in Tennessee.  The park features over 150 acres of developed recreational area, a 54-acre lake, and almost 2000 acres of undeveloped forested knobs.

Multiple picnic shelters are also available for rent, and picnic tables with grills are available throughout the developed area of the park.  Playgrounds, ball fields, and a one-mile fitness course are all available, and a nine-hole golf course is open to the public year-round. One of the most popular activities at the park returned in 2008 when the train once again began running. The completely refurbished train brought smiles to many young faces and brought back fond memories to their parents and grandparents.

For those who enjoy lake activities, paddle boats and canoes are available to rent during the summer.  Fishing is also very popular, with bass, sunfish, catfish, and carp all to be found in the lake. Steele Creek Park is a naturalist’s treasure.  Over twenty miles of hiking trails traverse the undeveloped knobs of the park where diverse populations of native flora and fauna keep both serious and casual nature lovers happy throughout the year.

The Nature Center, a focus for natural history education for young and old alike, is open for free to the public on a daily basis. Herb and wildflower gardens near the Nature Center are maintained by Friends of Steele Creek Nature Center and Park.  An interpretive arboretum, certified by the State of Tennessee, is the only one in the region devoted entirely to native species.

Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol, TN:

NASCAR short track venue. 

Bristol Caverns, Bristol, TN:

Far below the earth's surface, in the timeless beauty of Bristol Caverns, a strange and exciting experience awaits you.
Paved, well-lighted walkways wind through the vaulted chambers and along the banks of the ancient Underground River that carved these remarkable caverns from the hard core of the earth 200 to 400 million years ago. In the frontier days, Indians used the Underground River as an attack and escape route in their raids on settlers. Stealing into the area by way of the Underground River and the caverns, they swooped down on unsuspecting families, and then disappeared as if swallowed up by the earth. 

You will be retracing the same warrior paths while exploring the vast rooms and arches, columns, and natural stone formations of varying size and kinds. These formations, millions of years old, display rich veins of minerals which give the formations beautiful colors of red, blue, gray, brown and sparkling white. Stalactites and stalagmites, some larger than tree trunks and others smaller than straws, fascinate and give play to the imagination. Where some of these formations have grown together, massive columns have been formed reaching from the floor to the ceiling of the lofty rooms. With every view, nature's artistry is at its best and can be seen in the remarkable tumbling cascades and billowing draperies - all of solid stone.  Call for pricing.

Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Bristol TN:

Experience the history of The Carter Family and the birthplace of country music.

Twin City Drive In, Bristol, TN:

Admission Prices: Adults (11 and up) $7.00, Children (ages 5-10) $3.00, and Children (4 & under)- FREE

Hawkins County, TN

Laurel Run Park, Church Hill, TN:

Inside the park is a one mile paved walking path along the river’s edge for an ever changing view, as well as a: baseball/softball field, basketball court, tennis court, playground, amphitheater, LOTS of hiking trails, and multiple picnic shelters scattered throughout the park.  Children will certainly enjoy exploring the mountain foothill creek.

 
St. Claire Park, Bulls Gap, TN:

This park offers a variety of activities for the entire family.  There is a playground, tennis and basketball courts, and baseball/softball fields. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed at all times in the park. There are multiple covered picnic tables that may be reserved for family celebrations, and company picnics.  There is a small fee when reserving the picnic shelters and the reservation period is April 1 thru October 31.The Park is free, open year round, except Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. It is currently open 8 a.m. to Dusk.

Unicoi County, TN

Lower Higgins Creek Falls, Erwin, TN:

This waterfall is located 1 mile from the trailhead, within Unicoi County’s Fork. You climb 600 feet in just under a mile. The short distance to the galls makes the hikes achievable by nearly all waterfallers. Lowe Higgins Creek Falls can be seen from the main trail. When you descend to the sloping falls base, only the lowermost part of the fall can be seen. The falls emerge among rhododendron, pouring as a narrow faucet-type cataract, then cartwheels in tiers, steepening and widening until it is nearly sheer at its base. The falls totals about 60 feet in height. Continuing past the spur, you can enjoy the upper part of Lower Higgins Creek Falls, as well as an additional upstream 15-foot slide cascade.

Squibb Creek Falls, Cherokee National Forest, TN:

Along the 2.2 mile walk to the main falls, the pools and rapids of Squibb Creek keep your senses entertained. You’ll need some fancy footwork to make the 15 or so rock hops. The walk ends at Squibb Creek Falls, a white wonder issuing over a mossy rock face. Squibb Creek spills at an angle over the rock face into a pool. Bounteous seating and photography locales are found amid the boulders at the fall’s base.

Sill Branch Falls, Cherokee National Forest, TN:

Still Branch Falls is a short, fun, and family friendly 0.5- mile walk to high and attractive Sill Branch Falls. First, walk a wide track along Sill Branch, noisily dropping through a wooded vale. A quick rock-hop over South Sill Branch leads you to Sill Branch Falls, discharging 50 feet over a bare sheer cliff. Walls rise from the shallow plunge pool, extending from well beyond the waterfalls.

Pinnacle Tower Hike, Erwin, TN:

Located atop Buffalo Mountain at 3,520 feet above sea level, Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower has served as sentinel for forested lands in Unicoi and Washington counties for the past 75 years.

The tower stands sentry over “The Valley Beautiful,” conspicuous along a ten-mile stretch of Interstate 26 between Erwin and Johnson City, and visible from various locations in Johnson City, Limestone Cove, Unicoi and from TN 81 near the Nolichucky River.  The fire tower is one of only four remaining in Cherokee National Forest.

The 4.9 hike/bike Pinnacle Mountain Trail serves as a destination trail to the rehabilitated fire tower.  The trailhead, at the foot of Buffalo Mountain, provides convenient trail access from Interstate 26, Exit 32 in the Town of Unicoi.  From this trailhead vantage point, Pinnacle Mountain Trail #25 winds its way up the mountain at grades the whole family can enjoy.  As a result, the trail has quickly become one of Unicoi County's most popular.

The Nolichucky River, Erwin, TN: 

The Nolichucky River is a free running river located about 20 minutes south of Johnson City. The river itself begins in North Carolina and flows down through the mountains and then through the valleys of Tennessee. Book specific dates or needs for rafting and/or caving, lodging, and meals and we will provide you with a custom package price.

Greene County, TN

Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Greenville, TN:

The Niswonger Performing Arts Center holds many concerts, events, and educational opportunities throughout the year. Current events, pricing, and ticket information can be found online.   

Davy Crockett State Park, Limestone, TN: 

This 105-acre historic park just upstream from the falls of the scenic Nolichucky River is maintained as a memorial to Davy Crockett. This area includes a limestone marker and replica cabin, as well as visitor center exhibits. Nearby is the Cherokee National Forest and his father’s Crockett Tavern Museum in Morristown.

Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park has 88 campsites. Forty have full hook-ups (water, electric and sewer), 30 sites have water and electric only and there are 18 primitive tent sites with no hook-up. The RV campsites can accommodate any size RV. Small tents may be put up beside the RV’s. The campground is located near the scenic Nolichucky River. A swimming pool and a playground are located adjacent to the camping area. The Nolichucky River provides fishing opportunities for a variety of fish including, smallmouth and largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, redeye and catfish.

Brights Zoo, Limestone, TN:  

Brights Zoo is a private, family-owned facility nestled in the hills of East Tennessee. Animals living here include some rare & endangered species such as addax, bongo and scimitar-horned oryx, and bactrian camels. The center also contains more common but exotic creatures like red kangaroos, spider monkeys, pandas and zebras. ZOO admission is $15.95 for students (with ID), Adults (ages 18-24) $19.95, children (ages 3-12) $13.95. Parking is FREE.

Hamblen County, TN

Briarwood Safari, Morristown, TN:  

BRIARWOOD Auto Safari features animals from around the world. On your scenic, four-mile safari through beautiful hills and pasture lands, you will experience animals from six continents. Take plenty of time to study their behavior from the safety of your own car. Be sure to bring your camera. You may want to ride on tractor pulled wagons or enjoy a lazy afternoon in our petting zoo.  Cost is $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for children.

Laurel Falls, Hampton, TN:

This is a great hike along the Laurel Fork of Doe River leading to a beautiful waterfall. It also runs with the Appalachian Trail for part of its length.

Southwest VA (Consists of various counties)

The Barter Theatre, Abingdon, VA:

The Barter Theatre began in 1933 with one man’s idea to pay patrons with produce and has grown today with a year round theatre with more than 160,000 visitors. The Barter is a great place to have an evening with the family and watch live popular performances such as Les Miserables, Mary Poppins, and traditional Christmas performances such as Miracle of 34th Street, including many more! Current performances, pricing, and ticket purchases can be found online.

Virginia Highlands Festival, Abingdon, VA:

“Best Art Event in Virginia.” 

The Virginia Creeper Trail, Abingdon, VA:  

The Virginia Creeper Trail stretches 34 miles from Abingdon, Virginia down thru the lovely town of Damascus, VA (known as the Heart of the VA Creeper) along the Whitetop Laurel River and up to its highest point Whitetop Station near the NC State Line at Whitetop, Virginia. The VA Creeper Trail is open year round to hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Bike Rental $17.95 + Bus Shuttle $9.99 +tax.

The Carter Family Fold, Hiltons, VA:

The Carter Family Fold aims to preserve traditional country, old-time, and mountain music of our area. The fold holds weekly old-time, folk, and bluegrass concerts. Admission is $10 unless noted; depending on the program, $1 for ages 6-11, under age 6 is free. Shows begin at 7:30 every Saturday evening. The Carter Family Museum and Cabin open on Saturdays at 6 P.M. The current show schedule can be found online.