Laying down tracks and Living up to Legends

In Bristol, you’ll find the stories of yesterday are still being written today. Stories that started with humble beginnings have grown to legendary proportions. Like the recording sessions that spawned a musical movement. Or the old-fashioned racetrack that grew into NASCAR’s most beloved track. They’re just two of the reasons we say Bristol is Layin’ down tracks—Livin’ up to legends.

Are you a bluegrass and country music fan?

The first country music recordings earned Bristol the title of Birthplace of Country Music. The tradition continues with great live performances such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival, music venues in our Historic Downtown and heritage attractions like the nearby Carter Family Fold and the Crooked Road. 

See Music and the Arts.

Do you have a need for speed?

The "World's Fastest Half Mile Track" Bristol Motor Speedway and Bristol Dragway are fan favorites for high-powered stock car and drag racing.
See Bristol Motor Speedway.

Do you live for outdoor fun?

Families can play and picnic at Steele Creek Park, Sugar Hollow Park, and South Holston Lake. Special nearby attractions include the 35-mile long Virginia Creeper Trail for hiking or biking and the challenging Appalachian Trail. And if you love to venture underground, don't miss Bristol Caverns and Appalachian Caverns.
See The Great Outdoors.

Do you love the theater?

Bristol is home to the Paramount Center for the Arts, site of many wonderful dramatic productions and home to Theatre Bristol. Not far away is the Barter Theatre, the State Theater of Virginia.
See Music and the Arts.

Are you a history and museum buff?

The Bristol area has a rich frontier heritage, and attractions like Tales and Trails and Rocky Mount help bring that history to life. And if you like to go way, way back in time, there’s the fascinating Gray Fossil Site and Museum with fossils dating back four million years!
See Heritage and Museums.