Sample Group Itinerary
Day One
Historic Downtown Bristol Self-Guided Walking Tour: Take a self-guide walking tour through revitalized historic downtown featuring turn-of-century architecture, specialty shops, dining, and cultural opportunities. Be sure to allow extra time for some shopping. Maps and MP3 player rentals are available through the Bristol Convention and Visitors Bureau. Example of the stops include:
Bristol Sign
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this historic landmark spans the state line dividing Tennessee and Virginia along State Street in historic downtown Bristol.
Country Music Marker/Mural
State Street tribute to the city as the U.S. Congress recognized Official Birthplace of Country Music.
Veterans’ Memorial at Cumberland Square Park. Cumberland St.
Pays tribute to veterans of war by featuring five life-size cast-bronze statutes, brick markers and an eternal flame. Also includes a Cobra AH-1F combat helicopter on display.
Tennessee Ernie Ford House: Visit the childhood home of this nationally-renown entertainer and Bristol Native; garnished throughout with memorabilia of his career.
Day Two
Rocky Mount: Step back in time to 1791 and tour William Cobb’s homestead, experiencing life as it was during Cobb’s day. Resting at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, this living history museum offers interpretive tours through a day in colonial life, including demonstrations of crafts, farming practices and eighteenth century cooking techniques.
Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway: Home of the “World’s fastest half-mile track” and host to Nationwide and Sprint Series NASCAR events in March and August. The Bristol Dragway hosts NHRA nationals and many events throughout the year.
Track Tours – Daily tours of the famous high banks of Bristol’s oval track and dragway.
Bristol Experience - A variety of interactive displays, multi-media activities, video games,
simulators, theatre, and memorabilia. Be sure to take a few moments and browse through the souvenir store for your official Bristol Motor Speedway merchandise.
Speedway In Lights - (November – January) This night-time driving tour is sure to get anyone in the spirit of the season with almost 2 million holiday lights, a Santa’s Village, and ice-skating rink.
Group Evening Entertainment Options
Steele Creek Park & Lodge: Steele Creek has over 2,200 acres of natural beauty along 25 miles of hiking trails. The park also features a nature center and lakeside pier for fishing and paddleboats during summer months. Arrangements can be made for a local musical performer to personally entertain your group with old-time rock and country with a meal catered to the lodge.
Barter Theatre: Professional repertory theatre at its best at the State Theatre of Virginia. The Barter launched the careers of such notable actors as Gregory Peck, Patricia Neal and Kevin Spacey. Enjoy classics, comedies, dramas and musicals on two stages year-round. Matinee and night performances available.
Carter Family Fold: Located approximately 20 miles from Bristol is the homestead of The Carter Family. One of the recording artists during the Bristol Sessions in 1927, The Carter Family became one of the largest influences in country music. Every Saturday night the fold hosts an evening of traditional mountain and folk music with some good old-fashion foot stomping and flat footing.
