Johnson City comes in at fifth place on Kiplinger’s list of least-expensive cities to live in. This small city is filled with posh cabins, hiking trails, parks, and beautiful sceneries. Located in the middle of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Little River, this destination has a lot of natural attractions visitors can explore and appreciate. Being a cozy city surrounded by beautiful views and inexpensive accommodations, Johnson City is a great place for couples who love to explore nature and appreciate beautiful sceneries. Although small in comparison to other cities in America, this place has tons of tourist attractions and Airbnb vacation rentals that every couple should experience. To make planning easier for you, read down below for the top romantic things to do in Johnson City, TN.
1. Explore Tipton-Haynes Historic Site
![1A-111 Tipton-Haynes Historic Site](http://static.trip101.com/paragraph_media/pictures/002/366/438/large/1a-111-tipton-haynes-historic-site-1611221299.jpg?1611569717)
One of the historic places that you must visit during your romantic outing in Johnson City is Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site. A house at the site was built by Colonel John Tipton, a statesman who was heavily involved in the development of Tennessee, in 1784. The rest of the site features a pigsty, a loom house, log barn, corncrib, and a smokehouse. Landon Carter Haynes, a Confederate state senator. The site was registered to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970.
Tipton-Haynes Historic Site
Address: 2620 S Roan St, Johnson City, TN 37601, United States
Website: Tipton-Haynes Historic Site
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
2. Enjoy recreational activities at Winged Deer Park
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One of the simple but romantic date ideas in Jersey City, TN is to have a quiet and cuddly day at a park. Visit this 200-acre (81-hectare) district park where you and your loved one can enjoy a variety of recreational activities. Amenities available to guests are five softball fields, three soccer fields, a half-mile (0.8-kilometer) paved walking track, two sand volleyball courts, a picnic shelter with restroom, and so much more. Aside from all the amenities, the park has a lot of beautiful areas where you and your partner can wander around and pass the time. The lakefront gives access to the boardwalk that leads to a multi-use area where all kinds of activities and events are hosted. The walking track gives you access to a forested area where you can take a detour to do a bit of exploring.
Winged Deer Park
Address: 4137 Bristol Hwy, Johnson City, TN 37601, United States
Website: Winged Deer Park
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 7am - 9pm (closed on Sun)
3. Have a romantic getaway at Willow Springs Park
Are you planning a romantic getaway but can’t leave your dog at home? Willow Springs Park is a 36-acre (14.5-hectare) park that welcomes dogs on a leash. While here, you and your partner can enjoy many of the amenities available to all guests of the park. It features trails to explore, an open field, paved walkways, picnic areas, and a basketball court. The layout of the place revolves around the style of Johnson City in the 1950s. There is also a 1.6-acre (0.6-hectare) park where your pet dogs can play and where you can socialize with other owners.
Willow Springs Park
Address: 1201 Huffine Rd, Johnson City, TN 37604, United States
Website: Willow Springs Park
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Take a long, scenic hike on Tweetsie Trail
Hike with your partner at the most popular trail in Johnson City. You can both enjoy the fresh breeze and scenic views of the open plains of the city. Tweetsie Trail is a relatively easy 16.9-kilometer (10-mile) trail alongside the former railroads that connect Downtown Johnson City to Downtown Elizabethton. The trail is paved and relatively flat and only ascends up to 80 meters (262 feet) high. Along the trail, hikers and other passersby will come across historical sites and beautiful farmlands. Dog are also allowed to join the hike with you, provided that they are leashed.
Tweetsie Trail
Address: 107 Alabama St, Johnson City, TN
Website: Tweetsie Trail
5. Go explore nature at Buffalo Mountain Park
Buffalo Mountain Park is a 725-acre (293-hectare) park located on the north slope of Buffalo Mountain. It is composed of densely forested areas where people can go hiking, enjoy picnicking, and all kinds of outdoor activities. Couples visiting the site will have a great time walking the peaceful trail and seeing the different species of birds and other local wildlife in the area. Heading up to the higher slopes will provide you with an amazing view of Johnson City where you can take great photos.
Buffalo Mountain Park
Address: 570 Highridge Rd, Johnson City, TN 37604, United States
Opening hours: 7am - 7pm (daily)
6. Catch a performance at Johnson City Community Theater
Open for over 107 years now, Johnson City Community Theater is the longest-running theater in the state. Showcasing amazing entertainment with lasting emotional impact, this will be a memorable night to all guests who come to see a show. Feel the emotional rollercoaster as the actors and entire crew work to provide top-notch performances. Live theater is a far better date night alternative to watching movies, as each show is more unique compared to your run-of-the-mill movie theater.
Johnson Community Theater
Address: 600 E Maple St, Johnson City, TN 37601, United States
Website: Johnson Community Theater
Price: 10 - 15 USD
7. Dine and enjoy live music at the Willowtree Coffeehouse and Music Room
The Willowtree Coffee House is a great place for a romantic dinner with your significant other. The place is more than just a restaurant, it is also an art gallery, a bookstore, and a music venue. Enjoy a live musical performance by various artists as you enjoy your dinner in this bohemian-style cafe. Some of their popular servings are the chicken salad sandwich with chips, quiche with salad, chicken salad, hummus with veggies and pita, and pimento cheese sandwich. If you want to take the stage, Open Mic Night is every Wednesday from 6 pm to 9 pm.
The Willowtree Coffeehouse and Music Room
Address: 216 E Main St, Johnson City, TN 37604, United States
Website: The Willowtree Coffeehouse and Music Room
Opening hours: Mon - Tue, Thu - Sat: 8am - 8pm; Wed: 8am - 9pm; Sun: 9am - 6pm
8. Dine at Sonny's Marina
Going for a classic date night in Johnson City, TN? Sonny’s Marina & Cafe is a recreational facility for boating as well as a cafe that serves the finest burgers and sandwiches in Johnson City. The cafe is known for providing good food and friendly service. It is also situated by the lake and offers beautiful views of the area. This establishment provides free parking, free WiFi access, an outdoor bar, and a patio. Some popular items on the menu are the loaded cheese fries, burger, crab cakes, and fried mozzarella sticks. As for drinks, they serve all kinds of draft and bottled beer, wine, soft drinks, juice, and tea.
Sonny's Marina
Address: 109 Rd Number 2, Johnson City, TN 37615, United States
Website: Sonny’s Marina
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 4pm - 11pm (closed from Sun - Thu)
Nearby options
9. Partake in outdoor activities at Blue Ridge Parkway
![Blue Ridge Parkway-27527](http://static.trip101.com/paragraph_media/pictures/002/366/440/large/Blue_Ridge_Parkway-27527.jpg?1611569720)
Are you and your date feeling adventurous? Blue Ridge Parkway is a popular spot for people looking to hike, ride, explore, camp, bike, and experience nature. In this location, you will find some of the oldest mountains in the world, plus New River (the oldest river in North America), Linville Gorge, Whitewater Falls, and abundant biodiversity filled with many wonderful wild animals and beautiful plants. It is divided into four sections, namely the ridge district, plateau district, highlands district, and Pisgah district. Each one has unique views of the mountains, rivers, creeks, and hills. Blue Ridge Parkway is just less than a two-hour drive from Johnson City.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Address: 3884 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Asheville, NC 28803, United States
Website: Blue Ridge Parkway
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
10. Go camping at Nolichucky Gorge Campground
Enjoy a romantic evening in Johnson City by laying under the moonlight and bright stars. Nolichucky Gorge Campground is a camping facility that provides campers all the essentials they need to enjoy and fully immerse themselves in nature. Located along Nolichucky River Gorge near the Appalachian Trail, this place is filled with beautiful views of the area as well as many outdoor recreational activities. A few of their facilities include RV camping areas, bunkhouses, cabins, and open campsites. With a variety of camping options, you and your partner can opt to camp in luxury while here.
Nolichucky Gorge Campground
Address: 101 Jones Branch Rd, Erwin, TN 37650, United States
Website: Nolichucky Gorge Campground
Price: 5 - 75 USD
All kinds of activities for all kinds of couples
Johnson City is a beautiful place with abundant natural resources, scenic views, and a thriving community. Couples visiting the area will have a great time exploring the city in a peaceful and relaxing manner. The city offers all kinds of activities to enjoy. There are parks for those who want to relax and immerse themselves in nature, and the outdoors is there for couples looking for adventure. Theaters and cafes are great for partners who want to be entertained and who want to socialize with other people. Enjoy visiting Johnson City with your loved one.
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