About 136.6 km (84.9 mi) west of the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains lies the great Johnson City, TN, a town with a vibrant urban appeal, the countryside charm and top-notch outdoor recreation for all ages. Johnson City is perfect for anybody looking for some thrilling outdoor adventures and family-friendly amenities to enjoy a long or short vacation. A trip to Johnson City allows you to discover the Appalachian history, explore great parks, pamper your taste buds with various delicacies, shop for different items, unwind at the buzzing entertainment joints, and spend quality time with family fly fishing or at the numerous Spas and Salons. Check out this article to discover these and more exciting things to do in Johnson City, Tennessee.
1. Browse through the exhibits at George L. Carter Railroad Museum
For over five years, the George L. Carter Railroad Museum (GLCRM) has been committed to providing amusing exhibits to children as well as adults. Each year visitors both local and foreign come to GLCRM to view the vast array of cool exhibits ranging from the early models of railroad memorabilia and railroading locomotives to different toy trains. At GLCRM, you will also be amazed by the railroad structures and comprehensive collection of rolling stock. Sometimes GLCRM sponsors excursions to enjoy beautiful views of the Smoky Mountains and the picturesque countryside. Also, the museum hosts the Heritage Days during the last Saturday of each month to celebrate the evolution of area railroads.
George L. Carter Railroad Museum
Address: Ross Dr, Johnson City, TN 37601, United States
Website: George L. Carter Railroad Museum
Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed from Sun - Fri)
2. Awaken the history buff in you at Tipton-Haynes Historic Site
Posted by Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site on Wednesday, 5 April 2017
Tipton-Haynes Historic Site offers a unique opportunity to discover the rich history of Northeast Tennessee and its people. Here you will find several ancient buildings, a cemetery of notable historic figures namely Tipton, Gifford, and Simerly and scenic natural features including a limestone cave and a spring. At Tipton-Haynes Historic Site, you will also be thrilled by the archives of ancient documents, photographs, media files, and different antiques dedicated to the famous city historian and one of the descendants of Tipton, Mary Hardin McCown. Among other things, this archive holds the Tipton Family Collection, Simmerly Family Documents, and an art collection of Sheryl T. Cooper.
Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site
Address: 2620 S Roan St. 37601 Johnson City, Tennessee
Website: Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am - 4pm (closed on Mon & Sun)
3. Relax in nature's lap at Winged Deer Park
Winged Deer Park offers one of the best outdoor recreations in Johnson City, TN. The park features nature trails, a disc golf course, and playgrounds for soccer and softball. You can indulge in any of these games or take an early morning sightseeing walk or biking session into the woodland to discover a variety of bird species, including the warblers, cuckoos, flycatchers, vireos, and thrushes. Besides, there is a picnic shelter featuring a restroom where you can relax and have a great outdoor meal with friends or family. So pack your kebabs, pizza, burgers, and fries and experience the fun of picnicking at Winged Deer Park.
Winged Deer Park
Address: 4137 Bristol Hwy, Johnson City, TN 37601, United States
Website: Winged Deer Park
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
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4. Enjoy a scoop of ice cream at Dippin' Dots
There is no better place for an ice cream treat in Johnson City than at Dippin’ Dots. Dippin’ Dots serves original ice cream beads, sherbet, and frozen yogurt goodies in different flavors. Some of the flavors that you should try include the cherry berry, watermelon, pink lemonade, caramel brownie, and the chocolate chip cookie. The sherbets are available in lemon-lime, orange, and raspberry flavors. Besides personal treats, you will also find goodies for different occasions such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and company events at Dippin’ Dots. So what are you waiting for? Visit Dippin’ Dots and indulge your sweet tooth in its vast array of treats.
Dippin' Dots
Address: 2011 North Roan St. Johnson City, TN
Website: Dippin’ Dots
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm
5. Unwind yourself at Willow Springs Park
Visit and experience the family fun that awaits at Willow Springs Park. First of all, the nature walk at Willow Springs Park is simply amazing: the trail has a spectacular view of the area mountains and green vegetation. In addition, the walk leads to a small court where you can partake in a volleyball or basketball game. At Willow Springs Park, kids are also not forgotten; there is a decent playground where they can play scavenger hunt or freeze and chain tags, among other games with their peers. Besides the normal outdoor park activities, Willow Springs is a pet-friendly resort with an amazing dog park. So feel free to bring your pet for a slice of this paradise.
Willow Springs Park
Address: 1201 Huffine Rd, Johnson City, TN 37604, United States
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
6. Spend some time with your family at Tweetsie Trail
Have you ever imagined taking a long walk with your family in a serene place without the constant hustle and bustle of urban centers? Well, Tweetsie Trail offers you this unique opportunity to bond with family in a long trek between Johnson City and Elizabethton. This scenic tour involves a walk through lovely rock formations, Cranberry Quarry, forests and creeks and you can maximize on the adventure by taking detours to Jacob’s Nature Park and Sabine Hill State Historic Site. Besides walking, Tweetsie Trail is also great for hiking, skating, and cycling, and even if you do not own the right gear, you can grab one at the Trek Shop in Johnston City.
Tweetsie Trail
Address: Alabama St, Johnson City, TN 37601, United States
Website: Tweetsie Trail
Opening hours: 6am - 9.42pm (daily)
Price: Free
7. Check out the local brews at Johnson City Brewing Company
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Johnson City Brewing Company is evidence that brewing gets better with age or else experience. The company is the longest and perhaps the best serving microbrewery of beer, cider, and cask ales in the city. Johnson City Brewing Company is a popular spot with a great location, ample outdoor space, and an inviting atmosphere to enjoy its signature Raspberry Mocha Stout, J Brown Ale, Double IPA, or even the Belgian Quad. To top it up, the customer service is excellent and highly informative. Rest assured, when you visit Johnson City Brewing Company, you will be hooked up with your flavor profile.
Johnson City Brewing Company
Address: 257 E Main St, Johnson City, TN 37601, United States
Website: Johnson City Brewing Company
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 9pm; Fri: 4pm - 10pm; Sat : 1pm - 10pm; Sun: 1pm - 7pm
8. Catch a game of basketball at Freedom Hall Civic Center
Freedom Hall Civic Center is a multipurpose venue for entertainment, sporting, acts, and concerts. With a seating capacity of over 8,000 people and serving as the home ground to East Tennessee State University (ETSU) teams, Freedom Hall Civic Center is a major pillar to many games in Johnson City, especially basketball. The experience of watching basketball at this center is just great: the queues are not hectic; there is comfortable seating, proper lighting, and quality sound. Further, the center has and still hosts many great acts such as Motley Crue, Creed, Luke Bryan, Shrine Circus, and Elvis Presley. Besides theatrical performances, you can also catch a professional wrestling match at Freedom Hall Civic Center.
Freedom Hall Civic Center
Address: 1320 Pactolas Rd, Johnson City, TN 37604, United States
Website: Freedom Hall Civic Center
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
9. Soothe your bookworm soul at the Johnson City Public Library
Even with today’s technological advancement, the need for community-centered space to acquire knowledge and network with other people remains. The Johnson City Public Library (JCPL) offers an excellent opportunity to do so with its extensive collection of reading material and great programs for kids and adults. At JCPL, you will find anything from print, eBooks, visual, and audio information. Moreover, kids can partake in storytime at the meeting room or play games like DJ Bingo at the children’s play area. These activities introduce their young minds to books, music, and other fun activities, which are critical to the development of early literacy skills. The staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and responds quickly to customer requests or complaints.
Johnson City Public Library
Address: 100 W Millard St, Johnson City, TN 37604, United States
Website: Johnson City Public Library
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 9am - 8pm; Fri: 9am - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm
10. Have fun at TVA Credit Union Ballpark
What better place to catch a thrilling baseball match of the 10-times league champions, Johnson City Cardinals than at their home ground at TVA Credit Union Ballpark? The best way to plan your tour to the stadium is by regularly checking with their schedule to find an event that suits your needs as there are many exclusive deals for different occasions. For instance, many people prefer Monday and Friday night games for their cheap candies and fireworks, respectively. Other snacks and beverages you can enjoy at TVA Credit Union Ballpark include cotton candy, burgers, hot dogs, peanuts, Pepsi, and Budweiser brand beers.
TVA Credit Union Ballpark
Address: Johnson City, Tennessee 37601
11. Tap into your musical soul at Campbell's Morrell Music
A crucial but often overlooked fact in music is that having the right and properly maintained equipment plays a huge role in a person’s success. Campbell’s Morrell Music (CMM) is a one-stop-shop offering these services to both veteran and armature musicians. At CMM, you can purchase a variety of instruments, including amplifiers, drums, strings, pro audio, lighting, and tour sound systems. CMM also does repair or upgrades of a wide range of musical equipment. So if your guitar string breaks, your sound system has lost some of its effects, or your amplifier is humming or even overheating, CMM has the best fix for your problem.
Campbell's Morrell Music
Address: 118 W Market St, Johnson City, TN 37604, United States
Website: Campbell’s Morrell Music
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 10am - 6pm; Thur - Fri: 10am - 7pm; Sat: 10am - 6pm (closed on Sun)
12. Get your adrenaline fix at the scenic Buffalo Mountain Park
If you love adventure, Buffalo Mountain Park is an excellent place to go hiking. The park has well-demarcated hiking trails with beautiful views of the Johnson City, mountain, luxuriant forests, and streams. Along the way, ensure you stop at the White Rock Overlook or Tip Top to experience breathtaking views of the countryside. At Buffalo Mountain Park, you will find a suitable site to hike irrespective of your level of expertise as there are simple trails for beginners and steep and long ones for experts. In addition to hiking, the park is suitable for nature programs and picnicking. Lastly, the park is pet-friendly and so feel free to bring your dog along.
Buffalo Mountain Park
Address: 570 Highridge Rd, Johnson City, TN 37604, United States
Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)
13. Satisfy your shopaholic soul at Village Antique & Home Decor Mall
Give your home a facelift with antiques, vintage, and a variety of home décor products available at Village Antique & Home Décor Mall (VA&HDM). This one of its kind malls has over 200 collectible booths dealing with desirables such as railroad memorabilia, quilts, historical objects, glassware, Shabby chic, and a range of Victorian furniture. It is hard to miss anything at VA&HDM, considering there is proper lighting illuminating the items on display, and the ceiling is high hence creating a perfect atmosphere for shopping. Besides, there is ample parking, so you can stop by with your trailers or camper RVs and shop for as many things as you can.
Village Antique & Home Decor Mall
Address: 112 Sunset Dr, Johnson City, TN 37604, United States
Website: Village Antique & Home Decor Mall
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 1pm - 6pm
14. Visit the Founders Park
Although the Founders Park started as a project to control stormwater that had troubled this part of Johnson City for years, it has become a significant attraction for people looking for a nice place to relax with family. The Founders Park boasts lush greenery where you can take a leisure stroll, and kids can indulge in outdoor games like kite flying or collecting bugs. There are also beautiful statues and sculptures along the walkway and a lovely creek traversing the park where you can sit and meditate. Lastly, with Founders Park hosting the Blue Plum Festival, outdoor yoga, music series every Friday, Founders After 5, and a few non-profit events, there is indeed enough fun for everyone.
Founders Park
Address: 225 Commerce St, Johnson City, TN 37604, United States
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
15. Watch a play at the Johnson City Community Theatre
With over a century experience in production and performance of theatrical arts, Johnson City Community Theatre (JCCT) continues to offer the best entertainment in Tennessee with its unique acts. Here, you can watch the little mermaid, Rocky Horror Live, or Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit, among other shows; they will leave you in good spirits. The space is relatively small, but the management has made the most out of it with a creative seating design, which has significantly reduced congestion as many people frequent the theatre. Besides, there is always a guide at the door, so it is virtually impossible to miss your seat. The seats are comfortable, and they have a great view of the well-lit stage.
Johnson City Community Theatre
Address: 600 E Maple St, Johnson City, TN 37601, United States
Website: JCCT
16. Explore the contemporary and historical exhibits of B. Carroll Reece Museum
Posted by The Reece Museum on Friday, 28 October 2016
Also situated in ETSU is the B. Carroll Reece Museum, a vital resource that tells the rich Appalachian history, artwork, and culture. Reece Museum holds over 20,000 fascinating artifacts comprising of congressional reports, letters, files, paintings, and other historical and contemporary exhibits. The objects at Reece Museum are of high quality and per the high standards set by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM’s). Besides the artifacts, the customer service at the Reece Museum is excellent: the personnel are very helpful and pleasant to interact with. So if you are curious about how the Appalachian history and culture have contributed to civilization, visit Reece Museum to uncover the facts.
Reece Museum
Address: 363 Stout Dr, Johnson City, TN 37614, United States
Website: Reece Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4.30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
17. Engage in activities at Johnson City Family Skate Center
Skating is an excellent exercise for families as it provides some form of distraction from daily worries hence reducing stress. Moreover, skating helps kids to build a sense of accomplishment, which gives them confidence not only in the game but also in their academics. At Johnson City Family Skate Center (JCFSC), you can enjoy a variety of skating games, including rollerblading and roller skating. Dancing is another recreational activity you can partake at the facility, but always ensure your music is radio edited. Also, great care should be taken while at JCFSC because the facility is not liable to injuries caused by losing balance, tripping, and falling.
Johnson City Family Skate Center
Address: 930 W Watauga Ave, Johnson City, TN 37604, United States
Website: Johnson City Family Skate Center
Opening hours: Tue & Thu: 5pm - 8.30pm; Fri: 7pm - 10.30pm; Sat: 11.30am - 4.30pm, 7pm - 10.30pm; Sun: 2pm - 5pm (closed on Mon & Wed)
18. Enjoy the ride at Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park
If you love mountain biking, Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park should be top of your itinerary because of the following reasons. First, the fact that Tannery Knobs is run by experts from the IMBA mountain biking solutions makes it an excellent spot in Johnson City to bike with your kids. The off-road trails at Tannery Knobs are specially designed for all riders with flowy sections for amateurs and tough berms for expert bikers. This progressive, challenging course inspires beginners, especially kids, to develop their biking skills slowly to more advanced levels. What makes it more fun to bike on this trail is that they are surrounded by beautiful views of the city and mountainous landscape.
Tannery Knobs MTB Park
Address: 18 Tannery Knob, Johnson City, TN 37601, United States
Website: Tannery Knobs MTB Park
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
19. Discover wonderful local art at Nelson Fine Art and Framing
Framing is an excellent preservation method for artwork, and without the necessary expertise, it becomes quite a challenge to handle exquisite pieces of art. Well, Nelson Fine Art and Framing has lessened this burden for you with its custom solutions for your framing needs. Also, Nelson Fine Art and Framing is an inspiring local gallery where you can explore many beautiful pictures, paintings, and other artworks from experts and uprising local talent. Further, there used to be an onsite coffee shop called Dos Gatos but was moved to 238 East Main Street, which is not far from the gallery; hence, you can still enjoy a cup of coffee as your artworks are fixed.
Nelson Fine Art and Framing
Address: 205 Colonial Way, Johnson City, TN 37601, United States
Website: Nelson Fine Art and Framing
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5.30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
20. Pamper your taste buds at the infamous Freiberg's
Its a Brat kinda night tonight at Freiberg's.....wait....Every night is a good night for bratwurst! Brat Sampler with...
Posted by Freiberg's German Restaurant on Thursday, 1 June 2017
While in Johnson City, would it interest you to have an authentic German Cuisine? Freiberg’s is a nice place to do so, given its home-style German foods and drinks served in a serene atmosphere. At Freiberg’s, you will be thrilled by a variety of finger-licking German specialties such as the Huehnchen Schnitzel, Bratwurst, and the famous Boulette Andreas served with Goulash or Summer Salads. There is also a children menu comprising of the Huehnerschnitzel, Kinder Boulette, and Wiener Strauss, among others. For cold weather, you can enjoy these foods with some hot tea, coffee, or milk. Otherwise, there is iced tea, orange juice, and a range of Pepsi products to go with your food.
Freiberg's
Address: 203 E Main St, Johnson City, TN 37604, United States
Website: Freiberg’s
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 8pm
21. Make the most of the night time at New Beginnings
Posted by New Beginnings on Saturday, 27 April 2019
Dance the night away with some lovely DJ mixes and live shows at the New Beginnings nightclub. This is one place in Johnson City where you can enjoy a wild night out with friends without constant worrying the club may close before you’ve had enough fun. This is one of the reasons New Beginnings was recently voted in the Reader’s Choice Awards as the best nightspot in the city. Besides, its fantastic layout with outside seating arrangement and overall inviting atmosphere make it a perfect spot to meet and hang out with good company. The drinks are fairly priced, and the a la carte from the onsite Two Roses Café is something to die for.
New Beginnings
Address: 2910 Bristol Hwy, Johnson City, TN 37601, United States
Website: New Beginnings
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 9pm - 2am; Fri - Sat: 8pm - 3am (closed on Sun, Mon & Tue)
22. Go fishing with High Country Angler Fly Fishing
Posted by High Country Angler Fly Fishing on Friday, 16 August 2019
High Country Angler guides offer an exhilarating Fly Fishing adventures on Tennessee’s Watauga and South Holston Rivers. Both rivers are renowned for having some of the best brown trout and rainbow trout fisheries in Tennessee. You can take this exciting trip with family because first of all, it is an opportunity for them to learn fly fishing from the experts at High Country Angler club. Also, this is a unique opportunity for parents, especially fathers, to bond and pass family traditions to their kids. What’s more is that you do not need to worry about anything during the tour as snacks, drinks, lunch, fly rods, waders, and bates are provided.
High Country Angler Fly Fishing
Address: 1400 Kensington Place, Johnson City, TN 37615, United States
Website: High Country Angler Fly Fishing
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
23. Relax and rejuvenate at Austin Springs Spa & Salon
What a fantastic day to take advantage of our Winter Warm up specials! Plus enjoy our warm dry sauna before and after your service! Call us at 423-979-6403 for your appointment!
Posted by Austin Springs Spa & Salon on Thursday, 4 January 2018
Visit Austin Springs Spa & Salon to enjoy different body treatments, including body wrap, acupuncture, massage, and hydrotherapy. Also, you can revitalize your skin and overall appearance with waxing, sauna therapy, pumpkin scrubs, and eyelash extensions that are available at Austin Springs. For those seeking full makeover, you can also try a variety of salon services such as pedicures, manicures, and its wide range of hair services. The amenities are clean and well-furnished with cozy furniture. In the waiting room, you will be offered lovely refreshments, but you can order more food if undergoing long sessions. Overall, this setting is suitable for mothers looking to spend quality girl time with their daughters.
Austin Springs Spa & Salon
Address: 1216 W State of Franklin Rd, Johnson City, TN 37604, United States
Website: Austin Springs Spa & Salon
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 9pm; Sun: 1pm - 7pm
Unwind with your family at the magnificent Johnson City
Besides the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains, Johnson City is another preferred tourist destination in the Appalachian region. Johnson City holds beautiful sceneries, authentic Appalachian history, culture, and many recreational activities. Plan your trip to this destination and experience the thrill of the countless things to do here.
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