Coming to visit Johnson City area......help? (Jackson, Kingsport: living, restaurants)

[{ Durf }]

My wife and I are going to do a "blitzkreig" type of visit to Johnson City in the beginning of January (after the Holiday madness settles). What I mean is this will be a short 3-day trip from FL-there-and back. Being that we'll only have that one day to romp around the area to see if it's what we are looking for, will someone/anyone please advise on the best use of our time to view the general area? That may sound ridiculous to some, but we have never been there and simply don't know where to start. I don't think we want the potential pressures of a realtor at this time since it's our first trip, but we sure would be appreciative if someone could point us in the right direction in advance. Thank you!

[dcommander]

Hi Durf, of course it depends on what you are looking for up here.... rural, city, shopping, restaurants, etc. I would definitely drive around Johnson City and Kingsport. The two cities are quite different, especially downtown. Also check out Jonesborough, Gray, and Elizabethton if you have time. I would think the Chambers of Commerce would be a good place to start. They can give you maps and information on the area. They are: Johnson City Chamber, 603 E. Market Street, Johnson City, TN, 423-461-8000 and Kingsport Chamber, 151 E. Main, Kingsport, TN., 423-392-8800. If you have time, Bristol Chamber is 20 Volunteer Parkway, 423-989-4850.

One day isn't a lot of time, but if you can get the Chambers to send you maps and have it planned out, hopefully you will be able to get a feel for the area. I'm sure if you have other questions or explain exactly what you want to see while you are here, someone on this board will have the answers for you.

Good luck! I'm sure you'll love Tennessee!

[jabogitlu]

If you only have one day, I say skip Bristol altogether. I'd drive through Johnson City (hitting the old city [downtown], new town [the mall], and North Johnson City [Sam's Club]) and Kingsport (likewise, old city [which has been very remarkably facelifted and revitalized], and new city). These are the two urban centres of NETN and as such are likely where you'll spent a lot of your time at lunch and dinner.

As for living, do you prefer urban-y (nothing too urban up here), suburban or rural? If somewhere in the latter two, you should probably check out some of the surrounding communities (Jonesborough/Telford, Gray, maybe even ranging out to Elizabethton, Erwin, Bristol, etc.).

[mbmouse]

I agree with the above post.
You said a "general" look of the area. What are you looking for ideally? Certain housing, stores, farm type areas, mountain views,(well those you can see from about anywhere), water ways? Some of those likes and some dislikes will help us give you more distinct areas if you would like.

[williboy]

I'm not sure I would skip Bristol. It has it's own style and you might like it. I live down near Jonesborough and really like it here after moving up from Jacksonville, FL in September. Everyone's taste veries, I know mb likes Kingsport better, but I actually prefer Bristol, but I do like Johnson City better than Bristol or Kingsport. I don't know your job situation, but Greeneville is also a very nice town though smaller. Be sure to at least drive through Jonesborough and Elizabethton.

[{ Durf }]

Thank you!! I haven't checked back in lately due to a number of reasons, but we will definatley be traveling up there for the first visit in January. Thanks for the advice and I will follow your tips.

Thanks everyone- I will be sure to check out ALL of the areas mentioned here as we plan to make several trips before making a purchase.