Visiting Gray/Kingsport in May (Johnson City, Bristol: rentals, hotel, home)

[pamperedrachel]

Hello,

My family and I are going to be visiting Gray/Kingsport in May. We were up there about 3 years ago to visit family but this time it's just vacation. I've been to different websites and found some fun stuff to do but does anyone know of any other places that are fun but maybe not quite as advertised as others. On my list are.....
Fossil site in Gray
Bay's Mountain
Warrior Path
Caverns in Blountville

We've been to Bays Mtn. and Warrior Path Park. Any input would be great.

[jabogitlu]

Hmm, I'm not as familiar with stuff in Kingsport/Gray but if you wander about 10 miles on down I-26...

Hands-On Museum in downtown Johnson City, esp if you have kids.

Anywhere in downtown Jonesborough, maybe spend a lazy afternoon there in an ice cream shop, cafe, antique shop, gallery, or check out what events are going on at the International Storytelling Center and the Visitors center.

Tipton-Haynes Historic Site (Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site : Home of Col. John Tipton, Landon Carter Haynes, and John Tipton, Jr : Located in Johnson City, TN)

[pamperedrachel]

I forgot about Jonesborough. I've heard that it is a beautiful area. Yes, 2 kids, 7 and 10... I know my son will love the Fossil Museum in Gray... Hands On Museum sounds neat too. We didn't get to Johnson City last time we were up there.

[pamperedrachel]

Alright... it's all set, we are leaving Florida on May 9th and will be there for a week... I think we're going to stay at the American Inn in Jonesborough (I think that's the name). I've read some posts and it seems like a nice place. I'm going to have to take my husband to Pal's (?). He loves sweet tea and it seems like the place to go for tea.

[kamoshika]

For something really different, take your family to Erwin for whitewater rafting on the Nolichucky River. There are 3 major outfitters who operate rafts there: Cherokee Adventures, USA Raft and Nantahala Outdoor Center. Given your kids' ages, y'all will be restricted to running the Lower Nolichucky. It isn't cheap but it's an experience you & your family will never forget.

Another option: rent bikes for everyone @ Greenbelt Bicycle Rentals and tool around on Kingsport's Greenbelt. Or head up the road a bit to Abingdon, VA (an easy 40-min. drive from Kingsport or 50 min. from Jonesborough) and rent bikes there to explore the popular Virginia Creeper Trail.

I know a lot of kids tend to get bored with history and museums, but if yours are different they might enjoy a visit to Rocky Mount.

And don't forget to picnic at least a time or two! Hope you guys have a great time on your vacation.

[pamperedrachel]

Thanks, I'm sure we will... I was hoping to have a picnic at warrior path state park... I think that was my favorite place last time we were up there, it was so pretty. I've been trying to talk my husband into rafting but I just can't get him to do it but I was able to convince him to take a cavern tour.

[jabogitlu]

Americinn (or America Inn, whatever it is) is a nice, new (2 years old, ish) hotel right on Jonesborough Hwy. A couple minutes from downtown and 10-20 (depending on traffic) into Johnson City. Nice choice!

[PacersFan]

We moved to Gray last summer and took our boys, a toddler and a first grader to the Fossil Museum and they both liked it. Sue the T. Rex is there right now, but will be gone by the time you come. Our older son LOVED her and liked seeing where they dig the most. The little one even paid attention to the short movies they had there. I would definitely recommend it. :-)

[Beretta]

Great suggestions. I would suggest a drive by Bristol Motor Speedway Bristol Motor Speedway | Home Plan on a meal at Ridgewood Barbecue Ridgewood Barbecue - Bluff City, TN

[east_tennessee_family]

Greeneville National Cemetary...Andrew Johnson buried here.