IS Johnson City a fun place? (Chattanooga, Kingsport: movie theaters, school, camping)

[KentuckyBlueMoon]

I really want to go to Tennessee for a national exchange program through my school. However, the only two campuses offering an exchange are in Johnson City or Chattanooga. I cannot decide between the two. Are there fun outdoor acitivities in Johnson City?? Any help is appreciated.

[mbmouse]

Hello,
I guess it would it depend on what kind of out door activities you like? We have several parks with walking trails. We have several lakes around, Boone Lake in JC, Watauga Lake in Carter County (Elizabethton area), Holston Lake in Kingsport area. SO we have boating and fishing. There is Roan Mountain about a 20 minute drive out of JC that has a bunch of hiking trails. Bays mountain in Kingsport which have nature exhibits and such. There are a few water rafting and tubing areas in South Greene County. We have many, many golf courses around. Not sure if those were the kind of activities you were looking for though?

[jabogitlu]

Yep, tons of whitewater rafting in unicoi County about halfway between Erwin, Johnson City and Greeneville. Lots of hiking, mostly in Johnson, Unicoi and Southern Greene Counties. Take a look at the national parks around. The Appalachian Trail runs right through here so there are always hikers present.

I'll second mouse, lots of boating and fishing, and hunting when the seasons roll around.

[ConnieP]

Hey.....

Jabogitlu, you mention hunting above.....

Is there alot of public hunting grounds in the area?? I will be new to the area myself and I love to hunt. (Only hunt what I eat...no trophie hunting!) Anyway, if you have some thoughts I'd love to hear them! Or anyone else on the matter!

Having my last hunting season here in Wisconsin, I hope to fill my freezer this winter!

Connie P

[jabogitlu]

I'm not familiar enough to know, but I've never heard the term "public hunting grounds." I'm not sure if limited hunting is allowed in the national park (Great Smokies) at certain times or not. My family owns a sizeable portion of land in Greene and gets asked frequently if they allow hunting. So, not sure. Sorry!

[ConnieP]

I guess when I get there, will have to join a Fish and Game club or something!

[StinkyViolet]

If given a choice between Chattanooga and Johnson City, I would choose Chattanooga. They are both nice towns with great campuses; however, Chattanooga has a little more on the social scene.

East Tennessee has better hiking and outdoor activity, but Chattanooga has come a long way in the last few years, and it still has rafting, hiking, and rowing.

[Tucsonmom]

What about things or kids?
Are there any things like skating rinks, bowling, amusments like mini golf, movie theaters, carnivals with rides. etc. ?
Thanks

[Tucsonmom]

Pardon my mis-spelling (things 'for' kids)

[jabogitlu]

There is a skating rink in JC on the downtown connector between ETSU and I-26. A couple bowling alleys in JC (one behind Target, one on the west side near the new Walmart).

Then there's the large amusement center (I'm blanking on the name, sorry) near Mr K's (bookstore) which has mini putt, laser tag, arcade, etc. A carnival comes to town once or twice a year and sets up in the mall's parking lot. Two theaters, Carmike 14 and Reel-to-Reel.

There's also the Hands-On! Museum in downtown which is good for a visit or two. The Gray Fossil Site (in Gray, of course) is also worth a visit, as is Rocky Mount (http://www.rockymountmuseum.com)

Another thing you could look into is joining up with the Boy or Girl Scouts. With the abundance of natural resources around here, they always are involved in tons of fishing, hiking and camping trips. (Or at least were, when I was involved! )