Johnson City Travel Guide

Plan your next trip to Johnson City with our comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, activities, food, accommodations, and more!


Introduction to Johnson City

Located in Eastern Tennessee, Johnson City is a vibrant city full of natural beauty, great food, and welcoming locals. The city is renowned for its role in the development of bluegrass music and boasts numerous museums and landmarks highlighting this cultural heritage. From exploring natural parks to enjoying local eateries, Johnson City has something to offer for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Johnson City

Here’s a list of the top places to visit in Johnson City

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Birthplace of Country Music Museum: Experience the history of country music in this state-of-the-art museum.
  • Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site: A well-preserved 18th-century mansion which has a deep connection to the state’s history.
  • Winged Deer Park: It is a beautiful spot for picnics and outdoor activities. The park also offers sports fields, a playground, and hiking trails.

Natural Attractions of Johnson City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Buffalo Mountain Park: The park offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains from the hiking trails. It’s a great place to hike and explore.
  • Watauga Lake: The lake is an excellent spot for boating, fishing and jet-skiing. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors and relax by the water.
  • Roan Mountain State Park: A stunningly beautiful park with picturesque views of the Roan Mountain.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Johnson City

  • ** Tweetsie Trail**: This multi-use trail is perfect for hikers, cyclists, and runners. The trail is 10 miles long and connects Johnson City to Elizabethton, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
  • Laurel Falls Trail: The trail is a 1.3-mile moderate hike offering a scenic waterfall and beautiful views of surrounding scenery.
  • Blue Hole Trail: This trail is a 7.5-mile, moderately difficult hike that features stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Best Things to Do in Johnson City: Activities and Tours

  • Gray Fossil Site and Museum: An outdoor museum which has a number of pre-historic fossils on display. The museum also offers guided tours and interactive exhibits for the visitors.
  • Yee-Haw Brewing Company: A famous brewery serving beer made from local ingredients. They offer tasting tours and events.
  • Cork & Canvas: A unique attraction that combines art and wine, with classes that give attendees the chance to paint and sip on their favorite wine.

Week-Long Itinerary for Johnson City

Here’s a sample one-week itinerary for your next visit to Johnson City.

Day Activity
1 Visit the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and explore downtown Johnson City
2 Take a hike on the Tweetsie Trail followed by a visit to the Gray Fossil Site and Museum
3 Enjoy the Watauga Lake by renting a boat or spending time at one of the local beaches
4 Take a visit to the Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site and explore the historic mansion and surrounding gardens
5 Visit the Buffalo Mountain Park and explore multiple trails or take a guided hike
6 Spend the day at Winged Deer Park and try out one of the many sports fields, followed by outdoor dining at a local restaurant
7 Visit the Yee-Haw Brewing Company and enjoy a fantastic beer tour followed by shopping at the Johnson City Farmers Market

Food and Drink Scene of Johnson City

Must-Try Dishes

  • Southern Barbecue: Johnson City is renowned for its Southern barbecue. The top places to try this culinary classic include Firehouse Restaurant and The Main Street Pizza Company.
  • Burgers: Johnson City offers an excellent range of delicious burgers. Be sure to try the famous Ridge Burger from the Mid City Grill.
  • Seared Scallops: If you’re a seafood lover, try the Seared Scallops at Wellington’s Restaurant. The dish is cooked to perfection and melts in your mouth.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer: Yee-Haw Brewing Company and Johnson City Brewing Company are the top places to try some of the best locally crafted beer in Johnson City.
  • Southern-Style Sweet Tea: Sweet tea is the most popular beverage in Johnson City and is served at almost all restaurants and cafes. Try a glass of sweet tea from Scratch Brick Oven or Tupelo Honey Cafe.

Where to Stay in Johnson City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Johnson City has numerous accommodation options catering to every budget. Here are some of the popular options.

  • The Carnegie Hotel: A 4-star hotel located in the heart of Johnson City. This hotel offers spacious and beautifully decorated rooms with all necessary amenities.
  • Red Roof Inn: A budget-friendly option that offers comfortable rooms with basic amenities. The hotel is located near downtown Johnson City.
  • Creekside Chalet: If you are looking for a beautiful guesthouse near Watauga Lake, Creekside Chalet is a great option. This cozy property features fully furnished rooms and a beautiful garden.

What to Buy in Johnson City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Antiques and Collectibles: Johnson City is home to numerous antique shops such as DoodleBug’s Antique Mall and Willow Tree Antiques. These shops carry a range of antiques and collectibles, including furniture, jewelry, and vintage clothing.
  • Locally Made Products: The Johnson City Farmers Market offers locally produced products such as natural soap, honey, pottery, and other handmade crafts.

Local Culture and Customs of Johnson City

The people of Johnson City are a friendly bunch, who take pride in their heritage and culture. The city has a strong connection to bluegrass music, and many of the museums and cultural landmarks highlight this musical legacy. It’s also essential to follow local customs and etiquette while visiting Johnson City, such as tipping restaurant servers and being respectful to the locals.

Best Time to Visit Johnson City

The best time to visit Johnson City is from late spring to early fall. Temperatures are mild, and the city hosts numerous outdoor events and festivals during this period.

Do’s and Don’ts of Johnson City

Do:

  • Try the famous southern-style barbecue at the local restaurants.
  • Support local businesses and shop at the Johnson City Farmers Market.
  • Respect the local customs and etiquette.

Don’t:

  • Litter in the parks or natural spaces
  • Be disrespectful or discriminatory towards locals

Safety and Health

Safety in Johnson City

Johnson City is a safe place to visit but it’s always good to be aware of your surroundings, especially in the downtown area. It is also recommended to avoid walking alone at night in dark areas.

Health in Johnson City

It’s always better to carry necessary medications while traveling. Johnson City has many medical facilities, including hospitals and pharmacies, where you can get immediate healthcare if required.

Getting to Johnson City: Transportation Options and Logistics

Johnson City is easily accessible through various modes of transportation.

Airports Near Johnson City

  • Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI): Located within 15 minutes drive to Johnson City, TRI is the closest airport.
  • Asheville Regional Airport (AVL): Located in Asheville, North Carolina, approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes drive to Johnson City.

Bus Stations Near Johnson City

  • Greyhound: A national bus carrier serving Johnson City with an extensive network of routes.

Other Options

  • Amtrak Train: The closest train station to Johnson City is located in Bristol, Virginia, approximately 30 minutes drive to Johnson City.

How to Get Around in Johnson City

Johnson City is a small city, and the best way to explore is by car. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available if you do not have your vehicle.

Where to Go Next from Johnson City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Johnson City is located in the heart of Appalachia, so there’s no shortage of beautiful scenic drives and interesting nearby destinations. Nearby cities like Kingsport, Bristol, and Asheville are great options for day trips.

Conclusion

Johnson City is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Southern culture, outdoor activities, and great food. With numerous museums and local landmarks, adventures in nature, and excellent dining options, Johnson City caters to all tastes. Start planning your trip today and experience the beauty and charm of Johnson City!