Kingsport, Tennessee: The Ultimate Guide to Fun and Adventure!

The carousel is the thing here, and volunteers from the town carved it. Thirty-two animals came out of community hands, and every one of them has a different face. Exchange Place runs a working farm where the settlers’ daily work is done in front of you. Gypsy Circus presses its cider from apples grown nearby. The shopping is a mall like any other mall, and there is no getting round that.

You are planning a trip to Kingsport, Tennessee and you are wondering what the fun things to do are. We have you covered. Kingsport is a city that runs a long list of activities and attractions for all ages and interests. Outdoor type, serious eater, history reader, or somebody just after fun and games, Kingsport covers the range.

The outdoors is a major draw of Kingsport. Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium is a straight recommendation, running long views of the country and the wildlife in it. With over 38 miles of trails, you can hike, bike or run through the park and take the scenery as you go. If you want some water, the Kingsport Aquatic Center is a strong place to cool off.

When it comes to food, Kingsport runs a lot. The city holds a deep bench of eateries covering all tastes and budgets. From classic Southern cuisine to international flavors, you will find it all in Kingsport. And if you want attractions you will not see elsewhere, the city has plenty. The Escape Room Kingsport is a fun and demanding hour that will test your problem-solving, while the Kingsport Carousel is a one-off that will hold both kids and adults.

Key Takeaways

Kingsport, Tennessee offers a wide range of activities and attractions that cater to all ages and interests.
The scenic outdoors, tasty eateries, and unique attractions are some of the highlights of Kingsport.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or just looking for some fun and games, Kingsport has something for everyone.

The Delightful Kingsport

Welcome to Kingsport, Tennessee, a city that lives up to its name. Nature lover, history reader, or somebody just after some old-fashioned fun, Kingsport has your week.

First on your list of things to do in Kingsport should be a visit to Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium. This 3,500-acre nature preserve is owned by the city and runs 38 miles of trails for hiking, biking and running. You can also take a barge ride on the 44-acre lake or take on an adventure ropes course with zip lining and more.

If you want something slower, take a stroll on the Kingsport Greenbelt. This picturesque trail runs through the town and the nearby woodland, and it opens up plenty of bird watching and scenery along the way.

For a taste of history, head to the Netherland Inn and Exchange Place. Both historic sites open a window onto life in the 18th and 19th centuries. At the Netherland Inn, you can tour the restored 1800s inn and learn about the area’s part in the early American frontier. At Exchange Place, you can see a working farm and learn about the daily life of early settlers.

If you are traveling with kids, check out the Kingsport Aquatic Center. This state-of-the-art facility runs a lazy river, water slides and a splash pad, which is what you want on a hot summer day.

No trip to Kingsport is complete without a visit to the Kingsport Speedway. This oval track has been hosting races since 1965 and is a favorite among NASCAR fans. Check the schedule and catch a race during your visit.

With this many things to do in Kingsport, you are going to have a good week. So pack your bags, grab your sense of adventure and get ready to work through everything this charming Tennessee city runs.

The Scenic Outdoors

If you love being outdoors, Kingsport is where you want to be. With the country around it, Kingsport runs a range of outdoor activities that will leave you reset. Here are the outdoor activities worth your morning in Kingsport:

Hiking Trails

Kingsport holds some of the finest hiking trails in the country. Beginner or experienced hiker, you will find a trail that suits your skill level. Some of the hiking trails in Kingsport people head for first include:

Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium: This park has over 40 miles of hiking trails that wind through the beautiful forests and mountains of Kingsport. You’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of the city and the surrounding area.
Warriors’ Path State Park: This park has over 12 miles of hiking trails that take you through the park’s beautiful woods and along the Holston River. You’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of the river and the surrounding mountains.

Biking Trails

If you bike, Kingsport runs some of the strongest biking trails in the region. A slow ride or a demanding mountain bike trail, the town covers both. Some of the strongest biking trails in Kingsport include:

Kingsport Greenbelt: This 9-mile trail takes you through the heart of Kingsport and along the Holston River. You’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of the river and the surrounding mountains.
Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium: This park has over 20 miles of biking trails that wind through the beautiful forests and mountains of Kingsport. You’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of the city and the surrounding area.

Nature Preserve

Kingsport holds a range of nature preserves that let visitors work through the country around the city. Some of the strongest nature preserves in Kingsport include:

Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium: This park is a 3,550-acre nature preserve that features a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and streams. You’ll be able to explore the park’s beautiful trails and see a variety of wildlife.
Laurel Run Park: This park is a 440-acre nature preserve that features a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and streams. You’ll be able to explore the park’s beautiful trails and see a variety of wildlife.

Wildlife

Kingsport holds a range of wildlife, including deer, black bears, foxes and more. If you follow wildlife, Kingsport runs plenty of chances to see these animals up close. Some of the strongest places to see wildlife in Kingsport include:

Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium: This park is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, bobcats, and red wolves. You’ll be able to see these beautiful creatures up close and learn about their habitats and behaviors.
Holston River: This river is home to a variety of fish and other aquatic creatures. If you’re an angler, you’ll be able to catch a variety of fish, including trout, bass, and catfish.

A slow walk in the park or a demanding hike through the mountains, Kingsport has the ground for both. So pack your bags, grab your hiking boots and get ready to work the outdoors in Kingsport.

The Tasty Eateries

When you are in Kingsport, you are in for a treat. Literally. The city holds a range of eateries that will catch your taste buds and hold them. A cold beer or a hot meal, Kingsport has you covered. Here are the eateries in town worth your time.

Cider and Beer

If you like cider or beer, then you are in luck. Kingsport holds some of the strongest breweries and cideries around. Head over to Gypsy Circus Cider Company, where you can work through some of the finest ciders in the region. Their cider is made from fresh, locally-sourced apples and comes in a range of flavors. From dry to sweet, they cover the lot.

If beer is more your thing, then check out Sleepy Owl Brewery. Their taproom is a cozy spot where you can sit with a cold brew and talk with friends. They carry a wide selection of beers on draft, so you will find something that suits you.

Local Eateries

Kingsport also holds some serious local eateries. For Southern comfort food, head over to The Farmer’s Daughter. Their menu runs classic dishes like fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, and mac and cheese. Everything is made from scratch and served with a smile.

If you are in the mood for something a little more exotic, check out The Mustard Seed Cafe. This cozy cafe serves Mediterranean food, including falafel, gyros and hummus. They also run vegetarian and vegan options, so everyone at the table eats.

For a taste of Italy, head over to Giuseppe’s Italian Restaurant. Their menu runs classic Italian dishes like spaghetti and meatballs, lasagna and chicken parmesan. Everything is made with fresh ingredients and served in a cozy, family-friendly room.

In conclusion, Kingsport runs a lot when it comes to food and drink. A cold beer or a hot meal, you are going to find something that suits you. So come hungry and leave settled.

Fun and Games

Looking for some fun and games in Kingsport? You are in luck. This charming city runs plenty of activities to keep you busy. Here are a couple of our favorites:

Kingsport Carousel

Step right up and take a spin on the Kingsport Carousel. This carefully built carousel runs 32 hand-carved animals along with a pair of chariots. It works for kids and adults alike. Plus, with each ride costing only 1 dollar, it will not empty your wallet.

But the carousel is more than a ride. It is also a piece of work. The animals were carved by volunteers from the community, and each one has a character of its own. Take a close look at the detail on the horses, the lions and the other creatures. The skill and the care that went into them will stop you where you stand.

Putt-Putt Fun Center

If you are in the mood for mini-golf, head over to the Putt-Putt Fun Center. This family-friendly attraction runs a pair of 18-hole courses, so you can take on your friends and family at putt-putt.

But that is not all. The Putt-Putt Fun Center also runs laser tag, go-karts and bumper cars. So if you want high-speed thrills, you will find them here. And if you need a break from the action, you can sit down in the arcade or grab a snack at the concession stand.

Kid or kid at heart, the Kingsport Carousel and Putt-Putt Fun Center will put a smile on your face. So what are you waiting for? Let the games begin.

The brochures sell Kingsport as a park with 38 miles of trail on it. The carousel downtown was hand-carved by volunteers, 32 animals and a pair of chariots, and it costs about a dollar to ride. Exchange Place keeps a working farm rather than a display of one. Gypsy Circus Cider Company presses locally grown apples on site. What this town actually rewards is looking closely at work somebody made by hand.

The Unique Attractions

Looking for something in Kingsport you will not see elsewhere? Try these one-of-a-kind attractions that will make the trip stick.

Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium

Get ready for Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium. This attraction runs a range of shows and events that work for all ages. From the Wonders of the Universe to the Secrets of Gravity, you are going to learn something new and enjoy the doing of it. And take a tour of the park while you are there, because with over 3,500 acres of land, there is plenty to work through.

Exchange Place

Step back in time at Exchange Place, a living history museum showing what life was like in the 1800s. This attraction runs a range of events through the year, including music festivals, craft fairs and more. And if you want a souvenir nobody else will have, visit the gift shop, which carries handmade items from local artisans.

Kingsport Aquatic Center

Cool off at the Kingsport Aquatic Center, which runs fun for the whole family. With multiple pools, water slides and a lazy river, you are going to have a blast. And if you want a little adventure, try the zip line that crosses over the pools.

Kingsport Speedway

Get your heart racing at Kingsport Speedway, a racetrack that hosts a range of events through the year. From stock car races to demolition derbies, something is always on here. And if you are feeling brave, you can even sign up for a ride-along with one of the drivers.

So there you have it, the attractions in Kingsport you will not find elsewhere. A planetarium show, a living history museum, a water park or a racetrack, this city runs all four. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start working through it.

The Shopping Experience

You cannot visit Kingsport without working through the shopping. And there are plenty of options to choose from.

Fort Henry Mall

First on the list is Fort Henry Mall, the shopping destination locals and tourists both head for. This mall runs it all, from clothing stores to electronics shops to gift shops. You name it, they carry it.

And if you want a bit of everything, then Fort Henry Mall is where to go. Want to update your wardrobe? Check. Need to buy a new phone? Check. Want to find the right souvenir to take home? Check.

But there is more. Fort Henry Mall also runs a food court, so you can refuel after a long day of shopping. And if you time it right, you might even catch a live performance or an event in the mall.

So what are you waiting for? Put on your walking shoes and get ready to work the street at Fort Henry Mall.

The Relaxing Stay

When it comes to planning a vacation, finding the right place to stay matters as much as deciding what to do. Kingsport runs plenty of options for a quiet stay.

Modern Stay

If you want a modern and comfortable place to rest your head, try the many hotels and resorts in Kingsport. With amenities like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and plush bedding, you will feel at home.

One option people book is the MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center. Sitting on 186 acres of rolling hills, this resort runs quiet a long way from the noise of everyday life. Take a dip in the indoor or outdoor pool, play a round of golf on the championship course, or book a spa treatment.

If you want something more budget-friendly, there are plenty of chain hotels in Kingsport running comfortable rooms at affordable prices. The Hampton Inn Kingsport is a common choice, with its complimentary breakfast and its location near the airport.

No matter where you choose to stay, use the amenities available to you. Lounging by the pool, working out in the fitness center, or simply sitting in your room, you have earned the full weight of your vacation.

The Historical Journey

Are you ready to take a trip back in time? Kingsport, Tennessee holds some serious historical landmarks that will move you into a different era. From living history museums to elegant mansions, the city covers the range.

Netherland Inn

First up on your historical journey is the Netherland Inn. This property was once a busy river port and stagecoach stop, and today it works as a living history museum. You get to step back and see life as it was in the 18th and 19th centuries. Take a tour of the inn and learn the history of the property.

Allandale Mansion

Next on your list is the Allandale Mansion. This estate was built in the early 1950s and is a fine example of Southern elegance. Take a tour of the mansion and work through the gardens and the grounds. You will feel like a member of high society as you walk the halls and look at the detail in the architecture.

History reader or somebody just after a different way to spend an afternoon, Kingsport’s historical landmarks will hold you. Do not miss the chance to step back and take in the long history of this city.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the deal with Bays Mountain Park & planetarium in Kingsport, TN?

Oh, Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium is just a small, 3,500-acre nature preserve owned by the City of Kingsport. No big deal. Just kidding, it is actually a serious one. You can hike, bike and even zip-line through the park. And there is the planetarium, where you can learn about the stars and planets. It is out of this world.

Yes, we can. If you are in the mood for Mexican cuisine, check out El Ranchito. For serious BBQ, head over to Saucy Hawgs. And if you are in the mood for seafood, Red Lobster is always a safe bet. Just kidding, we would not point you at a chain. Try Riverfront Seafood Company or Stir Fry Cafe for something you will not get elsewhere.

What are some quirky fun facts about Kingsport, TN?

Did you know that Kingsport was once home to the largest fireworks manufacturer in the world? Or that the first ever miniature golf course was built in Kingsport in 1927? And if you follow NASCAR, you will be glad to know that Kingsport Speedway is one of the oldest tracks in the country. Now you can impress your friends with your Kingsport knowledge.

What’s the best way to spend a rainy day in Kingsport, TN?

Well, if you are feeling adventurous, you can go for a swim at the Kingsport Aquatic Center. Or, if you would rather stay dry, you can check out the Kingsport Carousel or the Kingsport Art Guild. And if you are feeling really lazy, stay in bed and binge-watch your favorite show. We will not judge.

Are there any unique shopping experiences in Downtown Kingsport, TN?

Downtown Kingsport holds a range of specialty shops and boutiques. Check out The Courtyard for home decor you will not see at home, or grab a book at The Bookloft. And do not forget the Kingsport Farmers Market, where you can find fresh produce, handmade crafts and more.

What’s the craziest thing to do in Kingsport, TN tonight?

Well, we don’t want to get you into any trouble, but if you’re feeling daring, you can always try your luck at the Escape Room Kingsport. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more low-key, head over to the Kingsport Theatre Guild for some live entertainment. And if all else fails, just grab a drink at Hook & Ladder Distillery. Cheers.

Frequently asked questions about Kingsport, Tennessee

Which park in Kingsport gives you the most for the least money?

Bays Mountain Park, comfortably. Entry runs a fraction of what a paid attraction charges, and the trails, the barge ride and the ropes course all sit inside the same preserve. The planetarium shows in there cost extra, but they still come in well under the price of a cinema ticket. The Kingsport Aquatic Center is the pricier day out, though it fills one entirely. Bays Mountain for the value, the aquatic center for the children.

Which museum in Kingsport is worth paying to get into?

Exchange Place, because the farm is working rather than staged. The entry price sits well under what a city museum would ask, and the craft fairs and music festivals through the year cost nothing extra. The Netherland Inn charges a similarly modest amount for its guided tour of the property. Allandale Mansion is the grander of the three and prices accordingly. Exchange Place for the work, Allandale for the rooms.

Which trail in Kingsport costs you nothing to walk?

The Kingsport Greenbelt. It runs straight through the town and the woodland beside it, and there is no gate on it anywhere. Bird watching along it costs you whatever the binoculars cost and nothing more than that. The trails at Bays Mountain are the longer network but sit behind the park entry. Greenbelt for free, Bays Mountain for the distance.

Keep exploring Kingsport, Tennessee