Things to do

20 Fun Things To Do In Johnson City, Tennessee

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Johnson City is a beautiful small city in Tennessee. It is situated between the Appalachian Mountains which provide beautiful rolling hills and landforms on the edges of their peaks.

It is an urban area and a part of the Tri-Cities region, which also covers Kingsport as well as Bristol. This makes it so suitable for those individuals who seem to be in between the countryside and the big cities.

Here are the different things to do in Johnson City for adventure lovers:

1. Visit The Winged Deer Park

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Winged Deer Park has nearly everything for individuals and families to do. Favorites include hiking, walking, and disc golf at this place.

It is a clean, pet-friendly park where you can waste an hour, a day, or any time doing something you like. There are multiple playgrounds for little ones, and the waterfront area playground is large.

The mountain bike trails are much easier to walk on, but you have to listen and watch for bikes and get out of their way. The park is located about halfway from both Jonesborough and Bristol so it makes a great spot for relaxation.

Address: 4137 Bristol Hwy

2. Explore The Johnson City Public Library

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Johnson City Public Library is a lovely library and a great place to read, study, work, or even relax. The assortment of books is excellent.

The staff are friendly and welcoming. The space is clean and unintimidating. The tables and chairs offer AC power outlets and USB ports so you can plug in your laptop or keep your other devices charged.

The bathroom facilities are clean and easily accessible. If you want a place to chill, a book to read a movie to watch, or probably just something to do when it's raining outside, then visit the library.

Address: 100 W Millard St

3. Attend A Show At Freedom Hall Civic Center Arena

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It is a great place for local events including concerts, rodeos, basketball games, and the Price is Right Live stage show. It is large enough to get the sound of people when it is filled.

This is among the biggest facilities in the region with a capacity to hold about 8 500 people. This building has many selling points and is used for buying a lot of food and anything else. The seats are comfortable and have an excellent sound system.

You will find lots of paved parking and easy access for the elderly.

Address: 1320 Pactolas Rd

4. Indulge In Various Activities At King Commons Park

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The park has beautiful well-paved trails where visitors can walk around and take a closer look around. Perhaps, one of the most exciting features of King Commons Park is an amphitheater.

It periodically organizes different events and concerts for people interested in listening and dancing to music. You will also see the Wild About mural here. The mural depicts local animals and plants, which are perfectly appropriate for the location of the park.

People can sit down, spread a rug and eat good food and even families can have a picnic there or children playing the grass.

Address: 112 N N Commerce St

5. Hike The Buffalo Mountain Park

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The Buffalo Mountain Park has roughly three trails for hiking. All the trails are true hikes at moments. They are super steep and some are slippery and muddy.

This is not recommended for a casual weekend stroll. However, if you are looking for a challenge then it is a nice medium. You will find tons of twists and turns and many stopping points.

However, it is important to keep in mind that there are no bathrooms here. Parking is tight and it is not always easy to turn around. Although hiking here is one of the best things to do Johnson City TN, bring your water bottle and wear waterproof boots.

Address: 570 Highridge Rd

6. Take A Walk At The Founders Park

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Among several Johnson City TN parks, the Founder Park is the most lovable and favorable community park and green space. It has walking paths, sculptures, a creek, and special events.

This local park is in the middle of historic Johnson City and every year it lights up during the Christmas holidays. People from around the area take a stroll through the park and view the Christmas Tree.

There are several spaces to throw down a blanket and enjoy the great outdoors. It is usually quiet and not too crowded. Children will enjoy facilities like swings, sliding boards, etc.

Address: 225 Commerce St

7. Drink Brews At Yee-Haw Brewing Company

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If you are in the Johnson City area, it is well worth a stop. The location is an old train station in downtown. The tracks beside the building are still active and a freight train routinely blows through.

The interior is cool and has a rustic look with beer bottle chandeliers. There is plenty of seating among the tables, chairs, and couches. The home-made beers are great and some of the popular ones are the hazy IPA and orange creamsicle IPA.

If you like bold and boozy it is highly recommended to try the Velvet Charmer Scotch Ale. The White Duck Taco is in the same building and they have delicious tacos.

Address: 126 Buffalo St

8. Get Lessons From The Hands On! Discovery Center

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This place is very interesting and educational for both adults and children alike. It is an amazing opportunity to learn about exotic animals and the geography of this area's history.

They have unique finds of fossils dating back 5 million years and a native garden that is relevant to the Pliocene era. Visitors rave that the prices are great compared to many other places.

Check out the Hands On Discovery Center website to buy tickets and know about their hours. You also get views of the lab, and if you are lucky, you will see active excavation going on.

Address: 1212 Suncrest Dr, Gray

9. Make Your Stay At The Carnegie Hotel

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Johnson City travelers can find a perfect place to refresh and regain strength in the Carnegie Hotel. Most clients appreciate its romantic theme and convenient location near great restaurants and things to do.

The hotel rooms provide a home away from home comfort with the available features. They have a flat-screen television, air conditioning, and a complimentary wireless internet connection.

Some of the other facilities found here are a daily front desk, room service, and a registered concierge. In addition, there are other recreational facilities, for instance, the swimming pool, and the lounge among others, which will add to the beauty of Johnson City.

Address: 1216 W State of Franklin Rd

10. Tour The Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site

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The property is 18 acres and has the homes, barn, corn crib, spring house, etc preserved. The site offers a free museum, $4 self-guided tours, and guided tours for $6.

This place is another of many Tennessee Historic Sites presented for learning about how places, people, and events are woven together and demonstrate the rich heritage of the state.

The events that they hold here are educational and fun. Buy the family pass and go to all the events. The meeting hall is quite small and can become overcrowded but there is plenty of space to walk around outside and enjoy the 300-year-old buildings.

Address: 2620 S Roan St

11. Get Your Last Minute Shopping In At The Gift Box

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The Gift Box has a little bit of everything. If you are in Johnson City and are stressing about last-minute gifts, The Gift Box is somewhere to look.

During the holiday, this sweet little store has been the answer to everything and anything for the locals and even the tourists. You will have no choice but to check out the store with something or the other.

Another advantage of shopping at this place is that customers feel so welcome. It is essentially benefiting from having a super friendly and helpful staff especially when shopping.

Address: 102 Dillon Ct, Gray

12. Water Sports At Watauga Lake

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Watauga Lake in Northeast Tennessee is the largest and deepest around. The fishing is great, the lake is clean and it is surrounded by beautiful mountains.

There are numerous public, as well as private boat ramps and family areas to enjoy. You can rent boats, kayaks, jet skis, and even paddle boards.

Moreover, fishing, camping, snorkeling, and hiking are some other Johnson City TN things to do. There are plenty of great places to eat around the lake; one of the most popular ones is the Butler Trading Post.

Address: 1216 W State of Franklin Rd

13. See Realistic Details At George L. Carter Railroad Museum

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The Railroad Museum is located on the ETSU campus. The hours are narrow (Saturday 10 am to 3 pm) so be aware of that before visiting.

The museum is split into two rooms. One is a model railroad for a line that runs from Johnson to Boone. Realistic details are abundant here and you will find historic photos along the display that match the models almost exactly.

There are stools throughout to give you a boosted view of the layout. The other side is a mixture of locations and is a larger room. With no charge to enter, there is no reason not to see this wonderful handiwork. If time allows, look a these things to do in Boone.

Address: 176 Ross Dr

14. Let Your Kids Loose At Just Jump Trampoline Park

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At Just Jump, you will find several confined bouncing attractions that will make you laugh all through. The park includes adequate playing structures such as a dodgeball court as well as basket dunking targets and a gladiators' pit.

Among the attractions is the Kiddie Zone which allows the young ones to jump freely with no one to knock them down by fellow jumpers. It also organizes and offers a place for children's birthday parties and other celebrations.

They have open housing plans that can hold large or small groups ideal for any occasion.

Address: 2304 Silverdale Dr

15. Rent A Bike From The Local Motion

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Everyone loves a good walk on the Tweetsie but if you're in more of a bike mode then a bike ride will suffice. Local Motion is situated right next to the start of the Tweetsie trail and will equip you with everything you need to bike the trail.

This store provides an excellent range of bicycles with road, mountain, and hybrid. They can be hired for as little as two hours or a day's use. The standard bikes cost as low as $24 while the e-bikes cost $34.

Also, check out what other things to do in Tennessee are available.

Address: 100 Van Brocklin Wy

16. Savor Comfort Food At Freiberg's German Restaurant

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Once you are inside, you are welcomed by a neutrality that makes the place resemble a little Germany. The tangible surroundings are lovely and the people are very welcoming to make you feel rather at ease.

This restaurant has an incredible selection of meals on the menu. One cannot miss their Chicken Schnitzel or the Pork Schnitzel which are tasty and crunchy. If you want something more on the heavier side, don't hesitate to order the Sauerbraten. It is a soft beef roast.

And don't skip the sides. They have just the right touch of sweetness the red cabbage and the bratkartoffeln are also to die for.

Address: 203 E Main St

17. Get Creative At Into the Fire

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Situated in the prime location of downtown, Into the Fire is a pottery shop that urges people to let go of their artistic side. The concept is simple.

You can select a piece, out of more than 400 white ceramic pieces and choose your favorite color of paint to work on the masterpiece. Learn more about how it works at the Into the Fire website.

The staff assists in delivering all that is required in the process; it is up to you to have fun while painting. Next, they do the glazing of the work and fire it in their kiln and it will be ready for collection in one week.

Address: 109 Cherry St

18. Shop At Johnson City Farmers' Market

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Situated in the Pavilion at Founders Park it is a prime market for the residents with fresh produce and handmade products. This market was established in the year 1976.

It initially began as a joint effort among markets that included Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol. Nowadays, it offers products starting from fresh fruits and vegetables to baked products and minority craft works.

It is a friendly and familiar environment in which people feel comfortable. Moreover, it can become interesting to find some new tasty preferences or some good craft works during your experimenting.

Address: 105 W Main St

19. Participate In The Bristol Motor Speedway

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Situated about 30 minutes from Johnson City, the speedway is famed 'World's Fastest Half-Mile.' It has become popular for the extremely challenging NASCAR races and the exciting dragway.

Many visitors travel in to attend the event and share the atmosphere full of fun and enthusiasm shown on race days. The speedway has what you would consider a unique architectural layout. It is an oval racetrack with a length of 0.533 miles.

The events attract many people, bringing lots of energy and excitement. So, if you find yourself in Johnson City, stopping by the speedway is one of the best things to do near Johnson City TN.

Address: 151 Speedway Blvd, Bristol

20. Play Mini Gold Course At Paradise Acres

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Paradise Acres is a family farm park offering a wide collection of outdoor activities. Mini golf courses with waterfall cave, pumpkin patch, and outdoor laser tag, are some of them.

The activities change with the seasons and they plant flowers for fresh flower cuts. One can also book a date night package here and have a blast. You can then walk through the wildflower maze and pick your bouquet.

The staff is personable and super friendly and the young employees are a breath of fresh air when it comes to customer service.

Address: 4946 N Roan St