Kingsport, TN is home to many local attractions. Those relocating to the area have plenty of unique opportunities to enjoy local food & beverage, community events, and outdoor activities. We know that moving to a new city is challenging. That’s why we’ve cultivated a list of places to eat, drink, visit, and dream about below.
Eat:
Macado’s – While we can’t claim this eatery as home to the Tri-Cities, it deserves a notable mention. With a menu that includes everything from salads, burgers, pasta, and more, it’s sure to keep even the most discerned palettes happy.
Pal’s – We’d be remiss if we didn’t include Pal’s here. If you’re new to the Tri-Cities and have not experienced Pal’s before, prepare yourself for a guilty pleasure. Founded in Kingsport in 1956, Pal’s offers fast food in a flash through one of their many drive-thrus. In a perfect world, you’d order one of everything. For starters, we recommend the Big Pal with cheese, Frenchie Fry, and a Peachie Tea.
The Bagel Exchange – Need some pastries for work? Didn’t bring your lunch? The Bagel Exchange has you covered. Featuring a comprehensive list of soups, salads, and sandwiches, served on – you guessed it- bagels, you’ll never have to worry about going hungry. Portions are large and prices reasonable. In a pinch? You can order ahead and customize your sandwich on their website.
The Main Street Pizza Company – This Tri-Cities pizza staple sources their ingredients locally to make for some of the best pie in the region. Their fully stocked bar is nothing to baulk at either, and they are constantly putting out seasonally relevant food and drink specials to keep us all satisfied. Not quite lunchtime? They offer an equally knockout breakfast menu as well.
Drink:
Bays Mountain Brewing Company – Located in the heart of downtown Kingsport, Bays Mountain Brewing offers a vast selection of beer in a cozy warehouse feel. Be sure to grab some local merch ask about how to join their “mug club.”
Gypsy Circus Cider Company – Tennessee’s first cider company and winners of the 2016 & 2018 Tennessee Cider Producer of the Year. Located adjacent to the Kingsport Mall, Gypsy Circus offers a variety of fresh-pressed ciders, along with constantly rotating new tap flavors. Their back patio is great to cool off during the heat of the summer, and their taproom offers food from The Bohemian Restaurant, which offers an eclectic selection of international fare. Bring the pups and kids for a relaxing and refreshing drink.
Hook & Ladder Distillery – Established in 2015 by father-son duo Kenneth and Drew Draper, Hook & Ladder brings the Tri-Cities a taste of moonshine. Nestled on Broad and Center street, it’s an easy walk from anywhere downtown. Stop in and try one of the many flavors (we’re partial to the Banana Pudding) and check out the cool firehouse digs.
Model City Tap House – Also located in downtown Kingsport along the historic train depot, this vibey tap house features local music and a slew of delicious local and regional beers along with delicious bites. We recommend the nachos with extra beer cheese.
Do:
Art District – Unofficially the arts district of Kingsport, the downtown area is flowing with creativity. Local artists have installations and exhibits set up and would love to meet you!
Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium – The park features a picturesque 44 acre lake, hiking and biking trails, and a Nature Center with state-of-the art Planetarium Theatre. If that wasn’t enough, Bays also houses an animal habitat for wolves, bobcats, raptors, and reptiles.
Kingsport Farmer’s Market – Home to a diverse group of local and regional farmers and vendors, the downtown farmer’s market is the place to be on Saturday and Wednesday. The market offers different programs to the public as well. A Homegrown Gardening session, Evening at the Market with bluegrass music, Market Jams, and Saturdays with the Chef are just a few! Be sure to bring the kids; they’ll love the amusement pavilion.
Kingsport FunFest – This annual event held by the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce allows the community to come together for live concerts, local food vendors, and activities for the whole family. While the 2020 Fun Fest has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, past concerts have brought the likes of: ‘N SYNC, Brad Paisley, Foreigner, Keith Urban, Vertical Horizon, the Zac Brown Band, and more.
Kingsport Greenbelt – Sprawling miles throughout Kingsport, the paved walking and cycling path is a daily part of many residents’ routine. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll with the kids, or training for your next marathon, the Greenbelt is a comfortable and safe place to exercise and enjoy mother nature.
Shop:
Antique District – Downtown Kingsport is also home to several unique antique shops. Walk around and bask in the fascination of the past.
Fort Henry Mall – Need some retail therapy? Fort Henry Mall offers nearly 53,000 square feet of shopping possibilities. American Eagle, rue21, The Children’s Place, Bath & Body Works, and chains Belk and J.C. Penney all call Kingsport, TN home.
Kingsport Pavilion on Shopping Center – One stop shopping plaza with Target, Books-A-Million, Starbucks, Rack Room Shoes, Burke’s Outlet, Lane Bryant, Maurice’s, Verizon, and more!
