The Tale of One City, Bordering Two States
The City of Bristol, located on the Tennessee and Virginia border, has been noted as a "Good Place To Live" for over 150 years. Located in Bristol's Central Business district, the city is a "Certified Main Street Community" with attractions such as parks, restaurants, nightlife, shopping and museums - all within walking distance of the hotel. See here for our top recommendations.
The Birthplace of Country Music Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate is located immediately adjacent to the hotel. The venue showcases the region’s history and evolution of country music with exhibits, galleries and live musical performances.
Bristol’s Rhythm & Roots Music Festival is held downtown annually during the third week of September. The award-winning Americana music festival features local and national music acts.
The Paramount Center for the Arts, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is a 1930’s movie theater completely renovated into a performing arts center.
Cherokee National Forest, the Appalachian Trail, Bristol Caverns and 40 square miles of inland lakes and freshwater streams give outdoor lovers ample options for adventures including fishing, hiking, kayaking and white water rafting.
Bristol Motor Speedway is the 8th largest sporting venue in the world seating up to 165,000 people. The "World’s Fastest Half Mile Track" hosts numerous speedway and drag way events.
The Crooked Road is a 330 mile drive trail through the mountains of Southwest Virginia that connects nine major music venues and over 60 affiliated venues and festivals. The mission of the Crooked Road is to promote the region’s rich heritage of traditional music.
FAQ
Are there any family-friendly activities nearby The Bristol Hotel?
Yes, our surrounding area offers plenty of attractions for families.
We recommend checking out these nearby favorites:
- The Caterpillar Crawl: A fun, family-friendly scavenger hunt located right in Downtown Bristol. Inspired by Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar, it is a perfect way for kids to explore the downtown area.
- Pins and Friends Duckpin Bowling: Duckpin Bowling venue with arcade games located on State Street.
- The Traveling Bear Indoor Mini Golf: Located nearby, this indoor 18-hole mini-golf course features creative obstacles designed around Bristol's unique local landmarks and attractions.
- Sugar Hollow Park: A massive 400-acre outdoor space in Bristol, VA featuring multiple playgrounds, picnic shelters, and beginner-friendly walking and biking trails.
- Just Jump Trampoline Park: Located at The Pinnacle shopping complex, this 25,000-square-foot indoor facility features open jump areas, a ninja obstacle course, dodgeball courts, and a dedicated Kiddie Zone.
- Bristol Caverns: A short drive away, families can take a fascinating guided walking tour 180 feet underground to view ancient geological formations and an underground river.
What are the closest attractions or points of interest to The Bristol Hotel?
We are ideally situated in the heart of downtown, placing you steps away from the area's top historical and entertainment destinations:
- The Birthplace of Country Music Museum: Located immediately adjacent to the hotel, this Smithsonian-affiliated museum explores the landmark 1927 Bristol Sessions and the history of country music. A visit to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum is included in your hotel stay.
- Historic State Street: Situated just off our front doors, this vibrant main street features an eclectic mix of local boutique shops, antique stores, craft breweries, and dining options.
- The Paramount Center for the Arts: A beautiful, fully restored 1930s Art Deco movie theater that now hosts live concerts, films, and theatrical performances within easy walking distance.
- The Bristol Sign: Located on State Street just a short walk away, this iconic, century-old electric sign straddles the state line between Virginia and Tennessee.
Is The Bristol Hotel near public transportation?
No, our public transportation options immediately adjacent to the hotel are limited, though downtown Bristol is highly walkable. We find that the area is best explored on foot, by car, or via local rideshare services like Uber and Lyft.
How far is The Bristol Hotel from the airport, and what transportation options are available?
We are located approximately 15 miles from Tri-Cities Airport (TRI), which is about a 25 to 30-minute drive depending on traffic. While we do not offer a dedicated airport shuttle, you can easily utilize rideshare services, local taxi services, or car rentals.
Is The Bristol Hotel within walking distance of major attractions, and how easy is it to get around without a car?
Yes, it is very easy to navigate the area on foot thanks to our central downtown location. Major landmarks like the Birthplace of Country Music Museum (which is complimentary with your stay with us), the Paramount Center for the Arts, and the historic Bristol Sign are all within walking distance.
What restaurants, shops, or attractions are within walking distance of The Bristol Hotel?
We are located within easy walking distance of a variety of local favorites, including:
- Nearby restaurants include: 620 State, Bistro on 6th, Burger Bar, Machiavelli’s, The Corner, Southern Craft, and Mas Tequila.
- Nearby shops include: Blakely Mitchell, Wiseman’s Western, Studio 6, and Cranberry Lane.
- Nearby attractions include: The Birthplace of Country Music, Paramount Center for the Arts, Cameo Theater, Tri-Cities Escape Game, Pins & Friends, Axe & Ale House, and Lost State Distillery.
What parking options are available at The Bristol Hotel, and what are the costs?
We provide convenient complimentary self-parking for all of our guests, and there are no hidden fees. Your options include open street parking directly in front of the hotel, an adjacent public lot, and our dedicated guest lot located 150 yards away.
Is The Bristol Hotel located in a quiet area, or in a more active neighborhood?
We are located right in the active heart of downtown Bristol, steps from Historic State Street's restaurants, breweries, and shops. While our surrounding area is lively and full of energy during the day and evening, we sit adjacent to a peaceful park, and our guest rooms are crafted to provide a quiet, relaxing retreat.
The love for live art comes in many forms—symphony, stand-up, opera, ballet—and the local theaters do an exemplary job of capturing them all.
Built with a classic Art Deco facade and neon marquee, this opulent performing arts venue boasts a 732-seat auditorium, complete with Mighty Wurlitzer organ.
The Birthplace of Country Music is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks to perpetuate, promote, and celebrate Bristol's rich musical heritage.
Theatre Bristol
From new romance to love for family, community, country, and society, Theatre Bristol is full of laughs and heart-warming moments for the whole family, as well as thought-provoking and important reflection and connection.
BlueRidge Comedy
Started by renowned comedian, Shawn Carter, BlueRidge comedy offers stand-up shows, private events and even comedy classes that anyone can be a part of.
Nestled in the Appalachian's and surrounded by scenic lakes and rivers, Bristol is the perfect home base for outdoor lovers.
A 2,200-acre lakefront park with paddle boating plus regular & disc golf, a mini train, and nature trails.
Encompassing over 650 thousand acres of land, the Cherokee National Forest is divided into sections by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
The 35-mile (56 km) multi-purpose rail trail, runs from Abingdon to Whitetop, Virginia near the North Carolina state line – through National Forest and crossing numerous restored trestles and crossing the Appalachian Trail.
Sugar Hollow Park - 6.0 mi.
Sugar Hollow Park is a 400-acre city park with bike and hiking trails, wetlands area, camping sites, pavilion, picnic areas, picnic shelter, playground, pool, soccer fields and softball fields. Also located in the park is the Resting Tree, a historical site.
Mendota Trail
A 12.5-mile hiking & biking recreational trail between Bristol and Mendota, VA, you'll be surrounded by the tranquil countryside and peaceful forests..
Backbone Rock Recreation Area
Open season: 4/25/2022 - 10/10/2022. A campground situated along the beautiful Beaverdam Creek at an elevation of 2,100 feet in northern Johnson County.
If you’re in need of some retail therapy, we’ve got you covered! Bristol features an array of retailers ranging from longstanding mom and pop shops to newer specialty boutiques.
Wm. King has had the reputation of being one of the finest stores in the South with a look that is both classic and timeless.
The region’s premier lifestyle shopping destination, The Pinnacle also houses some of the region’s best restaurants, eateries, and unique entertainment opportunities.
Studio 6 is a women's boutique focusing on styling women of all ages and making them feel their best.
L.C. King
Made right here in Bristol, L.C. King is the leader in men's workwear, streetwear, and men's style. What sets them apart is their dedication to quality.
Blakley Mitchell
Focusing on exquisitely, tailored men's clothing, the team focuses on creating a personal relationship that allows their customers to present the image of clothing they desire based on individual style and taste.
AR Workshop
Join any of the scheduled workshops for the most memorable DIY experience. Hands-on classes made to teach you how to create the latest on-trend designs and make them your own.
Conceptualized and constructed in 1960, the Bristol Motor Speedway held its first NASCAR race in the summer of 1961, and the rest has been a glorious blur.
A 25-mile dragstrip that hosts an annual NHRA event, the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. The dragstrip hosts all three additional national touring NHRA series, plus other weekly and monthly events.
The legendary half-mile oval has been transformed into a dirt track with 19-degree banking in the turns. The Food City Dirt Race is an annual 250-lap, 144.21 mile NASCAR Cup Series.
Live Music
Not only is the Bristol Motor Speedway known for its high-speed racing, they also host multiple concerts a year, appealing to an even greater crowd and fans of all live music.
Christmas Light Show
Bring the whole family for an incredible light show dazzling with more than 2 million lights that illuminate more than 250 displays across The Speedway.