In Bristol, you’ll find the stories of yesterday are still being written today. Stories that started with humble beginnings have grown to legendary proportions. Or the old-fashioned racetrack that grew into NASCAR’s most beloved track. They’re just two of the reasons we say Bristol is Layin’ down tracks—Livin’ up to legends. Need for speed? The "World's Fastest Half-Mile Track" Bristol Motor Speedway and Bristol Dragway are fan favorites for high-powered stock car and drag racing. Witness one of their NASCAR or NHRA signature events including America's Night Race and the Thunder Valley Nationals. Bluegrass and country music fan? The first country music recordings earned Bristol the title of Birthplace of Country Music. The tradition continues with great live performances such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival, music venues in our Historic Downtown and heritage attractions like the nearby Carter Family Fold and the Crooked Road. Live for outdoor fun? Families can play and picnic at Steele Creek Park, Sugar Hollow Park, and South Holston Lake. The Mendota Trail is a 12-mile rails-to-trails project that connects Bristol, VA to Mendota, VA. Special nearby attractions include the 35-mile long Virginia Creeper Trail for hiking or biking and the challenging Appalachian Trail. And if you love to venture underground, don't miss Bristol Caverns and Appalachian Caverns. Explore the new SunnySide Trail of northeast TN to get a sampling of unique dining, drive-in theaters, and everything Americana in Bristol. Love the theater? Bristol is home to the Paramount Center for the Arts, the site of many wonderful dramatic productions, the historic Cameo Theater, and home to Theatre Bristol. Not far away is the Barter Theatre, the State Theater of Virginia. History and museum buff? The Bristol area has a rich frontier heritage, and attractions like Tales and Trails and Rocky Mount help bring that history to life. And if you like to go way, way back in time, there’s the fascinating Gray Fossil Site and Museum with fossils dating back four million years!
