Want to see two states at the same time? Travel to Bristol and see Tennessee, Virginia

Melonee Hurt, Nashville Tennessean
·4 min read

There aren't too many places where you can stand with the left foot in one state and the right foot in another. That's just one of many things you can do in Bristol, which claims ground in Tennessee and Virginia.

Known by many as the home of the Bristol Motor Speedway, or "America's Fastest Half Mile" in the NASCAR circuit, Bristol has much more to it than just car racing.

Downtown Bristol's main street, State Street, is half in Virginia and half in Tennessee. In fact there's a marker in the middle of the street indicating which is which.

This marker in the middle of Bristol's State Street indicates which side of the road is in Virginia and which is in Tennessee. The city straddles the state line.
This marker in the middle of Bristol's State Street indicates which side of the road is in Virginia and which is in Tennessee. The city straddles the state line.

Bristol's downtown is enjoying a renaissance of its historic core that was nearly lost when many businesses left for the suburbs during the 1980s, leaving many late 1800's and early 1900's buildings in disrepair. But in 1991, a group of women raised $4 million to save the town's Paramount theater, built in 1931. That, and a subsequent revitalization of the nearby train station, began a domino effect of revival in downtown.

Now State street is lined with restaurants, shops and two restored historic theaters. Joining the Paramount Bristol is the Cameo Theater, which dates back to 1925. Both were originally movie theaters that now host everything from live music to regional theater.

The Paramount Bristol is a 750-seat theater that was originally built in 1931 to show movies. Now the venue has been restored and is used for live music and theatrical performances.
The Paramount Bristol is a 750-seat theater that was originally built in 1931 to show movies. Now the venue has been restored and is used for live music and theatrical performances.

Birthplace of country music

Probably one of Bristol's best-kept secrets is its country music roots. While many associate country music with Nashville, the origins of commercial country music stem from Bristol. In 1927, a series of recording sessions were held there by Victor Talking Machine Company producer Ralph Peer. What took place during those sessions has become known as the "Big bang of country music."

Those sessions included musicians like the Carter Family, Ernest Stoneman and Jimmie Rodgers. There's an entire museum dedicated to this story, and it's worth a visit. The Birthplace of Country Music Museum sits a block away from where the Bristol sessions happened.

In September each year, Bristol hosts the Rhythm & Roots Reunion, a multi-day festival celebrating the city's musical roots.

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Downtown or out of town?

The Tennessee and Virginia Bristols offer an assortment of lodging. We recommend checking out Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards, which is about 10 miles outside of town situated on 450 acres amid a vineyard, and The Bristol Hotel, which is right downtown.

The Nicewonder Farm and Vineyard offers 28 guest rooms in the inn, but also has several luxury yurts. This photo shows the skylight above the bed.
The Nicewonder Farm and Vineyard offers 28 guest rooms in the inn, but also has several luxury yurts. This photo shows the skylight above the bed.

Nicewonder's inn has 28 rooms, but we opted to stay in one of the property's luxury yurts. The yurts are situated walking distance from the inn — just far enough away to feel a bit like camping, only without any of the inconveniences. We loved the plush bedding, front and back porch for wine or coffee drinking and sunset watching and the yurt's skylight.

In addition to great accommodations and elevated cuisine at The Hickory restaurant, the property offers winery tours, a tasting room and produces quite a nice batch of red and white varietals. The spa will open in the summer of 2023. Each guest leaves with a complimentary bottle of the Nicewonder Chardonnay.

The Bristol, built in 1925, is an old brick building that has been repurposed into a boutique hotel. The property offers a restaurant, Vivian's Table and the Lumac rooftop bar, which provides views of the city and surrounding area as well as an ideal spot to take in the Rhythm & Roots Reunion Festival.

The Burger Bar in Bristol was founded in 1942 and feels like not much has changed since then. Stop in for a burger and one of dozens of milkshake flavors.
The Burger Bar in Bristol was founded in 1942 and feels like not much has changed since then. Stop in for a burger and one of dozens of milkshake flavors.

Eat and shop

Bristol's downtown is home to several eateries and shops worth a stop. Begin at the legendary Burger Bar for a hamburger, fries and one of 30 or so milkshake options. Owner Joe Deel has made every effort to keep the authenticity of the iconic eatery that has been serving burgers to the locals (and now tourists) since 1942. For coffee and sweet treats, visit Blackbird Bakery.

Jumbo cupcakes are just one of the goodies available at Blackbird Bakery in Bristol.
Jumbo cupcakes are just one of the goodies available at Blackbird Bakery in Bristol.

One shop worth visiting is the L.C. King retail store. The small space offers a peek into the clothing manufacturer founded in Bristol in 1913 that has been making tried-and-true workwear for four generations. According to owner Jack King, L.C. King is the last family-owned textile brand making their own clothing.

Whatever you choose to do during your stay, Bristol — Tennessee and Virginia — have a lot to offer.

Melonee Hurt covers growth and development at The Tennessean, part of the USA Today Network — Tennessee. Reach Melonee at mhurt@tennessean.com.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Want to see two states at the same time? Travel to Bristol