VISIT BRISTOL

When you come to Bristol for the NASCAR race, it’s not just about the thunder of stock cars on the high banks. This small city, straddling the Tennessee–Virginia state line, is a destination in its own right, with plenty to keep you busy before and after the green flag drops.

Start in historic downtown Bristol, where State Street splits the two states. Here you can browse unique shops, grab a meal at a locally owned restaurant, and soak up the live music scene that earned the city its title as the Birthplace of Country Music. Be sure to visit the Birthplace of Country Music Museum to discover the legendary 1927 Bristol Sessions that shaped American music.

For outdoor lovers, South Holston Lake offers boating, fishing, and lakeside picnics, while Steele Creek Park provides hiking trails, a golf course, and beautiful natural scenery. Racing fans can also make a side trip to Bristol Dragway, right next to the speedway, known as “Thunder Valley” for its echoing sound during NHRA events.

Foodies will find no shortage of dining options – from classic Southern barbecue and comfort food to modern eateries serving farm-to-table dishes. In the evenings, catch live music at intimate venues, explore local breweries, or take in a performance at the Paramount Center for the Arts.

And of course, no visit is complete without snapping a photo with one foot in Tennessee and the other in Virginia along the city’s famous State Street.

Whether you’re here for a long race weekend or making Bristol part of a bigger trip through the Appalachian Highlands, you’ll find the perfect mix of high-octane NASCAR action, rich cultural heritage, and Southern hospitality.