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Blog

07 Oct

Posted at 08:23h in Blog, Blog - Featured by

10/7/2026 Spooky season has arrived in Johnson City! 🎃 Whether your idea of Halloween includes costumes and candy, pumpkins and hayrides, or a haunted attraction after dark, there’s a way to celebrate. Pick your level of spooky and start planning your October getaway! [caption id="attachment_21630" align="alignnone" width="1375"] Treats on the Streets[/caption] 🎃 No Scares, Just Treats Looking for more treats than tricks? Start at Paradise Acres, where fall brings pumpkins and gourds, Scarecrow Alley, hayrides, seasonal flowers, and mini golf. On October 10, head to Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site for Stories from the Pumpkin Patch, featuring fall folklore and family-friendly tales alongside crafts, face painting, a hayride, hot apple cider, vendors, food trucks, and a trip into the site's spooky cave. Spooky season gets a scientific twist...

08 Sep

Posted at 08:20h in Blog, Blog - Featured by

9/8/2026 There’s something special about Johnson City before the leaves change. Summer hasn’t completely packed its bags, but cooler mornings, seasonal flavors, and the return of football are sure signs that fall is on its way. September gives you a little bit of both seasons. There’s still time for an adventure on the water, while trails, game days, and the first tastes of fall are ready to welcome what’s next. Before the mountains trade their green for shades of red, orange, and gold, here are a few ways to make the most of September in Johnson City. [caption id="attachment_20953" align="alignnone" width="1080"] Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park[/caption] Take Advantage of the Trails You don’t have to wait for fall color to hit the trail. September is...

15 Jul

Posted at 12:13h in Blog by

7/20/2026 Warm weather is in full swing, and Johnson City's patios, tents, and outdoor views are calling. Whether you're planning a date night, a laid-back dinner, drinks with friends, or a downtown view with your meal, this guide to outdoor dining in Johnson City has you covered. For a Date Night: Gourmet & Company or Timber! [caption id="attachment_19524" align="alignnone" width="1800"] Gourmet & Company[/caption] Gourmet & Company, a Johnson City tradition since 1989, pairs casual-elegant American cuisine with a patio and veranda perfect for a relaxed, romantic evening. The seasonal, locally sourced menu and fully stocked patio bar make it an easy pick for a memorable night out. Reservations are recommended if you want a patio table. Timber! brings a different kind of romance, dining under...

29 Apr

Posted at 09:36h in Blog, Blog - Featured by

4/29/2026 Life can get busy, stressful, and a little overwhelming. Sometimes the best thing you can do is step away, slow down, and find joy in the little things. Here, those small moments are easy to come by. In Johnson City, you’ll find tucked-away spots that make it easy to slow down, wander, and enjoy the moment. From nostalgic finds to simple, feel-good experiences, these places offer a refreshing change of pace. If you’re searching for unique things to do in Johnson City or planning a weekend getaway in Northeast Tennessee, these whimsical stops are worth discovering. A Tiny Escape at Terrarium Plant Store 🌿 Step inside and you’ll feel it right away. Terrarium Plant Store isn’t just a shop, it’s a tiny world....

02 Mar

Posted at 08:08h in Blog, Blog - Featured by

3/2/2026 The Air Force Reserve Big South Men's and Women's Basketball Championships return to Johnson City March 4–8 at Freedom Hall Civic Center, bringing five days of high-energy matchups and championship moments. If you’re heading to town for the tournament, here’s how to turn game day into a full week in Johnson City. [caption id="attachment_16509" align="alignnone" width="1180"] Southern Craft[/caption] Before the Game: Southern Craft Fuel up at Southern Craft BBQ, where authentic Southern BBQ, smoked meats, wings, and stacked sandwiches set the tone for tipoff. Their award-winning sauces bring bold flavor to every plate, and you can even grab a bottle to take home. It’s hearty, satisfying, and the perfect pre-game stop. [caption id="attachment_16511" align="alignnone" width="1180"] Off Leash Social[/caption] Between Sessions: Explore and Unwind Got time between games? Head to...

23 Feb

Posted at 10:28h in Blog, Blog - Featured by

2/23/2026 Spring Break is calling, and Johnson City is ready to deliver. Whether you're planning a family getaway with the kids or a relaxed escape for two, you’ll find the perfect mix of adventure, hands-on fun, and laid-back local charm. Let’s build your ideal Spring Break itinerary. [caption id="attachment_16176" align="alignnone" width="1180"] Brights Zoo[/caption] All Aboard for Family Fun Step into the region’s rich rail history at the Johnson City Railroad Experience. Through interactive exhibits, detailed model layouts, and immersive storytelling, kids can explore how trains shaped the area, and adults will appreciate the fascinating local history woven throughout. Animal lovers won’t want to miss opening day at Brights Zoo on March 1. Just a short drive away, this family favorite offers up-close encounters and a...

12 Jan

Posted at 08:54h in Biking, Blog, Blog - Featured, Breweries/Spirits, Coffee Shops, Outdoor Adventures, Trails by

1/12/2026 The new year brings a fresh perspective, and there's no better time to discover what makes Johnson City special during the winter months. While the temperatures may drop, the adventure never stops in our vibrant mountain town. From exhilarating outdoor trails to cozy indoor retreats, Johnson City offers the perfect blend of winter experiences. Hit the Trails at Buffalo Mountain Park Winter transforms Buffalo Mountain Park into a serene wonderland perfect for cold-weather exploration. This 725-acre natural preserve offers densely forested trails that take on new character when the leaves have fallen, revealing stunning winter vistas. Whether you're looking for a peaceful morning walk or a challenging trek, Buffalo Mountain delivers. The park's winter hours (9 a.m. to sunset) give you plenty...

10 Nov

Posted at 11:25h in Blog, Blog - Featured by

11/12/2025 We love a good shopping trip to our favorite national retailers, and you'll find plenty of them here. But here's what we're really excited to share with you: Johnson City is home to a vibrant collection of locally-owned businesses that you simply won't find anywhere else. These are the places where you'll discover one-of-a-kind finds and get a real taste of what makes our community special. Tucked into our charming downtown and surrounding neighborhoods are shops that capture the creative, authentic spirit of Appalachia. Whether you're hunting for the perfect gift, upgrading your home, or just browsing for inspiration, these three Johnson City originals deserve a spot on your itinerary. Gourmet & Co. Home: Elevated Living for Every Day Walking into Gourmet &...

15 Sep

Posted at 12:22h in Blog, Blog - Featured, Explore, Family Fun by

9/15/2025 Johnson City is full of family-friendly adventures that are free or inexpensive — and still completely unique and memorable. From colorful trails to hands-on learning, fall is the perfect time to explore together without stretching your budget. Discover the Johnson City Railroad Experience Step back in time at the Johnson City Railroad Experience, where the city’s deep-rooted rail history comes to life. Explore fascinating exhibits, vintage artifacts, and model train displays that captivate visitors of all ages. With an affordable admission and plenty to see, it’s a fun, educational stop that connects families to the story of how the railroad shaped Johnson City. Adventure at Brights Zoo Brights Zoo is a hidden gem in the region, offering the chance to see rare and endangered...

21 Aug

Posted at 08:22h in Blog, Blog - Featured by

August 21, 2025 As the final weeks of summer unfold, Johnson City is buzzing with festivals that bring music, culture, and community together. From international celebrations to hometown traditions, August and September are filled with events that capture the spirit of the season. Jam in JC - August 30, 2025 Get ready for a day full of rhythm and local flavor at Jam in JC, held in King Commons. This free, all-ages music festival brings together a vibrant lineup of live performances—from bluegrass to reggae to garage punk—plus food trucks, local artists, and community energy you just can’t beat. Start your day with free yoga, enjoy acoustic jams and bluegrass sets, and stick around for headliners like The Afternooners under the downtown skies. Appalachian...

06 Jun

Posted at 15:40h in Blog, Blog - Featured by

June 6, 2025 June is National Great Outdoors Month—and there’s no better place to celebrate than in and around Johnson City, Tennessee! With everything from scenic trails and mountain overlooks to family-friendly zoos and world-famous blooms, this corner of the Appalachians is packed with ways to connect with nature. Here are just a few unforgettable outdoor adventures to enjoy this season: Tweetsie Trail Once a historic railroad route, the Tweetsie Trail now stretches 9.5 miles between Johnson City and Elizabethton as Tennessee’s longest rails-to-trails project. With a smooth crushed-stone surface and gentle grade, it’s perfect for walking, biking, running, or just soaking in the scenery—plus, you’ll cross seven bridges along the way. Buffalo Mountain Park Tucked into the north slope of Buffalo Mountain, this 725-acre park...

07 May

Posted at 10:45h in Blog, Blog - Featured, Breakfast/Brunch, Dinner, Eat, Family Dining, Fine Dining, Italian, Lunch, Only in JC, Outdoor Seating, Restaurant & Bar, Shop, Stay by

May 7, 2025 Mother’s Day is the perfect excuse to slow down and show Mom how much she means to you—and Johnson City has everything you need to make it extra special. Whether you’re planning a full weekend getaway or just a day of pampering and gift-hunting, JC’s local shops, florists, spas, and restaurants offer thoughtful ways to celebrate the moms (and mom-figures!) in your life. From handcrafted gifts to relaxing spa experiences and cozy brunch spots, here’s your guide to making this Mother’s Day meaningful—and memorable—in Johnson City. Shop Thoughtfully at Local Boutiques Skip the generic gifts and head to local boutiques like Reclaimed Home for one-of-a-kind home décor, accessories, and artisan items, or Azlinn Hope for chic apparel and stylish staples that’ll...