For visitors to Bristol, the city that spans Tennessee and Virginia, it's great to stay in the heart of it all. The hotel is housed in a renovated 1925 building that originally served as a retail and office space. The transformation into a hotel aimed to preserve the historic charm of the structure while providing modern amenities. It's also right next to the Birthplace of … [Read more...] about Southern Stays: The Bristol Hotel
Bristol
Visiting the Birthplace of Country Music Museum
The Birthplace of Country Music Museum opened its doors in August 2014 as a partnership between Virginia and Tennessee. The Smithsonian affiliate is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich musical heritage of Bristol and its impact on the development of country music. It's the site of what's called the "big bang" of country music, or the 1927 Bristol Sessions recordings. … [Read more...] about Visiting the Birthplace of Country Music Museum
Where to Go in the South in 2020
It’s the time of year when we start planning upcoming adventures. There are so many places I recommend visiting in the South, but 2020 will be an important year for many reasons. Based on travel trends from Destination Analysts, four of the top 20 destinations in the United States are within the South. Each of these destinations has been thoughtfully selected for what is … [Read more...] about Where to Go in the South in 2020
Weekend Guide to Southwest Virginia
The area that makes up Southwest Virginia includes over 20 counties and destinations like Bristol, Abingdon, Big Stone Gap, Galax, Blacksburg, Roanoke, Radford, and many other smaller communities. The region was first settled before the Civil War by immigrants of English, German, and Scots-Irish origin. It shares more in common with its Appalachian neighbors like Kentucky … [Read more...] about Weekend Guide to Southwest Virginia
The South’s Best Lesser-Known Music Cities
Earlier this year, I wrote a story for Fodor's about America's best music cities beyond the places you usually hear about. The South, in particular, is a region rich in music culture, especially in Nashville, Memphis, Atlanta, and New Orleans. But these places are far from the only ones. Even this list isn't exhaustive, leaving out other musically inclined destinations like … [Read more...] about The South’s Best Lesser-Known Music Cities