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Showing posts with label tourist attractions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tourist attractions. Show all posts

Explore Bristol, Virginia: Music, Motorsports, and Beyond

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Explore the Musical Heritage of Bristol, Virginia

Bristol, Virginia, a city that lies on the border of Virginia and Tennessee, is a vibrant destination steeped in musical history, exciting motorsports, and diverse outdoor activities. Known as the “Birthplace of Country Music,” Bristol offers a unique blend of culture, adventure, and tradition. Whether you're a music lover, a sports enthusiast, or an outdoor adventurer, there's something for everyone in this charming city. Here are 10 must-visit attractions to help plan your next country music road trip.

Immerse Yourself at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum

No visit to Bristol is complete without exploring the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. This Smithsonian-affiliated museum delves into the story of the historic 1927 Bristol Sessions, which were pivotal in launching country music as a commercial genre. Through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia displays, visitors can uncover the roots of American popular music and gain a deeper appreciation for its legacy.

Experience the Thrill of Bristol Motor Speedway

For fans of motorsports, the Bristol Motor Speedway is a must-see. Known as “The Last Great Colosseum” and “The World’s Fastest Half-Mile,” this iconic track hosts major NASCAR events and drag races. Even when there are no races, the sheer scale and energy of the venue make it a memorable experience.

Catch a Show at Paramount Bristol

The Paramount Bristol is a beautifully restored Art Deco theater from the 1930s. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it now serves as a premier performing arts venue. It hosts concerts, plays, comedy shows, and films, making it a great spot for an evening of entertainment.

Explore the Depths of Bristol Caverns

Journey deep underground into the timeless beauty of Bristol Caverns. Paved, well-lit walkways guide visitors through vaulted chambers alongside an ancient underground river that carved these remarkable formations over millions of years. The caverns also have a rich history, once used by Native Americans.

Shop and Dine at The Pinnacle

The Pinnacle is a massive open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment destination located just outside downtown Bristol. With dozens of retail stores, various restaurants, and entertainment options like a movie theater, it's a great place for a day of retail therapy and leisure.

Hike or Bike the Mendota Trail

For outdoor lovers, the Mendota Trail offers a scenic 12.5-mile recreational corridor between Bristol and Mendota, Virginia. This converted rail trail provides a pleasant grade for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, winding through tranquil countryside, over creeks, and across a restored swinging bridge.

Relax at South Holston Lake & Dam

South Holston Lake is a popular destination for water activities such as bass fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and boating. The lake offers hundreds of miles of shoreline nestled between the Appalachian Mountains. The South Holston River is also renowned for world-class fly-fishing.

Discover Local Art at Benjamin Walls Gallery

Experience the work of internationally recognized artist Benjamin Walls at his signature gallery. A five-time Smithsonian exhibitor, Walls’ gallery showcases stunning photography and art, offering a unique cultural experience in downtown Bristol.

Enjoy the Outdoors at Sugar Hollow Park

Sugar Hollow Park is a 400-acre city park offering a variety of recreational opportunities. It features bike and hiking trails, a wetlands area perfect for birdwatching, camping sites, picnic areas, and sports fields. There's also a high-ranked disc golf course for enthusiasts.

Experience Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion (Seasonal)

If you're visiting in September, don't miss the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion. This annual three-day music festival celebrates Bristol’s musical heritage with over 120 bands performing across multiple stages downtown, alongside food and arts and crafts vendors. It's a vibrant celebration of Americana music.

Stay at The Sessions Hotel

When planning your visit to Bristol, consider staying at The Sessions Hotel. Named after the legendary 1927 Bristol Sessions, the hotel is situated at the State Street entrance to historic downtown, adjacent to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. Its design incorporates elements from the original 1915 Bristol Grocery Building, 1920 Jobbers Candy Factory, and 1922 Simply Grand Granary Mill, creating an ambiance where rustic industrial meets contemporary luxury.

The hotel offers 70 luxury boutique guest rooms and suites, each uniquely designed with exposed brick, wood floors, and modern furnishings. Guests can expect premium amenities like plush Kingsdown mattresses, Molton Brown toiletries, luxurious Boca Terry bathrobes, 55-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Indulge at Southern Craft, the hotel’s upscale wood-fired smokehouse restaurant, serving award-winning barbecue and classic comfort food. For evening relaxation, the Rooftop Bar & Lounge offers cocktails, a cozy fire pit, and stunning views of the city.

Beyond dining, the hotel features a full-service Vision Salon and Day Spa for invigorating treatments, a 24-hour front desk, a business center, four meeting rooms, and a gift shop. It's also pet-friendly and offers complimentary self-parking.

Its central downtown location means you're just steps away from State Street’s shops, restaurants, and attractions, including the Birthplace of Country Music Museum and Paramount Bristol. The hotel frequently hosts live music and events in its indoor and outdoor venues, further immersing you in Bristol’s vibrant music scene.

5 films set on the French Riviera that will make you want to book a trip

The French Riviera, with its stunning coastline and glamorous towns, has long been a source of inspiration for many filmmakers. These five films will transport you to this legendary region, leaving you wanting to plan your next journey there.

To Catch a Thief (1955)

This iconic Alfred Hitchcock movie, starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly, highlights the luxurious aspect of the French Riviera, with scenes shot in places like Cannes, Nice, and Monte Carlo. The film tells the story of a retired cat burglar who is wrongly accused of committing a string of jewel thefts and must figure out a way to clear his reputation.

Reasons to watch?

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Grace of Monaco (2014)

Actress Nicole Kidman stars as the legendary Grace Kelly in this historical drama, which examines Kelly's transition from Hollywood stardom to life as a princess in Monaco. The movie presents the glamour and mystery of the principality, highlighting its majestic palaces and extravagant lifestyle.

Reasons to watch?

The movie provides a direct look into the luxurious world of the French Riviera, showcasing breathtaking places like the Prince's Palace in Monaco and the charming village of Menton.

The Love Punch (2013)

A recently divorced couple, Richard and Kate, embark on an exciting heist along the beautiful French Riviera to reclaim their stolen pension. While navigating the complexities of their scheme against the breathtaking backdrop of the Côte d'Azur, their trip unexpectedly rekindles the flame of their former romance.

Reasons to watch?

Certain notable destinations along the French Riviera include Nice, Cannes, and Antibes. Specific locations featured include the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, the Hotel Negresco in Cannes, and the Sophia Antipolis Technology Park in Antibes.

GoldenEye (1995)

Golden Eye is a 1995 film that features Pierce Brosnan as James Bond, who has the objective of preventing a rogue agent from using a stolen satellite system to disrupt global financial markets.

Reasons to watch?

The film highlights the region's luxurious and opulent side, from the famous Monte Carlo Casino to the lavish villas located amidst the rolling hills.

Magic in Moonlight (2014)

Magic in the Moonlight is a romantic comedy starring Colin Firth, a well-known magician and stage illusionist who doesn't believe in psychic phenomena. He is hired to disprove a young American spiritualist (played by Emma Stone) who claims to have psychic abilities. As their investigation unfolds in the French Riviera, their initial opposition gradually develops into an unexpected attraction.

Reasons to watch?

The film is worth watching for its locations alone, including Villa Eilenroc, a luxurious estate located on the Cap d'Antibes, the Hôtel Negresco in Nice, the Observatoire de la Côte d'Azur, and other scenic spots along the French Riviera.