Each New Year brings the opportunity to make new memories with those you love. It also brings the chance to explore new places, try new foods and create new traditions. Kingsport offers a multitude of activities to enjoy. From history and art, to nature and live music, there’s something for everyone. We’re breaking down 25 of our favorite things that Kingsport has to offer so you can make the most of your 2025.
For the foodies:
- Enjoy a hamburger, frenchie fry, sweet tea and peanut butter milkshake at the original Pal’s location in downtown Kingsport.
- Sip on a Long Island Iced Tea (created in Kingsport) or try a themed treat at one of the stops along the Long Island Iced Tea Trail.
- Pop into Cornucopia for more than 40 flavors of gourmet popcorn, made from scratch in small batches.
- Support local farmers while shopping for fresh produce with a stop at the Kingsport Farmers Market.
- Taste craft beers, ciders, spirits and wine at High Voltage, Ole Crow Tavern, The Reserve, Bays Mountain Brewing Company, Gypsy Circus Cider Company, Model City Tap House, 6ix Grist and Grind Brewhouse, Flanagan Brother Bierworks, The Corner, Hook & Ladder Distillery and Inspire Wine Bar.
For the outdoor enthusiasts:
- Bobcats and foxes and wolves, oh my! Spend a day at Bays Mountain and enjoy the 44-acre lake, hiking trails, nature center, planetarium and animal habitats.
- Rent a kayak, pedal boat or paddleboard at Warriors’ Path State Park.
- Putt your way to a win with a round of golf at Cattails at MeadowView.
- Sing and dance this summer at a free Twilight Alive concert in downtown Kingsport.
- Run, walk or bike along 10 miles of scenic paths at the Kingsport Greenbelt.
For the thrill seekers:
- Embrace your inner lumberjack and throw axes at King’s Sport Axe House.
- Dive into a pool, float in the 900-feet-long glazy river and choose a water slide to conquer at the Kingsport Aquatic Center.
- Hunt for a medallion, watch a hot air balloon take flight or run in the world’s fastest 8K at Fun Fest in July.
- Play ball! Catch a game at Hunter Wright Stadium and cheer for the Kingsport Axmen.
- Feel the need for speed with a race at the Kingsport Speedway.
- Test your skills in woodworking, blacksmithing, embroidery, stained glass and more with a class at The Inventor Center.
For the art lovers:
- Go for a ride on the Kingsport Carousel and enjoy more than 30 hand-carved and hand-painted animals.
- Say cheese and strike a pose at the stops along the Kingsport Selfie Trail.
- Take in a performance at the Kingsport Symphony, Kingsport Ballet and the Kingsport Theater Guild.
- Learn to mold clay or paint pottery at The Clay Gurus or Brushstrokes N’ More.
- Feel the beat with live music at High Voltage, Model City Tap House, Bays Mountain Brewing Company and Gypsy Circus Cider Company.
For the history buffs:
- Step into the past and enjoy a slower pace at The Exchange Place, Kingsport’s living history farm.
- Visit the Netherland Inn and Boatyard Historic Site, built in 1802 and decorated with period furnishings.
- Discover the history of Allandale Mansion and learn how the home became a landmark of East Tennessee.
- Pay respects at the Kingsport Veterans Memorial and honor the 2,100+ veterans from around the city.
