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THINGS TO DO IN THE AREA.
Boone Lake Level Information: Boone Lake is a TVA lake. TVA lowers the water level in the winter months and the level is back to full pool in the spring. Click on this link to see what the water level will be during your stay. http://boone.uslakes.info/Level.asp BOAT RENTAL INFO:
Rent Jet Skis: Jet Ski Rentals. 423-833-3465 Boone Lake Marina 423-391-7283
Discount Boat Rentals : Sonny's Marina 423-282-9440 Lakeview Marina 423-323-1054
Boone Lake Marina 423-391-7283
_________________________________________________________________________ A Full Week of Kids Adventures:
Day One: Start your day at Hands On! Regional Museum with interactive exhibits www.handsonmuseum.org Located one block from I-26. Hands On! Regional Museum is a unique environment for children of all ages, designed to make learning fun imagination is the only limitation. Programs and activities in the arts, sciences, and humanities are offered daily. Open: Tues.-Fri. 9am-5pm; Sat. 10am-5pm; Sun. 1-5pm. Mon. 9am-5pm (Jun.-Aug. only). Closed holidays. Spend some time at the Fun Expedition: Located 1 mile from I-26. Among the activities you'll find at Fun Expedition is mini golf, batting cages, climbing wall, laser tag arena, state of the art arcade gallery, indoor and outdoor go-kart track, bumper cars, bowling, and toddler/soft play area. Our all-you-care-to-eat Box Car Buffet boasts over 30 varieties of piping hot pizzas made throughout the day in addition to a generous salad, pasta and dessert selection. If your destination is FUN, then get on board at Fun Expedition. Open Mon. - Thurs. 11am - 9 pm; Fri. & Sat. 10am - 11 http://www.funexpedition.com/
Day Two: Travel down I-26 to the Gray Fossil Site & Museum. http://www.grayfossilmuseum.com this is the worlds largest Miocene Fossil Site where you will experience new species of fossils never seen before up to 5 million years old. Watch the paleontologist dig for bones at the observation area or join in the fun and dig for some in the kids dig area. Enjoy a simple lunch at the fossil site or stop by one of the areas many restaurants.
Day Three: Visit Bristol Caverns is the largest in the Smokey Mountain Region. (423) 878-2011 www.bristolcaverns.com Beautiful and majestic Bristol Caverns! Far below the earth's surface, in the timeless beauty of Bristol Caverns, a strange and exciting experience awaits you. Paved, well lighted walkways wind through the vaulted chambers and along the banks of the ancient Underground River that carved these remarkable caverns from the hard core of the earth 200 to 400 million years ago. In the frontier days, Indians used the Underground River as an attack and escape route in their raids on settlers. Stealing into the area by way of the Underground River and the caverns, they swooped down on unsuspecting families, then disappeared as if swallowed up by the earth.
Day Four: Enjoy the day at Wetlands Water Park in Jonesborough, Tennessee’s oldest town. At Wetlands Water Park, they can scream their way down a 200-foot fiberglass flume. Lounge in the lazy river, take a dive down a water slide and enjoy the kiddy-sized play areas with water fountains and shaded swimming. Wetlands water park in Jonesboro is located at 1523 Persimmon Ridge Road - (423)-753-1553 http://www.wetlandsjonesborough.com/
Day Five: When you have had your fill of sun and excitement on Boone Lake, travel into downtown Jonesborough. Visit the International Storytelling Center, with daily matinees. You won’t want to miss this three-day storytelling extravaganza featuring compelling performances by nationally-known tellers www.storytellingcenter.net Enjoy shopping in Jonesboro. Jonesboro is 8 miles away and is the oldest town in Tennessee. Jonesboro has a storytelling festival yearly at the story telling center. Take a carriage ride around the town, enjoy unique shopping and treat the kids at the local sweets shops. Day Six: Enjoy a trip to Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium. Originally a tract of land bought to protect the source of Kingsport’s water supply, Bays Mountain Park, at over 3,550 acres with a 44-acre lake in a natural valley between two ridges and 27 miles of hiking trails. It is one of the largest city-owned parks in the nation. Be sure to drop by the Nature Center and view the exhibits and visit the various wildlife habitats, including the famous wolves. There’s also a planetarium and an observatory on the grounds. Located in beautiful Kingsport, Tennessee, Farmstead Museum, and a spectacular Planetarium Theater with a 40 foot diameter dome. http://www.baysmountain.com
_____________________________________________________________________________ Girlfriend Weekend:
Day One: Begin your weekend of elegance by enjoying the beauty of the Northeast Tennessee countryside. First, visit the family owned and operated Countryside Vineyards in Blountville. http://www.cvwineryandsupply.com/ Countryside Vineyards & Winery is dedicated to extracting some of nature's most enticing flavors and making them into award winning wines. The vineyard offers tours and sampling to enhance your visit. Located just 1.5 mile from I-81 exit #63. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Countryside Vineyards in Blountville, Tennessee ripens a rich harvest of memorable flavors from the earth. Home to the several award-winning wines recognized throughout the state of Tennessee and other national competitions. Stop by for a free tour and taste of our award winning wines. Open Mon.-Sat. 10am-6pm; Sun. 1-6pm. Call to confirm hours. Closed Christmas Day and New Years Day. Limited hours all other holidays. Phone: 423-323-1660
Day Two: Spend the day shopping! The Tri-Cities is a great place to shop with newly remodeled malls, strip centers, several shopping centers, and lots of antique stores. After a long day on your feet lugging bags around, pamper yourself in Johnson City at the Body & Health Mind Center, http://www.mybhmc.com/menu and indulge in their amazing menu of services. They have several spa packages to choose from and you're sure to find one that is perfect for you. 423-282-9713
Day Three: Head north to enchanting Abingdon, Virginia. Abingdon offers visitors great places to visit and shop. Be sure to go shop at Dixie Pottery where you can find interior decorations for your home. Finally, take the night to enjoy a show at the famed Barter Theatre. Barter Theatre: Barter Theatre began in 1933 with one man's idea to have patrons pay with produce and has grown today into a year-round theatre with more than 160,000 visitors each year. Famous Barter Alumni include: Gregory Peck, Patricia Neal, and Wayne Knight. In addition to being the state theatre of Virginia, Barter has launched the careers of such celebrity performers as Wayne Knight, Gregory Peck, Patricia Neal, and Ernest Borgnine. Barter offers a wide range of performances including musicals, classics, comedies and dramas, all of which you are sure to enjoy..http://www.bartertheatre.com/
___________________________________________________________________________________ Group Trips:
Bristol Motor Speedway: Located 8 miles from I-81. Known as "The World's Fastest Half-Mile," BMS annually hosts two NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series events. Bristol Dragway, better known as "Thunder Valley," hosts the NHRA Drag Racing Series, its own Bracket Series program and its popular street-legal racing series called Street Fights. Visitors also can share in the spirit of the holiday season during “Speedway in Lights” exhibit. Track tours available. Call for a complete schedule of events and tour schedule. Office hours: Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm. http://www.bristolmotorspeedway.com/ Phone: 423-989-6900
Rocky Mount Living History Museum: Located 4 miles from I-26 on Highway 11-E. The First Capitol of the Southwest Territory (1790-1792), now a Living History Museum. Interpreters invite you to become a guest of the Cobb family in 1791 and experience everyday life on American's first frontier. Open Mar. - Mid Dec. (first and second Fri. and Sat. in December). Tues.-Sat. 11a.m.-5 p.m. other times by appointment. Closed Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day. http://www.rockymountmuseum.com/
Sonny's Marina Boat Rentals: Located off Highway 36. One mile behind Zak's Furniture. Full-service marina, mechanics, ship store, gift shop, parts department, boat rentals and full service restaurant with live music during the summer months on site. Open seasonal April - Nov. 9am-6pm daily. 423-282-9440 www.sonnysmarina.com
Warriors' Path State Park: Located 2 miles off I-81. Warriors' Path State Park was named for the park's proximity to the ancient war and trading path used by the Cherokee. Since that time, the parkland has known a long history of travelers, and is still a pathway for modern-day outdoor enthusiasts. Park features hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, bike trails, boating, water skiing, fishing, boat ramps, 18 hole golf course, playground, swimming pool, 22 hole disc golf course and pets welcome. Fishing boats, paddle boats, and canoes rentals available. Open year round. http://state.tn.us/environment/parks/WarriorsPath/
Netherland Inn And Boatyard: The Netherland Inn is the nation's only registered historical site which was both a stage stop and a boatyard. The restored Netherland Inn and section of the Old Boatyard are a great place to visit and learn the history of the region. http://www.netherlandinn.com
_______________________________________________ An Entire Week of Outdoor Adventure:
Day One: To start your adventure trip, head to Blountville to explore the Appalachian Caverns. These caverns have served as a hide out for Indians, Civil War soldiers, and moonshiners over the years and you can discover why by taking the 3 and half hour "Wild Trip" through the underdeveloped parts of the cave. The caverns are also home to several species of bats including the endangered Grey Bat. Appalachian Caverns. http://www.appacaverns.com. here you will take a one hour guided tour savoring the breathtaking beauty the labyrinth of corridors and rooms have to offer. Almost one mile of walkways, some winding through great rooms with ceilings reaching an impressive height of 135 feet, provide a full hour of excitement and adventure
Day Two: Hop on I-81 and head north to Abingdon, Va. to the Creeper Trail. The Virginia Creeper Trail, which was formerly a railroad, offers 35 miles of scenic and serene biking, hiking, or horseback riding and is a great way to spend the afternoon. The Virginia Creeper Trail stretches 35 miles from Abingdon Virginia thru Damascus Virginia to the NC State Line near Whitetop Virginia. The Virginia Creeper Trail is open to hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The former rail bed passes through the back country of Southwest Virginia. The Virginia Creeper Trail is rich in beauty and regional history. This is a biking adventure that you and your friends will talk about for a long time. www.vacreepertrail.com Day Three: Take an exciting rafting trip down the Nolichucky through the deepest gorge in the Eastern United States with Cherokee Adventures or Mountain Adventure Guides/USA Raft. You will experience class II-IV rapids as you wind through the steep cliffs and towering forests. Those who want more of a challenge can opt for an individual duck if the water levels permit. Cherokee Adventures Whitewater Rafting Located 1.4 miles from I-26. Our specialty is the scenic Nolichucky River. The Nolichucky, winding through both North Carolina and Tennessee, offers a variety of whitewater rapids (guided class III and IV) that cut their way through a beautiful 3000' gorge. We don't just do whitewater rafting trips: we also offer Funyaks, riverside camping, mountain-biking tours, ropes courses, family fun, Full service restaurant and hot showers. No experience needed. Operating: Mar.-Oct. Phone: 423-743-7733 http://www.cherokeeadventures.com/
Day Four: Dress a little warmer before you reach the breathtaking views from Roan Mountain. At 6,285 ft., Roan Mountain is one of the area’s tallest mountains and offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. While atop Roan Mountain State Park be sure to walk through the beautiful Rhododendron gardens that are at peak bloom in late June. Before you leave Roan Mountain, drive to nearby Elk River Falls for a swim and a view of one of the areas most powerful falls. Roan Mountain State Park Located 20 miles off I-26. 6,285 ft. elev. and the "world's largest natural stand of Rhododendron gardens" picnic tables, charcoal grills , playground,, pets welcome, fishing, swimming pool, and tennis. Phone: 800-250-8620 http://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/RoanMtn/
Day Five: Take a break from all your local adventures and visit nearby Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge for shopping outlets or Dollywood or spend some time in Asheville at the Biltmore House or Grove Park Inn all within a hours drive. Day Six: AVT & Motorcross: Muddy Creek Moto Cross Muddy Creek Raceway is a 14 year old facility that got its start as a practice track on Sunday afternoons. The rider's numbers got so great that the idea of scoring came into play. The rest is history. Muddy Creek Raceway was rated by Motocross Action as one of the top 3 tracks in the United States. The only fault they could find with the track was that it was not located next to their office! Phone:423.323.5497 www.hometownmotocross.com/htmxtrackdata/tntracks/tnmuddycreek.html _______________________________________________________________________ Guys Golf Weekend: Want to get in more golfing while your here...Northeast Tennessee offers beautiful championship quality golf courses. For an unforgettable round of golf try one of the following courses:
Tri-Cities Golf Club : Located 3.4 miles from I-81, exit 69. Tri-Cities Golf Club has been a key venue for public golf for over 30 years. We offer the best value for golf in the region providing 27 holes with a variety of conditions. With our convenient and easy to get to location, you can be here in minutes from Bristol, Johnson City, Elizabethton or Kingsport. You will use every club in your bag when you decide to play all 27 holes. If you are a local golfer who has not played here, or are in town for a race, vacation, or just passing through, stop by for a great golfing experience. We look forward to seeing you! Phone: 423-323-3762 http://www.tricitiesgc.com/
Cattails at Meadow View: Cattails at Meadow View, a Denis Griffiths design, originally opened in 1998 and has quickly become recognized as one of the top golf courses in a Tennessee region that was recently named the second best golf city in America by Golf Digest magazine. http://www.cattailsgolf.com/
Graysburg Hills Golf Course: Located 5 miles from I-81. Graysburg Hill's 27 hole family owned and operated course opened for play in 1978. Rees Jones designed the Knobs and Fodderstack Nines. The Chimney Top Nine was designed by Edward Lawrence Packard and opened for play in 1994. Nestled in the foothills of one of east Tennessee's most scenic regions. The course is highly respected for its grooming and maintenance standards, friendly atmosphere and reasonable rates. No pretension here, just great golf at an affordable price. 4 Star Rating Places to Play Guide published by GOLF DIGEST MAGAZINE. Tee times required. Pro shop, snack shop, golf club rentals, practice facilities and putting green. Golf packages and lessons available. Open year round. Chimney Top Nine offers home sites from beautifully wooded lots to panoramic views of the mountains and the golf course. http://www.graysburghillsgolf.com/ Phone: 423-234-8061 __________________________________________________________________________ Winter Activites: If your family would like to do a day trip, all 3 ski area are a 45 minute drive from any of our vacation homes, Sugar Mountain is a long-time favorite with families and is the largest ski area in North Carolina. There are 115 skiable acres and 20 runs, along with seven lifts, including one triple, four doubles, and two surface lifts. The terrain park has its own surface lift. There is also snowshoeing, tubing, and ice skating available. info@skisugar.com When you ski or snowboard at Wolf Ridge Ski Resort you'll enjoy unmatched views, crisp mountain air, well-groomed slopes and some new places to explore at Western North Carolina's top-rated ski slope. Formerly Wolf Laurel Slopes, Wolf Ridge Ski Resort has expanded and offers 15 acres of additional ski slopes, a new quad lift, a new terrain park and much more. There is something for everyone from beginner to expert at this family-oriented resort now with an expanded 82 acres of ski terrain. There are two places to park, purchase lift tickets/area passes and pick up rentals - the Lower Wolf Ridge Lodge and the Upper Wolf Ridge Lodge. Wolf Ridge Ski Resort is North Carolina's most accessible ski slope. You won't find miles and miles of two-lane switchbacks here- we're just 5 miles from I-26 at Exit 3 and just 30 minutes from Asheville, NC. Why not visit Western North Carolina's family-oriented ski area this season - come Ski the Wolf!http://www.skiwolfridgenc.com/default.htmAfter a successful summer of Mountain Biking and Mountain Boarding, Beech Mountain Resort is looking forward to the new ski season. There have been exciting projects this summer and the attention to detail has remained a major focus for the entire staff. We have made significant improvements in snowmaking and have continued to adjust Beech Tree Village for customer convenience. Some of the major improvements for this year are the completion of the Oz Quad Chair, a Private Season Locker Room, new upgrades to the Group Sales Area, a second Retail Shop in the View Haus Cafeteria and the completion of the new freestyle terrain area. Beech Mountain Resort is scheduled to open on Saturday, November 21 2009 and operate until Sunday, March 14 2010*. http://www.skibeech.com
Lake Entertainment Located on Beautiful Boone Lake : Marker 2 Grill Lakeview Marina (On Boone Lake)
474 Lake side Dock Drive Kingsport, TN 37663 423-323-4665 http://www.thelakeviewmarina.net Serves Lunch & Dinner/ Live Music
Sonny’s Marina & Grill (On Boone Lake)
109 One Street Gray, TN 37615 423-282-9440 http://Sonnysmarina.com Serves Lunch & Dinner/ Live Music Boone Lake Marina 452 Sportsmans Dock Road Piney Flats, TN 37686 423-391-7283 http://www.boonelakemarina.com Rockingham Marina
639 Rockingham Rd Johnson City, TN 3761 http://www.rockinghammarina.com Serves Lunch
Jays Boat Dock 945 Pickens Bridge Road Gray, TN 37615 423-282-3522 Serves Breakfast & Lunch Davis Marina 641 Buffalo Road Blountville, TN 37617 423-323-9192 Serves Lunch Hidden Cove Marina 149 Boat Dock Road Johnson City TN 37601 423-282-4633 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ RESTAURANTS: Casual Dining: Cracker Barrel - Golden Corral - Reflections - Outback Steakhouse - Olive Garden - Red Lobster - House Of Ribs - Blue Pear Grille - Sushi Blues - Logan's Road House - Cottie Brown's Pizza - El Matador- Amigos Mexican - Rocky River Grill - Motto Japan - Chedders - Stir Fry Asian Fine Dining: Pacific Cafe - Hemingways Piano Bar - Peerless Steakhouse- Galloways ______________________________________________________________________________
Night Life: Freedom Hall
Freedom Hall Civic Center 1320 Pactolas Road Johnson City, TN 37604 Phone: (423) 461-4855 Fireworks show on July 4th http://www.johnsoncitytn.org
Electric Cowboy 1805 North Roan StSTE F-1 Johnson City, TN 37601 Phone 423-928-0022 http://www.electriccowboy.com/johnsoncity/ Knights Sports Bar (423) 975-6483 1701 Franklin Square Kingsport TN 37664
Dixieland Jamboree Bar (423) 434-2776 120 West Main Street Johnson City, TN 37604
Karma Sports Bar & Grill (423) 979-1122 601 Spring Street Johnson City, TN 37604
Kemosabee’s Roadhouse 423 282-3830 2926 Boones Creek Rd, Gray TN The Comedy Zone 423 283-0074 101 W. Springbrook Dr, Johnson City TN Blue Moon Dinner Theatre 423 232-1350 215 E. Main St, Johnson City TN Cappy’s Apex Sports Bar Smoke Free 423 926-9931 604 W. Market St, Johnson City TN Numan’s Café & Sports Bar 423 926-7665 Main St, Johnson City TN Halo Downtown Bar 423 434-0799 211 E. Main St, Johnson City TN Everette’s Saloon & Grill 423 773-5475 1121 #1 N. Roan St, Johnson City Crowbar & Pacers Kitchen Pool , Ping Pong, WII, Golf & Putt Putt Games 423 282-1201 123 E. Springbrook Dr. (across from Harbor House), Johnson City, TN The Acoustic Coffeehouse www.acousticcoffeehouse.net 415 W. Walnut St, Johnson City TN Art Nights- City Lights
Concerts at Kingsport Renaissance Center 423 392-8417 www.KingsportARTS.org 1200 E. Center St, Kingsport TN Rockefeller’s (Karaoke) 423 765-9060 417 W. Stone Dr, Kingsport TN Woodstone Deli & Sports Bar 423 245-5424 3500 Ft. Henry Dr, Kingsport TN Paramount Center for the Performing Arts 423 274-8920, Downtown State St, Bristol TN State Line Bar & Grill 423 652-0792 Downtown State St, Bristol TN O’Mainnin’s Pub & Grill 423 844-0049 712 State St, Bristol TN Machiavelli’s Italian Restaurant and Nightlife 423 573-9955 8 Fifth St, Bristol TN Viking Hall Concerts
Downtown Bristol TN ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Day Trips: Gatlinburg Tn, Dollywood theme park and the Great Smoky Mountains National park all about 90 minutes away. The historic Biltmore House & Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina which is a little over a hours Drive.
  
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