Enjoyable & Fun Things To Do in Kingsport, TN

Also called the Mountain Empire, Kingsport is a beautiful place situated in Tennessee. Interestingly, the name Kingsport is the rearrangement of the Lord’s Port. It is a small city on the Holston River. But it has a rich historical background and yes – countless picturesque excellence. This is why you will find best things to do in Kingsport, TN.

Fun Things to do in Kingsport, TN

1. Enjoy the Kingsport Carousel

It was the idea of Gale Joh – a local citizen. With this idea in mind, he invited and recruited local volunteers, donors, and civic leaders to join him in his dream. After a lot of hard work, the Kingsport Carousel was opened in 2015. Here, you will get to see 24 sweep animals and 32 animals along with 2 chariots and a hand-carved carousel. You can visit here and enjoy it endlessly. You can even rent the place for parties, birthdays, and other celebrations. But yes, keep the operating hours in mind.

2. Explore the Famous Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium

Another place to enjoy fun activities and things to do in Kingsport, Tennessee is the Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium. It is an outstanding nature preserve that is spread on land of more than 3500 acres. Here, you will also get a lake (44 acres) along with a 38-mile-long trail. It is a perfect option to enjoy hiking, running, and biking.

In addition to this, it is an ideal spot to explore wildlife. You can view and capture colorful birds, reptiles, bobcats, and so on. If you love zip-lining, then you can visit this place. The best thing about it is that it is open every day. However, the opening hours depend on the season. Hence, check everything beforehand.

3. Visit the Lamplight Theatre

It is a non-benefit space that provides people with amusement and qualities. This theater has settings for shows, dramatic creations, gatherings, and several other occasions. This place also has the arrangements to prepare new yet great entertainers by helping them with their skills. For people who love theaters, stage shows, and dramatic creations, this is a perfect spot to visit.

4. Head to Gypsy Circus Cider Company

It is the first company in Tennessee that utilizes natural supplements with zero counterfeit flavors, concentrate, and sorbets. This art cidery is located in Kingsport and sources apples and other natural supplements to deliver the best. Due to its authenticity, it has won bronze, silver, and gold in the Tennessee Championship of Beers. Along with this, it has also won a bronze and silver in the New York International Beer Competition and gold in the International East Meets West Challenge.

This award-winning place is the best spot to enjoy great and friendly environments. You can even enjoy great music and try the delectable food items served by the Gypsy Circus Cider Company.

5. Head to the Putt-Putt Fun Center

This place attracts grown-ups and youngsters the most. It is a unique place to enjoy go-karts, classic games, bumper cars, bumper boats, laser tag, batting cages, and a modern arcade. If you are visiting Kingsport with your family and kids, then you should not miss out on the opportunity to explore the Putt-Putt Fun Center. You can even organize a surprise birthday party for your little ones here.

6. Fun at Kingsport Greenbelt

In case you are wondering what to do in Kingsport, TN, the Kingsport Greenbelt could be your best choice. Here, you will have one of the best nature experiences. It has an 8-mile-long scenic trail that cuts the forest and the town. This trail is accessible to runners, walkers, hikers, and cyclists.

Another good thing is that it is open for 12 months. However, you may find some variations in the timings. Besides, you will also get to see a wetland zone here. In this area, you will get to see native trees, wildflowers, picnic spots, historical locations, skate parks, and lots more.

7. Explore the well-known Kingsport Farmers Market

The humble beginning of this place was in 1977. The objective of this market is to supply fresh yet reasonably priced products to consumers. It started when a group of farmers gathered and started taking part in different food fairs. After a few times, they named this small group of farmers’ gatherings – the Kingsport Farmers Market. 

Today, you will find the freshest products including a huge variety of ready-to-eat meals. You can also participate in cooking and baking classes in this market. For foodies, this market is like a paradise as they can find some of the most unique flavors and delicious dishes. Since it is open during a specific period, check everything before visiting.

Also Check: Things To Do in Johnson City TN

8. Do Shopping at the Fort Henry Mall

In case you are searching for the best things to do near Kingsport, TN, you can head to the Fort Henry Mall. It is a popular spot among shopping enthusiasts. Initially, it was a 2-level store but now it has become bigger. In the entire Kingsport, you will not find anything better than this mall, in terms of shopping and dining. 

When you are here, you can shop for a variety of fashionable things. You can buy from the finest and handpicked range of clothes, footwear, accessories, and so on. The best thing about the Fort Henry Mall is that you will only see the seasonable, trendy, and ongoing fashion trends here.

9. Get a Unique Experience at the Netherland Inn

This place has been a crucial landmark of the city for over 200 years. It is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Netherland Inn was an important destination for visitors who were traveling to Tennessee. It has also been home to Presidents James K. Polk and Andrew Jackson.

But now, it has completely been renovated and converted into a museum. It contains a children’s museum, a kitchen wing and schoolhouse, and a prominent transportation museum. But it is open for travelers between May and October and on weekends only.

10. Spend Some Time at the Riverfront Park

It is a community park that is on 19 acres of land. Situated along the popular Holston River, the Riverfront Park has bike runs, walking trails, boat access, park benches, picnic tables, water fountains, and restrooms.

It also allows people to enjoy fishing and spend some serene time with family and friends. You can also schedule a picnic here with your kids and enjoy delicious barbeque grills and lip-smacking food items. In case you need a romantic place to enjoy long walks with your better half, you can visit this park. Lastly, it is a pet-friendly park. Therefore, you can take your furry friend with you.

11. Experience Beautiful Creations at the Inventor Center

People who love arts and crafts must visit the one-of-a-kind educational center – the Inventor Center. They can find metalworking, woodworking, animations, fine arts, etc. This center is considered a hotspot for thinkers and artisans as they can contribute to the development and improvement of the communities. 

Besides, you can also participate in different classes. By opting for the monthly membership, you can access this center at any time during weekends and weekdays. For non-members, this facility is only available between 3 pm and 8 pm on weekdays and between 10 am and 5 pm on Saturdays.

12. Visit the Magical Mountain Music Museum

This beautiful center is fully dedicated to music. It is managed and owned by the well-known (not-for-profit) organization – the Appalachian Cultural Music Association. This Mountain Music Museum exhibits accounts of photos, vintage musical instruments, and several other memorabilia. 

You will also find the notable entertainers of the 21st century in its gallery. It includes Jimmie Rodgers, the Stoneman Family, the Carter Family, Mac Wiseman, Flatt and Scruggs, Tennessee Ernie Ford, the Stanley Brothers, Archie Campbell, and Mel Street. Simply put, visiting this museum is the best thing to do in Kingsport, TN this weekend. It is even more important if you are a keen music lover.

Kingsport is such an incredible and unique destination to visit. It offers endless fun experiences along with an engaging trip with your loved ones. But yes, before visiting, you are advised to make a list of the fun things to do in Kingsport, TN. This way, you will be able to enjoy the maximum without messing up with things. Lastly, always check the climatic conditions before visiting to make the most out of your trip.

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