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Area Information & Things to Do
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 Johnson City, Tennessee
“Where the Pioneer Spirit Began”
Johnson City is located in northeastern Tennessee, and with a population of 60,000, it is the fourth largest metropolitan city in the state of Tennessee. Johnson City is also the largest of the Tri-Cities, which also includes Kingsport and Bristol. Johnson City was established by Henry Johnson in 1856 as “Johnson’s Depot,” a railroad station that evolved into one of the southeast’s major railway centers. In 1869, the state of Tennessee incorporated the area as Johnson City, with Johnson serving as the city’s first mayor.
Set in a region known as America’s First Frontier, Johnson City is “Where the Pioneer Spirit Began”—it is a historically significant and culturally rich community surrounded by an abundance of unspoiled natural beauty. Johnson City’s history dates back more than 200 years, and its culture embraces individual creativity and encourages innovation through expression. The area is world-renowned for its modern and traditional Appalachian and bluegrass music, art and cuisine, storytelling and outdoor recreation for the whole family throughout all four seasons.
• Johnson City, governed by a city manager/commissioner form of government, is located within Washington County, with small portions located in Sullivan County to the northeast and Carter County to the southeast.
• In 1997, out of 354 metropolitan areas Johnson City ranked number 73 in Places Rated Almanac, based on a combination of recreation, climate, education, cost of living, job outlook, education, crime, transportation, the arts and health care. In May 2006, Johnson City was Forbes #9 Best Smaller Metro; Inc. #40 Hottest Small Cities; Top 40 Best Performing Small Metros: Most Affordable; Best Performing City in the Tri-Cities- #6 in Tennessee; and Top 100 Cities to Relocate.
• Johnson City has 13 city schools, four private schools and 14 county schools.
• The area also has four higher education facilities. The main campus of East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is located on 350 acres in Johnson City, enrolling more than 11,000 students annually with more than 100-degree programs available. Milligan College is a four-year private Christian liberal arts college, with an approximate enrollment of 900 students. Northeast State Technical Community College is a community college that supports continuing education through technical education, college transfer programs, associate degrees, one-year certificates and professional development curriculum. Emmanuel School of Religion is an accredited graduate seminary school supported by the Christian churches and Churches of Christ. Tusculum College is a private four-year college, which is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church and has an approximate enrollment of 2,000 students. King College is a private Presbyterian-affiliated comprehensive college, with enrollment of approximately 1,300 students annually.
• Johnson City has a multi-billion dollar healthcare industry. The medical community revolves around the ETSU Quillen College of Medicine. The area is also home to one of the largest Veteran Hospitals in the southeast, serving more than 23,000 veterans each year. Additionally, the Med Tech Regional Business Park has brought numerous technology-based and medical businesses to Johnson City.
• Commercial travel is served through the Tri-Cities Regional Airport, located in Blountville, less than 20 miles from Johnson City.
• The city has more than 1,717 rooms available in 19 hotels and motels, and more than 150 restaurants.
• Johnson City offers many recreational activities, including 20 parks, four golf courses, three swimming pools, two country clubs, 14 theaters and two bowling alleys. Other opportunities include four TVA lakes, six recreation centers, Cardinal ball field and civic parks.
• The annual average temperature is 67 degrees, with an average summer temperature of 76 degrees and winter at 41 degrees.
• Princeton Gardens Community offers craftsman style homes for senior living in our beautiful, East Tennessee location.
Article and contact info courtesy of the Johnson City Chamber
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Area Chambers of Commerce & Visitors Bureaus
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The location of Princeton Gardens Community is ideal for enjoying much of East Tennessee. Though it resides in Washington County, you are only minutes away from the adventures, shopping and dining venues found in 5 counties.
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Bristol Chamber of Commerce/
Convention and Visitors Bureau
20 Volunteer Parkway
Bristol, TN 37620
Phone: (423) 989-4850
www.bristolchamber.org
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Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce
500 Veterans Memorial Parkway
Elizabethton, TN 37644
Phone: (423) 547-3850
www.elizabethtonchamber.com
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Greene County Partnership
115 Academy Street
Greeneville, TN 37743
Phone: (423) 638-4111
www.greenecountypartnership.com
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Kingsport Chamber of Commerce
Kingsport CVB
151 East Main Street
Kingsport, TN 37662
Phone: (423) 392-8800
www.kingsportchamber.org
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Johnson City /Jonesborough /Washington County
Chamber of Commerce JCCVB
603 E. Market Street
Johnson City, TN, 37605
Phone: (423) 461-8000
www.johnsoncitytnchamber.com
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Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce
100 S. Main Avenue
Erwin, TN 37650
Phone: (423) 743-3000
www.unicoicounty.org
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Johnson City Local News and Media
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Citadel Broadcasting Radio
www.wqut.com
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Herald & Tribune Newspaper
www.heraldandtribune.com
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Johnson City Press Newspaper
www.johnsoncitypress.com
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News & Neighbor Online
www.newsandneighboronline.com
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WJHL-TV
www.tricities.com
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Johnson City Area Attractions and Shopping
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B. Carroll Reece Museum
East Tennessee State University
P.O. Box 70660
Johnson City TN 37614-1701
Phone: (423) 439-4392
www.etsu.edu/reece
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ETSU Museum of Natural History
Gray Fossil Site
P.O. Box 70267
Johnson City TN 37614
Phone: (423) 439-1000
www.etsu.edu
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Farmhouse Gallery and Gardens
121 Covered Bridge Lane
Unico, TN 37692
Phone: (423) 743-8799
www.farmhousegallery.net
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Fun Expedition
2805 N. Roan Street
Johnson City TN 37614
Phone: (423) 929-2386
www.funexpedition.com
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Hands On! Regional Museum
315 East Main Street
Johnson City, TN 37601
Phone: (423) 434-4263
www.handsonmuseum.org
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International Storytelling Center
116 W. Main St.
Jonesborough, TN 37659
Phone: (800) 952-8392
www.storytellingcenter.com
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Nelson Fine Art
324 East Main Street
Johnson City TN 37604
Phone: (423) 926-2931
www.nelsonartcenter.com
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Rocky Mount Living Museum
P.O. Box 160
Piney Flats TN 37686
Phone: (888) 538-1791 | (423) 538-7396
www.rockymountmuseum.com
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Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site
2620 South Roan Street
Johnson City Tennessee 36701
Phone: (423) 926-3631
www.tipton-haynes.org
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Boones Creek Potters Gallery
4903 North Roan Street
Johnson City TN 37615
Phone: (866) 494-2801
www.boonescreekpottery.com
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Main Street Antiques and Mercantile
243 East Main Street
Johnson City TN 37604
Phone: (423) 926-0161
www.antiquesandmercantile.com
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The Salt House Antiques
127 Fox Street
Jonesborough TN 37659
Phone: (800) 238-2503
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Special Annual Events
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1818 Candle Light Christmas
Rocky Mount Living Museum
200 Hyder Hill Road
Piney Flats TN 37686
Phone: (888) 538-1791
www.rockymountmuseum.com
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Annual Woolly Day
Rocky Mount Living Museum
200 Hyder Hill Road
Piney Flats TN 37686
Phone: (423) 538-7396
www.rockymountmuseum.com
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Visions of Christmas: 1862
Tipton-Haynes Historic Site
2620 South Roan Street
Johnson City TN 36701
Phone: (423) 926-3631
www.tipton-haynes.org
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Festival of Trees Night of Lights Gala
Hands On! Regional Museum
315 E. Main Street
Johnson City TN 37601
Phone: (423) 434-HAND
www.handsonmuseum.org
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Speedway in Lights
Bristol Motor Speedway & Dragway
151 Speedway Blvd.
Bristol TN 37620
Phone: (423) 989-6901
www.bristolmotorspeedway.com
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Spirit of the Harvest
Rocky Mount Living Museum
200 Hyder Hill Road
Piney Flats TN 37686
Phone: (888) 538-1791
www.rockymountmuseum.com
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Storytelling Festival
International Storytelling Center
116 W. Main Street
Jonesborough TN 37659
Phone: (423) 753-2171
www.storytellingcenter.com
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Umoja Festival
Phone: (423) 913-2253
www.umojajc.com
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Blue Plum Festival
Art & Music festival in downtown Johnson City
Phone: (423) 928-3479
www.blueplum.org
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Fly Fishing
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Fly Shop of Tennessee
102 Willmary Road
Johnson City TN 37601
Phone: (423) 928-2007
www.flyshopoftn.com
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Mahoney’s Sports Equipment
830 Sunset Drive
Johnson City TN 37601
Phone: (423) 282-5413
www.mahoneysports.com
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Golf Courses in Johnson City and Surrounding Areas
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Buffalo Valley Golf Course
190 Golf Course Road
Unico TN 37692
Phone: (423) 928-1022
www.johnsoncitygolf.com
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Johnson City Country Club - Private
1901 E. Unaka Avenue
Johnson City TN 37601
Phone: (423) 928-5161
www.jccountryclub.com
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Pine Oaks Golf Course
1709 Buffalo Road
Johnson City TN 37601
Phone: 423-926-5451
www.johnsoncitygolf.com
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Ridges Golf & Country Club - Private
1501 Ridges Club Drive
Jonesborough TN 37659
Phone: (423) 913-3164
www.theridges.cc
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Hiking - Biking - Outdoor Adventures
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Appalachian Trail
www.appalachiantrail.org
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Winged Deer Park
242 Carrol Creek Park
Phone: (423) 283-5815
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Buffalo Mountain Park
High Ridge Road
Johnson City TN
Phone: (423) 283-5815
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Virginia Creeper Trail
P.O. Box 2382
Abingdon VA 24212
www.vacreepertrail.com
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Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium
853 Bays Mountain Park Road
Kingsport, TN
Phone: (423) 229-9447
www.baysmountain.com
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Roan Mountain State Park
527 Highway 143
Roan Mountain, TN
Phone: (423) 772-3303
www.roanmountain.com
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Buffalo Mountain State of Franklin
Multi-Use Trail Walking & Nature Trails
Johnson City is designated as a Bicycle Friendly Community by The League of American Bicyclists
Phone: (423) 434-6075
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Water Activities & Whitewater Rafting - Boone Lake - South Holston Lake - Watauga Lake
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Sonny’s Marina
109 One Street
Gray, TN 37615
(423) 282-9440
www.sonnysmarina.com
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Watauga Lakeshore Resort & Marina
Phone: (423) 926-8090
www.lakeshore-resort.com
Visit www.WataugaLakeTennessee.com too!
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Wetlands Water Park
1523 Persimmon Ridge Road
Jonesborough, TN
Phone: (888) 622-1885
www.wetlandsjonesborough.com
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Cherokee Adventures, Inc.
2000 Jonesborough Road
Erwin, TN
Phone: (800) 838-7238
www.cherokeeadventures.com
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Nantahala Outdoor Center, Inc.
Erwin, TN
Phone: (800) 232-7238
www.noc.com
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USA Raft
Jones Branch Road
Erwin, TN
Phone: (800) USA-RAFT
www.usaraft.com
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Restaurants and Dining in Johnson City
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Alta Cucina
For a cozy and romantic evening out, head on over to Alta Cucina for some homemade Italian cuisine. Wine and dine yourself in this cozy restaurant as you relax on the pillowed benches that wrap around the candlelit tables. Complete with excellent service and a tasty menu, this Italian hotspot is perfect for any occasion. Alta Cucina is known for their delicious homemade bread and many other delectable dishes that include seafood, veal, steak, chicken and pasta. (423) 928-2092
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Bistro 105
The Bistro 105 is located in historic Downtown Jonesborough and offers good food with great charm. At this unique dining establishment, you can enjoy tasty dishes that include everything from surf n turf, cold cut sandwiches, chicken potpie, portabella mushroom sandwiches, crab cakes and a variety of dishes that feature their very own fried-green tomatoes. For the ultimate experience, sip on a cocktail and enjoy your food on the popular outdoor patio for a tranquil setting. (423) 788-0244
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Bello Vita
This family-style Italian joint serves hot meals, wine and pizza cuisine at an affordable price. (423) 282-8600
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Cafe' One 11
For those looking for a little jazz along with neo-Asian cuisine, Cafe' One 11 offers both. Cafe' One 11 also features an extensive wine list.
(423) 283-4633
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Cafe' Lola
This restaurant is definitely “New York” style with a wine bar specializing in tapas, contemporary, and vegetarian foods.
(423) 928-5652
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Cafe' Pacific
Cafe' Pacific is a quaint, intimate atmosphere in a renovated house serving a delicious variety of fusion cuisine. Complete with fireplace and candlelight, this restaurant features an extensive wine list and is known for neo-Asian entrees that include a hint of Asian influence in every dish. Among the most popular entrees are the ahi tuna, lobster, salmon and sea bass. Stop by for a unique experience. (423) 610-0117
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Cootie Brown’s
To fulfill their slogan “Real Food,” Cootie Brown’s serves a variety of favorites, including tamales, Taco-Rito, salads, wings, fire-roasted pizza, burgers, spiral fries and delicious desserts.
www.cootiebrowns.com
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The Cottage
This Johnson City neighborhood bar and burger mecca is guaranteed to suit your need for some good food, fast. With everything from chicken, steak, shrimp, oysters, pizza, burgers, hotdogs, corndogs burgers and salads, this quaint eatery can accommodate just about anyone. The Cottage is open from
11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday. (423) 928-9753
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Dixie Barbecue
This Southern barbecue location is a sure way to ease your taste buds. Take your pick from the beef or pork barbecue sandwiches, salads and alternative sandwiches that include ham and cheese and roast beef. You can also customize your own plate by adding chicken or rack ribs for a small price. Dixie also accommodates the little ones with a kids menu that includes a BBQ sandwich, PB&J, ham dog or a hot dog. (423) 283-7447
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Firehouse Restaurant
The Firehouse Restaurant, delivering service with true southern hospitality, serves authentic hickory smoked bar-b-que, topped off with homemade side items and desserts. True to its name, the building, originally built in 1930, served the town as the Walnut Street Fire Hall until 1976. Today, The Firehouse Restaurant showcases photographs and firefighting memorabilia from the original fire hall, including a 1925 Seagraves Fire Engine in the restaurant’s lobby. (423) 929-7377
www.thefirehouse.com
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House of Ribs
Complete with elegant table dressing and fancy ambiance, House of Ribs provides comfortable dining in a unique setting. A varied selection of oysters to prime steaks, prime rib and loin back ribs will leave you feeling satisfied. This restaurant is popular for a reason. (423) 282-8077
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Jane’s Lunch Box
Enjoy down-home cooking every day, specializing in homemade soups, fresh salads, hardy sandwiches that include BLTs and the real Reuben, honey-mustard ham, a no-meat veggiewich and a superior chicken-salad sandwich on a choice of bread. Or if you prefer a hot lunch, try the meat and three special of the day and top it off with a homemade dessert. (423) 434-2665
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Main Street Cafe' and Catering
Main Street Cafe' and Catering serves gourmet to go in historic downtown Jonesborough. They have classic sandwiches, burgers and salads and also offer some original twists on old favorites. The Main Street Cafe' is open Monday-Friday from 11:00-3:00 and Saturdays from 11:00-4:00. They have both indoor and outdoor seating where diners can enjoy the charm of downtown Jonesborough. (423) 753-2460
www.mainstreetcatering.net
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Pal’s
Not your typical fast food experience, Pal’s is best known for the giant hot dog, hamburger, fries and soft drink covering the roof of each building. Serving oversized portions of fast food, including the Big Pal burger and Frenchie fries, Pals is a Johnson City tradition known for its service by serving “Great Food in a Flash.” www.palsweb.com
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The Peerless Restaurant
John Kalogeros opened the first Peerless Restaurant in Johnson City in 1938, and it has remained family operated since its beginning. The restaurant offers a variety of steaks including filet mignon, prime rib and New York strip. Visitors not interested in steak can order one of the many items on the restaurant’s seafood menu, which includes lobster tail, orange roughy, shrimp and salmon. Other items on the menu include chicken, pasta and sandwiches. (423) 282-2351. www.thepeerlessinc.com
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Red Pig Barbecue
“Where you get a hello-handshake & Barb-B-Q” is their motto, and their reputation is nothing less. Expect a friendly handshake as soon as you walk in the door, immediately followed by a fast-paced order process that is quick and courteous. Red Pig offers soup, sandwiches, a variety of side dishes and tasty desserts. Perfect for a casual meal and good time.
(423) 282-8077
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Russo’s
This New Orleans style cuisine offers a variety of delicious appetizers and entrees that will make your mouth water. Among the list of appetizers are stuffed mushrooms & shrimp cocktails, while the entrees feature Cajun classics that include gumbo, Jambalaya, red beans & rice. A variety of pasta is also offered, including Chicken Marsala & Garlic Shrimp. (423) 928-4441
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Sonny’s Runabout Cafe'
Sonny’s Runabout Cafe' is Boone Lake’s only “over the water” dining experience. The Cafe' serves a variety of American favorites including catfish, burgers and fresh salads. Diners can eat food at the Cafe' or take it to go for a picnic out on the boat. During the summer, live music is a regular occurrence along with many other special events. www.sonnysmarina.com
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Sunnys Cafe'eteria
This modest eatery serves top quality, southern-style food with classic entrees to choose from, including fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, or steak and gravy topped with sauted onions. Sides vary from collared greens, mashed potatoes, fried okra, boiled cabbage and the infamous squash casserole. To top off your tray of food, don’t forget dessert. A plethora of choices include peach, coconut meringue, lemon meringue, chocolate chip pecan and banana pudding. (423) 926-7441
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Sushi Blues
This Japanese restaurant has something for everyone; even those not crazy about sushi will appreciate the shrimp, chicken and fish entrees, as well as the delicious desserts. For sushi lovers, try the California and cucumber rolls and you won’t be disappointed. From 8 p.m. to midnight, take advantage of the late night happy hour and receive discounts on beer, wine and martinis. A kid’s menu is also available. (423) 232- 1289
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Wellington’s
Fine dining in Johnson City is located at Wellington’s, the Carnegie Hotel restaurant, featured in Southern Living’s Taste of the South. Guests at Wellington’s will dine on gourmet meals created by award winning Chef E. Scott Phillips, while listening to the historic Steinway Baby Grand Piano. Wellington guests can choose from a variety of seating choices, such as eating in a secluded booth or by the large kitchen window and view the chef at work. Wellington’s serves breakfast and dinner Monday-Saturday and lunch Monday-Friday. Wellington’s also features a piece of history with an antique Chicago bar, serving a diverse selection of liquors and liqueurs, including premium scotches and wines, spirits and cognacs. www.carnegiehotel.com
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