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Visitors' Center - For I-81 southbound, take exit 3
in Virginia and follow I-381 to its end at US-11. Continue on US-11-E (don't make any turns). US-11-E become Volunteer Parkway and the Bristol Tennessee/Virginia Chamber of Commerce is at 20 Volunteer Parkway (right after you cross State Street - TN-1).
For more information phone 1-423-989-4850.
A series of very different recording sessions launched the careers of Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family who are recognized as the first commercially successful country music performers. The year was 1927. The place, Bristol. Bristol, of course, has since been named, by the United States Congress, as the official "Birthplace of Country Music.
Birthplace of Country Music Museum (BCMA Museum)
- is located in the Bristol Mall. Here you can now view the heritage and history of county music in Bristol and the region.
The BCMA Museum is free to the public and open all year during Mall hours.
For more information phone 1-276-645-0035 or visit their web site:
BCMA.
From I-81 take exit 1 in Virginia. You can see the mall from the Interstate. Park in the large parking area and the BCMA Museum is on the lower level.
Bristol is also the birthplace of the late Tennessee Ernie Ford. And, there is more. Best you visit the BCMA web site for a run down, including biographies, of the many who have helped make Country so popular:
BCMA.
Bristol Motor Speedway
- Any one who has had to drive by Bristol on I-81 on a race day knows how
popular NASCAR racing is here. The Bristol Motor Speedway hosts the Busch Grand National, the Winston Cup, the All Pro Series, plus a regular schedule of NASCAR races. You can view their official fan guide for more information about the track, its history, upcoming schedules, etc.
FanGuide.
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Carter Fold - Also located in the Bristol area is the historic Carter Fold, a shrine of country music. Every Saturday, Janette and Joe Carter perform old-time country in this rustic, 1,000 seat theater. There is even a small dance
floor up front for those wishing to dance to the hoe-down tunes. Annually, on Friday and Saturday of the first weekend of August, the Carter Fold hosts a special festival. Show times are from 2 to 11p each day.
For a recorded message of upcoming programs, phone either 1-276-386-9480 or the BCMA Museum at 1-276-645-0035. They also have a web site at
CarterFamily.
From I-81 northbound, take Kingsport TN exit 57 and follow 181 northbound to its end. Continue on US-23 toward Gate City. By now you will begin to see the green highway road markers directing you to the Fold. After you cross into Virginia US-23 comes to a 'T' intersection where it turns to the left. You, instead, turn right and follow US-58 eastbound toward Bristol. AT VA-709 in Hiltons, turn left and follow 709, crossing the tracks, and bear right on VA-614 to Mendota. Follow 614 about three miles
until you see the Fold on your left.
From I-81 southbound, take exit 1 (Bristol, Gate City). Follow US-58 westbound. When you get to Hiltons (about 25 miles), turn right on VA-709 and follow 709, crossing the tracks, and bear right on VA-614 to Mendota. Follow 614 about three miles
until you see the Fold on your left.
Bristol Caverns - Experience the winding paths and breathtaking scenery of the magnificent Bristol Caverns. Once used by Indians as an attack and escape route, the underground river that carved the chambers more than 400 million years ago remains an intriguing feature of this cavern. A tour of the caverns includes a walk along the banks of an underground river. Visitors can take the lighted asphalt trail that goes through several levels of the caverns.
(courtesy of Bristol TN/VA Chamber of Commerce)
For more information phone 1-423-878-2011 of visit their web site:
BristolCaverns.
From I-81 take exit 3 in Virginia to State Street (3rd traffic light). Turn left on State Street, drive to the 4th traffic light and turn right on US-421 South. Follow 421 to TN-435, turn left and follow 435 to Bristol Caverns.
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