After the exciting finish last weekend at Watkins Glen, NASCAR heads to a favorite track for what is the most anticipated weekend of the year for many – the Bristol Night Race. If you will be going for the long weekend of racing, have a fantastic time. As of right now, the weather is looking very good for every night of racing. I would expect there to be a large crowd on Friday night. Rumor is that will be Dale Jr.’s last NASCAR Xfinity Series race.
A couple of our staff will be attending this weekend and we are looking forward to bringing fans live content from the track, so be watching our social media! If you see us, stop and say hi. We would love to meet you!
ATTRACTIONS
- If you are looking for something to fill your time before hitting the racetrack, a good indoor option is The Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
(Photo Credit: Randy Sartin Photography) This 24,000-square-foot facility, which opened in affiliation with the Smithsonian Institute, tells the story of Bristol’s musical heritage. There are rotating exhibitions, so if you have been in years past, chances are you will see new parts of the collection.
- Looking to hit a payday (or more likely lose it quickly), head to the Bristol Casino. You could easily spend hours trying your luck at the slots and tables. There is a restaurant on-site, as well as the Bristol Bar. If you are searching for live music while in town, there will be bands playing the next couple of nights.
- If you want a more relaxing way to spend your time, check out nearby South Holston Lake. The lake is considered one of the top two lakes in Tennessee and among the best in the Southeast for smallmouth bass fishing.
(Photo Credit: visitabingdonvirginia.com) It is also well known as a fly fisherman’s paradise. Over half the shoreline is bordered by the Cherokee National Forest. A footbridge near the South Holston Dam gives you access to Osceola Island and its one-mile-loop wildlife trail.
RESTAURANTS
- Bistro on 6th came highly recommended if you want to fuel up on the best food while exploring State Street in downtown Bristol.
(Photo Credit: Bistro on 6th | Facebook) They are open for lunch and dinner, as well as brunch on Saturdays. I was told the fried shroom burger and the roasted beet salad are must-try dishes.
- Mad Greek Restaurant is the place to go if you are craving Greek or Italian food! You can’t go wrong with the Spanakopita Platter or any of the stuffed pitas. If you lean more Italian, they have delicious pizzas and lasagna. Save room for dessert!
- Looking for a sweet treat? Try Southern Churn Ice Cream & Candy Shoppe. They have multiple flavors of homemade fudge and many other chocolates and candies. If you want ice cream, there are over 2 dozen flavors to choose from! No one will leave Southern Churn unsatisfied.
(Photo Credit: thesouthernchurn.com)
