Overview
Kingsport (pop. 48,205) is a city in Eastern Tennessee.
4 sights · 6 places to eat · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Kingsport
Up Against the Wall Gallery
One of the largest galleries in the Southeast features lamps, jewelry, pottery, and unique custom framing.
Meadowview Regional Art Collection
A collection of original art by regional artists.
Exchange Place
A living history farm.
Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail
One of the nation's most historic routes, the Wilderness Trail was blazed by Daniel Boone in 1775.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 85°F; winter lows dip to about 29°F. Wettest: Aug and Jun. (climate data from nearby North Carolina Mountains)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- TRI Tri-Cities Regional TN/VA Airport, Blountville — 9 mi away. Directions
- AVL Asheville Regional Airport, Asheville — 76 mi away. Directions
- TYS McGhee Tyson Airport, Knoxville/Maryville — 95 mi away (major hub). Directions
Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI)
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Up Against the Wall Gallery, Meadowview Regional Art Collection
- Lunch The Chop House
- Afternoon Exchange Place, Daniel Boone Wilderness Trail
- Dinner Chef's Pizzeria
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Kingsport has a variety of locally and regionally operated eating establishments to suit the needs of any palate.
In addition, fast food chains such as McDonald's or Subway are available in numerous locations throughout the city. Additionally, many chain restaurants including Olive Garden and Chili's are located around the intersection of Stone Drive and Eastman Road.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Get in
By plane
Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI)
By car
Interstates I-81 and I-26. (I-26 may be shown as I-181 on older maps or GPS navigators.) U.S. Highways 11-W and 23
By bus
Greyhound has a bus stop located downtown with daily service.
Get around
By car
The principal way to get around town is by automobile. Traffic is often light and driving is thus typically not a challenge.
Parking is plentiful in downtown areas and usually free of charge.
By bus
Kingsport has a public transit system (Kingsport Area Transit System or "KATS") with buses that run six hourly routes that cover downtown, major employers and major shopping areas.
By taxi
Kingsport has several taxi companies available for hire:
- Courtesy Cab - +1 423 230-0285
- Tri City Cab Company - +1 423 246-9037
- C & S Taxi - +1 423 765-2376
By bicycle
Kingsport has a few signed bike routes available for use. Moreover, the Greenbelt is a multi-use path that connects many main parts of the city. Bike riders should use extreme caution when riding on roads, as many local drivers are not accustomed to bicycles.
On foot
Most of the downtown area is easily accessible on foot, and sidewalks are provided in many parts of the city.
See
See Up Against the Wall Gallery
One of the largest galleries in the Southeast features lamps, jewelry, pottery, and unique custom framing.
- The Netherland Inn, 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 Historic Boatyard depict an intimate study of a way of life that is intriguing part of America's heritage.
- Hammond House, Visit this fully restored late-Victorian house on the National Register of Historic Places for a glimpse of the architecture and life-style of this era. See antique furnishings including a fainting couch, working foot-pump organ, working Edison phonograph, wood-burning heat stove and (electrified) wood-burning cook stove and others.
Do
- Bays Mountain Park
- Many events, shows, festivals of various types throughout the year. See the "GoTriCities" section of the Kingsport Times News on Thursdays for listings or the Downtown Kingsport Association website.
- Listen to free bluegrass concerts on Broad Street on summer Friday evenings.
- Listen to free blues/rock/gospel concerts on Broad Street on summer Thursday evenings.
- The Kingsport Renaissance Center at 1200 E Center St Ste 224 has periodic plays.
- A playhouse is in nearby Bristol, along with famous racetrack hosting major NASCAR and NHRA events.
Activities
- Visit Boat Yard/Riverfront Park, Netherland Inn Rd, +1 423-229-9457. This section of the Greenbelt Linear Park includes a swinging bridge, picnic area, playground, jogging/bicycle path, fishing and historical markers.
- Ride horses at Warriors' Path Riding Stables, 490 Hemlock Park, +1 423-323-8543. Enjoy guided trail rides with beautiful woodland scenery.
Buy
Most of the major retailers have outlets here, primarily along Stone Drive (US Route 11W) or at the Fort Henry Mall.
Eat
Kingsport has a variety of locally and regionally operated eating establishments to suit the needs of any palate.
Eat The Chop House
Kingsport's #1 restaurant for great steaks and chops in a warm, friendly environment.
Eat Chef's Pizzeria
A popular pizzeria located downtown serving pizzas, calzones, salads, and more. Proclaimed home of Tennessee's largest pizza--the 28" (71cm) Big Chef
Eat Giuseppe's
A pricier Italian restaurant but with a plethora of top-quality dishes available.
Eat Pal's
A very popular local fast-food chain serving hotdogs, hamburgers, french-fries, and more. While there tend to be long lines during lunchtime, service is nevertheless usually very quick.
Eat La Carreta
A quick and inexpensive local Mexican restaurant serving all types of the typical Mexican-American cuisine.
Eat Riverfront Seafood Company
A seafood restaurant serving everything from salmon to lobster. Also has a fresh onsite seafood market with a variety of fresh fish available for purchase.
In addition, fast food chains such as McDonald's or Subway are available in numerous locations throughout the city. Additionally, many chain restaurants including Olive Garden and Chili's are located around the intersection of Stone Drive and Eastman Road.
Drink
Clubs and bars with live entertainment in and around Kingsport include Pickin' Porch and Stir Fry Cafe.
Sleep
Nearby
Johnson City
City / town · 27 listings · 19 mi away
Bristol
City / town · 10 listings · 20 mi away
Elizabethton
City / town · 4 listings · 22 mi away
Greeneville
City / town · 16 listings · 29 mi away
Mountain City
City / town · 2 listings · 42 mi away
Damascus
City / town · 12 listings · 43 mi away
Hot Springs
City / town · 47 mi away
Morristown
City / town · 4 listings · 47 mi away
My experience
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