Music to Your Ears
5
ABOUT
Music to Your Ears
Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia are famous for their music. As the home of the legendary Carter Family and the Birthplace of Country Music, this area laid the foundation for America’s modern music scene. Dine at the Burger Bar—a Bristol classic, and the last place where Hank Williams was seen alive, visit the auditorium that June Carter and Johnny Cash called home, and see where the first “country” recordings were made in 1927. Continue your quest for regional history on the Johnson City campus of ETSU where you can explore the Archives of Appalachia to uncover writings, images, and sounds documenting life in southern Appalachia. If you’re lucky, you may even catch the sounds of the college’s prestigious blue grass band as you wander around campus.
DIRECTIONS
FROM HOLIDAY INN, JOHNSON CITY
- Turn left at light US 11E N / US 19 N, 21.2 mi
- Turn right on State St., 0.2 mi
- Turn left on Piedmont Ave., 0.1 mi
- Turn right on Cumberland St., 0.1 mi
- Bear right to Birthplace of Country Music Way, 250 ft
- Turn right at Birthplace of Country Music
- Turn right on Birthplace of Country Music Way, 150ft
- Turn right on Lee St., 350 ft
- Turn right on State St., 1.6 mi
- Continue straight on US 421 N, 1.1 mi
- Continue straight on US 421 N / US 58 W, 19.2 mi
- (Gate City)
- Turn right on SR 709, 0.1 mi
- Turn right on SR 614 / AP Carter Hwy, 3.3 mi
- Turn left on Carter Fold and Family Museum
- Turn right on SR 614 / AP Carter Hwy, 3.3 mi
- Turn left on SR 709, 0.1 mi
- Turn right on US 421 N / US 58 W, 4.9 mi
- Turn right on US 421N / US 58 W, 0.1 mi
- Turn left on US 23 S, 2.9 mi
- Turn right on I-26 E / 23 S, 22.9 mi
- Turn right on Exit 20, Roan St
SIGHTS ALONG THE WAY
NEARBY
ATTRACTIONS
- Birthplace of Country Music Museum – Take in the region’s musical history
- Bristol Motor Speedway – Have an adrenaline-pumping good time
- Burger Bar – Follow in Hank Williams’ steps and enjoy a juicy burger and fries with a refreshing, creamy milkshake
- Historical Bristol TN/VA Sign – The perfect photo opportunity to remember the adventure
- Carter Family Fold – to soak up some history and, on select evenings, some regional music
- Ridgewood Barbecue – Satisfy your tastebuds with a local favorite
- Blackbird Bakery – Get yourself a sweet treat