Apartments in Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol,Tri-City, TN

For over a hundred years now Bristol has been “A Good Place To Live,” as coined by the iconic neon sign welcoming visitors to the city. Downtown Bristol has historic charm as well as entertaining and educational attractions, shopping, and a rich cultural heritage.

Bristol’s downtown is where historic beauty meets the contemporary. Art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants line State Street, which runs through the center of downtown. Each week, people visit the Bristol Farmer’s Market, which sets up in front of a mural commemorating the city’s agricultural and musical heritage. Framing the downtown area is the famous Bristol TN/VA sign welcoming visitors to the city for over 90 years. It was donated to the city in 1910 by the Bristol Gas and Electric Company and recently celebrated its 100th birthday. It is still a favorite sight to see for visitors in the area.

Downtown Bristol showcases a variety of visual and performing artists all year long. The Paramount Theater, an Art Deco gem from 1931, is a performing arts center for musical acts and play productions. It is home to several companies of its own: Theatre Bristol, the Piedmont Chapter of the Theatre Organ Society, and the Bristol Concert Choir. The beautiful historic theater can even be rented by businesses or individuals for special events. Theatre Bristol performs plays for the community, with a focus on children’s theater. In addition to regular play productions, Theatre Bristol hosts educational programs for children and community outreach programs.

Historically, Bristol is a musical and cultural hub, named the birthplace of country music. The Birthplace of Country Music Museum and Cultural Heritage Center commemorates this honor with a vast collection of country, bluegrass, and old time recordings. Hardly a day passes on the city’s calendar which does not feature a live concert or music festival.

Downtown Bristol is the historic center of the Bristol TN/VA area. State Street, which divides the city between two states is the location of the first structures built in the new city in the 1800’s. Bristol has maintained its original charm as well as stayed relevant with its never-ending flurry of city-wide events.