𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 Tuesday, Tri-Cities!

Today’s edition is packed with practical updates, summer outings, and a few ways to enjoy the region close to home.

We’re covering major park funding in Greene County, roadwork in Kingsport, Bristol service changes, upcoming events, outdoor ideas, senior resources, and local community happenings across the Appalachian Highlands.

Whether you’re planning your weekend, watching for traffic changes, or looking for something new to explore, we’re glad you’re here. Let’s get into it.

What river is connected to both Kingsport’s Netherland Inn and early transportation history in the region?

LIMESTONE, Tenn. — David Crockett Birthplace State Park is set for a major transformation after state lawmakers approved $61.75 million for reconstruction, starting July 1.

Flooding from Hurricane Helene in September 2024 forced the beloved park’s closure, but the new investment funds a visitor center, campground, bathhouse, roads, and vital infrastructure.

The site along the Nolichucky River honors famed frontiersman David Crockett.

Phase one includes flood-resistant designs, an educational museum, camp store, shower and laundry facilities, and ADA-accessible parking.

Plans also call for an elevated riverfront boardwalk, a rebuilt boat ramp, kayak launch, and four picnic pavilions to enhance public access.

A replica homestead and an educational pavilion incorporating the historic cabin’s original chimney will celebrate local heritage.

Community input shaped these upgrades, which promise lasting benefits for Greene County families and visitors.

Currently, only the Crockett Shoals Trailhead is open, with a full reopening timeline yet to be announced.

Southwest Virginia is set to benefit from a major state budget boost, with $27 million allocated to two essential transportation projects.

$20 million has been earmarked for the proposed inland port at Oak Park Center for Business and Industry in Washington County.

This funding moves the freight facility closer to construction, supporting detailed planning, design, and site development.

The inland port is designed to allow shipping containers to transfer smoothly between trains and trucks, helping local manufacturers and businesses access wider markets with fewer logistical barriers.

Oak Park was chosen for its proximity to Interstate 81 and a major rail line, matching the region’s highest freight demand.

Meanwhile, Buchanan County will receive $7 million for the next phase of the Route 460 Connector, advancing the Coalfields Expressway.

Both projects aim to improve long-term economic growth and regional connectivity, though further work and future funding will still be needed.

Regas Bros Seasoning

Washington County officials are weighing a property-tax freeze aimed at supporting senior homeowners, though no decision has been made and applications are not yet open.

During a recent workshop, commissioners explored Tennessee’s local-option Property Tax Freeze Program, which locks eligible residents’ tax bills at their first qualifying year’s rate.

To be eligible in 2026, homeowners must be at least 65 and have an income not exceeding $45,100.

The freeze would apply only to primary residences and the corresponding residential land, leaving commercial and agricultural properties unaffected.

Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy expressed concern about the complexity and potential impacts on the local tax base, but acknowledged the struggles of older residents facing rising property taxes.

The program, still under review, would require commission approval before launch.

It is separate from the county’s current Property Tax Relief, with qualifying homeowners allowed to use both if the freeze is adopted.

Bristol Plans July 4 Stars and Stripes Celebration at Anderson Park

Bristol is preparing for a full July 4 celebration with a downtown parade, live music, food trucks, children’s activities and fireworks.

The city’s 2026 Stars and Stripes Celebration begins with the Star-Spangled July 4 Parade at 5 p.m. on State Street. The parade will start near Regions Bank and continue toward Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

After the parade, activities move to Anderson Park, where the city will host live music from LIGHTNIN’ STRIKES! and The Celebrity All-Star Band. Children’s games, food trucks and a beer garden provided by Believe in Bristol are also planned.

The evening will end with a choreographed fireworks display beginning around 10 p.m. Veterans in attendance will also receive a specially designed Bristol Tennessee challenge coin while supplies last.

Kingsport Farmers Market Keeps Summer Shopping Local

Fresh produce, local food and regional makers are back on the weekly rhythm in downtown Kingsport.

The Kingsport Farmers Market is open Saturdays through Nov. 28 and Wednesdays from May through September, with market hours from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market has been part of the community since 1977 and is designed as a place for local and regional farmers and artisans to sell directly to residents.

For shoppers, the market is an easy way to support small growers and makers while picking up seasonal fruits, vegetables, baked goods, flowers, handmade items and other local products.

It also makes a simple morning outing for families, retirees and downtown visitors looking for something local to do before the day heats up.

Residents can check the market’s current vendor and product updates before heading out.

Trucks, Motown and Live Music Fill Tri-Cities Calendar June 25–27

TRI-CITIES, Tenn. — The final weekend of June brings three days of trucks, outdoor concerts and family-friendly activities to communities across the Tri-Cities.

The schedule begins Thursday, June 25, when the Shell Rotella SuperRigs truck beauty contest opens at Bristol Motor Speedway. The free event continues through Saturday and features customized working trucks from the United States and Canada competing for more than $25,000 in cash and prizes. Twelve participating drivers will earn places in the annual Shell Rotella SuperRigs calendar. Thursday’s public schedule runs from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday evening, The Legacy Motown Revue will close Johnson City’s Lakeside Concert Series with a free performance from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Goulding Amphitheatre at Winged Deer Park. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs for an evening of Motown and soul music beside the lake.

SuperRigs continues Friday at Bristol Motor Speedway, with activities scheduled from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The extended hours give visitors an opportunity to see the competition after work or combine the truck show with another local outing. Admission remains free.

In downtown Johnson City, Florencia and the Feeling will perform during Fridays After 5 on Friday, June 26, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The free concert takes place at King Commons, 125 W. King St. Guests can bring lawn chairs and visit downtown restaurants and businesses before or after the show.

Saturday’s activities begin with the final day of SuperRigs and continue with Bristol’s free Big Truck Day from 10 a.m. to noon at Bristol Tennessee City Hall, 801 Anderson St. Fire trucks, police vehicles, heavy equipment, tow trucks, race vehicles and other large machines will be available for children and adults to explore.

The first hour of Big Truck Day, from 10 to 11 a.m., will be observed as a quiet hour for guests who are sensitive to noise. Horns, sirens, flashing lights and interactive demonstrations will begin at 11 a.m. Face painting, freeze pops and other family activities will be available throughout the event.

Saturday evening offers two live-music choices beginning at 7 p.m. Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell will perform at the Jackson Theatre in downtown Jonesborough as part of his Airline Highway tour. The ticketed performance begins at 7 p.m.

At the same time, the free Walnut Street Music Series will run from 7 to 9 p.m. at Johnson City Brewing Company’s Walnut Street location, 714 W. Walnut St. Guests are invited to bring a chair and enjoy live music outdoors.

With several outdoor events on the calendar, attendees should check organizers’ pages for weather updates before leaving home. Tickets for the Rodney Crowell concert should also be confirmed in advance.

Bristol, Tenn. is rolling out major updates to city recycling and transit services this summer.

The expanded recycling program now allows residents to drop off more materials at four local sites, including cardboard, mixed paper, aluminum, tin, and select plastics.

Glass is accepted at Blackley Road only, and users are urged to sort materials properly and keep plastic bags, Styrofoam, and packing materials out.

Blackley Road and Exide Drive centers feature new paving, fencing, and cameras to deter illegal dumping.

On July 1, city transit fares will rise to $1 per trip, with discounted rates for seniors, people with disabilities, veterans, and those on Medicare or Medicaid.

Monthly and 12-ride passes are available.

Saturday Paratransit and Job Access service will end, and weekday hours will align with fixed routes from 6:15 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Six-Month Clinchfield Street Bridge Repair Project Begins July 6

KINGSPORT, Tenn. — Drivers who regularly use Clinchfield Street should prepare for a long-term traffic change beginning Monday, July 6, when a six-month bridge repair project gets underway.

The $1.275 million project will remove and replace part of the Clinchfield Street Bridge’s existing concrete deck. Crews will also widen the sidewalk along the west side of the bridge, improving pedestrian space as part of the rehabilitation.

Southern Constructors Inc. will complete the work for the city. The contract allows 180 calendar days for construction, meaning altered traffic patterns are expected to remain in place for roughly six months.

During construction, southbound traffic coming from Stone Drive will continue to cross the bridge. Northbound traffic traveling toward Stone Drive will be detoured along Holston Valley Drive, Ravine Road and Gibson Mill Road.

The one-way traffic arrangement will be especially important for downtown commuters, delivery drivers and customers traveling to businesses near Clinchfield Street. Drivers should allow additional travel time, particularly during weekday morning and afternoon traffic periods.

Nearby businesses may also want to remind customers about the detour before construction begins. Although southbound access will remain available, northbound drivers will need to follow the marked alternate route rather than continuing directly toward Stone Drive.

The city has not announced separate details about pedestrian access during construction. Residents planning to walk across the bridge should watch for posted signs and additional guidance once crews begin setting up the work zone.

Motorists are encouraged to slow down, remain alert for workers and follow all construction signage throughout the project.

Questions about the Clinchfield Street Bridge improvements may be directed to Kingsport official Ryan McReynolds at 423-229-9470.

3 Tri-Cities Senior Centers Offering Fitness, Classes and Social Activities

Seniors looking for ways to stay active this summer do not have to travel far. Senior centers in Kingsport, Bristol and Johnson City offer local programs built around fitness, recreation, education, wellness and social connection.

In Kingsport, the Kingsport Senior Center serves adults 50 and older from its location at the Renaissance Center. The center offers activities such as fitness programs, billiards, arts, wellness opportunities, group lunches, trips and social events. Membership is open to adults 50 and older and their spouses.

In Bristol, the city’s Senior Programs include group fitness classes, billiards, pickleball, basketball, art classes, social events and trips. The program also notes that some participants may qualify through SilverSneakers, Silver&Fit or Renew Active benefits.

In Johnson City, Senior Services operates an accredited senior center with a broad mix of recreation, wellness, educational and social programs. The Johnson City Senior Center is recognized through the National Institute of Senior Centers and the National Council on Aging accreditation process.

Programs and schedules vary by location, so residents should check each center’s current calendar before visiting. Some classes may require registration, membership or a small fee.

For older adults who are new to the area, recently retired or simply looking for more community connection, local senior centers can be an easy first step toward meeting people, building a routine and staying active close to home.

Senior-Friendly Event Pick: Legacy Motown Revue at Winged Deer Park

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — A free evening of Motown and soul music is coming to Winged Deer Park this Thursday.

The Legacy Motown Revue will perform as part of Johnson City’s Lakeside Concert Series from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Goulding Amphitheatre.

The outdoor concert is open to the public and offers an easy evening outing for older adults, families and music fans. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy classic Motown favorites by the lake.

The concert’s familiar music, relaxed outdoor setting and early evening schedule make it a strong senior-friendly pick for the week.

Interesting Facts

Stay Active This Summer

Older adults looking for ways to stay active, social and engaged this summer have several local options across the Tri-Cities.

Senior centers in Kingsport, Bristol and Johnson City offer programs built around fitness, recreation, wellness, education and community connection. Activities may include exercise classes, arts and crafts, billiards, pickleball, educational programs, day trips, social gatherings and volunteer opportunities.

The Kingsport Senior Center serves adults 50 and older at the Renaissance Center. Bristol Senior Programs offers a wide range of recreation and wellness activities, with some participants eligible through SilverSneakers, Silver&Fit or Renew Active. Johnson City Senior Services operates an accredited senior center with programs for older adults throughout the year.

Programs, fees and registration requirements vary by location, so residents should check each center’s current schedule before attending.

For retirees, newcomers or anyone looking to build a new routine, local senior centers can be an easy first step toward staying connected close to home.

Elizabethton, Tenn. — Long before statehood, Sycamore Shoals served as a vital meeting ground, shaping the region’s destiny.

Today, Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park along the Watauga River preserves this local legacy. Visitors can explore a reconstructed Fort Watauga, stroll scenic trails, and discover the pivotal stories of the Watauga settlement and early frontier life at the interpretive center.

The park’s enduring fame comes from the Overmountain Men, who rallied here in 1780 before heading to the celebrated Battle of Kings Mountain—a Revolutionary War turning point in the South.

For the Elizabethton community, Sycamore Shoals remains a cherished destination for quick walks, introducing children to local history, and reconnecting with Northeast Tennessee’s remarkable past.

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — The Tweetsie Trail stands out as one of the Tri-Cities’ favorite summer escapes, offering locals a versatile spot for morning walks, family bike rides, or scenic outdoor relaxation.

Spanning about 10 miles between Johnson City and Elizabethton, this paved greenway follows the historic route of the old East Tennessee & Western North Carolina Railroad, now affectionately known as the "Tweetsie."

Winding through forests, open fields, bridges, and neighborhoods, the trail delivers beautiful views of the Appalachian foothills and a blend of local history and outdoor fun.

Multiple trailheads make it simple to access, with amenities like benches, rest areas, and gentle slopes welcoming all ages and abilities.

Summer mornings and evenings bring a rush of visitors, as families, cyclists, and runners enjoy traffic-free paths and cool shade.

Interpretive signs along the way connect travelers to the region’s rich railroad legacy.

Both Johnson City and Elizabethton offer nearby dining and parks, making every visit a chance for local adventure.

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Beat the Heat with an Early-Morning Hike

Summer hiking does not have to mean sweating through the hottest part of the day. Around the Tri-Cities, an early start can turn a warm-weather outing into a cooler, calmer and more enjoyable morning outside.

For a close-to-town option, Buffalo Mountain Park in Johnson City gives hikers wooded trails, ridge views and a quick escape into the hills without a long drive. Starting early helps visitors avoid the strongest afternoon heat while still leaving the rest of the day open.

In Kingsport, Bays Mountain Park is another strong morning pick. The park offers shaded trails, lake views and family-friendly nature stops, making it a good choice for walkers who want an outdoor outing that can be as short or as long as they choose.

For those willing to drive a little farther, Roan Mountain offers one of the region’s best warm-weather hiking escapes. Higher elevations can feel noticeably cooler than the valley, and morning visits often bring softer light, quieter trails and sweeping mountain views.

No matter where you go, summer hiking is safer and more comfortable with a few simple habits: start early, bring more water than you think you need, wear sunscreen, choose breathable clothing and turn around before fatigue sets in.

A sunrise or early-morning hike can be one of the easiest ways to enjoy the outdoors during a hot stretch — especially when the reward is shade, mountain air and a quieter trail close to home.

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