The One Mountain Town In Tennessee That’s Perfect For A Winter Getaway
By Meghan Kraft|Updated on November 23, 2022(Originally published November 18, 2022)
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Meghan Kraft
Author
Meghan Kraft loves to travel the world, but she makes her home right here in Nashville, Tennessee. She holds a degree in English, and has worked in the digital marketing realm with companies such as Apartments.com, USA Today and HarperCollins Publishing.
Tennessee isn’t exactly the first place that might come to mind when you think about winter destinations around the United States, but this one little town in the foothills of the Appalachians is setting out to change your mind. Johnson City is beautiful no matter the time of year, but when the snow falls on this quiet mountain town, it becomes truly magical. This is a mountain city unlike any in Tennessee that has captured the hearts of thousands of people who call it home and visit it every year. Grab your winter packing essentials and bundle up; here’s what awaits this season in Johnson City, Tennessee.
Johnson City is the perfect mountain town -- there's just enough to do to keep you busy, but it's small enough that nothing obstructs the views of the surrounding mountains.
Tucked about an hour northeast of Knoxville, Johnson City is out of the way for most Tennesseans, but that's just how we like it when we're looking for a winter getaway.
The downtown has a small river running through it in a beautiful urban park called Founders Park, and when the snow falls, it turns into an absolute wonderland.
If you want to explore outside the city, there are plenty of hiking trails in the mountains and hills around the town. The Appalachian Trail even passes close by! In fact, Roan Mountain is only about 40 minutes away and it is said to be the prettiest section of the Appalachian Trail, and we agree. Johnson City itself has Buffalo Mountain within its borders. This mountain park has several trails taking you through a marvelous piece of the city. While you are blown away by the surrounding mountains, you might want to know that they are mostly part of the Cherokee National Forest. This mountain range stretches all the way down to the Great Smoky Mountains. If you just wanted to take a pleasant stroll then you can go to Willow Springs Park, where you will have a stunning view of the mountains.
On particularly cold days, we recommend heading to the Johnson City Community Theater, which is the longest-operating theater in the state. You could also warm up with some flaming hot tacos at The White Duck, an unassuming little taco shop with crazy culinary combinations unlike anywhere else. You could also have your fill with some of the best BBQ in town at Southern Craft. One bite of their mouth-watering smoked meat and you will thank us.
Head over to Open Doors Coffeehouse, grab a hot cocoa, and walk through the charming, old-school downtown. You won't regret it! Want to indulge in a little dessert while in Johnson City? Head on over to Petite Sweets for an adorable decedent mini cupcake sampler with delicious flavors. You could also spend some time playing board games and enjoying traditional Irish pub fare at Mulligan's Gaming Pub.
Johnson City is the epitome of a quaint mountain town with hidden gems hiding around every corner. We promise you won't regret it. As you can see, there is plenty to do but you will never be too busy to enjoy it all. The Tri-City area is filled with such wonderful things you might just need to book a place to stay for a while.
Johnson City is a mountain city in Tennessee you will want to visit any time of the year. But with a fresh coat of snow, it’s truly magical. Explore some of Tennessee’s most impactful history by touring along the state’s Civil Rights Trail.
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