Today, most people think of Nashville as the center of country music. But another city that straddles the border of Tennessee and Virginia lays claim to the birthplace of country music. The Appalachian region has always been a hotbed of distinctive music traditions and by the mid to late 1920’s, two recording companies had successfully released hillbilly records. Victor Talking Machine Company, later named RCA Victor, decided to get into the action. The company hosted recording locations throughout the South in the 1920’s to find new and exciting talent.
From July 27 to August 5, 1927, the company hosted what is known as the “Bristol Sessions,” where they recorded musical acts like The Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers. That event left a lasting impact on American musical culture. Musicians such as Ralph Stanley, Earl Scruggs, and Bill Monroe were influenced by the Bristol Sessions.
This legacy is evident throughout the city today. For anyone that appreciates music, regardless of the genre, will appreciate a visit to Bristol. And there’s no better place to start than the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. At this Smithsonian-affiliated museum, they do a great job sharing the history through a variety of educational panels, artifacts, and more. Some of us occasionally skip the orientation video at museums and historical sites, but you don’t want to do that here. Narrated by John Carter Cash, it is well produced and really gets your tour off on the right foot.
The museum is very interactive which will appeal to children, but it’s not intended exclusively for children like some hands-on exhibits at other museums. You can actually listen to a variety of songs that were recorded in Bristol, but you can also mix a song, and even partake in their Sing Along Station, essentially a personal karaoke booth. They have an array of artifacts, ranging from historic musical instruments to a timeline of diverse playing devices such as the Victrola and an old-fashioned transistor radio to the 1980’s Walkman and more. There is even a radio station on site, and sometimes you can catch a glimpse of a DJ doing his or her thing. Of course, they also have a stage and host live acts throughout the year too.
Downtown Bristol is very walkable and pedestrian-friendly. In addition to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, the downtown has a historic theater, antique and boutique shops, and some great places to eat. Three places worth pointing out is The Burger Bar, an iconic and historic diner; Blackbird Bakery, a happening place that makes fresh doughnuts and pastries, and The Southern Churn Ice Cream and Candy Shoppe, where you can not only stop for a delicious scoop of ice cream but also pick up some vintage candy along the way.
When you cross from one side of State Street (Bristol’s “Main Street”) to the other, you are crossing from one state to another as well, which is another thing that makes Bristol unique. Bristol, Virginia and Bristol, Tennessee are twin cities that sits directly on the state line. Getting a photo of the Bristol Virginia-Tennessee Slogan Sign is a must for any tourist to the area. There is a fantastic self-guided Historic Downtown Walking Tour and there are some beautiful murals that pay homage to the founding of country music and other local history.
Although you don’t have to venture much outside of downtown during your stay, you will want to because the Bristol area is rich with outdoor recreation activities. One place you should definitely check out is Bristol Caverns, located on the Tennessee side. Open year round, this is one of the largest caverns in the Smoky Mountain region. Follow along a paved and lighted path to explore the various earthly formations of columns and arches and event cross over an underground river.
If you want a really unique place to stay during your visit to Bristol, The Sessions Hotel is a fantastic choice. Named after the famous recording sessions that took place in the city, the historic building has been outfitted perfectly as a tribute to that era. Affiliated with Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio, the hotel itself is housed in a former grocer. The guest amenities offered begin with complimentary parking, a rarity for a downtown hotel property.
Upon checking into your room, the other available amenities contribute to an enjoyable overnight experience, including the complimentary waters that await you. But what is really cool is the record player that is sitting in your room beckoning to be played. A wonderful selection of records are available in the lobby for you to sift through until you find just the right one. The Victrola clock and radio player also allows you to listen to music via radio or Bluetooth. And finally, each room includes a white noise machine so you can relax with various calming sounds and an oil diffuser, with your choice of lavender, Cedarwood, and Eucalyptus.
Located on the hotel property, but operated separately, is a restaurant that you have to eat at not once, but at least twice. Southern Craft is a barbeque joint packed with all your Southern favorites. There are endless options for lunch or dinner, starting with the appetizers. The classic deviled eggs with smoked paprika is a good selection. But the fried green tomatoes with pimento cheese, buttermilk ranch, and a green tomato relish is an even better one. For your entrée, the Killer B sandwich, which is sliced brisket on a toasted bun with blackberry jam and black pepper bacon comes highly recommended. Or get the Gobbler sandwich, which has smoked turkey, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, and honey mustard on Texas toast. All the expected southern sides, including red skin potato salad, fried okra, pepper jack grits, sweet potato soufflé, and more are also good accompaniments. Another cool factor is that this structure was once a former mill, and industrial remnants of that use is still very much part of the décor.
But you also have to have breakfast at Southern Craft one morning as well. Have you ever gone to a restaurant and there are too many appealing choices on the menu? This is one of those places. Don’t skip the house-baked Blackberry Muffin. This larger than expected skillet-based blackberry muffin comes with honey butter, fresh cream, and blackberry jam. Another selection is Banana Pudding French Toast, enough said. But they also have Brisket and Gravy, Salmon and Grits, just to name a few.
Take a trip down Interstate 81 to Bristol, Virginia and Bristol, Tennessee to experience the history of country music, enjoy the outdoors, and so much more.
RESOURCES:
Birthplace of Country Music Museum – BirthplaceofCountryMusic.org
Bristol Caverns – Bristolcaverns.com
The Sessions Hotel – SessionsHotel.com
Southern Craft – SouthernCraftBBQ.com
By Shuan Butcher