• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

‘Tis the Season for Festive Adventures in Johnson City and Jonesborough, TN

December 21, 2023 | Travel

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Visit Johnson City, however, all opinions are my own.

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by immersing yourself in the charming festivities of northeast Tennessee in cities like Johnson City and Jonesborough? From mouth watering dining experiences to enchanting holiday attractions, these twin cities have something for everyone. Johnson City even has an all new interactive visitor’s center where you can get all the info you need for your stay. Let’s embark on a journey through the must-visit places that will make your holiday season truly magical.

visit Johnson city

Culinary Delights: Start your holiday adventure at Cootie Brown’s, a local favorite known for its diverse menu and cozy atmosphere. Downtown Johnson City offers a vibrant culinary scene, with gems like The Black Olive and Southern Craft BBQ. The Black Olive serves up Italian delights, while Southern Craft BBQ boasts mouthwatering smoked meats and delectable sides. Explore the historic streets and treat your taste buds to a culinary journey.

For a quick bite, don’t miss Pals Sudden Service, a beloved local spot renowned for its delicious burgers and signature cheddar rounds. It’s the perfect pitstop for a satisfying meal on your holiday adventure.

Holiday Magic: Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit at Candyland Christmas, a festive downtown display that will transport you to a winter wonderland. Marvel at the twinkling lights and plethora of trees, whimsical decorations, and the joyous atmosphere that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside.

Historic Charms: Step back in time in Historic Jonesborough, Tennessee’s oldest town. Stroll down Main Street and find yourself in a storybook setting. Don’t miss out on going into the Lollipop Shop! Visit Main Street Cafe for a delightful cup of coffee or a savory treat, and soak in the historic ambiance.

The Chuckey Train Depot and Storytellers Museum are must-visit attractions that showcase the rich history of the region. Explore artifacts, hear captivating stories, and gain a deeper understanding of the cultural tapestry that makes Jonesborough so special.

Rare Animal Find: Bright’s Zoo is another enchanting stop for the whole family. Experience the family owned zoo and say hi to the only spotless giraffe in the USA! At just 4 months old, it’s such a little cutie!

Spirits and Views: Tennessee Hills Distillery is a gem for those seeking a spirited experience. Sample locally crafted spirits and learn about the art of distillation. You can do a free tasting! We ended up buying some great bottles!

Holiday Extravaganza: Experience the holiday magic at the Pinnacle Bristol Motor Speedway in Lights, where millions of twinkling lights transform the speedway where the drivers normally race into a dazzling spectacle. It’s a festive extravaganza that will leave you in awe.

Luxurious Retreats: Take a break and unwind at the Carnegie Hotel and Spa, a luxurious escape nestled in the heart of Johnson City. Experience comfort and elegance as well as good food at Wellington’s  as you recharge for more holiday adventures.

visit Johnson city

Great Views and Activities: For panoramic views, head to Tannery Knob Overlook, where you can enjoy breathtaking scenery that captures the essence of Tennessee’s natural beauty. Don’t miss a ride on the Tweetsie Trail! Rent bikes at Local Motion, and then stop at Cranky’s Pump ‘N Pints for a drink after your ride.

visit Johnson city

Whether you’re a local or a visitor, the holidays in Johnson City and Jonesborough are a special time filled with warmth, joy, and unforgettable experiences. This festive season, make it a point to explore these enchanting destinations, creating memories that will last a lifetime. Check out the Visit Johnson City website for more details!

visit Johnson city

Related: Visit Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Like this:

Like Loading...

Sign up for my newsletter

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. šŸ™‚

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • A Quick and Easy Seasonal American Road Trip Guide
  • Why Quick Workouts Deliver Big Results
  • 4 Things That Stop People From Exercising (And What To Do About Them)
  • 6 Tips for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party
  • Family Fun in Tuscaloosa: Your Ultimate Getaway Beyond Game Day

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
šŸ–ļø I’m so thankful my parents took us on tr šŸ–ļø I’m so thankful my parents took us on trips growing up. When I was young, we didn’t have a lot of money, but they made every weekend getaway or camping trip special, and I have so many great memories. 

We may not have gotten to travel often until I was a teenager, but we still had a blast, and they even took us to a @spectrumresorts  property! (Ad)

As an adult, I am so grateful to be able to return the favor. To see them laugh and play with my daughter like they did with me. It’s one of those special full circle moments, those core memories that will stay with me forever. 🄹

Staying at @turquoiseplaceofficial makes things so easy, too. The condos are huge and we easily all fit without being on top of each other. There’s plenty to do with pools, a waterslide, lazy river, the beach, movie nights, kids activities, food, and more. ✨

It truly is the perfect place for a multigenerational vacation. So if you are looking for a great place to go with your parents, grandkids, aunts, uncles, or cousins, this is it. šŸ’–

And, you can save 10% on your stay by using my code LOOKGLASS in the promo box when you are booking, here or at @thebeachclubresortandspa! šŸ–ļø 

Have you taken a multigenerational vacation? Where did you go? 

#albeachblogger #turquoiseplace #spectrumresorts #orangebeachalabama #beachcondo #beachvacay
We take her on these trips and cruises hoping she’ll soak in the adventure, the beauty, and maybe even the food from places different from where we live… but to her, nothing beats a corn dog and mac & cheese. šŸ§€ 

And honestly, that’s the best reminder for us, that joy doesn’t have to be fancy, it just has to be yours. šŸ›³āœØ 

#FamilyTravel #SimpleJoys #disneycruiseline #disneywish #disneycreators #cruiseship
YES I was dancing, eating mac and cheese from the YES I was dancing, eating mac and cheese from the kids menu, and singing ā€œLet it Goā€ with a butter knife while wearing Mickey ears on our Disney cruise. 🚢 

When I was 12, I was worried a lot… worried about failing, scared of what people would think of me, and of not fitting in or being ā€œcoolā€. 
I turned 40 this year and have been spending time trying to figure out exactly who I really am with all expectations stripped away. I don’t love the term ā€œfinding yourselfā€, but here I feel like it fits. ✨

Maybe finding yourself means going back to being 12.… and being myself without being scared. Heather at 12 would never believe this version of me… but I think she’d be proud. šŸ’›āœØ

#disneycruise #disneycruiseline #letitgoā„ļø #findingyourself #disneycreators #disneywish @disneycruiseline
Ever wondered what extra magic you can add for a b Ever wondered what extra magic you can add for a birthday onboard a @disneycruiseline ship? 🚢 

Emma Kate turned 11 last month during our sailing and we did so many birthday things! She got a ton of ā€œhappy birthday’sā€ from crew and guests to make it extra special. ✨

šŸ‘‰šŸ»For a link to the birthday ears she wore (they have lots of colors and variations!) comment ā€œEARSā€ and I will send it to you! 

#disneycruise #disneycruiseline #disneywish #disneybirthday #disneycruisevacation #disneytips
IYKYK. I finally figured it out…the night before IYKYK. I finally figured it out…the night before we got off the ship. šŸ˜†

#disneymeme #disneycruiseline #disneywish #cruisememe #cruiseship #cruisevacation
This is 11. āœØšŸŽ‰ Not sure how this happened, b This is 11. āœØšŸŽ‰

Not sure how this happened, but time snuck up on me and now I have an 11 year old. 🄹
We couldn’t think of a more fun place to celebrate that on Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas.

She started the day with presents, then hours and hours in the sun on the island, followed by cake and singing at dinner, the tween club, and fireworks at sea! (They were for pirate night but we said they were birthday fireworks!) 

Happy birthday to the most fierce, kind, competitive, loyal, funny, and beautiful little girl I know. 🩷 Never change who you are and stop growing up so fast! So. Blessed to have the best title there is, Emma Kate’s mom. šŸ’–

#thisis11 #birthdaygirl #happubirthday #theprincessek
Looking for a place where your family can slow dow Looking for a place where your family can slow down and make memories together? 🌲 The Retreat House at Valley Bear Farms is your home away from home in the North Carolina mountains. (Ad) 

This spacious lodge features 3 cozy bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms + a half bath, a chef’s kitchen for family meals, and plenty of space to gather. Step outside to private decks, a hot tub under the stars, and an outdoor fireplace perfect for s’mores and story-sharing.

And when you’re ready to explore, your stay includes full access to everything Valley Bear Farms offers — from pond swims and a wood-fired sauna to disc golf, pickleball, volleyball, bocce ball, hiking trails, and evenings around the community fire pit where families come together.

It’s more than a getaway. It’s where family memories are made. ā¤ļø 

#ValleyBearFarms #FamilyRetreat #GlampingWithKids #northcarolina #familyvacations

Copyright © 2025 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

 

Loading Comments...
 

You must be logged in to post a comment.

    %d