This Quiet Tennessee City Is Hiding In Plain Sight
The Appalachian Mountains are truly something magical, and Tennessee is hiding one of its best-kept secrets: Johnson City. Situated in a valley of the Southern Appalachians, this city is surrounded by so many mountain parks and rail trails that you'll be practically itching to get outside the second you arrive. Countless art galleries, barbecue joints, and breweries give the town an unmistakable personality, as well. It’s time to venture a bit off the beaten path this year and discover everything that Johnson City has to offer.
Outdoor Recreation
Thanks to its position in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, Johnson City is a true haven for outdoor adventure. Buffalo Mountain Park is just south of town and is composed of 725 acres of densely forested and mountainous land. A few of the most popular recreational activities here include hiking, picnicking, and nature program activities.
If you enjoy mountain biking, you will also enjoy an afternoon at Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park. Spanning 40 acres, this area is also filled with forest and is renowned for its many mountain biking trails. Jacob’s Nature Park is in the town’s eastern sector, meanwhile, and is another great place for hiking, offering several hiking trails, a wetland area, and an abundance of wildlife like salamanders, fish, frogs, and various bird species.
An Iconic Railroad Hub
Johnson City actually started as a major hub for three big railroads: the East Tennessee and Virginia, the “Tweetsie,” and the Clinchfield. These railways sparked a massive boom, taking the city from a tiny town of 685 people in 1880 to 12,000 by 1920! Although there are no longer any trains that stop in Johnson City, its railroad legacy remains apparent in various attractions throughout the area. The Tweetsie Trail is one of the most iconic pieces of railroad heritage, a 9.5-mile trail that winds along the former Tweetsie Railroad line between Johnson City and Elizabethton. The trail crosses over seven bridges and provides a flat surface that is ideal for running, walking, hiking, and biking.
If you want to learn more about the city’s railroad history, make sure to check out the Johnson City Railroad Experience as well. The museum is full of interactive displays that tell the story of the city's exciting railway era and the people, like Henry Johnson and George L. Carter, who made it happen.
Art Scene
Between its performing arts events and art festivals, there is always something creative happening in Johnson City. If you’re in town during the Art Struck Festival, you’re in for a treat. It brings the whole community together in the spring for a day of art markets, live demos, and plenty of delicious local food truck eats. For a night of culture, head over to the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts. They host a little bit of everything, including internationally renowned comics, touring Broadway productions, and incredible musical acts. Year-round, travelers can shop for a unique souvenir at one of Johnson City’s many art galleries. Ravenworks Gallery has a great collection of local, national, and international art. You will likely find some wonderful art at the Fischman Gallery as well, which has pieces for sale and various rotating exhibitions.
Dining And Sipping
You will want to come hungry to Johnson City, because there are some fantastic places to eat in town. For your morning coffee, you can stop by Dos Gatos, a coffee bar on Main Street that serves brewed coffee, espresso, tea, matcha, specialty toasts, locally made baked goods, quiche, and more. If you are craving a good plate of barbecue, Project BBQ is another must-visit. Owned by a fellow who used to live in Texas, the barbecue is some of the most authentic you will find in town. A few of the heavenly meats you will find on the menu include brisket, pulled pork, spareribs, and burnt ends. The smoked mac n cheese, loaded fries, and cornbread casserole all excellently complement the meat as well! And, of course, what better way to finish the day than with a craft beer? The Atlantic Ale House has 16 rotating brews on tap, along with a variety of food trucks that often operate on the premises.
A Year For Those Underrated Gems
If your goal for 2026 is to find those underrated gems before the rest of the world catches on, then Johnson City should be at the top of your list. There is so much to explore in this community of 74,000, ranging from mountain trails to railroad museums and performing arts centers. You won't have any trouble filling your itinerary with incredible places to eat, either! Who knows what other gems you might discover during your adventure?
