The eastern Tennessee city has experienced a Postindustrial Renaissance in recent years, drawing new residents and tourists to its amazing outdoor opportunities and its artsy, cool vibe, complemented by a growing food scene.
The air was heavy with summer heat pouring through the lush forest canopy as we approached the summit of the mountain.
Thrilled to be near the top, we scrambled the last few steps up the rocky path, finally reaching our goal: a gorgeous view atop Buffalo Mountain revealing the timeless beauty of Appalachia.
We stood atop the peak, basking in a slight breeze and surveying the majesty of a region rich in natural splendor, history, and adventure.
This was our first time in Johnson City, Tennessee, a former railroad depot that made it a fulcrum point for moving coal, goods, and people during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Today, the principal city of northeast Tennessee draws visitors and new residents with its plentiful outdoor activities, fun dining options, a growing art scene, and more.
We spent several days exploring the city’s offerings and the surrounding countryside, working up our appetites in the great outdoors before tucking into some of the city’s delicious eats.
After our hike, we returned to Johnson City (the “great outdoors” is practically at your doorstep here), where we strolled the streets looking for lunch while admiring the murals adorning several buildings.
Johnson City has reinvented itself in recent years as not only an outdoor lover’s destination, but a place for good times as well, a callback to its raucous Prohibition-era past, when the little burgh was known as “Little Chicago.”
Walking its downtown streets, we imagined the bygone, booze-filled hijinxs of yore before finding a surprisingly good Turkish restaurant for lunch.
Before founding Postindustrial in 2018, I was living in Istanbul and so I was expecting a pale resemblance to the fare I’d enjoyed there. Instead, we were treated to a tasty array of savory Turkish delights.
After lunch, we wandered Johnson City some more, discovering an art collective run out of an old wholesale grocery warehouse founded by artist Nancy Fischman.
There, we met artist Elena Corradino, who was working on a new painting while extolling the virtues of living in Johnson City as a creator.
Acrylic, resin, gold leaf on 12×12 birch panel / Courtesy of Elena Corradino Art
The area has attracted a creative class in recent years, adding to the city’s allure and already-established fondness for the arts.
Adding to its creative reputation is East Tennessee State University, which boasts an Institute for Appalachian Music and Culture. There, music and other forms of artistic expression from the region are celebrated and passed along from one generation to the next.
Next door to the university is the Carnegie Hotel, a charming remnant of Johnson City’s historic past with its grand antique finishings and stately lobby, ideal for unwinding after a long day of exploration and incredible dining.
After a couple days in Johnson City, we were already planning our return to discover more the area has to offer, including whitewater rafting, leisurely kayaking, and thrilling, picturesque motorcycle rides known as the “South Dozen,” a series of winding, jaw-droppingly beautiful rides that attract motorcyclists from across the globe.
While we plan our return, head there and treat yourself to the natural wonders and delightful folks that make Johnson City a must-experience attraction for Postindustrial Travelers.
