An Artist's Trip to Johnson City, TN

An Artist's Trip to Johnson City, TN

If I were a tourist in my hometown, here's how I'd spend a long, luxurious weekend as the art nerd that I am. From stays to eats to arts, it's all local. Come experience the vibrant culture of East Tennessee! If you enjoy this guide, please save it, share it, leave a tip, or write a review! Follow me and be the first to know when I create new guides. Thanks!
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Where to Stay

Carnegie Hotel
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The premier luxury hotel of Johnson City, TN, Carnegie Hotel is within walking distance to East Tennessee State University grounds and near parks, shops, and restaurants of historic downtown. Take full advantage of the pool, spa, and Wellington's Restaurant at the hotel, then head out to explore!
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Relax

Austin Springs Spa & Salon
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Treat yourself to a mani-pedi, massage, and fresh haircut, all without leaving your hotel! Visit the Austin Spring's Spa & Salon website to choose the pampering that suits you best.
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Eat Well

Dos Gatos Coffee Bar
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What do you get when an art gallery owner opens a coffee shop? Dos Gatos! Named after the two cats (Georgia and O'Keeffe) that inhabited the previous gallery/café space, Dos Gatos serves up some of the finest coffees in the area. On the walls, you'll find a selection of original art, often for sale, by an Artist of the Month. (What a great souvenir!) Artist receptions are typically on the first Friday of a month at 6pm. Check their website or give them a call for specific schedules. My top recommendation: the nitro cold brew. If you've never had nitro coffee, Dos Gatos is the place to try it for the first time. Ask your barista for the details on why it's so special. Be sure to check out the seasonal drinks selection as well. You never know what you'll find there! *offers gluten free, dairy free, and vegan options
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Cootie Brown's Campus
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Quirky with a touch of Louisiana zydeco is the vibe at Cootie Brown's. You can't go wrong with the thick hoagie sandwiches, made from scratch pizzas, or big enough to share nachos. What really keeps people coming back though is their famous Key Lime Pie. I'm hungry now just thinking about it all.
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Freiberg's
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Johnson City's one and only German restaurant! Portions are generous and I can't say I've ever had a bad meal here. My top picks: soft pretzels and beer cheese to start, then chicken schnitzel with pan fried potatoes and broccoli for the entrée. (Pro tip: ask for extra beer cheese and pour it over the broccoli.)
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Wellington's Restaurant
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Open for breakfast and dinner, Wellington's Restaurant can easily be your first or last stop of the day as you stay the Carnegie Hotel. You can expect traditional Southern cuisine - like biscuits and gravy, fried green tomatoes, crispy catfish, deviled eggs, and iced sweet tea - with a gourmet flare. Make your reservation through their website or by calling 423-979-6401.
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Southern Craft BBQ
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There's no shortage of good barbecue in the South. Southern Craft is local to East Tennessee and happens to be one of my personal favorites. My top menu picks: Peach Tea - iced and sweet Butcher's Block (ideal for a group) or Burnt Ends (for one) Sweet Potato Souffle Fried Okra Macaroni & Cheese
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Fine Art

A note about these galleries and museums: They have regular open hours year round, so you can visit any time. However, the best time to plan your visit is on the first Friday evening of a month.

Downtown Johnson City has for more than 20 years hosted a First Friday event. Local galleries have show openings, often paired with hors d'oeuvres, live music, and a chance to meet the artists and hear about their work firsthand! It's a special experience you won't want to miss.

Slocumb Galleries
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One of Johnson City's hidden treasures, the Slocumb Art Gallery is located on the campus of East Tennessee State University, in the Ernest C. Ball Hall building. The gallery is free and open to the public. Most often, it features work from the university's up-and-coming art students, particularly those nearing graduation who are required to create a solo showing of their work. You're guaranteed to see something unique and inspiring! If you're staying at the Carnegie Hotel, you can walk over in less than 10 minutes. If you prefer to drive, swing by the university security office to get a free temporary parking pass.
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Reece Museum
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Reece Museum is located on the campus of East Tennessee State University. Inside you'll find displays about Appalachian history and culture, student work from the university's art majors, and rotating exhibitions. The museum is free and open to the public. Check their website for current hours and exhibits. If you're staying at the Carnegie Hotel, you can walk over in less than 10 minutes. If you prefer to drive, swing by the university security office to get a free temporary parking pass.
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Founders Park
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Rove the winding paths of Founder's Park. You'll see a semi-permanent sculpture walk, an amphitheater, and a picturesque waterway created to mitigate flooding that in times passed regularly affected the downtown area. The park hosts festivals, concerts, and events regularly. Two of the most popular are the summertime Blue Plum Festival in June and Candy Land Christmas, a display of more than 150 Christmas trees, decorated by local businesses.
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Tipton Gallery
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Tipton Gallery is connected with the College of Art and Design at nearby East Tennessee State University and frequently features student work. However, this is not all you'll find at the gallery! The gallery has twice received the Award of Excellence from the Tennessee Association of Museums. Check the website for current and upcoming exhibits. In general, the gallery has receptions for new show openings on the first Friday evening of each month. These are typically free, open to the public events with hors d'oeuvres and a chance to meet the artist(s) who created the current works on display.
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The Warrior's Canvas & Veterans Art Center
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The Warrior's Canvas Gallery displays a monthly rotation of work by area military veterans. It was created to "improve the lives of veterans by fostering a sense of comradery built around the arts, and to use this common interest in the arts to build bridges in our local communities." If you're a veteran or family member of a veteran, check out the resources offered through the Warrior's Canvas.
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Nelson Fine Art and Frames
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The OG of the historic downtown Johnson City art scene, Nelson Fine Art is one you won’t want to miss. In addition to decades of fostering art and culture in the area, Nelson is a premier framer in the area. When you’re ready to frame your art, documents, or heirlooms, give owner Dick Nelson a visit.
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Fischman Gallery
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Fischman Gallery features local and regional artists in monthly exhibits, performance art, and hands-on creative workshops. Visit their social media accounts to see what's happening next and plan your visit!
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Local Weather

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
US native. Former resident of Romania. Current solo female globe trotter. I've ventured to more than a dozen countries across four continents as part of group tours, volunteer work, solo travel, studying abroad, and teaching internationally. I lived for over a year in Romania, many years in Tennessee, and several months in England. My travel style is slow, spontaneous, and - shall we say - richly flavorful. I prefer to stay longer lengths in places instead of having a whirlwind sightseeing venture. I'll skip the chain restaurants for a hole-in-the-wall café any day of the week. I prefer a loose itinerary and remain open to what each day brings. My favorite things to do and see as I travel are... - EAT - Try whatever is local. Order the special of the day. Talk with the restaurant staff. - WALK - It encourages me to slow down, notice, and get a feel for community. - HIKE - I'm a lazy hiker. By "hike," I mean a few hours at a slow pace. - MUSEUMS - Spend an afternoon. Read the descriptions on exhibits. Talk with the docents. Buy something in the giftshop. - CHURCHES - I'm fascinated by the various ways people have worshipped the God of the Bible over centuries and across borders. Many older churches are also museums or tourist-friendly spaces. Some additionally hold regular liturgical services. - CASTLES - Castles, fortresses, palaces, big ol' houses: these places transport me back in time. I imagine the people who built, lived in, and defended them. What would they think of how we now live? If this kind of travel sounds ideal to you, hit the Contact Me button! I'd love to help you experience slower, more meaningful travel. We'll discuss tips for how to make the most of your trip, with low stress, reasonable safety, affordability, and lots of fun. Book one of my custom services, and we'll work together to get you wheels up on your next adventure! Follow me to easily access all the resources I create.
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