Downtown State Street
Downtown State Street
4.5
About
Bristol has a proud heritage going back more than 150 years of being both a fun place to visit and a “Good Place to Live”. With so much to do and enjoy, everyone feels at home in Historic Downtown Bristol. As a Certified Main Street Community, Downtown Bristol has more to offer every day – more activities, more shops, more homes, more offices and more life. Believe in Bristol is a nonprofit 501 ( c ) 3 organization composed of dedicated citizens, business owners, government officials and other friends of Bristol who recognize the role a vital downtown plays in preserving and furthering our communities identity, spirit and economy.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
290 reviews
Excellent
165
Very good
88
Average
31
Poor
4
Terrible
2
TYPSUKR
Arlington, VA729 contributions
Sep 2021
While driving down I-81, we took a brief detour to Bristol to see the famed "twin cities" which straddle the Virginia-Tennessee border. It was nice to get out and walk up and down Main Street, allowing us to stretch our legs and see a new city. Admittedly, we didn't really do anything except for walking and taking a few photos. There are a few historical markers near the country music studio and the historic rail station, and also be sure to check out the state flags lining the street. You can walk the whole thing at an easy pace within 20 minutes. Parking was free and easy to find (mid-day on a week day) along Main Street.
Written September 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
daisyferret1
Bear, DE27,286 contributions
Jun 2021
We always make our way down to State Street in Bristol when passing through the area. It is kind of special to me since my Mom used to live here and would always take us downtown to walk around.
On this trip, we walked around State Street and took in the sights first thing in the morning. Most of the shops are closed in the morning. We were there around 9am and things were pretty much still closed up. Uncle Sam's used to be one of our favorite places to visit since it was kind of like a pawn shop. We would always search for treasures, but we were not able to visit this trip. Some of the antique shops are still there, but again closed. I noticed the theatre was still there in addition to the tattoo shop. We noticed several restaurants: The Angry Italian, Blackbird Bakery, Burger Bar, Retro Diner, Quaker Steak & Lube and Bloom. We stumbled upon the Blackbird Bakery as it is about a block off of state street and decided to go on in. We were glad we did! We also made a note of the Burger Bar and considered stopping back by for lunch on our way out of town, but it was closed on Mondays.
The golden markers in the center of the street are always a must to photograph. One side of the street is Virginia and the other side Tennessee. If you straddle the yellow line, you are technically in 2 states at the same time! We also enjoyed the mural that we discovered tucked in an alleyway. The State Street sign at the end of the street by the railroad tracks is always a beautiful sight, day or night. It is lit at night. Plus there is a neat statue made out of metal parts on the street by the sign.
Overall, we enjoy walking around downtown. Kids always like to take pictures with the golden street markers and see the statue. We would have liked to look in shops, but we were surprised that most things did not open til after 11am and some places like the Burger Bar were closed on certain days of the week. Bloom and the Blackbird Bakery were the only places we saw open! We were a little disappointed, but will continue to visit this special place shared between 2 states!
On this trip, we walked around State Street and took in the sights first thing in the morning. Most of the shops are closed in the morning. We were there around 9am and things were pretty much still closed up. Uncle Sam's used to be one of our favorite places to visit since it was kind of like a pawn shop. We would always search for treasures, but we were not able to visit this trip. Some of the antique shops are still there, but again closed. I noticed the theatre was still there in addition to the tattoo shop. We noticed several restaurants: The Angry Italian, Blackbird Bakery, Burger Bar, Retro Diner, Quaker Steak & Lube and Bloom. We stumbled upon the Blackbird Bakery as it is about a block off of state street and decided to go on in. We were glad we did! We also made a note of the Burger Bar and considered stopping back by for lunch on our way out of town, but it was closed on Mondays.
The golden markers in the center of the street are always a must to photograph. One side of the street is Virginia and the other side Tennessee. If you straddle the yellow line, you are technically in 2 states at the same time! We also enjoyed the mural that we discovered tucked in an alleyway. The State Street sign at the end of the street by the railroad tracks is always a beautiful sight, day or night. It is lit at night. Plus there is a neat statue made out of metal parts on the street by the sign.
Overall, we enjoy walking around downtown. Kids always like to take pictures with the golden street markers and see the statue. We would have liked to look in shops, but we were surprised that most things did not open til after 11am and some places like the Burger Bar were closed on certain days of the week. Bloom and the Blackbird Bakery were the only places we saw open! We were a little disappointed, but will continue to visit this special place shared between 2 states!
Written July 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard C
1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Solo
Downtown is about people and commerce. In order to thrive at it's highest level, a city needs to pay attention to both. When people begin to age, certain things become more and more important. One of those things is having a convenient l place to park when you go shopping and another one is having a comfortable, clean place to sit down when your legs needd a rest. Downtown Bristol, TN/VA has neither. You either go to a restaurant ... or just keep standing. No public benches on State St. AT ALL. Shame on you Bristol. You can do better than this.
Written March 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mish_the_Fish
525 contributions
Jun 2021
While staying overnight in Bristol, we took a late afternoon stroll down State Street. Plenty of choices for restaurants along with other stores and nicely kept up. We didn't have time to view menus and most stores were closed on this Tuesday evening (many closed at 3PM to 5PM) but it was an enjoyable walk well worth taking.
Written June 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Faye P
Greeneville, TN171 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
People love the opportunity to stand in the middle of the street and be in two states (Va/Tn). People in cars are use to it and just let you have your moment. While there be sure to stop into Cranberry Lane for unique shopping and just off State Street on the Virginia side go to Blackbird Bakery
Written September 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
buckeyebears
Amherst, OH28 contributions
Sep 2021
I found downtown Bristol wanting. Parts of it seemed very sad but trying to come back. Guess I’ve been watching too many Geico commercials. Nothing really stood out except the Bristol sign.
Written September 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PaulyPauly2014
Knoxville, TN6,301 contributions
Aug 2020 • Business
While in Bristol on a business trip we decided to check this area out! Nostalgia and more was offered; specialty shops, dining places and boutiques....
Quaint and a very neat place to walk, see and enjoy an afternoon and have a bite to eat or shop. Recommend if in the area and many spots to eat, drink or just hang out!
Quaint and a very neat place to walk, see and enjoy an afternoon and have a bite to eat or shop. Recommend if in the area and many spots to eat, drink or just hang out!
Written August 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marcia C
3 contributions
Feb 2021
I enjoy the antique stores but the antiques seem overpriced to me. Too expensive, at least for me.. However, you can spend an entire afternoon in the shops just looking. You might find a nice little ice cream/gelato shop. If you do, stop and enjoy.
Written February 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rhaltn56
Murfreesboro, TN238 contributions
Jul 2020
Drive up and then down the street and be in two different states, good walking area for different shops on both sides of the street, several good places to eat and drink within walking distance. Lot of history here in the area. Nice to see and check out the sign at night. Historical markers that explain a lot for area by the depot. Nice area to get some walking and sightseeing in, good experience
Written August 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RoadtripCowboy
Burlington, CT779 contributions
Aug 2021
This very interesting state border sign is an amusing must see in the area. Passing through en route to a destination, we just had to stop here briefly for some pictures and selfies. A GPS is necessary to find it since its not a prime tourist spot with signage. In an older, brick business part of town, the huge overhead sign says Bristol is a good place to live. Check it out and decide.
Written September 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maggie B
Bristol, Virginia
Hi Arthur, so sorry we're just now seeing your question! There are several brass plates amongst the double yellow line down State Street in Downtown. They run approx from the Bristol Sign all the way to Volunteer Parkway/Commonwealth Avenue.
Written August 27, 2018
We are 3 couples planning to attend "us nationals late models" May 19 thru 21 2017
are there ample things for the "girls" to do while the "boys" take in the racing on Sat and Sun?
We are looking to spend time in Bristol and then move on to Nashville
Any suggestions?
We will be driving and have ample transportation means.
Joe the co-ordinator
Written February 7, 2017
Downtown Bristol has a variety of different retail options to keep the ladies busy! There's also other attractions available downtown, such as Tri-Cities Escape Game and the Birthplace of Country Music Museum!
Written February 7, 2017
Maggie B
Bristol, Virginia
Hi John! Yes, downtown Bristol will again be host to Food City Family Race Night on Thursday, August 20, 1-9pm on State Street. Tripadvisor will not let you send you the link but here is a little info - Regularly attracting over 30,000 people every year, Food City Race Night is one of the largest and most successful fan events held in conjunction with races at any NASCAR venue. Food City Race Night features entertainment, food, and fun. Fans of all ages get the opportunity to meet their favorite drivers and their teams.
Also please visit our website (listed on this tripadvisor page) to see al the other events, restaurants and music happening in downtown!
Thank you for your interest and have a great trip!
Written July 30, 2015
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