I love the little things that make Northeast Tennessee home. Our family is really a homebody-type clan. We like to travel but don’t usually stay away for longer than a couple of days. It’s always nice to get back in our own beds or sit on our own couch because, as they say, there’s no place like home. When we do go out of town, I like to see the places that make our new scenery unique. While an Olive Garden dinner is fine, it’s also available nearly anywhere in the country. When we travel I want to find something that I can’t get anywhere else.
So when YOU come to Northeast TN, here are some things that you might see!
Pal’s –> When I see these funny Pal’s restaurants, I know I’m home. A big styrofoam cup of Pal’s sweet tea can be found just about anywhere. Pal’s also has delicious frenchie fries and cheddar rounds. There’s no seating in this restaurant; the “sudden service” means you order, drive around, and the food is ready.
Pepsi bottle cap billboard –> This is along the highway as you drive through Johnson City, TN. My husband and I estimate that the billboard has been there at least 25 years.
Bristol Motor Speedway –> I’m not a huge NASCAR fan but don’t tell anyone. That’s like saying that I don’t believe in Santa. BMS is alive and well in Bristol! Come during the Christmas holiday and you can even see the Speedway In Lights. The BMS racetrack is covered in all kinds of Christmas lights; you can drive on it! Bring that up in conversation and it’s almost guaranteed that your friends will be excited for you.
Biltmore Estate –> This beautiful castle is actually in Asheville, North Carolina, but it’s a must-see if you’re ever in the area. There’s not a bad time to visit. In the spring and summer, the estate is covered with glorious floral displays. At Christmas, the castle is decorated with huge trees and lights. Eat at one of the restaurants while you’re there; the food is grown right on the estate. It’s like being at Downton Abbey. You just need to see it for yourself!
We are exactly the same way when we travel – wanting to try out unique local places, not stuff I can get at home (or anywhere). We’ve never been to Tennessee, but that all sounds fun! 🙂
Oh man that is really neat, hahha I have never seen anything quite like that. We have the biggest ball of twine near our town, if that counts :-)!
It is so true! There is no place like home, as much as I travel it is always nice to come home and enjoy life.
I love the museums and the zoo..those are my favorite things to do!
You are right, it is fun to eat and see things you can’t do anywhere else when traveling. Love your review and photo from Northeast, TN. If we are ever passing through, we’ll for sure stop!
I’d love to go to Northeast, Tennessee. I’ve seen the gardens of the Biltmore Estate on HGTV, and it’s gorgeous.
I have too, I agree they are stunning!
LOL, I have never seen a PALs before but I am totally craving fries now!
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I also like to find places that I can’t get anywhere else while I am on vacay!
I’m the same way, I love trying new places and it’s good that you have them there. Our city and neighbouring cities seem to be the capital of chain restaurants. BOO!!
I love traveling, but every once in a while, it’s nice to take advantage of the adventures around you! Sounds like such a fun city to visit!
I love seeing what’s unique to the area. I hate when I ask and get some generic I could do that anywhere answer. Thanks for the tips. By the way, what in the world are cheddar rounds?
They are like cheesy tater tots….kind of. They’re circle shaped and thick. And OH SO GOOD. I’ll post a picture so you can see them! Other places around here have them, too, but Pal’s puts some special salt on them that makes them delicious.
I live on the border on VA/NC and adore the Biltmore. I do love exploring this area and your right no place like home!.
Interesting! I’ve never been there or heard of that place! Sounds neat!
I haven’t been to Tennessee since I was a teenager, but I am sure Hubby would love to see the speedway… Great list… makes me want to visit now!
That’s awesome that you have such cute familiar places! I have never been to TN, but will definitely stop here if I go! 🙂
We recently vacationed in VA and can attest there is no place like home. 5 days and 4 nights away were too much!
I love all the local places we have for kids- like the museum and all of our playgrounds!
I’ve never had the chance to see the Biltmore at holiday time. That is most definitely something I hope to do!
I want to go there just so I can take a photo of myself and my family in front of that giant hot dog. Love it. So glad you love where you live, that is so important.
I’ve been to Bristol Motor Speedway a couple of times! I love going to Tennessee. 🙂
It’s always nice to see new things but always nice to be home, too. I agree when I go somewhere I want to experience it. I want seafood when I go to Florida and not just Red Lobster. Missouri has The Plaza or St. Louis arch depending upon what area going to. There’s a great little Mexican restaurant but you really need to try the barbecue and several places. There’s a cook off going on this weekend actually for the best barbecue.
Looks fun. I really love the hometown feel.
What a fun sign. I agree there is no place like home. We will be traveling quite a bit soon and away for awhile I am sure I feel the way you feel – like Dorothy says there’s no place like home.
Pal’s? Never heard of it! I’ll have to check that out when I drop down in your city sometime…lol.
I live in western NC – and probably spend more time in TN than home lol. While there’s no place like home, it’s awesome living in the corner of 3 different states!
i think im going to have burgers and fries for lunch today! the picture of Pal’s made me want it!
I’ve never been to Tennessee! This year we’re taking a short vacation and getting a cottage in the Berkshires.
I actually live in a beautiful historictyown with huge Victorian mansions that the historical society makes sure are well maintained. At Christmas we always have Victorian Christmas and many of thr historic homes are opened up for tours, there’s carriage rides around town, the whole thing is kind of magical. I also live right near Penn State University so that in and of itself has a lot to visit if your a PSU fan (though don’t tell anyone I’m not!).
Oh, this sounds wonderful. I love stuff like that!
I’ve been to Biltmore Estate and I totally agree – it’s a must see! I’ve never heard of Pal’s though…I might have to try that the next time I’m in your neck of the woods!
That is so neat! Sounds like someplace I really want to visit!
I live in the bootheel of missouri not much to see but the river..
I love the look of Pal’s. I like the fun kitsch along route 66 too.
I can’t wait to take my daughter to TN, she is still too young but Bilmore looks fun! I love your photo. You are lucky you get to see all 4 seasons. Texas is BORING
I would love to vacation at Northeast Tennesse, and I’d want to find a Pal’s for sure! It looks and sounds like a wonderful area, esp for having fun – no wonder you don’t really need or want to go far to get away!
We love visiting Tennessee! Thanks for sharing some of these unique places to see
Sounds like some fun adventures around there! What fun places!
I understand what you are talking about, every time I go away for a visit somewhere I always feel good about getting back home. There is no place like home!
I just love Tennessee. Thank you for sharing different things with us to see
I love the hot dog. I consider my state home too.
I also live in NE Tn and we love Pals. Their frechie fries are soo good! We also enjoy Bay’s Mountain and Warrior’s Path. So pretty in the fall!
I visit Tennessee often but have never seen or heard of Pal’s. Now I am gonna be on the lookout the next time we are down that way.
Oh God I haven’t thought of Pal’s in years! My family lives in Greeneville TN and I used to go there all the time as a teenager!
Thank you for sharing. If I ever visit, I must see those. I love the simple things that make your home town home. When I go back to Oklahoma, there are certain little “hole-in-the-wall” restaurants that I love to eat at, and signs that just let me know I’m back.
What are cheddar rounds? We don’t have sweet tea here in Colorado either.
Oh, I need to do a whole post just on cheddar rounds!! They are like cheesy tater tots except infinitely better than that.
been t TN visiting once would love to go back! Thanks for this
Isn’t it amazing how the signs just bring you home. Just hearing about certain restaurants gets me craving them. They closed my daughter and my favorite little pizza place back in Oklahoma. Today Jobe’s Burgers and Pizza Drive-In will be sold. Just hearing that is very sad to me and brings back so many memories. It will be weird to go back home and not have them there.
i love trying new things that i haven’t ever done before when we travel. it is so much fun!
Huge decor, never heard of this place.. Definitely looks good