The Southern Dozen are twelve rides based in Johnson City that travel all around the region.
Each one is an adventure in itself that will take you through winding curves, breath taking natural scenery, historic landmarks, local points of interest, and fun attractions. Whether you feel like exploring caves, seeing wolves, touring historic sites, leaning into heart-pounding curves or just taking in the views, you’ll find a ride that’s exactly what you’re looking for.

This is part 5, called Music to Your Ears and takes us to the the roots of Country Music.

The ride is officially 88 miles round-trip from Johnson City to Bristol and mainly Highway. To make the ride more interesting we will ride via country roads back to Johnson City and visit some interesting sites.

Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia are famous for their music. Bristol as the home of the legendary Carter Family and the Birthplace of Country Music, this area laid the foundation for America’s modern music scene. See the Burger Bar, where Hank Williams was last seen alive, visit the auditorium that June Carter and Johnny Cash called home, and see where the first “country” recordings were made in 1927.

In Bristol you can visit
RP4 Bristol Motor speedway
RP7 Birthplace of Country Music Way
RP10 Have lunch at the Original Burger Bar located in downtown Bristol, a classic diner since 1942. Famously known as the last place Hank Williams, Sr. was seen alive. Serving only the freshest, juiciest burgers available.

The ride continues over scenic roads to the The Carter Family Memorial Music Center (RP14), a non-profit organization, serves fans and supporters of old-time country and folk music through the presentation of weekly performances at the Carter Family Fold. It also honors the memory of the first family of country music, the legendary Carter Family.

We continue our trip and will pass small villages like Weber City, Fort Blackmore and Clinchport before we reach Kingsport (RP17), where you'll have the opportunity to stop for a break in one of the many restaurants and bars.

Downtown Kingsport you can visit the The Mountain Music Museum (RP20), with exhibits from legends as Ernie Ford, Dr. Ralph Stanley, Flatt and Scruggs, Archie Campbell, The Carter Family and more, there’s no end to the musical treasures to be uncovered. The Mountain Music Museum is also home to the long running Pickin’ Porch Show.
Next door you can visit the Hook and Ladder Moonshine Distillery Shop. Founded by Drew Draper and his father Kenneth Draper, a decorated Senior Captain for Kingsport Fire Station One, they intended to honor firefighters all across the country. Exposed brick walls adorned with firefighting memorabilia honor those who have served, and consist well with the urban vibe of the downtown area.
Utilizing an old, thumper-style still, father and son are proudly producing a high proof moonshine with quality mash and a superior taste. Offering free samples to visitors, as well as a wide range of merchandise. Explore the flavors now and then come by for a taste of real Tennessee moonshine.

From Kingsport we continue our trip back to Johnson City, we will ride through the Warriors Path State Park.

I rate this route with 4 stars, because of the nice scenic roads and interesting sight seeing options along the route.

Useful links:
Source of the Music to your Ears
Promotional Video of the Music to your Ears
RP4 Bristol Motor speedway
RP7 Birthplace of Country Music Way
RP20 Hook and Ladder Moonshine Distillery Shop

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René Plücken (RouteXpert)

Virginia

Virginia ( (listen)), officially the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a state in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States located between the Atlantic Coast and the Appalachian Mountains. The geography and climate of the Commonwealth are shaped by the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Chesapeake Bay, which provide habitat for much of its flora and fauna. The capital of the Commonwealth is Richmond; Virginia Beach is the most populous city, and Fairfax County is the most populous political subdivision. The Commonwealth's estimated population as of 2019 is over 8.54 million.The area's history begins with several indigenous groups, including the Powhatan. In 1607 the London Company established the Colony of Virginia as the first permanent English colony in the New World. Virginia's state nickname, the Old Dominion, is a reference to this status. Slave labor and the land acquired from displaced Native American tribes each played a significant role in the colony's early politics and plantation economy. Virginia was one of the 13 Colonies in the American Revolution. In the American Civil War, Virginia's Secession Convention resolved to join the Confederacy while the First Wheeling Convention resolved to remain in the Union, leading to a split that created West Virginia. Although the Commonwealth was under one-party rule for nearly a century following Reconstruction, both major national parties are competitive in modern Virginia.The Virginia General Assembly is the oldest continuous law-making body in the Western Hemisphere and is made up of a forty-member Senate and a one-hundred member House of Delegates. The state government is unique in how it treats cities and counties equally, manages local roads, and prohibits governors from serving consecutive terms. Virginia's economy has many sectors: agriculture in the Shenandoah Valley; federal agencies in Northern Virginia, including the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA); and military facilities in Hampton Roads, the site of the region's main seaport.

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