I’ve lived in northwest Georgia, close to the Tennessee state line, for almost all of my life. Nashville, Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Memphis are all locations that I go to regularly as a result of they aren’t that far of a drive from me. Tennessee has some actually particular locations and to be sincere, I assumed that I’d seen the very best elements of the state till I headed to northeast Tennessee for the primary time not too long ago. 

Over the course of some days, I skilled the allure of Johnson Metropolis and the encircling space. From seeing a whole lot of animals at a zoo to taking in phenomenal mountain views and extra, my journey in wheelchair accessible northeast Tennessee confirmed me that there’s all the time extra to discover. And this a part of the state has definitely stolen a chunk of my coronary heart. 

Under, I’ll cowl the entire wheelchair accessible sights and experiences that I loved in northeast Tennessee, my suggestions for the place to eat throughout any journey to the world, and I’ll share the place I stayed throughout my journey. By the point you get to the top of this weblog submit, I’m fairly positive you’ll be itching to e-book a visit to northeast Tennessee as a lot as I’m desirous to e-book one other journey to the area! With out additional ado, right here’s methods to take pleasure in northeast Tennessee as a wheelchair person –

Wheelchair Accessible Northeast Tennessee Sights & Issues to Do

Get pleasure from nature (and the sky) at Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium

The primary cease on my itinerary was Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium, the place I spent a pair hours. I had such a good time right here and it was an ideal begin to my time in northeast Tennessee. Bays Mountain Park is 3,750 acres giant, so there’s definitely quite a bit to expertise! 

I deliberate to journey the wheelchair accessible barge, but it surely was raining throughout my go to, sadly. The boat was not lined after I visited, however the workers did inform me that they’re going so as to add a canopy very quickly. Whereas I couldn’t really do the barge journey, I did see the boat and the ramp resulting in it, and it appeared utterly wheelchair accessible. In case you’ll be visiting on a pleasant non-rainy day, this could be a enjoyable exercise.

Subsequent to the barge space is the Herpetarium. Right here, you should buy your tickets for the barge journey and see a lot of creatures that decision the world house. I noticed extra snakes in right here than I desired, but it surely was good understanding that they had been all behind glass. Contained in the Herpetarium, it’s also possible to seize souvenirs to commemorate your journey.

Whereas right here, you possibly can’t miss a go to to the Planetarium. It’s only a brief stroll/roll from the Herpetarium and I actually felt like I used to be totally immersed in an outside expertise, despite the fact that I used to be inside, reclined again in my wheelchair, viewing a display screen. I’ve solely been to Planetariums a pair different occasions in numerous cities, however this one was simply my favourite one but.

Within the Planetarium, I watched a present referred to as “Totality”, which was all about eclipses. It was fascinating and I discovered a lot. The movie additionally talked about constellations and by way of the display screen, we had been in a position to view the precise sky of northeast Tennessee. I’m normally not the kind of individual that’s tremendous into issues like this, however this Planetarium was actually cool and the spotlight of my go to to Bays Mountain Park. 

It’s additionally value noting that Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium is a cease on the Tennessee Night time Sky Path. I used to be really in a position to go to a number of stops on the Night time Sky Path, and I’ll cowl them beneath. If you wish to observe the attractive Tennessee sky, positively make sure you try the path on-line and plan your stops. Eight out of the 9 stops on the Tennessee Night time Sky Path are wheelchair accessible! 

See a whole lot of animals at Brights Zoo

This non-public family-owned zoo is positioned on US-11E in Limestone, Tennessee. Brights Zoo is house to a whole lot of animals, however its most well-known resident is a spotless giraffe named Kipekee. She’s the one identified spotless giraffe on the planet! 

The zoo is huge in dimension, so when you’ve got issue strolling, you could decide to hire one in all their many wheelchairs or scooters on-site. I had no downside in any respect rolling across the zoo in my powered wheelchair. The pathways all through Brights Zoo had been all paved and clean. A few of the sections had been a bit steep, however I used to be in a position to take pleasure in my go to with ease. 

A number of occasions all through the day, you possibly can pay an additional price and feed a number of the animals. I used to be pleased to see that the giraffe feeding was wheelchair accessible, however sadly the time of my go to didn’t coincide with the giraffe feeding occasions. Be sure you verify their schedule earlier than your arrival, in an effort to higher plan. 

Different animals that I used to be in a position to see included monkeys, capybaras, zebras, penguins, and lots of extra. I used to be tremendously impressed with what number of animals had been at Brights Zoo and the way giant their residing areas had been. This is without doubt one of the higher zoos that I’ve visited and I’d extremely encourage you to go to throughout any journey to wheelchair accessible northeast Tennessee! 

Find out about northeast Tennessee’s historical past at Fingers On! Discovery Middle

The Fingers On! Discovery Middle in Grey, Tennessee is without doubt one of the most attention-grabbing museums I’ve visited in fairly some time. Not solely is there an expansive indoor museum space, however it’s also possible to see an lively archeological dig web site referred to as the Grey Fossil Web site throughout your go to. 

The dig web site is behind the museum and has a big, wheelchair accessible viewing platform, the place you possibly can watch the precise digging. A few of the fossils which were discovered right here might be dated again to 4.5 to 4.9 million years in the past. It was cool to think about the historical past on this precise spot in northeast Tennessee. 

Contained in the Discovery Middle, you possibly can watch by means of a glass window into the paleontology labs, the place the employees really filter by means of the filth that they’ve excavated from this web site and make discoveries. Some fossils which were unearthed are on show, akin to a 10-ton mastodon, crimson panda, tapir, rhinoceros, and extra! It’s superb to look the fossils over and daydream in regards to the days that these animals had been really roaming these grounds. 

Paleo excursions might be bought on the predominant ticketing counter as you enter the Fingers On! Discovery Middle, however the wheelchair accessibility on the grounds is hard. The bottom is made from rugged filth and rocky terrain. I opted to not go all the way in which to the digging web site and remained on the viewing platform as a substitute, however the tour was nonetheless extraordinarily informative up till the purpose that the group walked out to the dig web site. I’d suggest doing this tour although, even when you’ll be viewing the dig web site from the viewing platform. 

I’d plan to go to the Discovery Middle for at the least two hours, as there’s a lot to see in and out. I opted for a go to to the Tesla Expertise present and I’ll say that that is one present that you simply don’t wish to miss. On this present, you will note a musical Tesla coil and precise lightning being transmitted. It’s superb and to be sincere, I used to be in all probability extra mesmerized by it than the numerous elementary college youngsters that had been on a subject journey right here! 

All through the remainder of the attraction, there are various immersive and interactive displays that may definitely preserve you busy exploring and studying. Examine the Fingers On! Discovery Middle web site earlier than visiting, as the middle is closed on some Mondays all year long. In case you’ll be visiting throughout March, June, or July although, it’s open seven days per week. 

Take within the views from Roan Mountain State Park

Only a brief drive from Johnson Metropolis (lower than an hour!), Roan Mountain State Park provided an unforgettable expertise. This state park is over 2,000 acres giant and sits within the lovely Appalachian Mountains. 

The street to the highest of Roan Mountain State Park was a bit curvy and winding, however my mother dealt with it like a professional whereas Taylor Swift supplied the soundtrack to our journey. The serenity was solely enhanced by recognizing a couple of deer grazing within the distance throughout our drive up.

As soon as we reached the highest, we discovered a scenic pull-off and loved a scrumptious picnic dinner because the solar dipped beneath the horizon. Our meals was from The Shamrock in Johnson Metropolis, and it was actually good. The sky exploded in a riot of colours – oranges, pinks, and purples – creating a wide ranging backdrop for our picnic.

Reaching the summit, we arrived at Carver’s Hole car parking zone. This isn’t simply any car parking zone, although – it’s really a delegated cease on the Tennessee Night time Sky Path. On a transparent night time, after witnessing the sundown’s magic, you possibly can stargaze proper right here and lose your self within the huge tapestry of stars and constellations blanketing the black sky. It’s an expertise that would go away anybody awestruck and if you happen to get fortunate with the climate throughout your go to, it’d definitely be value staying for the night time sky. 

Eat the very best barbecue ever at Phil’s Dream Pit

I normally wouldn’t dedicate a whole part of a weblog to at least one restaurant, however Phil’s Dream Pit is simply that good. Chalked down as among the finest meals I’ve ever eaten, Phil’s Dream Pit is scrumptious! It’s positioned simply minutes outdoors of Johnson Metropolis in Kingsport, Tennessee. 

Being a domestically owned restaurant, you possibly can inform that the proprietor actually takes satisfaction within the high quality of the meals he serves. I had a barbecue pork sandwich with macaroni salad and hash brown casserole. Though the meat was delicious by itself, the sauce was magical. As if I wasn’t full sufficient, I topped off my meal with some tasty banana pudding for dessert. 

Phil’s Dream Pit has wheelchair accessible parking areas obtainable and is accessible inside as properly. This place ought to positively be on the high of your checklist for a fantastic meal whilst you’re on the town.

Go to the Statement Deck at Tri-Cities Airport

Tri-Cities Airport (TRI) is in Blountville, Tennessee and only a brief drive from Johnson Metropolis. My mother and I really drove to northeast Tennessee from Georgia, however we nonetheless spent a while at this airport. In case you’re questioning why, let me clarify. 

Past its function in transportation, Tri-Cities Airport boasts a hidden gem for astronomy fans – the Statement Deck. This can be a designated cease alongside the Tennessee Night time Sky Path and it permits guests of all skills to expertise the breathtaking expanse of the night time sky. You would possibly even get to see a airplane taking off!

On a transparent night, after an extended day of exploring the encircling area, stargazers can unwind and marvel on the stars and constellations, free from gentle air pollution. Outfitted with a cushty viewing space, the Statement Deck at Tri-Cities Airport transforms right into a mini-observatory, making it a superbly accessible spot to view the night time sky.

Get pleasure from downtown Johnson Metropolis

Nestled within the Appalachian foothills of Northeast Tennessee, Johnson Metropolis‘s downtown has a novel mix of historical past, Southern allure, and a contemporary edge. For wheelchair customers, you’ll find your self having fun with Founders Park, captivated by panoramic vistas on the Tannery Knobs Overlook, and enticed by the fashionable retailers and eating places lining the downtown streets.

Founders Park is a meticulously landscaped inexperienced area within the coronary heart of downtown. It’s unfold throughout 5 acres and has paved paths all through, so I had no issues rolling within the park. There are unbelievable sculptures inside Founders Park, so it is a great place to go to if you happen to take pleasure in artwork. The park typically hosts neighborhood occasions, including a vigorous ambiance to the park as properly. 

I beloved that Founders Park is true in the course of downtown. It isn’t typically that downtown areas have a inexperienced area, and particularly one as good as this park. With a creek, accessible paths, over a dozen sculptures, and extra, Founders Park is a must-visit in Johnson Metropolis. 

Only a 5 minute drive away from Founders Park, Tannery Knobs Overlook has breathtaking panoramas of downtown Johnson Metropolis and past. You may drive as much as this scenic viewpoint, and be rewarded with nice views. This spot is ideal for capturing picture-postcard moments or just soaking in the great thing about northeast Tennessee.

Johnson Metropolis’s downtown isn’t all about parks and surroundings although. The streets are brimming with locally-owned retailers providing all the pieces from handcrafted souvenirs and classy attire to distinctive house décor and specialty eating places. Artwork galleries showcase the works of proficient regional artists, whereas unbiased bookstores entice readers. 

When starvation strikes, you’ll have a various vary of eating places to select from, providing all the pieces from basic Southern consolation meals to worldwide delicacies and classy gastropubs. One in all my favourite eateries was White Duck Taco Store, the place I extremely loved deliciously distinctive tacos, together with a Bangkok shrimp taco and a fish taco. This taco store is related to Yee-Haw Brewing Firm as properly, which regularly has reside music. 

As a wheelchair person, I beloved my time in downtown Johnson Metropolis and located it to be accessible. In case you’re in search of a captivating Southern city with wealthy historical past, gorgeous surroundings, and a contact of contemporary aptitude, then plan to spend a while in downtown Johnson Metropolis throughout your journey in northeast Tennessee. 

The place to Keep: Hampton Inn Johnson Metropolis

All through my journey in wheelchair accessible northeast Tennessee, I loved my keep on the Hampton Inn by Hilton in Johnson Metropolis. The placement was good because it was only a brief drive from the entire pleasure that I talked about above, and the accessibility of the resort labored properly for my wants. 

My wheelchair accessible room was on the bottom ground, which is all the time what I choose within the occasion of an emergency. I like going to sleep with out having to fret about an escape plan in case of a hearth within the night time, so this was an excellent location for the accessible room. 

The room was spacious sufficient for my wheelchair and I to maneuver across the king sized mattress. I used to be additionally pleased to see {that a} hoyer raise/hoist might be used, as there was loads of clearance beneath the mattress. The mattress was about 25 inches tall and really comfy. 

Within the toilet, there was a roll-in bathe with clean entry and a bathe chair was supplied by the resort. There was additionally a pull-under sink and seize bars by the bathroom. The bathe was missing a hand-held bathe wand, however I did talk about this with resort workers they usually stated they’ll get one quickly. They had been pleasant and accommodating all through my keep. 

This was a fantastic resort with free breakfast and a small retailer for fast seize and go snacks. I’d positively suggest the Hampton Inn Johnson Metropolis and I stay up for staying right here once more subsequent time I’m within the space. In case you’d wish to study extra about this resort and e-book a keep of your personal, simply click on right here. 

My time in wheelchair accessible northeast Tennessee was actually distinctive. Over the course of just some days, I fell in love with this space and realized that it’s among the finest locations in Tennessee for wheelchair customers. If you wish to benefit from the nice open air, see the attractive night time sky like by no means earlier than, eat scrumptious meals, have enjoyable at varied sights, and extra, think about northeast Tennessee in your subsequent trip! 

.

*Thanks to the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Affiliation and Go to Johnson Metropolis for working with me on this journey and displaying me the very best of wheelchair accessible northeast Tennessee! Whereas my experiences had been complimentary, all opinions expressed are genuine and my very own.

.

.