Miles Driven: 59
States: Tennessee · Virginia
Taking this Adventure Below Ground
200-400 million years ago the ancient Underground River carved these remarkable caverns that we know today as the Bristol Caverns. Today, the caverns (not caves) are one of Tennessee’s oldest and most visited tourist attractions. 180 feet below ground, the caverns have been modernized to provide indirect lighting to highlight the natural colors and remarkable beauty of these formations.
In the frontier days, it’s said that Native Americans used the Underground River as an attack and escape route in their raids on settlers. Back then, they did not have lighting or guardrails to guide them through the winding banks and dramatic heights.
As I took in the natural beauty surrounding me, it’s hard to imagine navigating without a guide, light, or known destination. And I thought I was brave.
Twin Cities
6 miles Northwest of the Bristol Caverns lies State Street in the twin cities of Bristol, Tennessee, and Bristol, Virginia. Bristol is best known for being the site of some of the first country music recording sessions (the Carter Family). It’s also the “Birthplace of Country Music”.
Yelping My Way Across the United States: Macado’s
As my aunt walked down the street in Virginia, I walked parallel to her in Tennessee as we head for Macado’s, an American sports bar. I was surprised to find their less than stellar reviews on Yelp, so you can check out my great experience here.
Zöe and I saved room for dessert later…
There’s just something about being in the South, sitting on a screened-in porch during a rainstorm surrounded by thick southern Tennessee accents, watching kids catch lightning bugs in jars and the cops showing up, that says ‘Merica!
How did you spend your 4th of July?
Glad you were with your friends and that you got some pictures in the caverns. They do look like they would have been very scary in the dark.