The Place Where Two States Meet!

Bristol is a place unlike any other.  A city split by a state line, yet united by history, culture, and a creative community. Walk down State Street and you’re in two places at once: Tennessee on one side, Virginia on the other. But the heart of this unique town is best introduced by the towering electric sign that proudly declares: “Bristol: A Good Place to Live.”

This iconic sign, perched above State Street since 1910, has become the unofficial greeter of locals and travelers alike. Originally advertising a land development, it was relocated to its current spot in 1915 and has since become a beloved landmark. The slogan was chosen through a city-wide contest, and over a century later, it still rings true.

In this blog series, I’ll be exploring Bristol through its landmarks, hidden gems, and creative spirit. Each post will dive into a different aspect of what makes this town so full of character and charm. Here’s what you can look forward to:

• A Stroll Through Downtown – Local shops, historic facades, and the ever-buzzing State Street scene.

• The Paramount Theater – A beautifully restored Art Deco venue with stories to tell.

• Cumberland Square Park – A green space in the heart of the city, where past and present meet.

• The Birthplace of Country Music – A museum and a legacy that echo far beyond Bristol.

• The Old Train and Bus Depot – A testament to how people have come and gone, leaving stories behind.

• An Old Fashioned Burger Joint and Ice Cream Shop
• Downtown – Storefronts,  the Bristol Hotel and some odds and ends

• Painted Signs & Public Art – From vintage advertisements to vibrant murals, Bristol’s walls speak volumes.

So whether you’re a local rediscovering your hometown or a traveler passing through as I was, I invite you to journey with me through Bristol on my creative path. Let’s begin where it all starts—beneath that glowing sign, at the line where Tennessee and Virginia meet.