Explore Bristol breaks ground on new Visitor Center

BRISTOL, Tenn. (WJHL) – Explore Bristol broke ground on its new 2,046-square-foot Explore Bristol Visitor Center on Wednesday.

The Visitor Center will be at the Volunteer Parkway and Anderson Street intersection.

A release from Explore Bristol said the facility will provide local and regional tourism information and flexible indoor and outdoor seating that can accommodate small meetings and music events.

Those attending the groundbreaking included Becky Nave, Mayor of Bristol and Director of Destination Development for Virginia Tourism Corporation; Pete Rosenboro, Assistant Commissioner of Welcome Centers for the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development; city officials and Explore Bristol staff members.

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Mayor Nave said the future Visitor Center shows the city’s commitment to welcoming tourists.

“The groundbreaking of Explore Bristol’s Visitor Center ushers in a new era of connectivity and exploration for our city,” she said. “This center will not only serve as a hub for tourists but also as a testament to our community’s commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Bristol’s unique heritage and charm.”

The release said Mark Ezell, Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, and Matt Bolas, Executive Director of Explore Bristol, also attended the event.

“Visitors from around the world flock to our state for its breathtaking scenery, iconic music, rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks like Bristol’s own Birthplace of Country Music Museum,” said Ezell. “The addition of Bristol’s visitor center will be an important asset to drive tourism in Northeast Tennessee. Congratulations to the team for their commitment to ensuring every visitor leaves with unforgettable memories of Northeast Tennessee.”

Bolas agreed that the Visitor Center will benefit the community.

“We’re very excited to finally have a place where the full Bristol experience is proudly displayed as soon as folks walk through the doors. It’s going to be a tremendous benefit for Bristol. Bristol’s tourism economy is booming, with record-number lodging tax collections and new major attractions opening this year, like the permanent Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Bristol and Tennessee Hills Distillery. This Visitor Center will assist in preparing Bristol to welcome these new visitors to our community.”

The Visitor Center will stay in touch with Bristol’s railroad heritage, as the on-site Pullman car and caboose will stay and be incorporated into the display.

“What’s really neat is that the building, itself, resembles the train station, which is a nod to our train station. And trains are very important to Bristol. That’s what caused it to be established. And we can see where we are today. So it’s a great location. It’ll be open. You don’t have hours that are weekends that will be open for visitors to come to town,” Bolas said.

A parking lot and additional outside lighting will also be added.

The city is expecting the project to be completed in late fall or early winter.

For more information, visit the Explore Bristol Visitor Center Page.

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