A Day in Historic Downtown Bristol VA/TN

We’re all set up at the Sugar Hollow Campground for the week. Here’s what we did today.

The famous sign over State Street, the center of which is the state line. We must return to see it all lit up after dark!
The famous sign over State Street, the center of which is the state line.
We must return to see it all lit up after dark!
Of course I stood in the middle of the street, one foot in each state. TN on the left; VA on the right.
Of course I stood in the middle of the street, one foot in each state. TN on the left; VA on the right.
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We ate lunch — burgers, fries and shakes, of course — at the Burger Bar, rumored to be the last place Hank Williams, Sr., was seen alive. Here’s an intriguing blog post about it.
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Tim went with the chocolate coconut shake. Tasted like a Mounds bar!
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So many flavors!

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Encountered this local lady in the Burger Bar. She made sure I noticed her dancing Santa, and she showed me her Tennessee Ernie Ford album. Like, record album. Could not make this shit up.
Encountered this local lady in the Burger Bar. She made sure I noticed her dancing Santa, and she showed me her Tennessee Ernie Ford album. Like, record album. And yes, that’s her leopard print handbag hanging from her walker.
Could not make this shit up.

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The historic Paramount, built in 1931
After leaving the downtown area, we went in search of the Resting Tree. We'd tried to find it on foot yesterday, and after nearly two hours of walking the park's trails, ending unsuccessfully, we finally asked the park ranger how to get to it. "It's just past the ball fields," he said. "You can park right next to it." Nice.
After leaving the downtown area, we went in search of the Resting Tree. We’d tried to find it on foot yesterday, and after nearly two hours of walking the park’s trails without success, we finally asked the park ranger how to get to it. “It’s just past the ball fields,” he said. “You can park right next to it.”
Nice.
Slaves on the Preston Plantation took their breaks here at the Resting Tree in the late 1700's and early 1800's. Some slaves were laid to rest there permanently, and it's believed there were as many as 100 graves. This is one of three that remain marked, with bare stones.
Slaves on the Preston Plantation took their breaks here at the Resting Tree in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s.
Some slaves were laid to rest there permanently, and it’s believed there were as many as 100 graves. This is one of three that remain marked, with bare stones.
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Resting against the Resting Tree. Makes me look rather petite by comparison, yes?

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