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Tennessee Travel Guide
Sample Great BBQ At The Firehouse Restaurant In Johnson City
On our last trip to Tennessee we visited Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, where there is a diverse variety of attractions and entertainment to enjoy. On this trip as I drove along while my wife navigated I looked forward to the thought of great Barbeque ahead at the Battle of the Pigs & Car Shows festival in Johnson City, located in northeastern Tennessee. I was not disappointed when we arrived!
Combine award winning barbeque chefs from around the country with entertainment and games for the whole family and you have a weekend to remember. Of course for the chefs completing for the prize in the Barbeque cook-off it is serious business. Everyone wants to be known for having the best BBQ, and this event brings in top contenders from around the country. This is certainly going to be one of the highlights of the year in the Tri-Cities area which also includes Kingsport and Bristol.
While on the subject of BBQ I cannot forget to mention our lunch at the Firehouse Restaurant in Johnson City with our friends Jennifer and Brenda. The savory smell of BBQ fills the air when you enter, and the staff is exceptional. We were in our seat and waited on in no time. The restaurants name is fitting because it is house in a actual Fire House that was originally built in 1930, served the town as the Walnut Street Fire Hall until 1976.
Today, The Firehouse Restaurant showcases photographs and firefighting memorabilia from the original fire hall, including a 1925 Seagraves Fire Engine in the restaurant’s lobby. The Firehouse Restaurant serves authentic hickory smoked bar-b-que as well as homemade side items and desserts. Among our favorites were the pulled pork sandwich and you must try their house salad dressing that is delicious. To find out more about The Firehouse Restaurant visit www.thefirehouse.com or call (423) 929-7377.
The trip was off to a great start. We managed to find our way without getting lost; which is an adventure in its self. In the evenings after visiting local sites we relaxed at the Double Tree Hotel that offers cozy rooms and comfortable beds as well as a staff that was polite and helpful. There's is also a restaurant and sports bar on site where we enjoyed great food and visiting with locals. In addition to plenty of conference and meeting space, among the amenities offered at the Double Tree Hotel are a business center, fitness facilities, a indoor and outdoor pool, and it is close to shopping and area entertainment. Call 423-929-2000 for reservations.
By Leroy Worley
Getting There: To learn about upcoming events, festivals, and area attractions in the Tri-Cities area of Tennessee visit the Johnson City Convention & Visitors Bureau www.visitjohnsoncitytn.com or call (423) 461-8000.