Bristol, Virginia

5 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 9 BR ISTOL , VA “We’re definitely a unique city,” attests Mayor Anthony Farnum. “For folks like myself who live here and who’ve grown up here, the fact that we’re on both sides of the state line is just kind of normal. But whether you live on the Virginia side of the Tennessee side, we’re one community. What’s funny is that a lot of times, you go back and forth and you don’t even realize it. We even have some laws that apply on one side of State Street that don’t apply on the other.” Many think of Nashville as the home of American country music, but the designation actually belongs to Bristol—the true birthplace of the country. It earned this title thanks to the region’s southern Appalachian settlers, who brought with them old-world ballads and songs that evolved rapidly in the Civil War era with the expansion of the railroads. Following Edison’s invention of the phonograph, Bristol became somewhat of a hub of operations for a new recording industry that tapped into rural mountain music. Ralph Peer, who was a prominent businessman working in this genre of music publishing at the time, scouted local musicians from Tennessee and the surrounding southern states. Their early recording sessions, called the “Bristol Sessions,” would unofficially mark the birth of country music. “We have the Birthplace of Country Music Museum downtown that’s affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute,” shares Farnum. “They do great work there and it brings a lot of visitors into our downtown area.” The museum shares the story of those legendary Bristol Sessions—a historic event considered by some as the “Big Bang” of modern country music. That heritage is further commemorated in a bronze statue display titled “Take the Stage” by artist Val Lyle, installed in 2014 in a park across from the museum. The Bristol Motor Speedway is another great option for a one-of-a-kind introduction to the Bristol - Two Places, One Soul Straddling the Tennessee and Virginia border, Bristol is a city full of dualities. Rhythm and racecars; quiet shores paired with popping stores; traditional craft brews next to innovative, fresh eats— you better believe Bristol has it all. We’re the Birthplace of Country Music, home to the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway and the site of the Bristol Casino, the first in Virginia. Walking down State Street, it’s easy to see why we’re known for our historic and beautiful downtown marked by local businesses and smiling faces greeting you around every corner. Just minutes from town, soak up the foothills of the majestic Appalachian Mountains, gorgeous lakes, and calm rivers. Who could resist such a tempting mix of experiences? Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a week, this close-knit community welcomes you to slow down and revel in some good ole fashion southern hospitality. Break out those old dancing shoes, try a new drink or sample the local flavors—do whatever it is that makes your soul happy. It’s time to embrace the dualities one city can offer and let the good times flow. Who knows what you’ll discover? After all, it’s Bristol, baby! ...... For more information, please visit our website www.DiscoverBristol.org