Situated in the Northeast corner of Tennessee, Kingsport offers breathtaking scenic beauty and a variety of activities for group travel guests.  This city is conveniently located close to the intersection of I-81 and I-26.  It is less than five hours from half of the U.S. population and once you arrive in Kingsport, navigating to the sites is a “breeze”.  Not only is the area beautiful, but also affordable; giving you the opportunity to do more and spend less on your group excursion.  The area is rich with history and offers “out-of-the-box” entertainment to groups.  So take a step off the beaten path and come visit Kingsport.

 

A Murder Mystery

     The Murder Mystery Dinner at Allandale Mansion, Kingsport’s “White House”, is a favorite among group travel guests as actors invite individuals to participate in an exciting evening of intrigue.  Upon arrival, the guests are guided through the mansion by a true “Southern Belle”.  The tour portrays the rich history of the site as Allandale Mansion was first a home.  Built by Ruth and Harvey Brooks as a working farm, Allandale still houses their fine furnishings, antiques and art.  The tour is completely “rope-free” providing a true sensory experience. The barn, located on the property and recently restored, once housed prize-winning cattle, while the fertile fields were pasture to blue-ribbon Tennessee Walking horses.  The gardens, designed by President Eisenhower’s landscape architect, Timashenko, provided a peaceful backdrop to the vibrant life on this 500 acre family farm.  When the tour is complete, guests are taken to the parlor where a three-course plated meal and a host of actors await.  Group travelers love interacting with the actors and unraveling the “Who done it?” plot. The evening takes about three hours from arrival to departure and provides a unique option for a group travel excursion. To learn more, visit www.allandalemansion.com.

A Wedding 

     Enjoy Kingsport’s famous motorcoach hijacking and country weddin’, commonly known as “Wiving Miss Daisy”, on your next group tour.  Imagine the fun your guests will have when your motorcoach is suddenly “hijacked” on a hilarious country adventure.  The motorcoach is boarded by a costumed family of the prospective bride—who is getting desperate.  A groom is selected from the men on board the motorcoach and taken to Roseland, an early 1800s rustic home, where preparations for the weddin’ have been made.  Everyone becomes part of the weddin’ party and guests.  After the ceremony is performed, the guests are invited to stay for the reception---a southern style, catered meal.  Plan about one and a half hours for the hijacking, wedding.  If you would like to add the catered meal, allow two and a half hours.  For best results, this is a secret that only the escort and driver should know prior to the hijacking. 

     The early 1800s rustic home is actually a living history farm, Exchange Place.  The site was once a community that served as a self-supporting plantation, relay station and post office along the Old Stage Road.  Exchange Place is located on the Preston Farm and recaptures life in the early 1800s.  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, six of the eight buildings are original, restored structures built between 1820 and 1850.  The farmstead received its name from the “exchanges” of horses and currencies.  As part of Exchange Place’s commitment to preserve 19^th century farm life, period livestock still reside on the farm.  Tours are available by appointment when you roll into town. To learn more, visit www.exchangeplace.com

 

     For more information on Group Tours in Kingsport, contact Barbara Kite, Director of Group Travel at the Kingsport Convention and Visitors Bureau by e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You can also phone (423) 392-8830 or (800) 743-5282.