Bristol
A Good Place To Live

Downtown Bristol

We are proud of our vibrant downtown!  Starting at the turn of the century, in 2000, one-third of the properties in downtown Bristol have changed hands within four years.  Since that time, many of the buildings have been renovated and lofts have been formed in the second and third floor levels.  Over 20 new businesses have opened, including restaurants, night life, specialty shops and antique stores.  This new mix for downtown is drawing people from all walks of life to urban living, unique shops, one-of-a-kind restaurants and entertainment venues, and music festivals throughout the year. Bristol is living up to the message on the historic sign which crosses State Street - "Bristol - A Good Place To Live!"

Downtown Bristol Streetscape in the 1930's era	Downtown Bristol today
Annual Rhythm & Roots Festival in September	Music every week in the summer at the Mural Stage

Bristol - The Birthplace of Country Music

Bristol was recognized by the U.S. Congress in 1998 as the official "Birthplace of Country Music." The Birthplace of Country Music Alliance (BCMA) was formed and has been associated with the Smithsonian Institution since 2000. The BCMA is currently coodinating a funding drive to help renovate and transform a historic building downtown, the old Goodpasture Motor building on Cumberland Street, into the new Cultural Heritage Center. The Center is planned to be a world-class museum, with interactive exhibits that will be fun for all ages. To find out more about the BCMA and the history of country music in Bristol, visit their website at www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org.

Conceptual Rendering of the future Cultural Heritage Center

Downtown Infrastructure Concept Plan

The City formed this plan in March 2006 to outline future ideas for increased parking, new street lighting, and new green spaces along Beaver Creek. Several of these ideas have recently come to pass. New street lights and signage were installed in the fall of 2007, resulting in a new look that emulates the 1930's streetscape. Several green spaces have been formed along Beaver Creek with more planned in the next year. Please click here to view the full Concept Plan.   

Completed Fall 2005:  Downtown Center with new Farmer's Market area	Completed Sping 2006:  New Municipal Lot and Beaver Creek Greenspace
Completed December 2007:  New Street Lighting and Signage	In Progress:  Demolition of old Sears Building and Construction of New Restaurant and Beaver Creek Greenway

Believe In Bristol - Main Street and Downtown Advocacy Organization 

The Believe In Bristol organization was created about seven years ago, then became an officially recongized Tennessee Main Street. Believe In Bristol is also affiliated with the Virginia Main Street program. Believe In Bristol is responsible for organizing monthly Border Bashes in the summer, annual Loft Tours in the spring, and other events that showcase the vibrancy of our downtown. Please visit Believe In Bristol's website www.believeinbristol.org for downtown information, including an interactive map and a downtown Calendar of Events.