Ever need a peaceful place to enjoy a good book? Northeast Tennessee is home to numerous beautiful and quiet areas tucked away in nature, making for the perfect place to dive deep into your favorite novel. Whether it may be under a tree, at a picnic table, or on a bench – here are a few of our favorite spots.
East Tennessee State University
Johnson City, home of East Tennessee State University (ETSU), has several peaceful areas on campus. The newly renovated Culp center is located at the heart of ETSU. It includes several places to eat and a Starbucks to pick up a coffee. This makes for quite a few great reading areas for book nerds. Our favorite spot to visit is located right in front of Gilbreath Hall on the lawn. In this grassy area, you have a great view of the clock tower while surrounded by trees. Maybe a friendly campus squirrel will even visit you during your time there!
Elizabethton Covered Bridge
Downtown Elizabethton has several places where you can stop and soak up a book. We love the iconic Covered Bridge Park. Here, you’ll also find a walking trail and several places to take in the view. The Park covers 2.5 acres downtown, but this isn’t your typical city greenspace. From the ducks swimming in the peaceful Doe River to the butterflies floating through the air, this makes for a great reading getaway. Our favorite spot is underneath one of the large trees where you can catch just enough sky to see the cloud pass by.
Downtown Jonesborough
Known as the world’s storytelling capital, downtown Jonesborough is quite possibly the best all-in-one location for a relaxing day of getting lost in a book. The brick-lined sidewalks connect you with history, and the local shops are just as neat as their owners. Boone Street Market makes it easy to grab a sandwich or snack to enjoy with your favorite read. This farm to table store offers inside seating as well as outside. But with the fall weather approaching, outside is just the right temperature!
Bluff City Boardwalk
Bluff City Boardwalk and Pavilion is a great place to sit, relax, and enjoy the feel of being by the water. Here. you’ll find Boone Lake, a train mural, a caboose, and plenty of ducks and fish in the water. It’s well lit, so a late afternoon read with the sunset is a perfect inspiration. A few miles away is the Old Swinging Bridge, an old local spot that has some great views of the river. Grab a seat on a bench, take in the view, and enjoy the nature around you.
