Bristol, TN

Bristol straddles the Tennessee-Virginia line on Interstate 81, making it a natural stopping point between major southeastern cities. I-81 connects north to Virginia Beach and south toward Knoxville, while US 421 heads into the North Carolina mountains. The twin-city setup means State Street literally divides two states. Bristol calls itself the "Birthplace of Country Music" thanks to the legendary 1927 recording sessions that launched country music's first stars.