☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 82°F and a low of 51°F — just a 1% chance of rain. Good day to get outside.
😄 Only in Kingsport
Kingsport has a hand-carved carousel, a park with wolves and a planetarium, and a speedway that races under the lights — and somehow the most debated topic at any given moment is still which road to take across town.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Kingsport’s Exchange Place recently celebrated the 40th edition of its beloved annual Spring Garden Fair. But what is the name of the living history organization that operates Exchange Place, and in approximately what century was the site originally established?
Answer: Exchange Place is operated by the Exchange Place Preservation Trust. The site dates to the late 18th century — originally established in the 1790s as a working farm and tavern along the Great Road (also known as the Old Stage Road), one of the main routes used by early settlers moving westward into Tennessee.
🔝 Top Stories
Kingsport Farmers Market Opens 2026 Season with Free Activities and Community Quilt Signing
The Kingsport Farmers Market officially kicked off its 2026 season this past Saturday, drawing a crowd to its celebration-filled opening day at 308 Clinchfield Street. Activities included a children’s program from the Kingsport Public Library, free tomato plant potting for kids, a community quilt signing station, and free carousel rides sponsored by market vendors, with live music rounding out the morning. The market runs Saturdays through November and will add Wednesday hours starting in May.
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Exchange Place Hosts 40th Annual Spring Garden Fair
Exchange Place recently celebrated a milestone with its 40th Annual Spring Garden Fair, one of the region’s most beloved living history and gardening events. The event takes place at the historic Exchange Place site in Kingsport, which sits along the old Great Road used by early settlers. The 40th edition marks four decades of this springtime tradition connecting the community with local history, plants, crafts, and demonstrations.
Flamboyance of Flamingos Involved in Sullivan County Commission Race
A flock of flamingos — known technically as a “flamboyance” — has reportedly become an unusual part of the action in a Sullivan County Commission race. The story has added some unexpected color to the ongoing local election season. Read the full story at the Times News for all the details on how the birds got involved.
📋 Corrections
Note: Yesterday’s newsletter experienced a technical error that caused repeated content to appear in some versions of the email. The issue has been resolved. We apologize for the inconvenience.
📅 Upcoming Events
Netherland Inn Opening Day 2026
Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 2:00–4:00 PM | Free to the public
Netherland Inn & Boatyard — 2144 Netherland Inn Rd, Kingsport
The Netherland Inn kicks off its 2026 season with a free public celebration marking 250 years on the banks of the Holston River. The afternoon includes live music from the Kingsport Community Band, a second set from the Hillbilly Hippies, and period dancing by the Sabine Hill dancers. Revolutionary War reenactors will be on site, along with storytellers at the flatboat and the Daniel Boone Cabin, where Rebecca Boone’s 1776 life gets brought to life. Historical documents from Kingsport Archives will be on display in the schoolhouse cabin. No admission, no tickets — just show up.
The Netherland Inn is a nonprofit that runs entirely on fundraisers and volunteers with no city or government funding. If you’ve never been out to the site, this is a good excuse to go.
Kingsport Farmers Market — 2026 Season Now Open
Saturdays through November | 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM (or until sold out); Wednesday hours also beginning in May
308 Clinchfield Street, Kingsport
The Kingsport Farmers Market is open for the season, offering fresh produce, baked goods, local meats, artisan crafts, flowers, and more each week. Programs returning this year include Market Jams (live music monthly), Saturdays with the Chef, and the Fall Festival. Wednesday hours begin in May.