Welcome to
We’re so glad you’re here! To help welcome you to the community, we’ve put together a list of some of Grace Fellowship Church staff’s favorite places to eat, shop, and have fun in the area! Check it out below. This is not sponsored in any way – we love our city and want to share it with you. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or if we can help you in any way.
“We love the Jonesborough Storytelling Festival! It is unique and entertaining.”
“Christmas trees in Founders/King Commons. It’s free and easy for kids of all ages! We love taking out-of-town family when visiting for Christmas!”
“The Rhododendron Festival (Roan Mountain) – The community holds a festival in Roan Mountain State Park on Father’s Day weekend each year to celebrate the blooms. It’s beautiful!”
“Fridays After 5! This takes place in downtown Johnson City throughout the summer. I love the live music and time to hang out with friends and family while sitting on the lawn at King Commons.”
“The Jonesborough July 4th parade is fun for the kids!”
“Bristol hosts the “Rhythm and Roots” festival during the summer, where they block off downtown Bristol and set up multiple stages for bluegrass bands to perform. It’s a whole weekend of live music and fun! Plus, downtown Bristol is super cute.”
“My wife and I enjoy going to the Johnson City Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings. It’s a good chance for us to enjoy an outdoor walk and maybe find something we like at one of the booths!”
“The Johnson City Makers Christmas Market hosted by GFC is the best Christmas market of the year!”
Patrick Mitchell
Executive Pastor of Ministries
The Fridays After Five summer concerts are always fun, with great small-town community vibes. There’s plenty of good food downtown, and the parks let you walk, talk, and give the kids something to do.
“Warrior’s Path State Park – the Narnia trail of scenes from the book series Chronicles of Narnia, Duck Island, trails, and trees.”
“I recommend Rotary Park for the splash pad and the special needs inclusive playground or Willow Springs Park for the running track.”
“Willow Springs Park – Plenty to do for everyone (walking paths, basketball courts, playground equipment, etc.), and there’s even a dog park you can access for a small membership fee. It has the most incredible natural setting with pond life and an amazing view of our beautiful mountains! It is close to GFC!”
“Winged Deer Park has great playgrounds, disc golf, river views, and open fields for sports activities.”
“I love Civitan Park. It’s right behind my house, so it’s easy to get to! It’s also a perfect park to take walks in.”
Can’t pick one. Founders Park for a meal and a couple of laps to burn it off. Kings Commons Park to play and act like a kid. Willow Springs Park to have a picnic and let the kids play. Winged Deer Park to play disc golf or walk the wooded trails. Warriors Path (Kingsport) to kayak. Steel Creek Park (Bristol) for disc golf or to walk the woods and lake. Bays Mountain for the lakeside trail. Buffalo Mountain for a sunset view over Johnson City on Huckleberry Knob.
“Bay’s Mountain has a planetarium, nature programs, wildlife exhibits, trail systems, and a lake which makes this a great place to enjoy an afternoon.”
Tara Roberson
Worship Arts Ministry Assistant
Warrior’s Path State Park is one of my favorites because it has a lot to offer – a great playground for kids, disc golf, picnic areas, camping, canoeing/kayaking rentals on the lake, and a boat ramp!
“Hiking – lots of great places around here – Get the “AllTrails” app to check ratings and reviews.”
“Boating – South Holston and Watauga Lakes are beautiful lakes to boat on. You can even rent a boat at Lakeshore Marina!”
“Road Biking – The Tweetsie Trail or Creeper Trail are a blast – with bike rental options at both.”
“Mountain Biking – you’ve got to check out Tannery Knobs!”
“Disc Golf – Try out Winged Deer Park or Warriors Path State Park.”
“Watauga Lake is a beautiful area surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest and is perfect for boating, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, and more.”
“Races – We love local running events, especially when they support a great cause! The Goose Chase does an incredible job organizing and executing many of our favorite family calendar events every year, like Goliath, Bluegrass Half Marathon, The S’Mores Run, Turkey Trot, and MORE!”
Laurel Falls (I like the Dennis Cove trailhead best). Round Bald on Roan Mountain. Bays Mountain. Disc golf at any of a dozen places. Sunset on Beauty Spot on Unaka Mountain. Sunrise on Nolichucky Ridge, the Erwin Fire Tower, or Round Bald. Epic hikes and adventures at a hundred places within two hours.
Benjamin Kisoni
Global Outreach Coordinator
Go hiking on Roan Mountain to the first bald. It’s beautiful!
“In August, you should go to the Appalachian Fair in Gray, TN! Fun carnival rides and petting zoos!”
“Barter Theatre in Abingdon, VA, is less than an hour away and offers high-quality performances in a beautiful, historic setting. In the summer, they offer drive-in performances at the Moonlite Theater, which are family-friendly.”
“Hands-On Museum has great activities for kids that are also educational. There is also a fossil museum from the archaeology work on the property!”
“Bright’s Zoo is a locally-owned zoo that is great for kids! You can feed giraffes, ride the train, do gem mining, and feed goats.”
“Quantum Leap is a fun trampoline park with laser tag and axe throwing. Kids and parents love it!”
“Jonesborough Repertory Theatre – my children have enjoyed being a part of the kid’s productions like Frozen and Peter Pan.”
“We love Just Jump Trampoline Park in Johnson City!”
“Tiebreakers is fun for all ages! Our kids love the carnival games.
“Wallabies is great for indoor fun on a rainy day, and great for birthday parties.”
Sanja Lyon
Early Childhood Ministry Coordinator
We live near GFC and love to bike downtown as a family, enjoy free yoga or music in the downtown parks, and (depending on the season) eat from food trucks or local eateries!
“Music on the Square offers live performances featuring a variety of music on Friday nights during the summer in Jonesborough, Tennessee’s oldest town.”
“Fridays after 5 (during the summer)”
“Wild Wing Cafe has live music most weekends, as well as good food.”
“The Down Home has been a staple in Johnson City since 1976.”
“Grey Eagle or The Orange Peel in Asheville.”
“The Johnson City Symphony Orchestra performs classical music at venues throughout the Tri-Cities.”
Matt Murphy
Lead Pastor
During the summer, the city hosts “Fridays After 5,” where they have live music in King Commons Park downtown every week. It’s super relaxed and close to great food options if you want to make a night of it.
“Alley Kat – Best Philly Cheesesteaks outside of Philly!”
“Whiskey Kitchen has unbelievable sandwiches!”
“Me & K’s – nice people who serve good tacos.”
“Mae Malee’s Spring Rolls: Food is amazing!”
“Joe Bill’s BBQ is delicious, and we love the different options!”
Katelyn Bissett
Adult Ministry Assistant
Auntie Ruths! They make the best donuts and pretzels from scratch.
“The Label or Southern Craft; both are local, located downtown, and have great food! I suggest sushi from Label or the BBQ tater tots from Southern Craft!”
“Aubrey’s has a good gluten-free menu, and they will easily accommodate special requests.”
“Holy Taco – I love the food and atmosphere. BEST queso I’ve ever had. Queso is essential to me.”
“Gourmet and Company – small, intimate setting with great food and an opportunity to talk.”
“We love Wellington’s inside of the Carnegie Hotel. Great locally sourced menu. Always delicious!”
“Timber! is a great restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and friendly staff. You have to try the JC hot chicken sandwich!”
“Cafe Lola – good food, romantic atmosphere, and locally owned!”
“Evelyn’s Kitchen Table, everything made from scratch. So fresh and good.”
Cafe One11 has the best sushi in East Tennessee!
Blake Tyree
Student Pastor
My wife and I enjoy Gourmet & Co. It’s fancy and fun to go to for an anniversary or other special occasion.
“Cootie Browns – Eclectic, colorful atmosphere, great service, a menu with something for everyone, and KEY LIME PIE. (You have to get the Maytag appetizer, too. Trust me.)”
“Kitchen at Grace Meadows – delicious food served family style in a beautiful setting.”
“We have a big family to feed, so we like White Duck Taco Shop because we can eat outdoors with our family almost year-round, and it’s a diverse and yummy selection of tacos for an affordable price!”
“Cheddar’s has something for everyone.”
“The Firehouse Restaurant (Johnson City) Family owned and operated. Great bbq that’s oh-so-good, but other Americana fare is served if someone in your bunch isn’t a bbq fan… burgers, chicken, salads, a variety of sides and veggies, and much more. There’s also a real fire engine inside that kids love to look at.”
“Barberitos is always a good choice. The prices are reasonable, and there are plenty of options for kids and adults!”
Amanda Brown
Local Outreach Coordinator
El Charolais! Or as the locals call it;" “El Kroger”.
All-you-can-eat chips and salsa; need I say more?!
“Blackbird Bakery in Bristol – their donuts and cinnamon rolls are worth the occasional drive.”
“Olde Towne Pancake House (Jonesborough) They have ten different kinds of pancakes… need I say more? But there are other things on the menu: omelets, biscuits and gravy, grits, oatmeal, and home fries. They also serve lunch with a menu consisting of burgers, onion rings, chicken tenders, fried catfish, and more. And they serve breakfast all day!”
“Kay’s Kitchen in Newland, NC (about an hour away). They do a Saturday and Sunday brunch that is amazing and worth the drive… cook-to-order omelets, pancakes, french toast, and so much more on their brunch buffet.”
“First Watch has unique and traditional food that everyone will enjoy. I love their home fries! Only open for breakfast and lunch.”
First Watch and Maple Street Biscuit Company aren’t locally owned but are family favs. Wheeler’s Bagels is unique and good too. All have great coffee!
Jacob Bouvier
Young Adults & Groups Pastor
Maple Street Biscuit Company. Try “The Squawking Goat” biscuit. Enough said.
“Open Doors has good coffee with a cause – supporting mentoring relationships for kids through Rise Up!”
“Still Waters Coffee (Gray, TN) – Great seating, great coffee.”
“Blue’s Brews – cute downtown shop with great seasonal menus.
“Corner Cup in Jonesborough is small and quaint, everyone knows each other, and it’s connected to the Makers Market (shopping, homemade crafts).”
“Pike House for options to have private conversations. Very laid back and quiet atmosphere.”
“Go to Dos Gatos for their Lavender Latte with homemade syrup!”
“Open Doors Coffee House has the best local coffee and waffles!”
Lauren Pope
Elementary Coordinator
Open Doors… unique coffee, drinks, and super friendly staff!
Salons & Barbershops
“C.S. McCulloughs – Locally owned barbershop with fantastic service and atmosphere.”
“Austin Springs Spa (Johnson City, inside the Carnegie Hotel) You get the spa experience even with a haircut! You can change into a robe and hang out in the quiet lounge area to unwind while you wait for your hairstylist to take you back for your appointment. They have fresh infused waters, like cucumber or citrus, and sometimes little snacks like trail mix. My favorite part is the shampooing – you get a full scalp massage, and it could put me to sleep.”
“If you’re looking for a great color, Jellybeans Salon!”
“Crop Hair Studio – They have a stylist trained in the “deva cut” style for the curly-haired.”
“The same woman has cut my hair for the past 15 years. She’s at a hair salon called Get The Look in Gray.”
“Van Kye Salon – They do a great job efficiently.”
“Jonesborough Beauty Shop – I’ve been going there for years.”
“Blue Collar Barber Shop, great service, and cool vibe.”
Gene Shelton
Adult Ministry Pastor
Blue Collar Barber Shop has excellent service and a relaxed vibe.
“Willow Springs Park has a dog park!”
“Mountain Empire Small Animal Hospital, and they do offer boarding.”
“Boones Creek Animal Hospital – Personable, friendly people in a comfortable office. They have treated my dog and cat as if they were my kids!”
“Jonesborough Animal Hospital – I’ve been a customer for 15 years for our dogs. Excellent care. Dr. Chamniss is an orthopedic surgeon who gets referred to a lot as he is the only one in the area specializing in this surgery for dogs and cats. Otherwise, you have to go to UT Knoxville.”
“Colonial Heights Animal Hospital (Kingsport). They offer boarding. Our family has taken our dogs there for decades, and the staff treats you like family.”
“Blue Ridge Animal Hospital. They do offer boarding, and they are very affordable!”
Donna Simmons
Support Services Director
Mountain Empire Animal Hospital provides loving care for your furry friends. For boarding, we love Camp Bow-Wow – it’s a small, family-owned business that gives personal attention to your pet.
“Jessie Glover has been great to work with for our family photos!”
“Lois Martin – commissioned, still-life, and nature photography.”
“Jeremy Gouge – weddings, family photos, senior photos, etc.”
“Michael Kaal – He did our engagement, wedding photos, and Christmas card pics for us every year. He’s super fun, makes you feel relaxed, and is great with kids!”
Emily Bartley Photography
Rebecca Marr Photography has shot us dozens of events and family pics over the years.
Judah Hilton Productions shot for two of my three daughters’ weddings.
Visiting a church can be overwhelming. Especially when you’re new to the area… We understand. The rest of this page has everything you need to know about GFC, what to expect, and where to go once you arrive on Sunday. We can’t wait to meet you!
Service Times
A great place to start is by joining GFC for a Sunday service. Our worship services are full of dynamic worship and practical, Biblical teaching. Whether you’re brand new to faith, have questions, or have been a Christ-follower for years, our services are a safe place to learn more about what it means to follow Jesus.
In person at 9:15 and 11:00am
Online services at 9:15 and 11:00am
Click the Plan Your First Visit button to let us know you’re coming and we will make sure to say hello and help you find your way around at GFC!
Infants/Toddlers
Infants – 2 years – Sundays at 9:15am & 11:00am
Ministry Leader: Sanja Lyon, slyon@gfcnow.com
Early Childhood
3 years – Kindergarten
Sundays at 9:15am & 11:00am
Ministry Leader: Sanja Lyon, slyon@gfcnow.com
Access
Do you have a child with a specific disability? GFC’s Access Disability Ministry operates on the “buddy system” and is offered at each service time on Sundays at 9:15am & 11:00am. Access also offers an adult group during the 9:15 am service
Ministry Leader: Lauren Pope,lpope@gfcnow.com
