To save time, I tried doing my business online for tax prep. I logged in to the main SS site with…read more.gov credentials and got locked out, couldn't proceed. Error message told me to call. I called the main SS # and waited on the phone for over an hour, no response. I wasn't too optimistic about calling the local office but tried anyway since I need that missing 1099. I waited on the phone for about 7 minutes but a real person actually answered (instead of the automated message). We were able to track the missing 1099 which was sent to a wrong address. So the agent updated my correct address and printed a new 1099 which is going to be sent out today. I'm greatly appreciative of the considerate service I got in light of recent firings, layoffs, budget cuts, or early buyouts with the current administration "cleaning" our government. Thank you for assisting me, you are all greatly appreciated

Excellent service every single visit (and we've been here several times since moving to TN). The…read moreguard at the front is always so nice and super helpful. The staff behind the windows have been extremely helpful and patient. It's been a pleasure coming to this office!!

Avery County is named for Waightstill Avery, who was a colonel in the American Revolutionary War…read moreand the first Attorney General of North Carolina. The county is the last county to be formed in the state, number 100 in 1911. It was carved from portions of Caldwell, Mitchell, and Watauga counties. The original county seat was Elk Park, but after a public vote, the seat was moved to the centrally located Fields of Toe which was later renamed Newland in honor of Lieutenant Governor William C. Newland, who helped secure legislative support for the county's creation. The courthouse in Newland was completed in 1913 and is a striking Neo-Classical Revival and Beaux Arts design featuring a crowning cupola and Ionic portico. It features a symmetrical five-part façade. Inside, the original courtroom furnishings have been carefully restored, and the building retains its wide central hall and vestibule layout. Recent additions to the courthouse blend with the original design, preserving its architectural integrity while expanding its functionality. Adjacent to the courthouse is the former jail and jailer's quarters, now repurposed as the Avery County Historical Museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the county's past. It is a beautiful building and well worth a stop to tour. (It's also my 50th courthouse to visit as I make my way to all 100 of North Carolina's courthouses. https://www.yelp.com/collection/bgSlwoF6jU6MHqVx1fJ_oA/) [Review 1219 of 2025 - 4404 in North Carolina - 24771 overall]

7/25/26 My husband…read moreand I like to go on a cave trip every year for our anniversary. This year, we traveled from Ohio to the Bristol area. We took a trip to Appalachian Caverns on the second day of our trip and it became the 28th cave/cavern that we have visited in the US. We loved our tour here and our tour guide Roger was great! He was so funny while having a great balance of knowledge to share. We heard so much new information while on the tour and loved hearing about the bat population. We also got to see two bats while walking through. The bridges over the water were our favorite part. So beautiful! We highly recommend stopping in for a tour!

So they give tours about every hour or so. I think it was about 45 minutes. They had 2 tour guides…read morewhile we were there . But our tour guide complained alot about his life. We did joke around about some things, but at least pretend you enjoy your job. They had a couple cute doggos that greet you while you are there. They also have a little store with a lot of different kinds of rocks if that is your thing.

Staff are really nice and knowledgeable. I just wish I had some service I had to take care here…read moreinstead of having to pay off a citation. The citation fees are steep compared to the cost of living within Mountain City.

Before driving through the area I had looked prior to starting the drive if there were any…read moreinteresting places to see that I may never have the opportunity to see again - this covered bridge is one I had booked marked so why not. I consider these types of structures interesting and definitely qualifies as a roadside attraction and oddity in my opinion. We arrived mid-day to find a few visitors mulling around snapping a few photos and taking advantage of the free access. The Doe River below was filled with ducks and geese swimming and looking for a free handout, apparently they have become accustomed to the generosity of the visitors here. This is a well built bridge that reminds you of how things used to be built there aren't many projects now days that are built to last 143 years, although this covered bridge hasn't been in service since the Federal Highway Administration and the Tennessee Department of Transportation funded a $400,000 bridge rehabilitation in 2003-2004 at that time, it was closed to vehicular traffic and converted into a pedestrian-only bridge. It's definitely a survivor having withstood major flood events in 1901, 1940, 1998 and the horrific flooding in September 2024 and she still stands as beautiful as ever...

Me and my wife recently stopped by here today to see what this bridge had to offer. Ground screw…read morethat work with the city were installing Christmas lights around the area. This Bridge very historical and it features plenty of information nearby across the river. This bridge is an easy walk though there are no Scenic views at all inside . Though there are paths to walk through there is a area for pedestrians on the narrow side where everyone else gets to have the larger section.

Along this quiet rural stretch, the landscape opens into rolling fields and long sightlines, the…read morekind of place where a single roadside marker feels like a small anchor to a much older story. This one stands alone at the edge of the pavement, pointing not to something immediately visible but to a site more than a mile away, tucked deeper into the countryside. I didn't make the detour this time, but even from here you get a sense of how isolated early congregations must have been and how much intention it took to build a community around faith, language, and shared identity. The marker reads, "1 1/4 Mi. is the site of the Immanuel Lutheran Church and cemetery. Organized about 1807; reported in 1811 to the North Carolina Synod, and became charter member of Tennessee Synod in 1820. In its early years, services were held in both German and English. The church was disbanded about 1870." It is marker number 1A-79 and it was erected by the Tennessee Historical Commission. It is a reminder that even the most unassuming corners of the landscape hold layers of history waiting to be noticed. [Review 101 of 2026 - 599 in Tennessee - 25291 overall]

On my way through Johnson City and looking for a place to get a meal, I spotted this marker and…read morestopped to read the history of this small city. There is parking nearby and restaurants. The marker reads, "The town was formerly known as Green Meadows, Blue Plum, Johnson's Depot, Haynesville, then Johnson City. It is situated on land grants of 1782 to Robert and Joseph Young and in 1792 to Joseph Tipton. The town charter was repealed in 1879, but incorporated in 1885. The name honors Henry Johnson, prominent merchant and postmaster. As industrial and educational center, it is the home of Milligan College, East Tennessee State University, and Steed College." It is marker number 1A-93 and was erected by the Tennessee Historical Commission. [Review 20376 overall - 476 in Tennessee - 1354 of 2023.]

Don't let the name fool you. It's not really a swinging bridge - but it does creak. And those…read moresounds are a bit alarming as you're hiking up Grandfather Mountain. Admission to the mountain is $25/person. And it's highly recommended you pre-pay online, especially during tourist season when spots fill up. To get to Mile High Swinging Bridge, you pay the admission and can park in the various areas. The top of the mountain does have a parking lot, a gift shop, and restrooms; but the top parking lot fills up. So we parked farther down and did the 20-30 minute hike up. Take a lot of pics during your nervous walk across the bridge. Great views as you're 5,280 feet above sea level. Also, do not wear flip flops! I see a lot of people, even little kids, running around the top of the mountain with flip flops. What in the world?!

So totally worth it. The town is wonderful. We enjoyed just the approach to the mountain…read more Grandfather Mountain is very cool with a legendary history. The swinging bridge was just another jewel in their crown of glory. I totally recommend it for young and Old the Vista points are stupendous. And there's a really wonderful video to watch and a nature center, and even some animals to catch up with.