american tours kingsport

Success Stories | American Tours & Charters Inc.

July 07, 2020

Rollin’ on the Freeway to Somewhere Soon

Charles Maxwell, the owner of American Tours & Charters Inc. , hopes the second time around is better. Maxwell had owned and operated a similar business called Maxwell Coach several years ago but decided to shut it down to eliminate the "headaches" of running his own business. Quite the reverse, he discovered that the "headaches" were still his, and not being the owner made it more difficult to tolerate. As a humble employee, the lack of control and limited decision-making was ultimately the job’s downfall. After a three-year hiatus, it was obvious to Maxwell that he wanted to start another tour bus company of his own – the sooner the better.

Maxwell already knew how to gather competitive intelligence and develop a new business plan. He needed help with identifying capital sources and avoiding organization missteps. Maxwell connected with the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), since TSBDC at ETSU was instrumental in assisting him when he established his first tour bus business. He set up a meeting with the TSBDC at ETSU Kingsport Affiliate Office (KOSBE) to inquire about various financing options: self-financing, bank financing, and leasing. He also had questions about regulatory requirements, for example, whether he needed to get a new DOT Number since he had one previously assigned. The TSBDC helped Maxwell search the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration web site and locate answers to several questions. TSBDC also guided Maxwell through setting up the S-Corporation and developing a short-term marketing strategy.

With legal business entity filings in hand, he was able to obtain the financing he needed for a newer model tour bus. By November 2019 Maxwell was up and running again, as American Tours & Charters Inc. He has not taken his foot off the gas pedal since starting the business. He continues to learn and attend training events at the TSBDC. He has invested a total of 14 hours in business building and other support services.

Recently, the travel industry as a whole has been negatively impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic. In January 2020, Maxwell joined the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce to sustain his business and cultivate key partnerships with travel industry members. When asked what keeps him up at night, Maxwell said: “Prospective passengers are going stir crazy after the prolonged quarantine. They are very anxious to get on the freeway going somewhere soon. Thanks to the TSBDC at ETSU Kingsport Affiliate Office, I am equipped and empowered to face this and future challenges. I don’t know where I would be without TSBDC.” Maxwell’s proven track record and his ability to foster and grow valuable customer relationships positions American Tours & Charters Inc. to succeed, nevertheless.

Location : Kingsport, Tennessee

Company Name : American Tours & Charters Inc.

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WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather

American Tours & Charters Upcoming Trips

by: Amy Lynn

Posted: Sep 20, 2023 / 10:19 AM EDT

Updated: Sep 20, 2023 / 10:19 AM EDT

(WJHL) Charles Maxwell and Wendy Russell of American Tours and Charters tell us about some of their upcoming opportunities for travel including destinations like New York City and Vermont. For more information on upcoming trips visit their website at www.AmericanToursTN.com .

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(903) 593 2300

Tyler, Texas

American Tours was originally founded as Chuck’s Travel in 1979. Chuck’s Travel was founded as an East Texas based business specializing in both Motorcoach Charters as well as Senior Adult Motorcoach Tours.

In 2006, with both divisions of Chuck’s Travel showing rapid growth, the decision was made to separate the charter business from the tour business. Thus, the Senior Adult Motorcoach Tour Business of Chuck’s Travel became known as American Tours. Please be aware there has been a change in name only. American Tours continues to follow in the steps of Chuck’s Travel by catering to Senior Adults and providing an incredible range of single-day and multi-day tours along with a wonderful Tour Guide and Driver.

The best cafe in Kingsport, according to Yelp reviewers—and the rest of the top 6

Posted: June 19, 2024 | Last updated: June 19, 2024

Highest-rated cafes in Kingsport, according to Yelp

From the first coffee houses in the Ottoman Empire to Boston's London Coffee House, cafes have always been an egalitarian place to gather, sip, and share ideas, many of which have changed the world.

During the Enlightenment, cafes would regularly entertain the likes of Voltaire, Rousseau, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Isaac Newton. Later, Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre would spend hours in cafes, pondering their works and holding court alongside other intellectuals.

Needless to say, coffee and cafes beget some revolutionary ideas; sipping a cup may even be a political act. When settlers dumped tea into the Boston Harbor to send a message to the British empire, tea became a British loyalist's drink, and coffee became a popular substitute. Unsurprisingly, Boston's London Coffee House opened in 1689, was soon renamed the American Coffee House. Later on in Philadelphia, Merchant Coffee House, also known as the City Tavern, would host the likes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Paul Revere, as well as witness an early reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Many other coffee shops steeped in history abound in the United States, including New York City's Caffe Reggio. Founded in 1927, it was the first to serve cappuccino in the country, as well as one of the first to use a La Pavoni espresso machine. New Orleans' Cafe du Monde, founded in 1862, is a fixture in the French Quarter for its coffee and beignets.

Whether it's for a cup of Joe, a heady conversation, or simply a place to start the day, cafes have become part of our personal landmarks, so where have others gone to find their refuge or perhaps their perfect dose of caffeine? Stacker compiled a list of the highest-rated cafes in Kingsport using data from Yelp . Rankings factor in the average rating and number of reviews. Keep reading to see if your favorite spot made the list.

You may also like: Highest-ranked pizza restaurants in Kingsport by diners

#6. Southern Restaurant

- Rating: 4.0/5 (57 reviews) - Price: $ - Address: 408 E Elk Ave Elizabethton, TN 37643 - Categories: Cafes - Read more on Yelp

#5. First Watch

- Rating: 4.0/5 (176 reviews) - Price: $$ - Address: 1150 W State of Franklin Rd Ste 20 Johnson City, TN 37604 - Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, Cafes, American (Traditional) - Read more on Yelp

#4. Betty's Stockyard Cafe

- Rating: 4.5/5 (18 reviews) - Price: $$ - Address: 2000 N John B Dennis Hwy Kingsport, TN 37660 - Categories: Cafes - Read more on Yelp

#3. Mustard Seed Cafe

- Rating: 4.5/5 (103 reviews) - Price: $$ - Address: 118 E Market St Kingsport, TN 37660 - Categories: Cafes, Coffee & Tea - Read more on Yelp

#2. Main Street Cafe & Catering

- Rating: 4.5/5 (67 reviews) - Price: $ - Address: 117 W Main St Jonesborough, TN 37659 - Categories: Cafes - Read more on Yelp

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#1. Bebettes

- Rating: 4.5/5 (20 reviews) - Address: 811 W Walnut St Johnson City, TN 37604 - Categories: Donuts, Breakfast & Brunch, Cafes - Read more on Yelp

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7 Best Places to Retire in Tennessee, According to Experts

Ready to move to the Volunteer State? These are the best places for retirees in Tennessee.

SeanPavonePhoto/Getty Images

Choosing where to retire is a big decision. You’ll want to consider the cost of living and access to healthcare in addition to finding a destination that has plenty of recreational activities.

It’s no secret that Tennessee is a popular location for retirees. According to Retire Tennessee , one of the biggest draws is that there’s no state income tax or state property tax, and Tennessee also offers the eighth lowest cost of living — 10.3 percent under the U.S. average. That, combined with plenty of natural beauty, access to outdoor spaces, and a thriving arts and culture scene, and it’s easy to see why Tennessee is the choice for many retirees.

“Our lower cost of living along with no state income or pension tax, state-of-the-art healthcare, mild climate, lifestyle of music and entertainment, scenic beauty, and quality of life make it a premiere retirement destination,” said Mark Ezell, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.

Retiring in Tennessee is so popular that the state even boasts 12 certified Retire Tennessee communities. Each of these cities and towns offers retirees the amenities and resources needed to be a premier retirement destination.

While Tennessee’s favorable climate (it’s generally mild, with four distinct seasons) is a big plus for a home base, the state also makes it easy to get out and travel. Nashville International Airport (BNA) offers direct flights all over the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, and even Europe (there’s a direct flight to London on British Airways). Airports in Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Memphis connect residents to destinations all over the United States. Plus, Tennessee’s central location makes it an ideal place for a road trip.

With home values continuing to rise, now could be a great time to buy a home in Tennessee, according to Anna Altic of RE/MAX Homes and Estates in Nashville. “Tennessee, in general, remains among the top states in the country for home value appreciation since the pandemic,” she told us.

Let’s jump into the best places to retire in Tennessee.

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

For retirees who still want to be in the middle of the action, Nashville , the largest and most populated city in Tennessee, could be a good place to call home. People choose this city for its “solid music, arts, and dining scene, not to mention access to world-class healthcare,” according to Altic.

There are so many things to do in Nashville , making it a fantastic spot for active retirees who don’t want to slow down.

“I'm finding that the needs of the average retiree have changed quite a bit from when I started over 20 years ago.  For one thing, they are way more active and interested in being near 'the action,' be it the outdoors, a vibrant dining scene, or nightlife,” says Altic.

Of course, this city is known for its music, but there’s so much more to explore. Four professional sports teams call Nashville home — the Tennessee Titans, Nashville Predators, Nashville Soccer Club, and the Nashville Sounds. Nashville’s thriving culinary scene sees a continuous flow of new restaurants serving everything from sushi and tacos to cheesesteaks and Afro-fusion cuisine. Shopping, whether for locally made products or high-end designer brands, can be found at one of Nashville’s shopping malls or districts.

Just last year, Nashville was named one of the South’s best cities by Southern Living and one of the best cities in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure readers . Plus, it topped T+L’s list of the best places to live in Tennessee .

Johnson City

DenisTangneyJr/Getty Images

As a certified Retire Tennessee community, Johnson City offers outdoor activities, performing arts, a thriving downtown, an excellent healthcare system, and a low cost of living. Retirees can get active on the Tweetsie Trail, a 9.5-mile paved walking path, or at one of the city’s 30 parks, facilities, and community centers. The Johnson City Senior Center promotes “active life through active living” for residents 50 years and older. Those who are looking for arts and culture will appreciate the Martin Center for the Arts, which hosts musicians, comedians, and Broadway shows.

Healthcare facilities like Johnson City Medical Center, which is affiliated with East Tennessee State University, and Mountain Home VA Medical Center can give retirees peace of mind, knowing that excellent care is right in their backyard.

Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Northeast Tennessee, Kingsport has a lot to offer for retirees. Outdoor adventures are king in this rural community. Miles and miles of outdoor walking and bike paths can be found throughout the city’s parks and on the Kingsport Greenbelt, a scenic 10-mile paved path that runs across the city.

Fort Patrick Henry Lake offers fishing and boating, while Warriors' Path State Park will be a delight to explore with visiting grandchildren. It’s home to a Boundless Playground, which accommodates children of all mental and physical abilities.

Road trippers will be delighted to know that Kingsport is within a day’s drive of 70 percent of the U.S. population.

In addition to not having an income tax, there is no county property tax in Kingsport.

Xianghong Garrison/Getty Images

On the Tennessee-Virginia border lies a town that’s full of life. Bristol, Tennessee, is home to the Bristol Motor Speedway, one of NASCAR’s most iconic tracks. Just across the border in Bristol, Virginia (its sister city) is the Bristol Casino, which will become a Hard Rock Hotel & Casino later this year.

Residents have access to shopping, dining, and entertainment at The Pinnacle, an open-air shopping destination, and in the city’s active downtown, an Accredited Main Street Community.

On the practical side, Sullivan County (home to Bristol and Kingsport) offers a cost of living that’s 14.6 percent lower than the U.S. average.

Michael Warren/Getty Images

Franklin, Tennessee, has a lot going for it. Just 20 miles south of Nashville, this historic town is known for its vibrant downtown, excellent healthcare, and scenic beauty.

Franklin was named one of the country’s top 10 suburbs to retire in by This Old House and one of the best U.S. cities to live in by livability.com in 2023.

Residents will love staying active in the area’s numerous parks and outdoor spaces. Those looking for arts and culture will enjoy catching a show at one of the city’s theaters, including Studio Tenn, The Franklin Theater, The Mockingbird Theater, and the FirstBank Amphitheater.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Downtown Franklin Historic District is a 16-block area lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries. The area aims to preserve history while supporting today’s small businesses and becoming the community’s gathering spot through its annual festivals and events.

Healthcare is one of the city's biggest industries, with businesses like Community Health Systems, Cigna, HCA Health Care, MedSolutions, and Williamson Medical Center.

For retirees who love to travel, Franklin offers small-town living with easy access to a major airport. Nashville International Airport (BNA), which offers 585 daily flights on 22 airlines, is just over 20 miles away.

Chattanooga

A stable economy, access to outdoor activities, a thriving downtown, and a revitalized waterfront make it easy to see why Chattanooga is a certified Retire Tennessee community. It has made multiple "Best Places to Retire" lists over the years, including being named the best place to retire in the South by Southern Living and Investopedia in 2023.

Located in Tennessee’s southeastern region, this mid-size city is full of exciting things to do for active retirees. With a robust calendar of performances and concerts at top-notch venues, including the Chattanooga Theatre Center, Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, Memorial Auditorium, and Tivoli Theater, along with plenty of restaurants and bars, Chattanooga is a haven for those looking for vibrant nightlife.

The city’s beautiful waterfront along the Tennessee River offers a 13-mile riverwalk with plenty of parks to enjoy the outdoors. The Tennessee River Gorge offers something for those looking for a bit more adventure. Biking, kayaking, camping, boating, and hiking are available in this outdoor paradise. Chattanooga is even home to the tallest underground cave waterfall in the U.S .

For retirees looking for history, arts, and culture, Chattanooga delivers. History buffs can explore Battles for Chattanooga Museum, Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park, and the 6th Calvary Museum, while art lovers will enjoy the Bluff View Art District and the Hunter Museum of American Art.

Sean Pavone/Getty Images

Knoxville is home to the University of Tennessee, but it’s more than just a college town. It has arts, culture, outdoor recreation, shopping, sports, and so much more.

Access to excellent healthcare may be top of mind for retirees, and The University of Tennessee Medical Center, located in Knoxville, is one of the best hospitals in the state. There are 3 senior centers in the area, offering retirees a place to stay active and build community.

Knoxville is surrounded by lush greenery that’s perfect for exploring the outdoors. Hiking, fishing, and boating are popular activities in the area. Don’t miss Ijams Nature Center, a 318-acre green space that offers over 14 miles of trails, kayaking, canoeing, and a calendar of fun community events.

Knoxville also has a thriving arts scene. Numerous galleries and museums line the downtown streets. The historic Tennessee Theater is a popular venue for concerts and performances all year long, and First Friday Knoxville is a monthly celebration that combines art, music, and food for a fun community event.

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday said that Hamas was the only party that had not accepted a US-backed proposal for a cease-fire deal in Gaza.

US’ Blinken sits down for meeting with Egypt’s el-Sissi in Cairo at start of new Middle East tour

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaks to reporters after his meeting with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, at Cairo airport, Egypt, Monday, June 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil, Pool)

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U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, second right, greets an Israeli official upon his arrival at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv, in Israel, on Monday, June 10, 2024. Blinken arrived in Israel as part of a regional tour to push for a much awaited Gaza ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. (Jack Guez/Pool via AP)

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, right, meets US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, at the Presidential Palace in Cairo, Egypt, Monday, June 10, 2024. At left, US ambassador to Cairo Herro Mustafa Garg. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil, Pool)

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, listens to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during their meeting at the Presidential Palace in Cairo, Egypt, Monday, June 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil, Pool)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken gestures upon his arrival at Cairo airport, Egypt, Monday, June 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil, Pool)

Israeli soldiers wave to the camera as they move on the back of a truck near the Israeli-Gaza border as seen from southern Israel, Monday, June 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Palestinians mourn over the bodies of relatives killed in an Israeli airstrike, outside the morgue in Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al Balah, the Gaza Strip, Monday, June 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

TEL AVIV (AP) — U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged top Israeli officials on Monday to accept and implement a plan for postwar Gaza as he pushed for more international pressure on Hamas to agree to a cease-fire proposal newly endorsed by the U.N. Security Council .

On his latest urgent mission to the Middle East — his eighth since the Israel-Hamas war began in October — Blinken met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant after talks in Cairo with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi to push the proposal, which faces new uncertainty following Israel’s hostage rescue operation that killed many Palestinians and turmoil in Netanyahu’s government.

Blinken told Netanyahu that “the United States and other world leaders will stand behind the comprehensive proposal outlined by President Biden that would lead to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, and a significant and sustained increase in humanitarian assistance for distribution throughout Gaza,” the State Department said.

After the U.N. Security Council passed a U.S.-sponsored resolution endorsing the cease-fire proposal, Hamas said it welcomed the move and was ready to work with mediators in indirect negotiations with Israel to implement it. The statement was among the strongest from Hamas to date but stressed the group would continue “our struggle” to end the Israeli occupation and work on setting up a “fully sovereign” Palestinian state.

However, the militant group still has not formally responded to the proposal it received 10 days ago. Blinken again urged Hamas to accept it , saying it has wide international support and Israel has accepted it, though Netanyahu has expressed skepticism.

“I know that there are those who are pessimistic about the prospects,” Blinken told reporters before leaving Cairo for Israel on the trip that also will take him to Jordan and Qatar. “That’s understandable. Hamas continues to show extraordinary cynicism in its actions, a disinterest not only in the well-being and security of Israelis but also Palestinians.”

Palestinians look at the aftermath of the Israeli bombing in Nuseirat refugee camp, Gaza Strip, Saturday, June 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

While Biden, Blinken and other U.S. officials have praised the rescue of four Israeli hostages on Saturday, the operation resulted in the deaths of 274 Palestinian civilians and may complicate the cease-fire push by emboldening Israel and hardening Hamas’ resolve to carry on fighting in the war that started with its Oct. 7 attack in Israel.

In his talks with el-Sissi, Blinken also discussed plans for post-conflict governance and reconstruction in Gaza.

Netanyahu and his government have resisted calls for any “day after” plan that would bar Israel from having some form of security presence in the territory. Blinken said he would urge Israel to come up with alternatives that would be acceptable.

“It would be very good if Israel put forward its own ideas on this, and I’ll be talking to the government about that,” Blinken said. “But one way or another, we’ve got to have these plans, we’ve got to have them in place, we’ve got to be ready to go if we want to take advantage of a cease-fire.”

The three-phase plan calls for the release of more hostages and a temporary pause in hostilities that will last as long as it takes to negotiate the second phase, which aims to bring the release of all hostages, a “full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza” and “a permanent end to hostilities,” according to the American-drafted resolution put before the U.N. Security Council. The third phase calls for reconstruction in Gaza.

Although the deal has been described as an Israeli initiative and thousands of Israelis have demonstrated to support it, Netanyahu has been skeptical , saying what has been presented publicly is not accurate and that Israel is still committed to destroying Hamas.

Netanyahu’s far-right allies have threatened to collapse his government if he implements the plan. Benny Gantz , a popular centrist, resigned on Sunday from the three-member War Cabinet after saying he would do so if the prime minister did not formulate a new plan for postwar Gaza .

Blinken has met with Netanyahu, Gallant, Gantz and Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid on nearly all his previous trips to Israel. Officials said Blinken is expected to meet on Tuesday with Gantz, whom Netanyahu had urged not to step down in the aftermath of the hostage rescue.

Despite Blinken’s roughly once-a-month visits to the region since the war began, the conflict has ground on with more than 37,120 Palestinians killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and combatants in its counts. Hamas and other militants killed some 1,200 people in the Oct. 7 attack, mostly civilians, and took around 250 people hostage.

The war has severely hindered the flow of food, medicine and other supplies to the Palestinians in Gaza, who are facing widespread hunger . U.N. agencies say more than 1 million people in the territory could experience the highest level of starvation by mid-July.

In Jordan, Blinken will take part in an emergency international conference on improving the flow of aid to Gaza.

Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Gaza at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war