Bristol, Virginia, October 12, 2025
News Summary
The Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol will host a presentation by local author Joe Tennis on October 14. Tennis will discuss his latest book, ‘The Ghostly Tales of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Highlands.’ This marks his first public presentation since the book’s release. The event is free, but pre-registration is encouraged due to limited seating. Attendees will have the chance to purchase signed copies of Tennis’s works, which explore the history and folklore of Appalachia.
Bristol, Virginia
The Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, Virginia, will host a speaker session with local author and journalist Joe Tennis on Tuesday, October 14, at 7 p.m. This event will take place in the museum’s performance theater and marks the first public presentation of Tennis’s latest book, The Ghostly Tales of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Highlands.
Joe Tennis, age 56, has expressed great enthusiasm about compiling stories from various locations, including Mendota Trail, Wise, Abingdon, Mountain Lake, Marion, and Castlewood for the book. Although the book was released during the pandemic, this marks Tennis’s first opportunity to present it publicly. One of his favorite stories comes from the Bolling Wilson Hotel in Wytheville, where he gathered anecdotes by interviewing former employees of the establishment.
The History Press initially approached Tennis with the idea to write a children’s version of one of his earlier works. However, Tennis chose to update and expand upon existing stories, adding five new, unpublished tales in the process. The event at the museum is free and open to the public; however, pre-registration is highly encouraged due to limited seating and anticipated high demand.
Museum Director Rene Rodgers has expressed excitement about Tennis’s historical research into local hauntings and a storytelling evening in connection with the upcoming Halloween season. Tennis is well-known for his extensive work covering the history, folklore, and ghost tales of Appalachia. With 11 published works to his name, including titles like Haunted Highlands and The Marble and Other Ghost Tales of Tennessee and Virginia, Tennis’s publications effectively blend fact and folklore, providing readers with entertaining, thought-provoking, and occasionally humorous insights into the region’s haunted past.
Copies of Tennis’s books will be available for purchase during the event, and attendees will have the opportunity to have their books signed by the author. For those who wish to register for the session, details can be found on the events page of the museum’s website. In addition, the program will also be streamed live on Radio Bristol’s YouTube channel.
Event Details:
- Date: October 14
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Location: Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Bristol, Virginia
- Free Admission: Pre-registration encouraged
About Joe Tennis:
- Age: 56
- Published Works: 11 books, including “Haunted Highlands”
- Focus: History, folklore, and ghost tales of Appalachia
Purchase and Signing:
Copies of Tennis’s books will be available for purchase at the museum, and he will sign them for attendees.
Live Streaming:
The presentation will be streamed live on Radio Bristol’s YouTube channel for those unable to attend in person.
Registration:
To register for the session, participants can visit the events page at BirthplaceOfCountryMusic.org.
FAQ Section
What is the date and time of Joe Tennis’s presentation?
The event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 14, at 7 p.m.
Where will the presentation take place?
The presentation will take place in the Birthplace of Country Music Museum’s performance theater.
Is the event free to attend?
Yes, the event is free and open to the public; however, pre-registration is encouraged due to limited seating and expected high demand.
Will copies of Joe Tennis’s book be available for purchase?
Yes, copies of Tennis’s books will be available for purchase at the museum, and he will sign them for attendees.
Key Features of the Event
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | October 14 |
| Time | 7 p.m. |
| Location | Birthplace of Country Music Museum, Bristol, Virginia |
| Admission | Free with pre-registration encouraged |
| Book Availability | Copies for purchase and signing by the author |
| Live Stream | Available on Radio Bristol’s YouTube channel |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Herald Courier: Local News
- Wikipedia: Joe Tennis
- BBC Sport: Football Article
- Google Search: Joe Tennis
- Gopoly: Joe Leather
- Google Scholar: Joe Tennis
- Legacy: Joseph Ramos Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Joe Tennis
- Herald Courier: Article
- Google News: Joe Tennis
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
