About the Region The Southern Highlands is home to breathtaking natural beauty, performing arts, cultural celebrations, historic attractions and action-packed sporting events. Climate Mild climate year-round, with four distinct seasons Average temperatures: Summer - 81º, Winter - 39º Average annual precipitation: 54 inches Average annual snowfall: 16 inches Altitude: 1,672 feet above sea level Transportation Interstate access: I-81, I-181, I-26 Tri-Cities Regional Airport: Providing daily commercial flights to major hubs connecting to domestic and international destinations. Health Care The quality of health care in the region is exceptional, with two large health care systems and five regional hospitals. Bristol is primarily served by Bristol Regional Medical Center, a hospital of the Wellmont Health System. Education Bristol is home to 14 public schools, several private schools and two accredited four-year colleges within the city limits - King College and Virginia Intermont College.