What's going on around the lake in 2010? Click here to learn more . . .
Overmountain Weavers' Guild 2010 Spring ShowThe Overmountain Weavers' Guild was established in 1972 in Kingsport Tennessee. Their Early Spring Show is held at the Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area in Elizabethton. This years' show gave visitors a thorough understanding of the processes and artistry that lead to the one-of-a-kind garments and accessories produced by members of this guild. |
Biltmore Estate in Asheville NC
George Vanderbilt created in the 1890s what is still billed as the "largest private home in America" in nearby Asheville, North Carolina. While many of the Vanderbilt homes were torn down in the 1900s, the Biltmore House remains as a monument to the Gilded Age, when powerful industrialists made and spent fortunes in just a few decades. Just 2 hours from the lake, a visit to the Biltmore Estate can make an easy day trip year 'round. Learn more about the Vanderbilt family and the Biltmore Estate . . . |
First Snow
December 2009The region received its first snowfall of the season on December 5. Just across the Tennessee/North Carolina border in nearby Sugar Grove NC this flock of wild turkeys was easy to spot against the snow. |
November Weekend on the Lake
November 2009The second weekend of November brought clear blue skies and warming temperatures, the perfect elements for a great day on the lake. Pictured here, Fish Springs Marina in the November sun. With heavier than usual Fall rains including the remnants of the storm Ida during the first week of November, the lake water level is higher than at any time during 2008. |
The Butler Museum has a new addition. The W. S. Stout Store was originally 1 ¼ mile from Old Butler. Just before Watauga Dam was completed in 1948 it was moved to a location between the relocated town of Butler and Mountain City on Highway 67. On November 4 of this year it was moved again back to the place where the memories of "Old Butler" are kept alive. Click here to learn more . . |
Fall Color on the Blue Ridge Parkway
The temperatures are falling and the leaves are changing throughout the region. This photo was taken on October 16, 2009 on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Blowing Rock NC, about 1 hour east of Watauga Lake. |
Watauga Lake Triathlon 2009The 5th annual Watauga Lake Triathlon was held on a dry morning in the midst of a rainy week. Campers at Pioneer Landing were in a great position to watch the 1000 meter swim . . . Click here to learn more . . |
Davy Crockett Birthplace State ParkDavy Crockett achieved national fame during his lifetime. He was a U.S. Congressman and one of the heroes who died at the Alamo. But he began life simply near the banks of the Nolichuckey River near the present day Limestone Tennessee . . . Click here to learn more . . |
Labor Day 2009 at the LakeThis year's Labor Day weekend capped off a summer of relief from the past years' drought with lake water levels more than 8 feet above last year's Labor Day level. The beautiful weather was great for boating, swimming and visiting area sites. Click here to learn more . . |
The Captain´s Table RestaurantThe Captain's Table Restaurant is part of a full-service resort which also includes Watauga Lake Motel and Cabins and the Lakeshore Marina. The restaurant's good food and service make it a favorite for visitors and locals. Click here to learn more . . |
The Dedication of the Veterans´ Memorial at the Butler MuseumOn Sunday August 9 members of the Butler Museum dedicated a new Veterans´ Memorial on the grounds of the museum. The Memorial honors Butler Tennessee area veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Click here to learn more . . |
Appalachian Trail Days in
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Trade Days Festival in Trade TN
The 21st annual Trade Days Festival was held June 26 - 28 this year. Trade Tennessee is a very small town with a rich history. The Trade Gap is where pioneers such as Daniel Boone started their treks west and Trade is where Native Americans and pioneers conducted business. Click here to learn more . . |
2009 Watauga Lake 4th of July Boat Parade
The busiest and most festive day on the lake, this year's boat parade had a great turnout of boats on the lake and visitors in the parks. The good weather and a full lake gave all much to celebrate . . |
Bayview Family Campground & Marina
Bayview Family Campground and Marina is located in Butler, the heart of the Watauga Lake area. Its owners are preserving the lake experience they found while growing up in the area . . |
Sugar Hollow Lodge & Retreat
Sugar Hollow Retreat is just off Highway 321 in Elk Mills and near Watauga Lake. Its lodge, houses and 300 acres make it an ideal retreat for groups . . |
The Butler Museum 2009 Season
The Butler Museum opened for its 2009 season on Saturday May 16. Museum Board members, local authors and others gathered to begin another year of tours to locals and visitors. |
Looking Back at the Watauga River Bridge:
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The Parson's Table |
Trade Tennessee Grist Mill April 2009Just a brief drive from Watauga Lake, step back in time to a world where most communities had their own grist mills to grind local grains. Trade Tennessee was the first town in Tennessee and was the entry point to the west for many, including Daniel Boone . . . |
Photos from 1948:
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60th Anniversary: December, 1948
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Need to take your boat out for the Winter?
November 28, 2008The following locations have boat ramps available to the public . . .
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Damascus, Virginia
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2008 Jonesborough
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2008 Watauga Lake TriathlonSeptember 13 , 2008The 4th annual Watauga Lake Triathlon was held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 13 at the Sugar Grove Church . . . |
Boating on Watauga LakeAugust, 2008Watauga Lake is a truly special place for boating, fishing, and swimming. . . Click here to learn more. . . . |
Old Butler DaysAugust 8-9 2008The 2008 Old Butler Days began at 5 p.m. on Friday. Events include a car show, contests and much food and music. Saturday's events begin with a parade at 10 a.m. . . Click here to see photos from last year. . . . |
Watauga Kayak
July 2008Experience the Watauga River below the Wilbur Dam in an exciting and beautiful ride on a raft or a kayak with Watauga Kayak. See the Bee Cliffs while racing through the Bee Cliff Rapids and float along this most historic and scenic river . . . Read more . . . . |
Roan Mountain Tennessee
Roan Mountain is one of the most visited places in the area during the summer months. See photos of the famous rhododendron gardens, hiking trails and more . . .
Learn more . . . |
2008 Fourth of July at the Lake
Visitors and residents around the lake celebrated the Fourth of July with the annual boat parade, picnics, ball games and spectacular fireworks. The late afternoon rain arrived just after the Boat Parade and before the evening picnics and fireworks.
Click here to see photos of this year's activities. . . |
Pappy's Marina on Pirates' Cove
Pappy's Marina has been updated and refreshed by new owner Doug Bittner. The new look and exciting plans make Pappy's Marina on Pirates' Cove a place for all on the lake to visit. |
Pioneer Landing, A Treasure on Watauga Lake
Pioneer Landing is the easternmost marina on Watauga Lake and its unique location makes it one of the most accessible. See photos and learn more about this special part of the lake and the area's history . . . |
Iris Festival 2008 in Greeneville Tennessee
The two-day annual Iris Festival was held this year in Greeneville, Tennessee on May 17th and 18th. This beautiful blue-sky weekend was the perfect backdrop for this celebration of Spring flowers and the historic town of Greeneville, Tennessee . . . |
Memorial Day 2008 at Watauga Lake
Watauga Lake Tennessee was a great place to celebrate Memorial Day. Beautiful blue skies and warm temperatures made for ideal boating, swimming and sunning. Visitors at Pioneer Landing (shown above) began their summer season by catching up with old friends and with owners Dan and Deanna Livorsi. Some Pioneer Landing camper-site renters have been staying at this beautiful location on the lake for over 15 years. |
The Watauga Lake Triathlon and Watauga Lake Experience September 12 - 13 2008
The dates have been set for the 4th annual Watauga Lake Triathlon and the 2nd annual Watauga Lake Experience. The Triathlon will take place on Saturday the 13th and the events of the Watauga Lake Experience will take place on Friday the 12th and Saturday . . .. |
Tennessee Honors Old Butler with
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Craig's Coffee House in Mountain City Craig's Coffee House is the way to start your day. The congenial atmosphere of this Mountain City coffee house and restaurant is irresistible to local residents and visitors alike . . . |
Watauga Lake Day Trip:
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New at the Gray Fossil Museum
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Watauga Lake Day Trip:
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The Appalachian Trail on Watauga Lake Walk the Appalachian Trail from Maine to Georgia? Well, many do but if you are looking for a much shorter trip along that scenic trail, try the day hikes available at Watauga Lake and find unique views of the lake while hiking one of the most famous trails in the world. . . |
2007 Doe River Gorge Fall Train Excursion Follow the track of the old Tweetsie Railroad through the beautiful Doe River Gorge near Elizabethton Tennessee and Watauga Lake. You will ride along the path that was partially hand cut in the 1880s to bring the train that opened up travel to many mountain people . . . |
2007 Shady Valley Cranberry Festival The annual Cranberry Festival was held in the beautiful mountain valley town of Shady Valley Tennessee on October 12 and 13. The festival celebrates the over 10,000 acres of cranberry bogs which used to cover the valley . . . |
A New Book about the History of the
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Watauga Lake Marinas and Restaurants
Watauga Lake offers several full service marinas for use by boaters on the lake. Most offer boat rentals, marine gas, dock space, supplies and food. The area also has a variety of full-service restaurants, grills and snack bars located on or near the lake where visitors and locals meet. |
