"I was born Violet Thurston Oliver, Thurston being my paternal grandmother's maiden name." So, her tale begins, one that leads to murder on the eastern end of our Watauga Lake.

In a spring when the lake water levels have remained unusually high, it's easy to see that Jackson's fictional tale is perfectly placed on the far eastern end of Watauga Lake just before the completion of Watauga Dam, known in Jackson's childhood as Butler Dam . . .

Click here to learn more . . .

The eastern end of Watauga Lake, the setting for Annis Ward Jackson's book:

Up, Down, Up, Down . . . Way Up!

Lake water level 7 feet above Full Pool

May 7, 2013: Watauga Lake has been above Full Pool since the first week of April but it shot up nearly 5 feet in one day this week after heavy rains in Tennessee and western North Carolina.

Many dock ramps are under water as well as some campers near the lake's "normal" edge.

So far, nearby TVA lakes (South Holston and Boone lakes) have not had to deal with this "excess" of water. Both remain at Flood Guide Level, which the TVA defines as :

" The flood guide line is a seasonal elevation guide that shows the amount of storage allocated in a reservoir for flood damage reduction. The operating objective is to keep the reservoir level at the dam at or below this line to be ready for flood events."

They had to start somewhere.

As this exhibit at the Gray Fossil Museum shows us, dinosaurs started in eggs, from round eggs the size of bowling balls to larger, elongated eggs.

Click here to learn more . . .

More Water Coming Our Way: The Full Watauga River in Foscoe NC

The Watauga River is the eastermnost source of water for Watauga Lake. It is formed near Grandfather Mountain not far from Boone NC. The river gains momentum as it flows down past Foscoe, a community with the best view of Grandfather Mountain in the area.

Foscoe is known by some as a "tourist trap" but actually has a history as a thriving byway for North Carolina visitors. The last section of the Blue Ridge Parkway was to cross Grandfather Mountain and while Hugh Morton, then owner of that mountain, fought off efforts to build this last segment (for environmental reasons), Parkway visitors were diverted off the nearly commercial-free Parkway to Highway 105 which shoots through Foscoe on the old Tweetsie Railroad bed. Diners, craft galleries, trout ponds, souvenir stores and gem mines flourished until the Parkway was completed in 1987.

Today, many of those businesses are still there and several housing developments have rounded out the area to a real community for residents and visitors. This road is the major connecting road between Boone and Banner Elk, a popular skiing site. Businesses in Foscoe support the local ski, fishing and rafting attractions.

Foscoe is no trap. It is an interesting little community which helps pass along the Watauga River to Watauga Lake. This week (January 30 2013), Foscoe had the area-high rainfall of nearly 6 inches which roared into our lake raising the level to above full pool for the second time this month.

The Watauga River in Foscoe NC:

After a great first year on the lake, the Carefree Boat Club on Watauga Lake has made a small name change (formerly the Watauga Lake Boat Club) and they have moved to the LakeShore Marina.

Learn more about this alternative to boat ownership . . .

Above Full Pool in January

Lake Water Level up 12 feet

Recent heavy rains have filled the rivers and streams feeding into Watauga Lake. The lake water level has risen 12 feet this week and is is more than 2 feet above Full Pool.

According to the TVA website:

"The flood guide line is a seasonal elevation guide that shows the amount of storage allocated in a reservoir for flood damage reduction. The operating objective is to keep the reservoir level at the dam at or below this line to be ready for flood events.

The reservoir level may rise above the flood guide as a result of large inflows, but the level is lowered to the flood guide as soon as it can be done without increasing downstream flood damage."

The January Flood Guide level for Watauga Lake is 1952.0 feet.

On January 18 the National Weather Service issued a forecast for dry weather through next week.

A singularly unique Johnson County business has opened in the Watauga Lake area. Linda and Wayne Gay have started a vineyard and opened a fully-licensed winery in the restored old Dry Run Elementary School.

The Gays have given visitors a look at their building and a taste of their wines this fall and, next April, will open for their first full year of wine sales.

Click here to learn more . . .

                   December 9, 2012 on Watauga Lake

Lake water level down nearly 6 feet in November

The water level is down to 1946.5 on November 28, considerably below last year's level but well above the low November levels of 2007 and 2008. After plenty of rain through September, the region dried out in October and November.

It was once the largest tourist attraction in the state of North Carolina and, some say, the second largest in the southeast U.S. Just 20 miles away from the lake by the ski resort at Beech Mountain, The Land of Oz opens up just one weekend each year for a look into the past and the enduring fantasy of the Wizard of Oz. . .

Click here to learn more . . .

Herman Tester has published a second book of photos of the area before and after the building of the dam . . .

Click here to learn more . . .

Fall is Here        

Crisp air arrived a bit early and made for a beautiful September weekend. The lake water level was up above 1953 after recent heavy rains.

This year's hot weather made the swimming, boating and fishing more refreshing and fun than ever. Visitors and residents enjoyed fireworks, picnics and just-plain cooling off in the lake.

Click here to learn more . . .

The members of the Butler Museum are the chroniclers of local history around here and Herman Tester is on point to get their stories in print.

His latest book is a photo album of mostly pre-World War II and pre-Watauga Lake life in Butler Tennessee . . .

Click here to learn more . . .

Summer at the Lake Begins this Weekend      

The 2012 summer season at the lake begins this weekend. The weather forecast is good and the lake is above full pool, a great beginning for visitors and residents.

Offered as an cost effective alternative to boat ownership, the Watauga Lake Boat Club is forming at the Cove Ridge Marina. Founder Doug Sams says the club will offer not only a better financial deal than boat ownership but access to a variety of boats both here and in 2 dozen other marinas in the mid-Atlantic and southeast.

Click here to learn more . . .

Easter 2012 on the lake

After a week of heavy spring rains, the lake water level was up to 1958.0 feet on Easter Sunday morning, just 1 foot below full pool. The weekend offered a dramatic deep-blue sky and light-cool breezes, perfect for Easter egg hunts and local church and family celebrations.

After a mild winter, now two-thirds over, a drive around the lake shows the local communities and landmarks which have endured through good economies and bad, still offering the beauty and peacefulness most residents and visitors came to the lake for in the first place . . .

Learn more . . .

Beautiful Summer Weekend at Mallard Cove    

Old Butler Days celebrates the original town of Butler that was moved when the Watauga Dam was built and the lake created. Local residents and visitors meet each year on the grounds of the Butler Museum for an old-fashioned good time.

Learn more . . .

The Fourth of July is all about having fun. No stress. Just picnics, swimming, boating, grilling and playing. What better place than Watauga Lake to share these activities with friends and family?

Learn more . . .

A joyous crowd met on the grounds of the Butler Museum on Saturday May 28. The W.S. Stout store, formerly in Old Butler and, later, Pine Orchard, was presented to the public in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Hot dogs, popcorn and stories of the past made for a great re-birth of this historical building.

The museum is also celebrating its 10th year . . .

Learn more . . .

Sunny, eighty degrees and the lake at full pool. This was the formula for a early, great boating weekend on the lake.

While local residents hunted for Easter eggs and prepared for Easter Sunday activities, boaters were putting their boats in the lake, many for the first time this year.

Learn more . . .

In the 1970s North Carolina artist Ben Long created 2 paintings and one fresco in a small Episcopal church in the Beaver Creek area near West Jefferson and not far from Boone North Carolina. The works transformed the church and it now receives thousands of visitors each year . . .

Learn more . . .

In the summer of 1980, North Carolina artist Ben Long painted the fresco of "The Last Supper" at Holy Trinity Church in Glendale Springs, near the Blue Ridge Parkway in the northern mountains of North Carolina.

The church now receives tens of thousands of visitors each year . . .

Read more . . .

The Revolutionary War was not just fought in New England. Several important battles were fought in the south, probably most notably the Battle of Kings Mountain on October 7 1780. The story and the site of this battle are well preserved at the Kings Mountain Military Park near the North Carolina/South Carolina border.

Learn more . . .

In nearby Blowing Rock NC, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, stands the Moses Cone Mansion with its breathtaking views of the rural landscape and mountains beyond. Moses Cone was a textile industrialist who bought 3500 acres in the mountains and built a home.

Learn more . . .

A large crowd turned out for the 2010 Old Butler Days on the grounds of Babe Curtis Park at the Butler Museum.

Learn more . . .

It was a beautiful 4th of July weekend and residents and visitors celebrated with a boat parade, fireworks and picnics.

The Fourth brings out more boats than any other day of the year and many of them join in the parade which starts at the dam.

Learn more . . .

Clean up a clean lake? Organizers of this "First Annual" lake clean up believe that this is how local citizens can keep the Watauga Lake area such a special place . . .

Learn more . . .

Near perfect weather made this a great weekend for boating at the lake. The lakes and marinas were filled with boaters and campers.

Relief from recent thunderstorms, downpours and humidity helped to make this the busiest weekend so far this year.

Learn more . . .

From June 4th to June 6th, the Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park hosted the 20th annual Native American Cultural Festival. The event was filled with lectures, dances and exhibitions and, this year, beautiful weather on the grounds of Sycamore Shoals.

Learn more . . .

One dam was urgently needed, the other delayed. One town was saved, the other was torn down and moved. What made the outcomes for Douglas Lake and Dandridge Tennessee so different than those of Watauga Lake and Butler Tennessee?

World War II, the atomic bomb and Eleanor Roosevelt . . .

Learn more . . .

In about an hour, visitors to Watauga Lake can be at the Warriors' Path State Park in nearby Kingsport. This park is particularly great for children because it includes "Darrell's Dream", a boundless playground for children of all abilities . . .

Learn more . . .

You think you know about dinosaurs? The Dinosaur Revolution exhibit at the Gray Fossil Site will test your knowledge in a maze of activities and quizzes.

The show lasts through May 16.

Learn more . . .

The 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.

Learn more . . .

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 2009

The 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 2009

The 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.

The 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 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 . .

This 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 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 . .

On 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 . .

The Appalachian Trail cuts right through Damascus Virginia near the middle of the Trail's route from Maine to Georgia. Each year Damascus celebrates the Appalachian Trail along with other trails in the area at the Appalachian Trail Days festival . . .

Read more . . .

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 . .

See more photos . . .

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 . .

Read more . . .

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 . .

Read more . . .

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.

Learn more . . .

Looking Back at the Watauga River Bridge:
1948 vs. May 2009 at Full Pool

1948 photo courtesy of Dan & Deanna Livorsi and Mary Kay Potter

                  What is Full Pool? Click here to learn more . . .

"May 8 TVA update: South Holston and Watauga reservoirs were above their normal elevations for this time of year at the end of last week and were expected to rise 1 foot before returning to flood guide this week. It’s been three years since these reservoirs have reached these levels." ~ TVA.com weekly drought update

                  . . . Click here to see photos

May 2009

The Parson's Table grew famous over the last 30 years as a popular restaurant in beautiful and historic Jonesborough Tennessee. Today, this building that started in 1870 as The First Christian Church houses a new catering and banquet business started by enthusiastic new owners.

April 2009

Just 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 . . .

Learn more . . .

January 27, 2009

After World War II, final preparations were made for the completion of the Watauga Dam and the creation of Watauga Lake. The changing landscape required new roads and bridges. Local resident Mary Kay Potter shares some photos of the building of the Watauga River Bridge near present-day Pioneer Landing . . .

Learn more . . .

December 1, 2008

The building of the Watauga Dam at Cardens Bluff on the Watauga River and thus the creation of Watauga Lake was approved in December 1941. But, because of World War II, the project was not completed until 7 years later. Learn about the conditions that led to the building of the Dam and the sacrifice made by local citizens . . .

Learn more . . .

Need to take your boat out for the Winter?

November 28, 2008

The following locations have boat ramps available to the public . . .

• Little Milligan Boat Ramp ($2 day use fee) (Forest Service)
• Lakeshore Marina ($4 fee) (423) 725-2223
• Fish Springs Marina ($4 fee) (423) 768-2336

November , 2008

Not far from Watauga Lake, 3 states and many trails converge near a town rich in history and natural beauty. Damascus, Virginia is a great place to spend a day hiking or bicycling . . .

Learn more about Damascus, Virginia and the Virginia Creeper Trail . . .

October 3-5 , 2008

The 36th annual Jonesborough International Storytelling Festival will be held October 3 - 5 in historic Jonesborough, Tennessee. The festival is recognized as one of the Top 100 Events in North America.

Learn more about Jonesborough and the International Storytelling Center . . .

September 13 , 2008

The 4th annual Watauga Lake Triathlon was held at 9 a.m. on Saturday, September 13 at the Sugar Grove Church . . .

See photos & learn more . . .

August, 2008

Watauga Lake is a truly special place for boating, fishing, and swimming. . .

Click here to learn more. . . .

August 8-9 2008

The 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. . . .

July 2008

Experience 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 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 . . . 

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. . . 

2010 update: This marina has been sold and the new owners have named it Tilawa Marina. Click here to learn more.

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.

Click here to learn more . . .

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 . . .

Click here to learn more . . .

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 . . .

Click here to learn more . . .

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.

Click here to learn more . . .

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 . . ..

Read more . . .

           

After considerable work with the Board of the Watauga Academy and Butler Museum, the State of Tennessee honored Old Butler and the Watauga Academy with an historical marker in a beautiful setting just above the new Butler, Tennessee. . .

Read more . . .

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 . . .

Read more . . .

Watauga Lake Day Trip:
Blue Hole Falls

           

Blue Hole Falls is an easy drive from any part of Watauga Lake. Just 10 miles from nearby Elizabethton and easily accessible from the parking area, the Blue Hole Falls area is a great half-day adventure in the area . . .

Read more . . .

Click here to learn more

Watauga Lake Day Trip:
The Gray Tennessee Fossil Site and Museum

           

Just 20 - 30 minutes from Watauga Lake in Gray, Tennessee is one of the richest fossil sites in the eastern United States. The site, known as the Gray Fossil Site, was discovered in May, 2000 while Tennessee DOT workers were widening a road.

In August, 2007 East Tennessee State University opened the Natural History Museum at the Gray Fossil Site. It is a bright, colorful museum with hands-on exhibits and tours led by knowledgeable guides, many of whom work at the site . . .

Read more . . .

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. . .

Read more . . .

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 . . .

Read more . . .

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 . . .

Read more . . .

A New Book about the History of the
Watauga Lake Area

Johnson County native and former high school teacher and administrator Herman Tester has published a new book about the unique history of Butler, Old Butler and the Watauga Lake area. . .

Read more . . .

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.

Read more . . .