A Family Reunion at Watauga Lake

All photos and illustrations by Pat Johns ©2007
All Rights Reserved
See links to article references at the end of the article.

Go to Lake Reunion: Part 2

October, 2007

A reunion of any type needs a special setting where the many people who have gathered, some from great distances, can relax and spend time catching up while also participating in activities that all age groups can enjoy. Family reunions, class reunions and veterans reunions are examples of popular events throughout the country.

This family, with members from Ohio, Florida and North Carolina found Watauga Lake a great reunion location. A private cabin on the lake with access to a boat and dock gave them all the tools they needed to start their visit to Watauga Lake.

A pontoon boat is great for visitors of all ages. Local marinas rent pontoon boats at reasonable rates throughout the year. They also provide all of the safety gear you will need including life vests for children.

Watauga Lake is billed as the "third cleanest lake in America". It is a great place for boating and water skiing. Take your boat to your favorite spot, put down your anchor and enjoy the quite warm summer waters of the lake. One caution: the lake is quite deep in most places but its depths are unpredictable in others. Do not dive into the lake unless you are sure of the depth. (See below for a link to a website where you can purchase a map of the lake.)

Most rental cabins have outdoor grills. There are several local stores such as Dry Hill General Store, the Butler General Store and Fish Tales at the Lake where you can purchase basic groceries. You can stop at larger grocery stores in Elizabethton or Boone on your way to the lake and stock up on more particular needs.

A great side trip for young, old and in-between is Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park and Fort Watauga in nearby Elizabethton. Sycamore Shoals was the site of the first democratic settlement outside the original 13 colonies and was where the Overmountain Men gathered in the Revolutionary War to march to Kings Mountain to defeat the British in a pivotal battle of the war.

Go to page 2 of this article . . .

Links to references in this article:

• Sugar Hollow Retreat
• Lakeshore Marina
• Fish Springs Marina
• Cove Ridge Marina
• Mallard Cove Marina
• Dry Hill General Store
• www.aLakeCabin4U.com
• www.CottageOnWataugaLake.com
• www.LakesideVacation.com
• www.WataugaLakeCabinRentals.com
• LakeCabin4Rent.com
• Watauga Lake Rentals
• Purchase Watauga Lake Map