Spring Events | Summer Events | Fall Events | Winter Events

Historic Places of Elizabethton
Doe River Covered Bridge - Built in 1882, this white clapboard bridge is believed to be the oldest covered bridge in the state still in use. It spans 134 feet across the Doe River and is surrounded by a park with walking paths, benches, picnic tables and plenty of ducks who enjoy the food provided by locals and out-of-towners.

The John & Landon Carter Mansion - 1013 Broad St., (423) 543-6140 or (423) 543-5808 - The oldest frame house in Tennessee was the home of John and Landon Carter. Built between 1775 and 1780 on lands bought from the Cherokee Indians, the structure reveals a finely detailed interior. Open May 15 - Aug. 15 Wednesday through Sunday and by appointment.

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area - 1651 West Elk Ave., (423) 543-5808 - The cradle of American democratic government and a launching point for westward expansion in the late 18th century, the Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area celebrates numerous historic events detailing the American Indian and colonial history of what is now Elizabethton. Step back in time to the turn of the 18 th century with a visit to a reconstruction of Fort Watauga. The Overmountain Men mustered here in September 1780 before their march to fight the battle of King's Mountain. Here was established one of the earliest permanent American settlements beyond the mountains and the Watauga Association -- the first majority-rule system of American democratic government -- was formed in 1772.

The Downtown Historic District - Ample free parking makes shopping the historic downtown area a breeze. Discover treasures from the past in our many antique shops or specialty shops located along Elk Avenue. Craftspeople and hobbyists will delight at the many stores that carry the materials they require and display the handiwork of many of our local artisans.

Doe River - Fed by springs from Roan Mountain and gaining volume as it flows northward from the mountains, the Doe River reaches its widest point beneath the covered bridge in Elizabethton. Most of the Doe as well as many of the streams that feed it offer great fishing opportunities.

Watauga River - The Watauga River water level is controlled by TVA and can produce excellent conditions for challenging white water adventure, along with calm water canoeing, kayaking, rafting and fishing. Fishermen are attracted to the trophy trout section year round. For listing of outfitters who cater to "river runners" as well as fishermen, see White and Calm Water Boating and Rafting.

Wilbur Lake - Wilbur Dam helped to form a beautiful small lake defined by steep, deeply forested banks on one side and gentle grassy slopes on the other. A bold and aurally enticing but hidden waterfall, beaver lodges, icy water, and dramatic rock walls distinguish and isolate this special place. Whether one chooses to kayak, canoe, fish, picnic, and/or camp in one of the primitive campsites, the experience is breathtaking.

Spring Events in Elizabethton - top
Covered Bridge Days - A crafts and musical bonanza that includes everything from bluegrass to oldies, the Covered Bridge Celebration takes place in June in downtown Elizabethton. The four-day extravaganza is fun for the whole family and features food, a juried craft show and sale, and Kid's Island with activities for the youngsters.

Slagle's Pasture Bluegrass Festival - Held in early June, the weekend festival features the best in bluegrass musicians from around the region.

Muster at Fort Watauga - In mid-May, the Revolutionary War and frontier life during the late 1700s are re-enacted. Events feature living historic camps, musket drills, tomahawk throwing, flint and steel fire-making, campfire cooking, music and other frontier activities along with battles each day between the English redcoats and their allies, and the American continental forces and militia.

Please visit the Elizabethton/Carter County Tourism website for more information about events and activities in our area.

Summer Events in Elizabethton - top
State Line Drive-In - 2306 Stateline Rd., Elizabethton, 423-542-5422 - Experience a night of nostalgia at one of the few remaining drive-in theaters in the nation. Open Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights, April through September, with movies beginning at dark.

The Elizabethton Municipal Golf Course - 185 Buck VanHuss Dr., 423/542-8051 - The course was completely renovated in 1993. One of the 20 plus public golf courses in the area, EMGC mountain course that consists of tree-lined fairways, bent grass greens and Bermuda fairways, the total yardage is 6339. The course is open to the public and is located on Buck VanHuss Drive just off of US 321 on the west end of Elizabethton. Picnic and day-use Areas Elizabethton (includes city parks) Cat Island Memorial Park, South Main St., Elizabethton (adjacent to baseball fields); covered picnic areas, tennis courts, playground equipment, walking path.

The Wataugans - This two-act outdoor drama held within earshot of historic Sycamore Shoals on the Watauga River is recognized as the official historical outdoor drama of Tennessee. Held the last three weekends in July, The Wataugans depicts the early settlement of Northeast Tennessee. The 18th-century comes to life on the site of the Watauga Association, the Transylvania Purchase, the siege of Fort Watauga, and the muster of the Overmountain Men before the Battle of King's Mountain. Admission Charged. Fort Watauga Knap-In - Help celebrate Tennessee Archaeology Week in early fall with two days of demonstrations of how prehistoric man made stone tools and weapons.

Fine Arts Show - During the month of July, view the artwork of the Watauga Valley Art League at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area's Visitor Center. Hours Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. - 4:40 p.m. & Sunday, 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Carter Mansion Celebration - Join us in early August at the oldest frame house in Tennessee, the beautiful Carter Mansion, for a day of music and fun. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Please visit the Elizabethton/Carter County Tourism website for more information about events and activities in our area.

Fall Events in Elizabethton and Carter County - top
Autumn in Carter County (Leaf Route) - September and October are two beautiful months in Carter County. Drop by the Chamber of Commerce and pick up a leaf tour sheet and explore the beauty of the mountains in transition from summer to fall.

Fort Watauga Knap-In - Help celebrate Tennessee Archaeology Week in early fall with two days of demonstrations of how prehistoric man made stone tools and weapons at Sycamore Shoals State Park.

Haunted Halloween Trick or Treat Trails - For a fun and hauntingly exciting time, visit the campground at Roan Mountain State Park. Two trails, one a little spooky and the other, a games trail for younger folks. Sponsored by the park and Cloudland High School Drama Club, Academic Decathlon Team, and FCCLA teams.

Multiple Seasons Storytelling at the Carter Mansion Cemetery - Listen to ghost stories and other tales in anticipation of Halloween. Starts at 7:30 p.m.

Overmountain Victory Trail Celebration - In late September at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, an 18th-century encampment demonstrates shooting and battle tactics and later a celebration welcomes the Overmountain Victory Trail Marchers as they muster at Sycamore Shoals for the march to King's Mountain.

Sycamore Shoals Quilt Show - This mid-October exhibition, sponsored by the Sycamore Shoals Stitchers, features a show and demonstrations by local quilters held in the park museum. Hours are Friday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Thanksgiving Garrison at Fort Watauga - Celebrate an 18th century Thanksgiving in mid-November at Fort Watauga at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area. Lots of food and demonstrations. Camp opens each day at 10 a.m.

Please visit the Elizabethton/Carter County Tourism website for more information about events and activities in our area.

Winter Events in Elizabethton - top
Fraser Fir Tree Lighting - Participate in the annual lighting of this 90-foot tree that may be the tallest of its species in America. Scheduled for mid- to late-November, the event takes place on Elk Avenue in front of the UT Agriculture Extension Office.

Chipping of the Green - In early January bring your old Christmas tree to Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area and have it turned into mulch.

Christmas Tree Exhibit and Art Show - During December, view the trees with handcrafted decorations, and artwork by the Watauga Valley Art League and meet the artists at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area. Hours Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sun, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Elizabethton Christmas Parade - Scheduled for early to mid-December, the parade starts at the Monument downtown and goes through town to Maupin's Exxon on West Elk Avenue and Broad Street.

Christmas at the Carter Mansion - Spend the evening in this 18th century home built between 1775-1780. Observe the beautiful interior craftsmanship decorated for Christmas in the style of the late 1700s. Costumed interpreters, candlelight tours, refreshments and music are the highlights of the evening. Small admission charge.

Christmas Craft Show - Held mid-November at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, the three-day show features 50 exhibitors displaying Christmas crafts just in time for Christmas shopping.

Winter Garrison at Fort Watauga - The Company of Overmountain Men will garrison here in mid-February and present insights into life of the backwoods militia during the Revolutionary War.

Please visit the Elizabethton/Carter County Tourism website for more information about events and activities in our area.