Food Scene
Authentic Italian cuisine in a country-style setting draws diners from far and wide. Reservations recommended due to the popularity of this unusual restaurant. Bring your own bottle of wine if you want to indulge. Beer stores are the only sources for alcoholic beverages in Johnson County. Dinner and dessert served most days.
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LA CUCINA Italian Kitchen
6811 Hwy 67 WAuthentic Italian cuisine in a country-style setting draws diners from far and wide. Reservations recommended due to the popularity of this unusual restaurant. Bring your own bottle of wine if you want to indulge. Beer stores are the only sources for alcoholic beverages in Johnson County. Dinner and dessert served most days.
Monsoon ( Thai & Exotic Foods
10630 Hwy 67 W The fresh spring rolls are amazing!
Voted #1 in East TN for family-style country food, Shirley's is mobbed on weekends.
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Shirley's Home Cooking
3266 US-321Voted #1 in East TN for family-style country food, Shirley's is mobbed on weekends.
Offers lunch and dinner menus, bar service, indoor or outdoor seating, and a panoramic view of Watauga Lake. Come in your car or boat.
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Captain's Table
2340 US-321Offers lunch and dinner menus, bar service, indoor or outdoor seating, and a panoramic view of Watauga Lake. Come in your car or boat.
Side-street ambience at a house in downtown Mountain City. Lunch service, dine in or on the porch. Or just grab a great cup of coffee and go.
Coffee House Cafe
217 Donnelly StSide-street ambience at a house in downtown Mountain City. Lunch service, dine in or on the porch. Or just grab a great cup of coffee and go.
Pleasant's Store
Great subs served in a store with lots of local color.
It's a great place to take a break from shopping or antique car viewing in downtown Elizabethton.
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The Coffee Company
444 E Elk AveIt's a great place to take a break from shopping or antique car viewing in downtown Elizabethton.
Elizabethton’s #1 Pizza & Salad Bar Starting with Antimo Caputo flour, we make our dough from scratch daily, then combine quality ingredients and our slow rise process to bring you the best pizza crust this side of the moon. Our pizzas are topped with a perfect blend of Mozzarella, provolone and Parmesan, then sprinkled with a touch of oregano. Choose one of our Itappalachian original specialties or you can build your own
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Jiggy Rays Downtown Pizzeria
610 E Elk AveElizabethton’s #1 Pizza & Salad Bar Starting with Antimo Caputo flour, we make our dough from scratch daily, then combine quality ingredients and our slow rise process to bring you the best pizza crust this side of the moon. Our pizzas are topped with a perfect blend of Mozzarella, provolone and Parmesan, then sprinkled with a touch of oregano. Choose one of our Itappalachian original specialties or you can build your own
Offers local products and baked delights from the people who make and grow them, "because fresh and local is better."
Johnson County Farmers Market
1306 N Shady StOffers local products and baked delights from the people who make and grow them, "because fresh and local is better."
Parks & Nature
The headwater of the TN River, Watauga Lake is fed by the Watauga and Elk Rivers and many mountain streams. It is the highest and cleanest of the TVA lakes. Surrounded by national forest it offers lots of places to hike or enjoy your favorite lake activities. Boat, canoe, paddleboard and kayak rentals are available. Jet skiing and sailing are popular too.
The scenic lake drive offers several national recreation spots. Watauga Point at Fish Springs is great for picnicking, swimming, fishing and boating. There are beaches and marinas, and the AT crosses the road near the dam. If you want to bring your own boat, bike, ATV or jet ski, our parking is trailer friendly
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Watauga Lake
The headwater of the TN River, Watauga Lake is fed by the Watauga and Elk Rivers and many mountain streams. It is the highest and cleanest of the TVA lakes. Surrounded by national forest it offers lots of places to hike or enjoy your favorite lake activities. Boat, canoe, paddleboard and kayak rentals are available. Jet skiing and sailing are popular too.
The scenic lake drive offers several national recreation spots. Watauga Point at Fish Springs is great for picnicking, swimming, fishing and boating. There are beaches and marinas, and the AT crosses the road near the dam. If you want to bring your own boat, bike, ATV or jet ski, our parking is trailer friendly
This national rec. area is a remote spot near the VA/TN state line. It's on one of our favorite motorcycle rides, and the drive up there offers panoramic views. The trail climbs the knife-like ridge, follows its crest, and descends to Beaver Dam Creek. The road goes through a short tunnel through the rock.
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Backbone Falls
This national rec. area is a remote spot near the VA/TN state line. It's on one of our favorite motorcycle rides, and the drive up there offers panoramic views. The trail climbs the knife-like ridge, follows its crest, and descends to Beaver Dam Creek. The road goes through a short tunnel through the rock.
This dramatic waterfall is accessible if you aren't into hiking. A short, steep trail winds down to the base of the fall from the parking area near the top. If you want to hike, you can access the AT from there.
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Elk River Wasserfälle
Elk River RoadThis dramatic waterfall is accessible if you aren't into hiking. A short, steep trail winds down to the base of the fall from the parking area near the top. If you want to hike, you can access the AT from there.
Leads a few miles through the forest along the creek to Laurel Falls. One of our favorite hikes.
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Laurel Falls Trailhead
U.S. 321Leads a few miles through the forest along the creek to Laurel Falls. One of our favorite hikes.
Gray Fossil Site
1212 Suncrest DrA dig in progress with a museum displaying fossils.
This park overlooks a wide expanse of the lake, it's beach is nice, and you can view the dam from an overlook at the end of a short trail. The AT crosses the lake on the top of the dam. The road in is a great place to bicycle or motorcycle, with wide roads and low speed limits.
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Watauga Dam
This park overlooks a wide expanse of the lake, it's beach is nice, and you can view the dam from an overlook at the end of a short trail. The AT crosses the lake on the top of the dam. The road in is a great place to bicycle or motorcycle, with wide roads and low speed limits.
www.baysmountain.com
Bays Mountain Park is a 3,550 acres (14.4 km2) nature park and planetarium located on Bays Mountain in Kingsport, Tennessee. The park features a nature center and outdoor native animal displays.There is also a herpetarium with snakes and amphibians. The park includes trails and a state-of-the-art planetarium theater.
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Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium
853 Bays Mountain Park Rdwww.baysmountain.com
Bays Mountain Park is a 3,550 acres (14.4 km2) nature park and planetarium located on Bays Mountain in Kingsport, Tennessee. The park features a nature center and outdoor native animal displays.There is also a herpetarium with snakes and amphibians. The park includes trails and a state-of-the-art planetarium theater.
An out-of-the-way spot for walking, swimming and boating. The boat-ramp offers the closest lake access just 10 minutes from our house.
Sink Mountain Recreation Area
An out-of-the-way spot for walking, swimming and boating. The boat-ramp offers the closest lake access just 10 minutes from our house.
Great for swimming, boating and picnicking on the lake.
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Watauga Point Recreational Area
Great for swimming, boating and picnicking on the lake.
Arts & Culture
Offers a wide variety of live entertainment from music to plays. 11 miles from here in Mountain City.
Heritage Hall Theatre
211 N Church StOffers a wide variety of live entertainment from music to plays. 11 miles from here in Mountain City.
You'll learn a lot about local history from a guide who's lived it.
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Butler Museum
123 Selma Curtis RdYou'll learn a lot about local history from a guide who's lived it.
The Mountain City Visitors Center, about 15 min. away, is a great place to learn about the area.
Find the products or services you're looking for at: https://www.yellowpages.com/mountain-city-tn/chamber-of-commerce.
Ralph Stout Park is a popular venue for picnicking and events.
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Mountain City
The Mountain City Visitors Center, about 15 min. away, is a great place to learn about the area.
Find the products or services you're looking for at: https://www.yellowpages.com/mountain-city-tn/chamber-of-commerce.
Ralph Stout Park is a popular venue for picnicking and events.
Located on a historic Watauga River crossing from frontier days, the park offers a museum, a fort, an amphitheater for events, and re-enactments of Revolutionary War era history. The river trail is a great place for walks or jogging and exercise.
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Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park
1651 W Elk AveLocated on a historic Watauga River crossing from frontier days, the park offers a museum, a fort, an amphitheater for events, and re-enactments of Revolutionary War era history. The river trail is a great place for walks or jogging and exercise.
Many public events, concerts, lectures and more.
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East Tennessee State University
1276 Gilbreath DrMany public events, concerts, lectures and more.
The Appalachian Summer Festival features arts and music.
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Appalachian State University
287 Rivers StThe Appalachian Summer Festival features arts and music.
This outdoor/indoor museum features an 18th century farmhouse and demonstrations of old timey ways of living.
It's well worth a visit.
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Rocky Mount State Historic Site & Museum
200 Hyder Hill RdThis outdoor/indoor museum features an 18th century farmhouse and demonstrations of old timey ways of living.
It's well worth a visit.
Sightseeing
TN's highest peak offers hiking and auto sightseeing. Another great motorcycle ride.
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Roan Mountain State Park
527 TN-143TN's highest peak offers hiking and auto sightseeing. Another great motorcycle ride.
Not just an icon, this historic bridge spans the Doe River in a downtown park where local kids still play in the water on hot summer days.
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Elizabethton Covered Bridge
717 East Elk AvenueNot just an icon, this historic bridge spans the Doe River in a downtown park where local kids still play in the water on hot summer days.
The parkway features many overlooks of mountain vistas and historic points of interest. Access is about an hour away. Another great all-day car or motorcycle tour.
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Blue Ridge Parkway
The parkway features many overlooks of mountain vistas and historic points of interest. Access is about an hour away. Another great all-day car or motorcycle tour.
Entertainment & Activities
We're 35 miles away by the main road. You can also get there by following US 421--"The Snake"--from Mtn. City north, if you feel adventurous.
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Bristol Motor Speedway
151 Speedway BlvdWe're 35 miles away by the main road. You can also get there by following US 421--"The Snake"--from Mtn. City north, if you feel adventurous.
Miles of ATV trails wind through this state wilderness area. Bring your own vehicle(s). Our parking is trailer friendly, and the access is about 5 miles away.
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Doe Mountain Recreation Area
1203 Harbin Hill RdMiles of ATV trails wind through this state wilderness area. Bring your own vehicle(s). Our parking is trailer friendly, and the access is about 5 miles away.
RedTail Mountain Resort
If golf is your game, you can play in a mountain paradise.
Located just downstream from Watauga Dam, Wilbur Lake is small, narrow, and very cold. Its water comes from deep in its parent lake, and trout are the only fish that can stand its year-round 40 degree temperature. And the state keeps it stocked. If you like to fish, you'll love this spot. The water keeps it air conditioned in the summer.
Wilbur Dam
Located just downstream from Watauga Dam, Wilbur Lake is small, narrow, and very cold. Its water comes from deep in its parent lake, and trout are the only fish that can stand its year-round 40 degree temperature. And the state keeps it stocked. If you like to fish, you'll love this spot. The water keeps it air conditioned in the summer.
Our nearest boat ramp into Watauga Lake is about 5 miles from the house. And you might catch sight of the eagles that nest in this remote area.
Sink Mountain Launch Road
Sink Mountain Launch RoadOur nearest boat ramp into Watauga Lake is about 5 miles from the house. And you might catch sight of the eagles that nest in this remote area.
We live in Doe Valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains between the Doe Mountain Wilderness Area and The Appalachian Trail. Hiking, mountain biking, lake activities on nearby Watauga Lake, motorcycling, and auto sightseeing are all close by.
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Appalachian Mountains
We live in Doe Valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains between the Doe Mountain Wilderness Area and The Appalachian Trail. Hiking, mountain biking, lake activities on nearby Watauga Lake, motorcycling, and auto sightseeing are all close by.
Home of "The Snake," a stretch of US421 that winds up and down the mountain through the national forest between Mtn Cty and Bristol. "1 valley, 3 mountains, and 489 curves" The store and restaurant at the intersection of TN 91 and US421 is a gathering place for friendly bikers all summer long.
Then there's the The Cranberry Festival in Oct: "This fast-growing and beloved annual festival takes place in the heart of Shady Valley, Tennessee- a stunningly beautiful valley set in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest."
Shady Valley
Home of "The Snake," a stretch of US421 that winds up and down the mountain through the national forest between Mtn Cty and Bristol. "1 valley, 3 mountains, and 489 curves" The store and restaurant at the intersection of TN 91 and US421 is a gathering place for friendly bikers all summer long.
Then there's the The Cranberry Festival in Oct: "This fast-growing and beloved annual festival takes place in the heart of Shady Valley, Tennessee- a stunningly beautiful valley set in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains and the Cherokee National Forest."
Major concert venue. Check out what's upcoming. www.johnsoncitytn.org/freedomhall
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Freedom Hall Civic Center
1320 Pactolas RdMajor concert venue. Check out what's upcoming. www.johnsoncitytn.org/freedomhall
It's where we rent a pontoon boat for a family outing on the lake. www.fishspringsmarina.com:
Marina History Fish Springs Marina is the oldest continuously operating marina on beautiful Watauga Lake, having been in the White family for three generations beginning with Ray White the …
A Watauga Lake Blog · Fishing · Boat Rental
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Fish Springs Marina
191 Fish Springs RdIt's where we rent a pontoon boat for a family outing on the lake. www.fishspringsmarina.com:
Marina History Fish Springs Marina is the oldest continuously operating marina on beautiful Watauga Lake, having been in the White family for three generations beginning with Ray White the …
A Watauga Lake Blog · Fishing · Boat Rental
If this is motorcycle heaven, this place is the pearly gates. www.shadyvalleycountrystore.com:
"Shady Valley Country Store Home of Highway 421 The Snake. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, you will find a destination like no other. "1 valley, 3 mountains, and 489 curves" is our claim to fame. Come "snake" through parts of the Iron, Holston, and Cross Mountain chain." On the way to Backbone Rock (see) and Damascus, VA (see).
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Shady Valley Country Store
110 TN-133If this is motorcycle heaven, this place is the pearly gates. www.shadyvalleycountrystore.com:
"Shady Valley Country Store Home of Highway 421 The Snake. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, you will find a destination like no other. "1 valley, 3 mountains, and 489 curves" is our claim to fame. Come "snake" through parts of the Iron, Holston, and Cross Mountain chain." On the way to Backbone Rock (see) and Damascus, VA (see).
Getting Around
It's the closest, about 25 miles away. If you fly into Tri Cities Airport, you can get a car there. Not a repair garage.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
2279 W Elk AveIt's the closest, about 25 miles away. If you fly into Tri Cities Airport, you can get a car there. Not a repair garage.
Custom Muffler & Brake
700 S Sycamore StOur preferred auto tech shop. Not a rental agent.
AutoZone Auto Parts
145 E Main StThe closest auto parts store.
Essentials
Food Country USA
100 N Church St It's the closest grocery.
The drive there on TN167, another great bike ride, lets you sightsee scenic Roan Valley.
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Food Lion
2291 S Shady StThe drive there on TN167, another great bike ride, lets you sightsee scenic Roan Valley.
Find what you need 2 from auto supplies, batteries, beer and groceries to reading glasses and snacks 2 minutes from the house.
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Dollar General
12437 Hwy 67 WFind what you need 2 from auto supplies, batteries, beer and groceries to reading glasses and snacks 2 minutes from the house.
Johnson County Community Hospital
1901 S Shady StIf you need medical attention.
Mountain City Pharmacy
1641 S Shady StLocally owned pharmacy and medical supplies nearby.