What's around Watauga Lake
Food scene
Shirley's Home Cooking
3266 US-321Southern cuisine and home cooking for breakfast and dinner
$5 wine tastings, huge flatbreads, and stone-fired pizza make this a local favorite
54 locals recommend
Watauga Lake Winery
6952 Big Dry Run Rd$5 wine tastings, huge flatbreads, and stone-fired pizza make this a local favorite
Captain Jacks Butler Beverage &JJ's Cafe
17739 Hwy 67 WButler Trading Post
16308 Hwy 67 WMonsoon ( Thai & Exotic Foods
10630 Hwy 67 WSouthern Craft BBQ Watauga
2340 U.S. 321Located at Lakeshore Marina. Great BBQ with a fantastic view
Convenience
Nearby convenience store with gas, sandwiches, and pool tables.
6 locals recommend
Elk Mills General Store & Gas Station
5630 US-321Nearby convenience store with gas, sandwiches, and pool tables.
Light groceries, hunting/fishing licenses, and a small restaurant in one.
14 locals recommend
Dry Hill General Store & Deli
1535 Dry Hill RdLight groceries, hunting/fishing licenses, and a small restaurant in one.
Dollar General
767 Main St ENearest chain convenience store
Captain Jacks Butler Beverage &JJ's Cafe
17739 Hwy 67 WButler Trading Post
16308 Hwy 67 WMarina
Rent a boat and explore the lake. Adjacent to The Captain’s Table Restauant. Carefree Boat Club rentals available.
30 locals recommend
Lakeshore Marina
2285 US-321Rent a boat and explore the lake. Adjacent to The Captain’s Table Restauant. Carefree Boat Club rentals available.
Rentals, sales, and home to Off The Grid Adventures: kayak, paddle board, and other rentals.
23 locals recommend
Fish Springs Marina
191 Fish Springs RdRentals, sales, and home to Off The Grid Adventures: kayak, paddle board, and other rentals.
Cove Ridge Marina & Yacht Club
947 Piercetown RdSightseeing
The third cleanest lake in the country; a must-see while you are visiting
105 locals recommend
Watauga Lake
The third cleanest lake in the country; a must-see while you are visiting
Blowing Rock
A stunning hike/day trip in an adorable area
A great day-trip for hiking and learning about the preservation of Grandfather Mountain
82 locals recommend
Linn Cove Viaduct
3218 Blue Ridge PkwyA great day-trip for hiking and learning about the preservation of Grandfather Mountain
Local Appalachian trail, where you can explore Watauga Lake. Adjacent to the Wilbur Wildlife Observation Area
8 locals recommend
Watauga Dam
Local Appalachian trail, where you can explore Watauga Lake. Adjacent to the Wilbur Wildlife Observation Area
Linville Caverns, Inc.
19929 U.S. 221A great day trip, even in the rain
Linville Falls
Gorgeous waterfalls for a day trip
Laurel Falls
A great day hike with waterfalls
Attractions
Local winery, where Watauga Lake Winery grows its grapes. Wine and appetizers sometimes available.
19 locals recommend
Villa Nove Vineyards
1877 Dry Hill RdLocal winery, where Watauga Lake Winery grows its grapes. Wine and appetizers sometimes available.
Bristol Caverns
1157 Bristol Caverns HighwayCaverns and caves for a great day-trip, even in the rain
Snow tubing, boat rental, zip lining, and adrenaline action, great for kids or adults
238 locals recommend
Hawksnest Snow Tubing and Zipline
2058 Skyland DrSnow tubing, boat rental, zip lining, and adrenaline action, great for kids or adults
For NASCAR fans, the speedway is only about 40 minutes away
196 locals recommend
Bristol Motor Speedway
151 Speedway BlvdFor NASCAR fans, the speedway is only about 40 minutes away
Watauga Point Recreational Area
A great place to swim, grill, and enjoy the lake
Great swimming and camping area with a roped, designated swimming area.
13 locals recommend
Shook Branch Swimming Area
1588 US-321 ScenicGreat swimming and camping area with a roped, designated swimming area.
Watauga Point Recreational Area
Dog-friendly lake area.
Butler Museum
123 Selma Curtis RdSkiing
Beech Mountain Ski Resort
1007 S Beech Mountain PkwyThe highest skiing on the East Coast
Sugar Mountain Resort, Inc
1009 Sugar Mountain DrLocal skiing
Appalachian Ski Mtn
940 Ski Mountain RdLocal skiing