Elizabethton, TN: A Historic Gem in the Appalachian Highlands

Sheltered by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains and cut by the Doe and Watauga Rivers, Elizabethton, Tennessee, is a charming mountain community with a deep history. From the prehistoric Native American tribes that lived and hunted here to being home to the first permanent settlement in Tennessee and the first constitutional American government west of the Appalachian Mountains, Elizabethton is the perfect destination to get off the beaten path. Discover a confluence of history, natural scenery, and modern-day adventure.

In our last American Nomad adventure we visited the important early frontier settlement site Fort Watauga, as well as the pivotal American Revolution muster site for the Overmountain Men as they made their way across the hills to King’s Mountain SC.  Today we’re going to continue to dig deeper into Elizabethton’s history and historic sites to visit, while also highlight fun things to do for the whole family in the greater Elizabethton area.

I was instantly charmed by Elizabethton after my visit in late July and cannot wait to return.  As a history buff and outdoor lover – this town captures the heart of history as well as provides endless miles of hiking trails and scenic drives where you can get lost in the serenity of the Blue Ridge – from the heights of sweeping Roan Mountain to the Cherokee Forest and beyond.  

Often overlooked in history books, Elizabethton’s story is one that resonates with all Americans. It offers a window into the struggles of early American life from multiple perspectives: the Watauga settlers who sought a better life, the Cherokee who fought to protect their homeland, and a new nation’s desire for liberty during the American Revolution. Elizabethton is a place of foundational firsts, not just for Tennessee, but for the American story itself.

Whether you’re interested in digging into history, taking in the mountain scenery, or simply strolling through eclectic downtown shops and enjoying delicious food, Elizabethton has something for everyone.

Roan Mountain Vistas

Our Elizabethton Adventure: A Tour of History, Nature, and Downtown Charm.

First, we’ll delve into the region’s deep roots, with tours of historic sites like Sycamore Shoals, Carter Mansion, and Sabine Hill. Then, we’ll shift our focus to the natural wonders that surround Elizabethton, and cap off our journey with a look at the modern-day fun awaiting you in the vibrant downtown area.

Doe River in Downtown Elizabethton

Located just west of Roan Mountain on the TN/NC state line, Elizabethton’s location near both the Watauga and Doe Rivers has made it a popular gathering place from prehistoric peoples like the Woodland Tribes to Mississippian Peoples and eventually the Cherokee. The first known European in this area was Spaniard Hernando de Soto, who explored Tennessee from May-June 1540.  He interacted with the Muscogee and Yuchi People.  Little is known of these tribes, as they were no longer living in the area when Daniel Boone and James Robertson arrived in the area two centuries later in 1769.  

The Settling of The Watauga Fields:

In 1769, North Carolina Explorer James Robertson accompanied farmed explorer Daniel Boone on his third expedition to lands beyond the Allegheny Mountains.  It was during this expedition they discovered a fertile valley of lands previously cultivated by generations of Native Americans along the Watauga River, which they called the ‘Watauga Old Fields.’  Boone continued north to Kentucky, while Robertson stayed for a time at Watauga to plant corn and survey it for potential settlement.

Later that year Boone had formed an association with North Carolina Judge Richard Henderson, who had been living in Hillsborough, North Carolina.  Boone and Henderson had a goal to purchase a vast tract of Cherokee lands in present-day Middle Tennessee and Kentucky.  Interestingly enough several place names in western NC and into Middle Tennessee are named after Richard Henderson. They eventually negotiated this land deal in 1775 with The Transylvania Purchase (more on that in a moment).

Daniel Boone and early western settlers from the Horn in the West play in Boone NC – this play tells the story of the early settlers from Boone to Sycamore Shoals. Judge Henderson is a character in the play. Sycamore Shoals S.P. in Elizabethton has an outdoor drama, Liberty, that tells the story of Fort Watauga and Sycamore Shoals.

In a recent Liberty Trails post on Sycamore Shoals, we explored the Regulator Movement, a conflict from the 1760s to 1771. This war before the Revolution” pitted North Carolina’s backcountry settlers against the colonial government in New Bern, whom they felt had abandoned them. While some settlers were concerned about a lack of protection from Indian attacks, their primary frustration stemmed from a network of corrupt government officials. These officials—including sheriffs, tax collectors, and judges—were known to charge excessive and often illegal fees for their services. Additionally, the government demanded that taxes be paid in scarce “hard currency” (gold and silver coin), which was difficult for frontier farmers to obtain. This abuse of power, alongside a lack of fair representation in the colonial assembly, ultimately fueled the settlers’ outrage, culminating in a violent showdown with Governor Tryon’s forces at The Battle of Alamance on May 16, 1771.  

Following the Battle of Alamance in 1771, Governor Tryon’s forces defeated the Regulators, and in the aftermath, he had a number of their leaders captured and executed. Other participants were forced to swear an oath of allegiance to the Royal Crown. Many who refused this oath, or feared retribution, fled west across the Appalachian Mountains to start a new life on the frontier. The outdoor drama Horn in the West in Boone, North Carolina, vividly portrays this dramatic period of history.

Reconstruction of Fort Watauga at Sycamore Shoals State Park

The first permanent settler in what is now Tennessee was a man named William Bean, who settled in 1769 on Boone’s Creek, near where it flowed into the Watauga River. In 1771, pioneer James Robertson led a group of settlers, including some former Regulators, to the Watauga River area, near present-day Elizabethton, Tennessee. Others followed and settled in adjoining communities: Nolichucky, Carter’s Valley and North Holston, arriving by way of the Great Road from Virginia and other routes from North Carolina. Realizing they were technically outside the boundaries of any colony and on Cherokee land, they initially leased the land from the Cherokee. When that lease was challenged, they formed the Watauga Association in 1772 as a temporary, self-governing body, modeled on the laws of Virginia. This democratic compact was an early example of local government on the American frontier. Later, in 1775, led by Richard Henderson, they were able to negotiate the Transylvania Purchase at Sycamore Shoals of the Watauga (near the Watauga Settlement and present-day Elizabethton), which ceded a massive tract of land to the settlers.

Sadly, the peace in the Watauga Settlement would be short-lived. With the first shots of the American Revolution fired at Lexington and Concord, life in America was at a crossroads. Some Cherokee leaders, like Dragging Canoe, came to regret their land sales to the settlers. Seeing an opportunity, they allied with the British, who promised that they would help the Cherokee reclaim their traditional lands if they forced the encroaching settlers out. This alliance led to attacks on the frontier settlements, including Watauga.

While we often associate the year 1776 with the Declaration of Independence – for the Watauga Settlement this banner year was when they faced an onslaught of attacks by Dragging Canoe and his band of Cherokee warriors.    

Dragging Canoe believed warfare against settlers was the best way to preserve Cherokee lands, while Nancy Ward hoped to work for peace with colonists.

Because of their strong Patriot sentiments, the British were happy to help their Cherokee allies force the Watauga settlers out of the region, especially after the settlers formed a Committee of Safety to monitor British activity. In January 1776, Dragging Canoe and the British forged an alliance, and by April, British agents had supplied the Cherokee with a large cache of weapons for attacks against American colonists. Now well-armed, the Cherokee sent a message to the settlers, giving them twenty days to leave Cherokee lands or face attack.

In preparation, the settlers began buying weapons and ammunition via the Fincastle County, Virginia, Committee of Safety, gathering food and medicine, and strengthening various fortifications. One of these was Fort Watauga, also known as Fort Caswell. In early July 1776, a Cherokee woman named Nancy Ward tipped off the Cherokee attack plans to an American trader, Isaac Thomas, who delivered the news to John Sevier at the Nolichucky settlement. The news alarmed the settlers, and most fled to Fort Watauga, forcing Sevier to abandon the unfinished Fort Lee and flee as well.

The Cherokee invasion began in mid-July. When the invaders reached the Nolichucky, a contingent led by “The Raven” split off toward Carter’s Valley (near modern Kingsport) to burn cabins and chase away settlers. Two other contingents, led by Dragging Canoe and Old Abraham of Chilhowee, proceeded up the Nolichucky to burn the abandoned Fort Lee. The force then split, with Dragging Canoe marching north to attack the Holston settlements and Old Abraham heading east to attack Fort Watauga. At the Battle of Island Flats, Dragging Canoe’s force was met by the fort’s garrison, led by Captain John Thompson. The skirmish resulted in 13 Cherokee dead and dozens wounded, including Dragging Canoe, and the Cherokee force was forced to retreat.

With the Cherokee approaching, some 150 to 200 settlers crowded into Fort Watauga. The fort’s garrison consisted of roughly 75 men under the command of John Carter, with James Robertson and John Sevier as his subordinates. Old Abraham of Chilhowee’s contingent arrived in the early morning hours of July 21. Their sudden appearance surprised several women milking cows outside the fort, forcing them to scramble for the gate. One of them, Catherine “Bonnie Kate” Sherrill, the future wife of John Sevier, was unable to get inside before the gate was locked and had to be pulled over the palisades by Sevier. The initial assault lasted about three hours, with both sides exchanging gunfire. During the attack, several Cherokees managed to get close enough to try and set the fort on fire, but were forced back when Ann Robertson Johnson (sister of James Robertson) threw scalding hot water at them.

Unable to take the fort, the Cherokee began a lengthy siege. A teenager named Tom Moore was captured outside the fort and taken to Tuskegee, where he was burned at the stake. Another captive, Lydia Russell Bean, was about to meet the same fate when Nancy Ward intervened and used her authority as a Beloved Woman to spare her. After approximately two weeks, the Cherokee lifted the siege and retreated. The arrival of the Virginia militia under William Christian later that year largely ended the immediate threat to the fort.

As we learned in our last blog post about the Overmountain Men Victory Trail, Elizabethton’s Sycamore Shoals played host to a pivotal event in the American Revolution. On September 25-26, 1780, roughly 1,100 men mustered at the rocky ford of the Watauga River. Led by Colonel William Campbell of Abingdon, along with Colonel Isaac Shelby and future Tennessee Governor Colonel John Sevier, they began their journey south on the Overmountain Road toward King’s Mountain, South Carolina, where on October 7th 1780 they defeated British Major Patrick Ferguson and his loyalist militia – turning the tide of the war towards eventual victory at Yorktown VA in October 1781.

John Sevier

Elizabethton and the State of Franklin:

After the Americans secured victory over the British, the colonies were guided by a weak central government under the Articles of Confederation. We learned about the weaknesses of this government during our March 2025 visit to the National Constitution Center. A key issue was that the federal government did not have the power to tax or raise revenue effectively.

This weakness directly impacted states like North Carolina, which was burdened with the vast western expanse of its territory, stretching from its current western border all the way to the Mississippi River. Struggling to manage this distant territory and its own war debts, the North Carolina Legislature in April 1784 decided to cede these lands, which included the area of the former Watauga Association, to the federal government. The state also planned to sell off parts of the land to raise money.

The problem for the settlers living in the area around what is now Elizabethton, Jonesborough, and Greeneville, Tennessee, was that they felt abandoned. The federal government, under the Articles of Confederation, was unable to provide the courts, protection, and other resources necessary to govern the region. Feeling neglected and with North Carolina seemingly giving up on them, delegates from Washington, Sullivan, and Greene counties met in Jonesborough on August 24, 1784, to form a new state.

They named their proposed state Franklin, after Dr. Benjamin Franklin, in hopes of gaining his support for their cause. They elected the Revolutionary War hero of King’s Mountain, John Sevier, as their governor. The delegates met again in December 1784 to adopt a provisional government. At this point, they believed that North Carolina would follow through with the cession of the land. However, unbeknownst to them, the North Carolina legislature had already repealed the land cession in November and no longer supported their independent state.

Monument at Sycamore Shoals dedicated to Valentine Sevier – John Sevier’s mother

The people of Franklin persisted in their separatist movement, hoping to be admitted into the Union as the fourteenth state. However, under the Articles of Confederation, they were unable to secure the required nine votes from the other states for admission. The State of Franklin’s government gradually collapsed. John Sevier’s term as governor ended in 1788, and the legislature did not meet again. The conflict between the separatists and those loyal to North Carolina culminated in skirmishes, most notably at the Tipton-Haynes site near Elizabethton, marking the end of the State of Franklin. Learn more here.

When Tennessee became a state in 1796, John Sevier served as the state’s first governor. 

In the early years of Tennessee statehood, Elizabethton flourished as a regional hub. The area holds a special place in the history of two U.S. presidents: Andrew Jackson, who traveled through the region on his path to prominence, and Andrew Johnson, a nearby native who maintained strong political ties to the community. You can explore this rich Federal period of Tennessee history at places like Sabine Hill.

The Civil War deeply divided Tennessee, and Elizabethton was no exception. While the state officially seceded, many communities in Northeastern Tennessee remained staunchly pro-Union. The area’s history—such as at the Samuel Carter House—vividly demonstrates the profound struggle within a community where families and neighbors could find themselves on opposite sides of the conflict.

Historic Elizabethton Courthouse

Following the war, the town transformed into a bustling railroad and transportation center with the arrival of the Tweetsie Railroad.

Today, Elizabethton continues to embody small-town charm, gracefully blending a history rooted in the past with a vibrant, forward-looking future.

Traveling Through Time at Elizabethton’s Historic Sites:

Elizabethton and the surrounding region are a living testament to America’s story. Here, history comes alive at every turn, spanning from its Native American origins to frontier settlement, the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and beyond.

This area is a perfect destination for any season, but it holds a special significance in the lead-up to America 250 and Tennessee 250 celebrations. It’s a rare opportunity to stand on the very ground where the Watauga Association established one of the first democratic governments in the west and to retrace the historic muster of the Overmountain Men at Sycamore Shoals, a pivotal moment that helped secure victory at the Battle of King’s Mountain.

Here are must see Elizabethton area sites for your own time-traveling adventure:

Muster Fields at Sycamore Shoals

Sycamore Shoals State Park + Fort Watauga: We visited this phenomenal historic site in our last American Nomad adventure. For a  deep dive into this historic site, click here for our last post.

Sycamore Shoals State Park is a living testament to frontier history. It was at this spot on the Watauga River that over 1,000 Overmountain Men rallied on September 25-26, 1780, beginning a march that would lead to a decisive victory at the Battle of King’s Mountain. A faithful reconstruction of Fort Watauga stands in the park, representing the site of the Watauga Association, America’s first constitutional government west of the Appalachian Mountains, founded in 1772.

The fort’s own story is one of resilience. In 1776, it was besieged by the Cherokee led by Dragging Canoe. The makeshift defenses held against the attack, and settler accounts from the time tell a dramatic story of bravery. One such tale, passed down through generations, is of Ann Robertson and other women of the fort, who used unconventional means like throwing boiling water to help repel the attackers. This fierce defense ultimately saved the fort from capture.

Today you can tour a reconstructed Fort, walk the .75 mile Patriot’s Path through the Muster Grounds to the Sycamore Shoals of the Watauga River and explore the amazing on-site museum. The state park also runs the Carter Mansion and Sabine Hill…more on those in a moment. Plan your visit here.

Tour the Carter Mansion – Tennessee’s Oldest Single Frame House

The Carter Mansion, a true Tennessee treasure, stands as the oldest single-frame house in the state and a remarkable link to the Watauga Settlement. Built between 1775 and 1780, this historic home was constructed by John Carter and his son, Landon, early pioneers who left a wealthy Virginia Tidewater family to seek opportunity on the frontier. John Carter quickly became a leader in the new community, serving as a colonel in the local militia, chairman of the Watauga Association, and the official “Entry Taker” who recorded all land claims.

His son, Landon, would continue this legacy, becoming a distinguished Revolutionary War veteran and a key statesman in both the short-lived State of Franklin and the new Tennessee government. The home remained a symbol of the family’s influence until after the Civil War. Eventually sold and then purchased by the state, the meticulously restored Carter Mansion now serves as a museum, offering a window into early frontier life. A visit here allows you to trace Tennessee’s remarkable journey from the Watauga Association (1772) to the State of Franklin (1784-88), and finally to statehood in 1796. The family’s legacy lives on in the names of Carter County and its county seat, Elizabethton, named for Landon Carter and his wife, Elizabeth Maclin Carter.  You can take a virtual tour of the site here

Interesting History: Recent archaeological excavations have shown evidence that Native Americans have lived and frequented the Carter site for centuries.

Samuel Carter Home: Just steps from downtown Elizabethton stands the historic Samuel Powhatan Carter House. While not open to the public, this red brick home was the family residence of Union General and Naval Commander Samuel Carter. His story is a powerful reflection of East Tennessee’s divided loyalties during the Civil War; while the state technically seceded, the region remained a strong pocket of Union support, with allies like Andrew Johnson from nearby Greeneville, who served as Tennessee’s Military Governor from 1862-1865 in Union occupied Nashville.

A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a veteran of the Mexican-American War, Carter was also an assistant professor of mathematics before the war. When the nation was torn apart, he chose to stand for the country and the Constitution. His leadership was so highly valued that he became the only American ever to be commissioned as both a general officer and a naval flag officer. With special permission to maintain his naval commission while serving on land, Carter was instrumental in the Union cause. He led the first significant Federal cavalry raid into East Tennessee, successfully cutting off Confederate supplies and helping to seize the vital Cumberland Gap. After the war, Carter returned to his naval career, eventually rising to the rank of Rear Admiral. 

Truly an American hero, who risked everything for the preservation of the United States. A commemorative sign about Carter’s life can be found near downtown, by the old Elizabethton Courthouse.

Sabine Hill – A Federal Era Treasure

Located several miles from the Sycamore Shoals muster site, Sabine Hill is an architectural masterpiece managed by the state park system. Built around 1818 by Mary Taylor, the widow of Brigadier General Nathaniel Greene Taylor, it stands today as one of the finest examples of wood-framed Federal architecture in Tennessee.

The home’s history is deeply connected to the region’s past. Taylor’s father was an early Watauga settler who provided land for Mary McKeehan Patton’s gunpowder business, a crucial supply line for the victory at the Battle of King’s Mountain. After her husband’s death, Mary took on the immense responsibility of managing his businesses, which included a grist mill, iron works, and a large farm, all operated with the labor of approximately 20 enslaved workers. Mary lived at Sabine Hill until 1853. After her passing, the home passed through several hands, including the Reynolds family, before it was saved from demolition by the State of Tennessee and beautifully restored to a museum house today.  Reservations can be made via the Sycamore Shoals State Park website.  You can also learn more about the remarkable history of Sabine Hill via this link.

Take a Walking Tour of Historic Downtown Elizabethton

Step into a Hallmark movie in Downtown Elizabethton, a charming district brimming with character, from its cozy coffee shops and homemade ice cream parlors (like Covered Bridge Creamery) to its unique local shops and delicious restaurants. Adjacent to the downtown corridor, the scenic Doe River flows past the historic Elizabethton Covered Bridge, creating one of the most picturesque spots you’ll find.

Built in 1882, this beautiful 154.3-foot-long covered bridge once carried traffic but now serves as a beloved pedestrian walkway and the heart of downtown. It’s the backdrop for many of the town’s most celebrated events, including the Covered Bridge Days festival, which features live music and activities, and the annual Independence Day and Christmas parades, making it a true centerpiece of community life.

Self-Guided Walking Tour Link here

I enjoyed ice cream from Covered Bridge Creamery near the Covered Bridge Park. It’s a peaceful place

Tipton-Haynes Historic Site: The Tipton-Haynes Historic Site, located in Johnson City about thirty minutes from Elizabethton, represents a pivotal but often overlooked chapter in Tennessee’s history. It was here in 1788 that a skirmish broke out between two factions: the pro-separatist “Franklanders” led by John Sevier and a loyalist North Carolina coalition led by Colonel John Tipton.

This brief conflict was the climax of the struggle between the self-declared State of Franklin and the state of North Carolina. John Tipton had seized Sevier’s property, and Sevier retaliated, leading a force to Tipton’s farm. The ensuing confrontation, known as the Battle of Franklin or the “Tipton-Haynes Skirmish,” ended quickly with Sevier’s forces retreating. While a small-scale event, it effectively marked the end of the State of Franklin’s attempt at independence and the reassertion of North Carolina’s authority over the region. To plan your visit, click here

Mountain Wildflower Roan Mountain

Natural Beauty:

Elizabethton’s location at the base of Roan Mountain in the midst of the beauty of the Blue Ridge makes it a perfect base camp for outdoor fun! Here are a few of my favorite outdoor spots in the region:

Roan Mountain State Park, straddling the North Carolina and Tennessee border, is a piece of heaven on earth. Here, you can commune with the clouds while meandering through trails of vibrant wildflowers and rhododendrons and enjoying the calming rush of the Doe River’s clear waters.

I visited in July and, while the park did sustain damage from Hurricane Helene, the sight of the resilient wildflowers and the fresh scent of mountain fir trees ignited hope in my own soul. These mountains are strong, their beauty carved by the hands of time, and their recovery is a powerful testament to their endurance.

Begin your visit at the Visitor Center, where you can explore a historic mill, learn about the park’s rich history, and find a few souvenirs.

From there, take a tour of the century-old Miller Farmstead before heading up the scenic byways to the 6,285-foot summit. At the top, a pleasant nature trail offers fantastic views of the valley below, along with more rhododendrons and wildflowers. As you walk this path, you will see visible signs of the hurricane’s force—a humbling reminder of the mountain’s power and its incredible resilience. Plan your visit here.

Laurel Park Falls: Waterfall Wanderers Rejoice, Eastern Tennessee is a true wonderland, and one of its prettiest gems is not far from Elizabethton. Laurel Park Falls is a stunning 55-foot waterfall that offers postcard-perfect views. The scenic backcountry waterfall is accessible via a moderate 2.6-mile out-and-back trail, making it a rewarding hike for all skill levels.


Pond Mountain Wilderness: Managed by the US Forest Service, the Pond Mountain Wilderness is a rugged and beautiful area offering numerous streams, waterfalls, and hiking trails. The Appalachian Trail crosses through the wilderness, providing hikers with stunning views of imposing cliffs and the flowing river below. The popular Laurel Fork Falls (featured above) is one of the many natural attractions accessible within this scenic and secluded area.

Tweetsie Rails Trail: The Tweetsie Trail is a 10-mile crushed gravel rail-trail connecting Johnson City and Elizabethton, making it a favorite destination for walkers, runners, and cyclists. The trail honors the history of the ET&WNC Railroad, affectionately known as the “Tweetsie Railroad,” which once connected Johnson City to Cranberry, North Carolina. Interpretive markers along the route commemorate significant stops from the old railroad line.

Fun Fact: A part of the original Tweetsie line lives on! You can ride the Tweetsie Railroad today at the Tweetsie Railroad amusement park in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

Watauga Lake: Nestled amid the Cherokee National Forest near Elizabethton, this reservoir is a popular area for boating, fishing and scenic views.  A true place of solitude and wonder in the heart of the mountains.

Cherokee National Forest: The Cherokee National Forest spans much of northeastern TN and offers countless opportunities for recreation and natural wonder.

Fun Day Trips from Elizabethton TN:

Elizabethton is a great basecamp for other regional destinations…here are a few ideas to get you started.

Andrew Johnson NHS in Greeneville TN

Day Trips:

Abingdon: Abingdon is where the initial muster of the Overmountain Men took place on September 24th, 1780 (read our Liberty Trails – Abingdon post here). I stayed in Abingdon and drove to Elizabethton for the day. It’s a scenic drive and both destinations are packed with history. Check out my Abingdon guide here.

Bristol: The Birthplace of County Music – Bristol is a must visit for music lovers. It also has tons of local history and great places to eat. Straddle the TN/VA state line on Bristol’s Main Street – (officially State Street). Check out my blog about Bristol

Greeneville: We visited Greeneville in April, touring the Andrew Johnson NHS. Greeneville is one of the oldest cities in TN and has lots to do and see. It’s about an hour west of Elizabethton. I recommend staying at the General Morgan Hotel if you choose to stay in Greeneville – it’s a cool historic hotel with excellent hospitality.

Jonesborough: Tennessee’s Oldest Town (although you could argue Elizabethton is older as it was predated by the Watauga Settlement). Home to the International Storytelling Festival and one of the most charming downtowns in America. If you plan to spend the night in Jonesborough, I recommend the Eureka Inn

Banner Elk NC area: across the state line, down from Roan Mountain, meander the winding scenic roads from Elizabethton to Banner Elk and Beech Mountain – you won’t be disappointed.

Veterans Memorial Downtown

Planning Your Elizabethton Stay:

Elizabethton has several chain and local hotels ready to welcome you for your adventure.  You can also consider accommodations in Johnson City and Jonesborough (which are both within twenty-thirty minutes)

For a unique experience, I recommend a stay at the Watauga River Lodge, which is nestled on the banks of the Watauga River about fifteen minutes from Downtown Elizabethton and offers blue-ribbon trout fishing, cozy accommodations and award-winning hospitality.

The Black Bear Resort in nearby Hampton provides scenic riverfront accommodations perfect for a mountain retreat.

The Americourt Inn is a local hotel that provides clean rooms, breakfast and Wi-Fi. 

Where to Eat?

Downtown Elizabethton should be your ground zero for shopping and good eats. 

Destination Coffee: I fell in love with the cozy atmosphere of the Coffee Company in downtown Elizabethton, where you can indulge in delicious coffee drinks and fresh baked pastries.

Ice Cream lovers will satisfy their sweet tooth at Covered Bridge Creamery…this newly opened ice creamery has a variety of flavors and specialty sundaes and milkshakes.  I enjoyed their coffee milkshake with caramel.

For a complete guide to Downtown Elizabeth dining and shopping follow them on facebook and check out their official page.

Additional Resources to Plan Your Elizabethton Adventure:

Carter County Tourism

City of Elizabethton

Thanks for taking this virtual adventure with me…in the coming weeks we’ll be continuing of Liberty Trails 250 Adventures, following the route of the Overmountain Men towards King’s Mountain, as well as exploring Hidden Mountain Gems like Banner Elk, Bakersville, Spruce Pine to Blowing Rock and Boone, to Burnsville and more…

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Hi, I’m Adele Lassiter, the travel enthusiast behind American Nomad Traveler. This is where I share my love for history, cool museums, art, and travel tips. When I’m not writing, I’m a singer-songwriter with a passion for Americana music. You can find my new album here: adelelassiter.bandcamp.com

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