Spring and Summer at Sugar Hollow

Our favorite times of year here at Sugar Hollow have got to be spring and summer. After a long winter with a little snow, and a lot of cold, we are excited about hitting the hiking trails, walking along the lake and generally taking the opportunity of the longer days by spending as much time outside as possible.

This is also a great time of year to plan a visit to Sugar Hollow. There are so many things to do that to list them all would not only make your head spin, but ours do a 180 turn as well.

Since we want to help you plan the best family or group retreat possible, check out some of our amenities below as well as some ideas for fun things to do while you are here.

If you are an avid shopper and have an eye for antiques, then you will be pleasantly surprised at what you can find close by. There are antique stores in just about every outlying town. Check out our list and get your wallet ready.

If you are an outdoors type of person, then make sure to check out our nine miles of walking trails where you will see an abundant amount of wildlife, flora and fauna, and experience the great view of Lake Watauga. We also offer geocaching, which is (kind of like treasure hunt using your GPS) so bring yours along. Our new volley ball court and horseshoe pit along with our corn toss yard game and other open spaces, will give the gang a number of outdoor activities to enjoy.

In the surrounding areas, there are biking and walking trails, fly fishing, ecotours and gem mining. If you are a little more adventurous, be sure to go white water rafting, hike to the falls along the Elk River

Outdoor sports and activities are not for everyone, and if you are more of an artistic soul, be sure to bring along some art supplies and take advantage of the beautiful views. Spend an afternoon getting inspired by the beauty around you and write a poem or short story. Regardless of the level of creative talent you possess, Sugar Hollow is a great place to explore your inner Picasso, F. Scott Fitzgerald, or Ansel Adams.

In the summer the lake really comes alive with water skiing, pontoon boat rentals, kayaking and river rafting. Just imagine a little "R and R" in the mountains, a day out on a pontoon boat, a little water skiing, followed by great dinner and even better conversation with your travel companions and the cool mountain air filling your lungs and preparing your sleep for sweet dreams. Can life get any better?

If you or your family likes to dabble in the arts, bring along some supplies and your camera. There are beautiful views that are just waiting to be painted, photographed and written about.

OK, so we digress, just a little...

If you want to see some other natural beauty in the area during your stay, be sure to check out some of the local waterfalls. With names like Poga Bill Falls, Gentry Falls and Backbone Falls, you are in store for some truly amazing natural beauty. To experience these you will need to ask Jim or Marty for directions, and be ready for a little bit of adventure.

There are also a number of historic sites in the area, such as the Butler Museum, The Carter Mansion (the oldest frame house in Tennessee), The Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area (home of the first Declaration of Independence in 1772), and of course the Davy Crockett Birthplace State Park just down the road in Limestone.

Whatever tickles your fancy, you will find close to Sugar Hollow, and the best is the intimate feeling you get from visiting with us. We have activities to keep you busy year-round, but the spring and summer months give you such an opportunity to get outside, take in the grace and the beauty of the rolling Appalachian Mountains, and see for yourself the beautiful views while taking a little time to recharge your own batteries.

So, take a few days off, pack up the car and get one the road. In just a few hours time, you will reach the relaxation destination and like the abundant number of fish in Watauga Lake, we'll start reeling you to come back for more - hook, line and sinker!

For a complete list of things to do in the area during your stay, click here .