Carter Mansion Guided Tours
August 1, 2, 7, 13, 15, 16, 21, 27, 29, & 30
1:30 PM
Cost: $10 Adult \ $8 Seniors 65+ \ $8 Veterans & Active Military \ $5 Ages 17 & Under
Maximum of 12 participants per tour Registration required - https://tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals#happenings As our nation celebrates 250 years, step inside a tangible link to America’s founding. Take a guided tour of Tennessee’s oldest frame house and enjoy the beauty of this elegant frontier home built by Colonel John Carter between 1775 and 1780. Learn about the historically significant role played by the Carter family in the early settlement of East Tennessee while you appreciate this gem of historic preservation. Accessibility to the home includes steps and an interior staircase. Tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. Maximum of 12 participants per tour Meet at the Historic John and Landon Carter Mansion 1031 Broad Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643.
Sabine Hill Guided Tours
August 6, 8, 9, 14, 20, 22, 23, & 28
1:30 PM Cost: $10 Adult \ $8 Seniors 65+ \ $8 Veterans & Active Military \ $5 Ages 17 & Under Maximum of 12 participants per tour Registration required -
https://tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals#happenings Enjoy a guided tour of this stately home built by Mary Patton Taylor, widow of Brigadier General Nathaniel Taylor. The site has been described as one of the finest examples of Federal architecture in the State of Tennessee. Take in the colorful and architecturally detailed interior while learning about the influential Taylor family who called Sabine Hill home in the early 19th century. Please note, only portable toilet facilities are available at this time. Accessibility to the home includes steps and an interior staircase. Tour lasts approximately 45 minutes. Meet at Sabine Hill State Historic Site 2328 West G Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643.
Useful Plants of Appalachia
Saturday, August 15 10:00 AM
Cost: $5.00
Registration required - https://tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals#happenings Join Park Ranger Taylor Moorefield for a walk through the park grounds and trails to see and learn about useful native and naturalized plants and trees. From the so-called weeds in your yard to towering Tulip Poplars and deep forest species, learn how Native Americans and frontier settlers made natural medicines and nutritious meals from the wild flora of our landscape. This program is suitable for all ages and will last approximately 1 hour. Meet behind the visitor center at the bottom of the ramp. Subject to cancelation in the event of inclement weather.
Knot A Problem
Sunday, August 16 3:30 PM
Cost: Free
Registration required - https://tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals#happenings Join Ranger Taylor for a crash course in useful knots helpful for camping, hiking, and general utility in a thousand different applications. Learn what makes a knot functional, the most versatile knots Ranger Taylor uses the most, and much more. Knots taught will depend largely on the experience level of those attending. Open to ages 10 and up. Meet behind the visitor center in the pines near the walking ramp. Subject to cancelation in the event of inclement weather.
Pine Glue Making Workshop
Saturday, August 22 7:00 PM
Cost: $20.00
Registration required - https://tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals#happenings Step back into the 18th century at our hands-on pine pitch glue workshop with Ranger Taylor. Participants will learn the traditional methods used by the Cherokee, who relied on pine pitch as a vital adhesive for everything from toolmaking to repairing canoes. Guided by historic techniques and authentic materials, you'll learn how this indispensable substance was crafted and why it played such an important role in daily life. Join us for an immersive experience that blends history, culture, and practical skills you can take home. Open to ages 12 and up. Meet in the Longhunter Camp, between Fort Watauga and the Watauga River.
Old Time Music Jam
Sunday, August 23 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Enjoy a mix of old time and traditional folk, Celtic and gospel music. Acoustic instruments such as fiddle, banjo, guitar, bass, mandolin, dulcimer (both kinds), autoharp, feet (no taps) are welcome. All who are interested in playing, learning about, or listening to old time and traditional folk music are invited. Feel free to bring a recording device for learning purposes.
Cemetery Symbolism
Thursday, August 27 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Cost: $10.00
Registration required - https://tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals#happenings Have you ever wondered about the meaning behind the artwork and symbols on old gravestones? Join Museum Curator Chad Bogart and spend an evening in the burial ground at the historic Carter Mansion. Learn how to translate the language of cemetery symbolism and how these images tell the stories of the deceased. Program will begin at the Carter Mansion Visitor Center and proceed to the cemetery. The Carter Mansion is located at 1031 Broad Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643
Creek Critter Catchin
Saturday, August 29 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Registration required - https://tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals#happenings Join Ranger Davis for a cool and refreshing walk through the waterways of the Watauga River and discover the different creatures that call it home! Please bring footwear that you don’t mind getting wet or muddy, no flip-flops. You may bring your own catchin’ tools if you’d like. No children younger than 5. Parents who wish to be present but not participate do not need to register. Program will be cancelled in the event of severely inclement weather or abnormally high-water levels. All critters will be released at the end of the program.