A regular player in the surge of economic growth for one section of Carter County, David Magee looked back to the past when coming up with the name of his newest endeavor.
Since Roan Mountain’s recent designation as an Appalachian Trail Community, Magee has seen the benefits from a financial and overall community-togetherness standpoint. But it didn’t come without a bit of hard work. Never one to sit by with idle hands, Magee noted the importance of having something available in Roan Mountain to capitalize on the momentum of craft breweries and having a centralized area to socialize and plan for the future.
Those needs, and more, are met as soon as patrons walk inside The Station at 19E.
Creating The Station at 19E, which takes it name from the historical significance of the Tweetsie Railroad coming through the area, actually came about to address parking for Magee’s other endeavor, Doe River Hiker Rest.
Located on 9367 Highway 19E, Magee explained the area was originally courted just for parking, but once the building was made available, it was hard to pass up a chance to open the pub.
“I’ve had people from Johnson City, Kingsport and Boone stop by because they saw online where we offer the Blackhorse Coffee Stout,” Magee said. “We had the Sam Adams Cold Snap as soon as it was released. There are craft beer aficionados out there. I saw where the City of Elizabethton is now looking at microbreweries and breweries for their downtown. The market is really booming.”
While areas like downtown Johnson City have reaped the benefits of craft brew, Roan Mountain’s ability to offer different products inside The Station also doubles down as an opportunity for hikers to enjoy their stay in Carter County.
“Upstairs, everything is framed up and wired with a beautiful fireplace and cathedral ceiling,” Magee said. “Our goal is to turn it into a bunkhouse for hikers coming through, that’s what hikers are used to. Doe River Hiker Rest is more of a private location. This allows hikers to have options when they come through Roan Mountain.”
A thriving economic scene continues in Roan Mountain thanks in part to the thousands of hikers that come through during the spring. Magee started Doe River Hiker Rest by waiting for hikers from off the trail from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a Coke, and rides into town to partake in the different restaurants and other amenities available.
“Our goal is to get some type of corporate sponsor,” Magee said. “We’d love to have a shuttle bus, something like a commuter bus, during the hiker season. We’re looking for Tennessee companies like Moonpie or Dr. Enuf. Those are the things hikers want. They enjoyed the Cokes, but I’d rather have a local company. It brings great exposure for a company. I gave out over 6,000 Cokes to hikers last year.”
As ideas continue to be batted around, The Station is looking to forward the trend by offering different events and activities for the public. With the New Year’s around the bend, Magee invites the public to attend a New Year’s Eve Celebration at the pub for a $5 cover charge. A full food spread will be available along with a performance from The Brian Keener Show. The event is family-friendly with a children’s play area available with different games.
For more information about The Station or how to get involved with projects underway in Roan Mountain, visit The Station at 19E Facebook page online or call Magee at (575) 694-0734.