Sycamore Shoals State Park Upcoming Events

Published 2:43 pm Tuesday, August 8, 2023

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August 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Carter Mansion Guided Tour – 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Meet at: Historic John and Landon Carter Mansion 1031 Broad St. Elizabethton, TN 37643. Price: children 6 and under is free, $5/ages 7-17, $9/adults. Register for the event. Join Seasonal Interpreter Andrea Price for a tour of Tennessee’s oldest frame house! The detailed interior boasts 18th century woodwork, original painted surfaces and faux finishes, and hand painted overmantle murals. Enjoy the beauty of this elegant frontier home and learn the history of the Carter family who built it between 1775 and 1780.
The John and Landon Carter Mansion is located at 1031 Broad Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643.

August 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Sabine Hill Guided Tour – 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Meet at Sabine Hill Historic Site. Price: children 6 and under is free, $5/ages 7-17, $9/adults. Register for the event. Join Seasonal Interpreter Slade Nakoff for 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. During your tour you will have the opportunity to 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.
Sabine Hill is located at 2328 West G Street, Elizabethton, TN 37643.
Accessibility to the home includes steps and an interior staircase. Please note, only portable toilet facilities are available.

August 12 – 20
Small Works Art Show – Visitor Center Hours: Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center Gathering Place. Reception: Sunday, Aug. 13 – 1:30 p.m.
Displays of 8 x 10 or smaller works by members of the Watauga Valley Art League will be featured during this show.

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Thursday, August 17
10 a.m. “Colonial Music” – Join Andrea Price as she plays some popular tunes to come from the Colonial Period on her banjo. Popular songs include “Yankee Doodle,” “Alouette,” and more. Meet at the park visitor’s center. Duration: 30 minutes.
12:30 p.m. “Frontier Barbie: The Making of Colonial Dolls” – From corn husks to electronics, children’s toys have evolved in the last 250 years. Join Andrea Price as she discusses the tradition of making dolls out of corn husks and participate in making one yourself! Meet in the park visitor’s center. Duration: 30 minutes.
2:30 p.m. “Personalized Pockets” – The pocket is a staple piece of any colonial woman’s wardrobe. Join Andrea Price as she discusses and demonstrates the art of personalizing pockets with embroidered detailing. Meet at the park visitor’s center. Duration: 30 minutes.
Friday, August 18
10 a.m. “History Hike” – Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park is situated on land rich with state and national history. Join Andrea Price as she travels down the park’s half-mile loop walking trail and hear about the events that make Sycamore Shoals so special. Sturdy footwear appropriate for the gravel path is recommended. Meet at the park visitor’s center. Duration: 1 hour.
12:30 p.m. “Cemetery Symbolism” – Death and mourning practices differ across customs and time periods, but many aspects have carried over into current tradition. Join Andrea Price as she discusses funerary and mourning practices common in the 18th century while searching for symbols in the Carter Family Cemetery. Meet at the Carter Mansion. Duration: 30 minutes.
2:30 p.m. “Finger Weaving” – Finger weaving is a technique that has been used by Native American groups for thousands of years. Join Andrea Price as she works on finger weaving a strap and shares the history of the technique. Meet at the park visitor’s center. Duration: 30 minutes.
Saturday, August 19
9 a.m. – 11 a.m. “Visit Fort Watauga” – Interpretive staff will be on hand to share the history of Fort Watauga and everyday life on the frontier. Meet in Fort Watauga.
12:30 p.m. “Creek Crawl” – Cool off from the summer heat at Sycamore Shoals! Join Andrea Price as she guides a crawl into a creek off the Watauga River in order to check the water’s quality, identify important species, and beat the heat. Please bring a towel as well as clothing and footwear you would not mind getting wet. Meet at the park visitor’s center. Duration: 1 hour.
2:30 p.m. “Colonial Kid Games” – Ready to play like a frontiersman? Join Andrea Price as she takes part in the games children would have played growing up at Fort Watauga. Prepare to get active and have fun playing games like graces, ninepins, and hoops and sticks. Meet at the park’s visitor’s center. Duration: 45 minutes.Meet at the park’s vi

August 26
Cherokee Heritage Day – 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission: Adults, $8; Ages 7 to 17 years, $3; 6 and under, free. Pre-Registration Not Required. Sycamore Shoals is forever linked with the rich traditions and influence of the Native Cherokee. Join us for a day devoted to sharing Cherokee history and culture through traditional arts and historical presentations. Activities include traditional Cherokee dance, music, language, cooking demonstrations, and skills such as basketmaking, finger weaving, beadwork, and woodcarving. Contact the park for details.

August 27
Old-Time Music Jam – 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center. Enjoy the rich musical traditions of our region. Old-time musicians of all levels are welcome. Don’t play an instrument? Come on over, kick back, and enjoy the tunes!