Category: Hotspots

Marinas near Lenoir City

by Noah Ryan
Courtesy of WindRiver
  • The lakes near Lenoir City boast top-notch marinas:
    • Tellico Marina
    • WindRiver Marina
    • Fort Loudoun Marina
    • Choto Marina
    • Terrace View Marina

If you’re looking for an escape from everyday life, look no further than the marinas near Lenoir City, Tennessee. These marinas provide access to almost 70,000 acres — Fort Loudoun, Tellico, and Watts Bar — of prime water recreation and exploration, and they each offer their own set of services and activities. From boat storage options to fine dining and community events, the marinas and lakes near Lenoir City are a paradise for both boaters and landlubbers.

Tellico Marina

marina in water
Courtesy of Amanda Hagy

Surrounded by the legendary Smoky Mountains and stunning Fort Loudoun Park, Tellico Marina services Tellico Lake and the area’s boaters and non-boaters alike. Its Dockside Grill boasts delicious food and drinks with beautiful views of the lake. In addition to dining options, they host various events and activities, including horseshoes, golf tournaments, fishing tournaments, cove tie-off gatherings, and poker runs. Among these events, Tellico Marina also ends the season with a boat parade and fireworks display.

For boaters, Tellico Marina provides covered and uncovered wet and dry slips, along with trailer storage, private launch ramps, pump-out services, and year-round water. Fuel options include both regular and diesel fuel. Additionally, a ship store is available on the premises for all of your boating needs.

WindRiver Marina

Docked Boats
aerial shot of WindRiver marina
Courtesy of WindRiver

WindRiver is a master-planned gated community on the shores of 16,000-acre Tellico Lake offers an amenity-filled marina. It sits on the northern end of Tellico Lake just before Fort Loudoun Lake and features a vast stretch of water that’s perfect for watersports! If you’re looking for an excellent place to store your boat, their extra-wide floating docks range from 30–90-foot in-water slips. Their modernized docks include electricity, water, private restrooms, and fuel stations.

On land, WindRiver offers an exciting list of things to do. From wooded hiking trails to an 18-hole golf course, residents and members do not need the lake or a boat for a good time. The community also hosts tournaments, trivia nights, leagues, and scavenger hunts. At this time, a clubhouse is under construction near the shop and driving range. Whether you’re a resident of the WindRiver community or a marina member, the expansive boatyard and bustling culture are exceptional.

Fort Loudoun Marina

boats and jet skis in a marina
Courtesy of Fort Loudoun

Much like Tellico Lake, Fort Loudoun Lake hosts Fort Loudoun Marina, where Tellico meets Watts Bar. Established in the 1980s and located at mile marker 603, Fort Loudoun Marina is a family-oriented business ideal for boat storage and seasonal visitors. While you’re here, try state-favorite Calhoun’s, the taste of Tennessee, which purveys award-winning steaks and ribs. Plus,  you can enjoy the local fare while picnicking at nearby Lenoir City Park.

boats in dry storage
Courtesy of Nathan Nelson

As for boat storing options, Fort Loudoun Marina provides wet slips and an impressive dry storage facility that holds up to 200 boats. But if you’re just passing through, they also offer short-term slips for overnight stays on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis that fit vessels up to 70 feet. Whether you’re here for the day or the stay, Fort Loudoun Marina accommodates your every need.

Choto Marina

Courtesy of Choto

At mile marker 612.5 sits award-winning Choto Marina, voted Best Marina by Best of Knoxville in 2018 and 2019! One of Fort Loudoun Lake’s premier marinas, Choto exemplifies lake living. It provides both dry storage and wet slips to accommodate boats of all sizes, up to 70 feet. It features a fuel dock, ship store, and valet boat service, ensuring all of your boating needs are met. Dockside water and power, as well as wifi, are also available for added convenience. Members enjoy boat club perks, and it gives them an opportunity to try different types of vessels.

Whether you are a seasoned boater or just looking for a weekend getaway, these marinas are all excellent choices for exploring the lakes of eastern Tennessee. So, pack your bags and head to Lenoir City for an unforgettable boating experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Tellico Marina offers covered and uncovered wet and dry slips, trailer storage, private launch ramps, pump-out services, year-round water, regular and diesel fuel options, and a ship store for boating needs. Additionally, it has Dockside Grill, which serves food and drinks and hosts events and activities such as horseshoes, golf tournaments, fishing tournaments, cove tie-off gatherings, and poker runs. It also has a boat parade and fireworks display at the end of the season.

WindRiver Marina is part of a gated community and offers extra-wide floating docks for in-water slips, a modern dock with electricity, water, private restrooms, and fuel stations. It also has wooded hiking trails, an 18-hole golf course, tournaments, trivia nights, leagues, and scavenger hunts for residents and members. A clubhouse is currently under construction near the shop and driving range.

Fort Loudoun Marina has wet slips and a dry storage facility that can store up to 200 boats. It also offers transient slips for overnight stays on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis and can fit vessels up to 70 ft.

Choto Marina, located at mile marker 612.5 on Fort Loudoun Lake, offers dry storage and wet slips for boats up to 70ft. It has a fuel dock, ship store, valet boat service, dockside water and power, and wifi for added convenience. It also gives members an opportunity to try different types of vessels and was voted Best Marina by Best of Knoxville in 2018 and 2019.

Master-planned communities offer numerous benefits, including access to a wide range of amenities, well-designed and maintained neighborhoods, a sense of community and belonging, increased safety and security, and the potential for increased property values. These communities are often planned with a focus on creating a balanced and sustainable lifestyle for residents, with features such as parks, walking and biking trails, community centers, and more.

Fun Things To Do in Knoxville, TN

by Noah Ryan
An overview look of Knoxville, Tennessee. It features the Sunsphere and the World's Fair Park.
Photo Courtesy of Wondering Wheatleys

Contributing Author: Chris Melton

Knoxville, Tennessee, boasts plenty of fun things to do, including:

  • Knoxville Zoo
  • Market Square
  • Star of Knoxville Riverboat Tour
  • World’s Fair Park/Sunsphere

Beautiful Knoxville

Thirty minutes from Fort Loudoun Lake, Knoxville is an epicenter of history and culture. The metropolis combines energetic city living with a small-town pace, offering no shortage of places to discover. While traversing the city, take in Knoxville’s vibrant art and music culture. Artists and musicians take their talents to the streets, bringing the city to life. With everything to do, deciding how to spend your time can be challenging — so here are a few recommendations!

Knoxville Zoo

An image of the Asian Trek exhibit at the Knoxville Zoo. It features Asian-styled architecture and paper balloons.
An image of a red panda from the Zoo laying on wood logs.
Photo Courtesy of Haines Structural Group | Photo Courtesy of Zoo Knoxville

With more than 20 different species and 12 different habitats, the Knoxville Zoo is the perfect place for a family day. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredits the Knoxville Zoo for its habitats and conservation efforts. In fact, they hold the record for the most red pandas bred and are a world leader in breeding endangered tortoises. Popular habitats include Tiger Forest, The Boyd Family Red Panda Village, and the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Campus. Many of the habitats host interactive educational shows with featured animals. Additionally, the zoo hosts many events and activities throughout the year. Two of the most interesting include Zoo Lights and Night Safaris, which occur after regular zoo hours once the sun goes down.

  • Location: 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive, Knoxville, TN 37914
  • Contact: (865) 637-5331
  • Hours: Everyday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Market Square

An image of Market Square. There is a girl with a drink at a rooftop bar overlooking the Square at night.
An image of a restaurant at Market Square. The restaurant is named Tupelo Honey Cafe, and there are people walking around and eating at the restaurant.
An image of the Chalk Walk at Market Square. The sidewalks has been decorated with chalk drawings, and people are walking around looking at the art.
Photos Courtesy of Visit Knoxville

If you’re looking for a cultural center, Market Square is the place to be. The Square is a vibrant area with live music and street painting, providing a colorful backdrop for the perfect Instagram post. Additionally, Market Square hosts multiple events, such as the Farmers’ Market and the Chalk Walk, where artists use chalk to embellish the sidewalk. During your time here, be sure to visit the restaurants and shops around the Market. You can get a taste of the South at Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen or try out the various other eateries like Stock and Barrel — a local favorite burger spot. For those of age, the nightlife here is stellar, with plenty of venues to entertain you late into the night.

Star of Knoxville Riverboat Tour

An image of the Start of Knoxville Riverboat. The boat is floating down the Tennesse River towards a bridge, with Neyland Stadium in the background. The image also features a look at downtown Knoxville in the distance.
Photo Courtesy of Tennessee Riverboat Co.

The Star of Knoxville is a riverboat tour that boasts a unique way to take in the city of Knoxville. This authentic paddle-wheeler floats you down the Tennessee River while you enjoy the area’s beautiful sites. The service offers various tours, from lunch and dinner cruises to the Blues Cruise — a tour with live music from the Smoky Mountain Blues Society. In addition, you can even book the boat for weddings, reunions, football tailgates, and other private charters! If you only want to take the tour for sightseeing, the service offers an eagle-eye view on the top deck.

  • Location: 300 Neyland Dr., Knoxville, TN 37902
  • Contact: (865) 525-7827
  • Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 10 am – 4 pm
    • Sunday/Monday: Closed

World’s Fair Park/Sunsphere

An image of the Sunsphere at the World's Fair Park in Knoxville. There are trees and a pond at the park in the foreground, with a background of downtown Knoxville.
Photo Courtesy of Visit Knoxville

One of the best ways to see Knoxville is from atop the Sunsphere, an observation deck that was built for the 1982 World’s Fair. From the tower, visitors get a stunning view of downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee River, the University of Tennessee, and the Smoky Mountains. While visiting the tower, you’ll likely see live music and other events. World’s Fair Park contains three event areas: the Festival Lawn, Performance Lawn, and the Tennessee Amphitheater, where festivals, concerts, and other live events are held. Furthermore, the park’s Splash Pad is open during the summer, providing a place for the kids to play and cool off in the southern heat.

  • Location: 963 World’s Fair Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37916
  • Contact: (865)-215-8160

Now you know some of the best attractions around Knoxville. There’s always something to discover here, so get out there and explore!

The city combines the rush of living in the big city with the comfort of small southern towns, containing no shortage of places to discover.

Two of the most interesting include Zoo Lights and Night Safaris, which take place after normal zoo hours once the sun goes down

For those of age, the nightlife here is stellar, with plenty of venues to liven up your night, such as Tern Club, Preservation Pub, and Radius Rooftop Lounge.

One of the best ways to see Knoxville is from the top of the Sunsphere, where you can get a stunning view of downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee River, the University of Tennessee, and the Smoky Mountains!

The Star of Knoxville is a riverboat tour that boasts the most unique way to witness Knoxville. This authentic paddle-wheeler floats you down the Tennessee River while you take in the city’s beautiful sites.

Fine Dining in Maryville, TN

by Lacey Spear
Various white plates with fresh food on them including fish, vegetables, scallops, and more.
Photo Courtesy of RT Lodge
  • Maryville, TN, boasts several stellar fine-dining restaurants:
    • The Walnut Kitchen
    • Foothills Milling Company
    • The Restaurant at RT Lodge

Farm-to-table dining reaches its pinnacle in Maryville, Tennessee. Situated near the stunning Fort Loudoun Lake, these restaurants take the region’s vibrant flavors and transform them into a Southern culinary delight. So, if you’re a food enthusiast who wants to move to Fort Loudoun Lake, rest assured that you have plenty of stellar restaurants nearby. If you want to learn more about these Tennessee hotpots, journey with us as we explore fine dining in Maryville!

The Walnut Kitchen

Fish with leeks over rice with a purple sauce---an example of The Walnut Kitchen's excellent food.
Photo Courtesy of The Walnut Kitchen
Cow walking through a green field.
Photo Courtesy of The Walnut Kitchen
Fresh peaches and bananas with jams in the background.
Photo Courtesy of The Walnut Kitchen

Renowned chef David Rule opened The Walnut Kitchen to counteract the influx of chain restaurants crowding the Maryville menu and infuse local flavors into east Tennessee’s restaurant scene. Accordingly, The Walnut Kitchen has a fresh seasonal menu, incorporating products from local butchers and farmers. Since there are endless new dishes to try, no visit to this Tennessee gem is ever the same.

  • Hours: Tuesday–Thursday, 4–9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 4–10 p.m.; closed Sunday & Monday
  • Location: 606 High Street, Maryville, TN, 37804
  • Popular Dishes: The menu is seasonal and subject to change; however, many customers order steak, chicken, and scallop dishes.
  • Reservations are not required but are recommended. You can make them here.

Foothills Milling

Juicy pork with greens and grits---an example of Foothills Milling's stellar menu.
Photo Courtesy of Foothills Milling Company
Lemon drop martini in front of bar.
Photo Courtesy of Foothills Milling Company
Carrot cake on a white plate.
Photo Courtesy of Foothills Milling Company

In the past, the mill was the epitome of Southern communal living—a place where people would gather to grind the corn that served as the staple of their diets. Today, Foothills Milling Company is the new cornerstone of the South’s finest dining. Sourcing ingredients from local businesses such as Benton’s Bacon, Cruze Farms, and Vienna Coffee, this Tennessee hotspot marries meaningful community with robust flavors.

  • Hours: Tuesday–Thursday, 4–8 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 4–9 p.m.; closed Sunday & Monday
  • Location: 315 S. Washington St., Maryville, TN 37804
  • Popular Dishes: Lobster Tails, Short Rib Stuffed Meatloaf, Pork Shoulder, and Tempura Lobster.
  • Reservations are not required but are recommended. They can be made online or by calling 865-977-8434.

The Restaurant at RT Lodge

Fried Chicken, vegetables, and Salmon on picturesque plates at Tennessee's RT Lodge.
Photo Courtesy of RT Lodge
The outdoor setting at Tennessee's RT Lodge, which features white tables cloths, brown chairs, and vibrant greenery.
Photo Courtesy of RT Lodge
A Moscow mule on a wood table.
Photo Courtesy of RT Lodge

RT Lodge’s beloved chef Trevor Stockton grew up in a family of farmers and chefs. From an early age, he learned how to utilize the freshest regional ingredients in his signature dishes. Today, he incorporates local farmers’ products, including some from his family’s farm, Stockton. Plus, his innovative menu is only enhanced by the tranquil environment at RT Lodge. After feasting in the picturesque dining room, guests can venture to the cozy fire pit to enjoy a coffee and complimentary s’mores.

  • Hours: Tuesday–Thursday, 5-9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 5–9:30 p.m.; closed Sunday & Monday
  • Location: 1406 Wilkinson Pike, Maryville, TN 37803
  • Popular Dishes: Buttermilk Fried Chicken, 45-day Wet-Aged Prime Rib-Eye, and Housemade Charcuterie Boards.
  • You can make reservations online.

Now you know where to find fine dining in Maryville. All you have left to do is find the perfect Fort Loudoun Lake home, and you can experience all this vibrant region has to offer!

FAQs

The Walnut Kitchen, Foothills Milling Company, and The Restaurant at RT Lodge.

Hours: Tuesday–Thursday, 4–9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 4–10 p.m.; closed Sunday & Monday

606 High Street, Maryville, TN, 37804

The menu is seasonal and subject to change; however, many customers order steak, chicken, and scallop dishes.

Reservations are not required by recommended. You can make them here.

Hours: Tuesday–Thursday, 4–8 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 4–9 p.m.; closed Sunday & Monday

 315 S. Washington St., Maryville, TN 37804

Lobster Tails, Short Rib Stuffed Meatloaf, Pork Shoulder, and Tempura Lobster.

Reservations are not required but are recommended. They can be made online or by calling 865-977-8434.

Hours: Tuesday–Thursday, 5-9 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 5–9:30 p.m.; closed Sunday & Monday

1406 Wilkinson Pike, Maryville, TN 37803

Buttermilk Fried Chicken, 45-day Wet Aged Prime Rib-Eye, and Housemade Charcuterie Boards.

You can make reservations online.

Top Restaurants in Farragut, TN

by Lacey Spear
The restaurant Lakeside Tavern in Farragut, TN, overlooks Fort Loudoun Lake in the evening time. The lights reflect in the water.
Photo Courtesy of The Big Orange Press
  • Farragut, TN, has many top restaurants:
    • Seasons Innovative Bar & Grille
    • Lakeside Tavern
    • The French Market Creperie West
    • Daddy Mac’s Down Home Dive
    • Connor’s Steak and Seafood

Situated near the shores of the stunning Fort Loudoun Lake, Farragut, Tennessee, is the ideal place to settle down. Whether you’ve recently graduated or retired, you can find many recreational and relaxing endeavors in this Tennessee gem. Plus, if you love dining out, you cannot choose a better location than Farragut. From upscale steakhouses to quaint bakeries, the local restaurants specialize in a wide variety of flavors, all while infusing a unique Farragut flair into every dish. So, if you’re looking to find your next favorite eatery, check out these top restaurants in Farragut!

Seasons Innovative Bar & Grille

The Food:
Grilled pork chop over broccolini and cauliflower.
Photo Courtesy of Seasons

Although Deron Little previously served as the esteemed chef of Tahoe South in South Carolina, he felt called to Farragut in 2013 to open Seasons. Located in the upscale development of Turkey Creek, the restaurant was an immediate success. Little loves to infuse his creative flair in well-known dishes, marrying classic Southern food with sophisticated flavors. The Seasons menu includes only the freshest ingredients and features crisp salads, specialty ciabatta burgers, and perfectly-seasoned steaks, poultry, and seafood.

The Atmosphere:
Seasons Innovative Bar & Grille at night in Farragut, TN.
Photo Courtesy of TripAdvisor

Picture a casual ambiance suffused with effortless elegance. Throw in some locally-crafted creative dishes, and you have the atmosphere of Seasons Innovative Bar & Grille.

Lakeside Tavern

The Food:
Four dishes of food---two types of chicken, a salad, and steak---at a table with bread in the middle.
Photo Courtesy of Lakeside Tavern

Most restaurants must choose a niche to come out on top. Yet, Lakeside Tavern specializes in all flavors. Charred Angus steaks, delicious fresh seafood, brick-oven pizzas, and Southern delicacies line every page of the menu. For the ultimate foodie, this Farragut restaurant is nothing less than a culinary dream.

The Atmosphere:
The outdoor patio at Lakeside Tavern overlooking the stunning Fort Loudoun Lake.
Photo Courtesy of Lakeside Tavern

Sometimes, you have to choose between a restaurant with stunning views and an eatery with excellent food. But the reality at Lakeside Tavern is almost too good to be true: you can enjoy the South’s finest cuisine while feasting your eyes on Fort Loudoun Lake‘s unbeatable views.

The French Market Creperie West 

The Food:
A crepe covered in powdered sugar, strawberries, and chocolate syrup with a mimosa.
Photo Courtesy of The French Market Creperie

Let’s be honest—we have all dreamed of traveling to Paris at some point. And at the French Market, you can taste France’s finest flavors without leaving the cozy Tennessee lake life. Since they import their traditional and buckwheat flours directly from France, French Market’s crepes taste just as they would abroad. Their menu also features breakfast, lunch, and dinner options; you can order sweet and savory crepes in addition to salads, soups, and croissant sandwiches.

The Atmosphere:
A chandelier hanging with a staircase and ordering counter in the background at the French Market Creperie in Farragut, TN.
Photo Courtesy of The French Market Creperie

With a quaint elegance and plenty of personal charm, the French Market’s ambiance will only heighten your love for French culture and food.

Daddy Mac’s Down Home Dive

The Food:
A Southern BBQ board with peanuts, pickles, slaw, crackers, bread, and sauce on a wooden table.
Photo Courtesy of Daddy Mac’s

Daddy Mac’s is the epitome of good Southern cooking. They say their beloved dishes are “steeped in family tradition + pickle juice.” At Daddy Mac’s, you can find all your favorite BBQ-joint meals with an upscale presentation. Their menu showcases BBQ boards, salad bars in a jar, and gourmet mac and cheese—all proving to be every bit as aesthetic as they are delicious.

The Atmosphere:
A singer with a guitar singing for a crowd at Daddy Mac's in Farragut, TN.
Photo Courtesy of Daddy Mac’s

Daddy’s Mac provides fun for the whole family. The interior features a casual rustic design, and the exterior showcases picturesque pond views. Plus, you can enjoy live music inside and outside many days of the week!

Connor’s Steak and Seafood

The Food:
A charred steak with stuffed lobster on a plate.
Photo Courtesy of Connor’s

Connor’s Steak and Seafood now has five locations in various states, but its roots lie in Farragut. The first dining room opened in 2004 in the Turkey Creek development and quickly became a local favorite. Specializing in fresh seafood, premium aged steaks, and full-bodied wines, Connor’s makes for the ideal date-night spot.

The Atmosphere:
Elegant booths and tables with white table cloths and sophisticated lighting at Conner's Steak and Seafood in Farragut, TN.
Photo Courtesy of Connor’s

Although Connor’s is known as the beloved “neighborhood restaurant,” it exudes luxury. However, unlike other upscale restaurants, Connor’s avoids stiff seating and features relaxed, comfortable dining.

So whether you’re looking for a breakfast bite or a date night spot, these top restaurants in Farragut are sure to wow you with their unique local flavors!

FAQs

Although Deron Little previously served as the esteemed chef of Tahoe South in South Carolina, he felt called to Farragut in 2013 to open Seasons.

Deron Little is the chef of Seasons. Little loves to infuse his creative flair in well-known dishes, marrying classic Southern food with sophisticated flavors.

Charred Angus steaks, delicious fresh seafood, brick-oven pizzas, and Southern delicacies line every page of the menu. For the ultimate foodie, this Farragut restaurant is nothing less than a culinary dream.

Lakeside Tavern is by the stunning Fort Loudoun Lake.

Since the French Market imports their traditional and buckwheat flours directly from France, French Market’s crepes taste just as they would abroad.

Their menu showcases BBQ boards, salad bars in a jar, and gourmet mac and cheese—all proving to be every bit as aesthetic as they are delicious.

Daddy’s Mac provides fun for the whole family. You can enjoy live music inside and outside many days of the week!

The original Connor’s Steak and Seafood is in Farragut, TN.

Lenoir City: “Lake Capital of the South”

by Lacey Spear
Downtown Lenoir City, located in Tennessee---the Lake Capital of the South.
Photo Courtesy of  Kozar Design Team 
  • Lenoir City, TN, is the “Lake Capital of the South”
    • Quick access to Lakes Tellico, Fort Loudoun, and Watts Bar
    • Stunning lake communities, such as Rarity Bay and Tellico Village
    • Excellent waterfront dining and annual lake events

Nestled in eastern Tennessee, Lenoir City showcases a bustling downtown and numerous recreational opportunities. As Joe Spence, Loudon County historian, explains, “Lenoir City originated from a 5,000-acre plot of land given to General William Lenoir by the state of North Carolina for his services in the Revolutionary War.” Over time, General Lenoir’s children and those who came after expanded the land into a thriving city. 

Joe Spence attributes Lenoir City’s rapid growth to its quick access to the railroad and river. And certainly, water has always proven instrumental in Lenoir City’s development. Today, the city contains three outstanding lakes—Tellico, Fort Loudoun, and Watts Bar. Lenoir City’s easy lake access, upscale waterfront communities, and vibrant lake-centric culture truly make it the “Lake Capital of the South.” 

Lake Access

A stunning large home on Tellico Lake in Tennessee.
Photo Courtesy of KAARMLS.com

First, Lenoir City bears the title of “Lake Capital of the South” because of its proximity to three spectacular Tennessee lakes—Tellico, Fort Loudoun, and Watts Bar. Lenoir City residents have direct access to Fort Loudoun and Tellico Lakes and only drive 20 minutes to visit Watts Bar Lake. Also, Lenoir City citizens can spend a day at nearby lakes, including  Melton, Hill, Norris, and Douglas, all within a 15 to 60-minute drive. 

Completed in 1979 by the Tennesse Valley Authority (TVA), Tellico Lake spans 15,560 acres and features 357 miles of shoreline. Locals and visitors often refer to it as “one of the cleanest lakes in Tennessee.” Moreover, with the Smoky Mountains as its magnificent backdrop, Tellico Lake boasts some of the most stunning views in the state. So if you are looking for a place to settle down or retire, Tellico Lake is ideal. 

Fort Loudoun Lake, completed by the TVA in 1943, is a nature lover’s oasis. Located in the headwaters of the Tennessee River, the lake stretches 55 miles upstream from the dam to the Holston and French Broad rivers. Fort Loudoun Lake contains 14,600 acres of pristine waters, perfect for bass fishing, boating, and birdwatching. 

The largest of the three Lakes, Watts Bar spans 39,000 acres and features 722 miles of shoreline, making it one of the South’s largest lakes. Created by the TVA in 1942, Watts Bar Lake is pure views, featuring rolling hills and dense forests. Also, interestingly enough, you could fit Tellico and Fort Loudoun Lakes in Watts Bar. So this is the lake for you if you want plenty of room for all your favorite recreational activities. 

Lake Communities

Photo Courtesy of Rarity Bay

Second, Lenoir City is the “Lake Capital of the South” because it contains many luxurious and upscale lake communities. Some of the most notable include Tellico Village, Rarity Bay, Emerald Point, Lashbrooke, Montgomery Cove, Mallard Bay, Jefferson Park, Grande Vista Bay, The Docks at Caney Creek, Rivermyst, and Lakefront Estates. Most of these communities feature resort-style living, with golf courses, marinas, restaurants, wellness centers, and more. If you long to live the laidback lake lifestyle, any of these scenic settings make an idyllic home. 

Lake Culture

Boats scattered across Watts Bar Lake at Lenoir City's Rockin' the Docks annual event.
Photo Courtesy of Visit Loudon County

Finally, Lenoir City is the “Lake Capital of the South” because the lake lifestyle permeates every aspect of the Lenoir City culture. As historian Joe Spence elucidates, whereas the river used to be Lenoir City’s lifeline, today, its lakes are its gems. Most Lenoir City residents spend their weekends at Tellico, Fort Loudoun, or Watts Bar Lakes, relaxing and engaging in recreational activities. They also enjoy dining in the city’s numerous waterfront restaurants, including hotspots such as Calhoun’s at the Marina, Tellico Village Yacht Club, and Lakeside Tavern. Additionally, annual events such as Rockin’ the Docks—pictured above—heighten the city’s affinity for its lakes. Rockin’ the Docks is a beloved local event that showcases fireworks, live music, and food and provides a snapshot of the carefree Lenoir City lake life. 

Now, you know why Lenoir City lives up to its cherished nickname. So what are you waiting for? Pack the lake toys, hook up the boat, and experience the picturesque “Lake Captial of the South” for yourself! 

Lenoir City, TN, is the “Lake Capital of the South” because it contains many luxurious and upscale lake communities. Some of the most notable include Tellico Village, Rarity Bay, Emerald Point, Lashbrooke, Montgomery Cove, Mallard Bay, Jefferson Park, Grande Vista Bay, The Docks at Caney Creek, Rivermyst, and Lakefront Estates.

Lenoir City, TN, has numerous waterfront restaurants, including hotspots such as Calhoun’s at the Marina, Tellico Village Yacht Club, and Lakeside Tavern.

Rockin’ the Docks is a beloved local event that showcases fireworks, live music, and food and provides a snapshot of the carefree Lenoir City lake life. 

Tellico Lake spans 15,560 acres and features 357 miles of shoreline.

Fort Loudoun Lake stretches 55 miles upstream from the dam to the Holston and French Broad rivers. Fort Loudoun Lake contains 14,600 acres of pristine waters, perfect for bass fishing, boating, and birdwatching.

Watts Bar spans 39,900 acres and features 722 miles of shoreline, making it one of the South’s largest lakes.