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Vacation in Roane County - Tennessee
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Jump to:
Overview,
Things To Do,
Transportation,
Climate,
Accommodations,
Cost
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Area Overview
Welcome to an area of lush green foliage and gently rolling hills punctuated by steep bluffs. A land full of sweeping valleys, clean air, clear rivers and lakes, and hospitable people that enjoy life at a relaxed pace. Welcome to Roane County, Tennessee!
Whether you're looking for an affordable, leisurely vacation destination, a place to locate your business or industry, or a delightful, low-cost place to live - Roane County is just what you're looking for.
Roane County is conveniently located - just 20 minutes west of Knoxville, less than an hour from the Smoky Mountains, an hour north of Chattanooga, and 1 1/2 hours east of Nashville. Roane County is easily accessible with nine exits off of I-40 and minutes from I-75.
U.S. Rte 70 - "Broadway of America", U.S. Route 27, and Hwy 58 provide visitors access to about anywhere they would want to go in the county. But don't hesitate to get off the beaten path and experience everything Roane County has to offer.
Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains, Roane County has more lake miles than any other area in East Tennessee and enjoys more than 700 shoreline miles on beautiful Watts Bar Lake, one of the South's largest lakes covering 39,000 acres. With so much water, Roane County is not only a scenic place, but also a place with an exciting quality of life. An abundance of water recreation, world class fishing, lakeside resorts and restaurants, unique family festivals, roots bluegrass music - just imagine the possibilities.
With our convenient location and affordability, Roane County is well worth a visit.
On your way to the Smoky's or to Nashville? Then why not stop in for a quick visit - you never know, you may decide to stay.
Includes Cities/Towns: Harriman, Kingston, Oliver Springs, Rockwood.
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Things to Do |
Recreation & Fitness
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Watts Bar Lake offers so many recreational opportunities - world class fishing, skiing, sailing, paddle boarding, camping - or just relaxing in a quiet cove. There are 39,000 acres of water to enjoy. With an abundance of species such as bass, crappie, striper and more, fishing tournaments are held nearly every weekend March through October. Camping is available lakeside at Caney Creek RV Resort and Riley Creek Campground. There are restaurants where you can find live outdoor music most summer weekends, while there are several annual outdoor music events - Half Moon Music Festival in September and Gizmo Jam in May. There are so many nice parks on the water's edge - Roane County Park (our largest) with swimming area, splash pad, 18-hole disc golf and numerous covered pavilions; Kingston City Park - home to Smokin' the Water, our annual 4th of July Festival, with the largest covered pavilion and picnic area; Harriman Riverfront Park - home to the monthly Babahatchie Band concerts, along the Emory River; and more. Our largest boat launch is Tom Fuller Park in Rockwood but we have several across the county that will accommodate fishing tournaments. There are several outdoor rentals available - paddleboarding and outdoor gear through Emory River Outdoors in Kingston and pontoon boats through Blue Springs or Caney Creek Marina. During the summer Paddelboard Knoxville sets up (weather permitting) at Kingston City Park; while Tennessee Paddleboard can usually be found in the Caney Creek area.
Roane County is known for its recreation - whether you are looking for things to do on the lake, picnicking or walking in the park, splashing around, playing golf or disc-golf, or competing for prizes and money in a triathlon, bike race or fishing tournament. In Roane County it is all about getting outdoors and enjoying nature at its best!
Roane County is host to many sporting and recreational events throughout the year - fishing tournaments, baseball and softball, triathlon, bike races, and even horse shows and rodeos. Here are just a few of our annual events as well as a list of sporting facilities available for an event.
Roane County Park, located on Watts Bar Lake, features lots of fun family activities - splash pad, 18-hole disc golf course, 1.5 mile paved walking trail, tennis courts, fishing pier, covered picnic shelters, playgrounds, swimming area, canoes, baseball field, and more. There is also meeting room space available. Lakeside primitive camping spots also available. Open year round. Bus parking available. Pets allowed on Leash 9 am - 9 pm. Directions: Exit 350 (Midtown) on I-40. South on Pine Ridge Road to Hwy 70, turning right at light heading west on Hwy 70. Roane County Park is approx. 4 miles on the left.
Roane County boasts a rich musical heritage - particularly in roots bluegrass and gospel. Many local musicians have grown up playing instruments such as the mandolin, bass guitar, harmonica or fiddle. Friends and families have played together for years. In fact, it is not unusual to hear live Bluegrass music in unlikely locations - barber shops, parks, and the front porch of the Rocky Top General Store. All have been good spontaneous stages for local musicians just wanting to play. Since Tennessee has always been known for all types of music it is no wonder that Roane County has become known as the place for roots Bluegrass music.
The Top Secret Trail is a journey through some of East Tennessee's beautiful scenery and best-kept secrets. Roane County is part of this self-guided driving trail - part of the State's Discover Trails & Byways program. Brochures are available at the Tennessee Welcome Centers, as well as the Roane County Visitor's Bureau (Point of Interest #23 on the map) or at other points of interest on the trail. The trail is also available as a pdf online. Top Secret signs can be seen along the route - directing travelers to from one attraction to the next.
This trail takes you from Knoxville to the "Secret City" of Oak Ridge and its atomic mysteries to Harriman and Rugby, both built on the principles of their utopia-dreaming founders. Enjoy nine state parks, natural areas, hundreds of miles of scenic shoreline, town squares, general stores, local museums, arts and crafts, and more on this 465 mile route.
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Cultural Activities
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Roane County boasts a rich musical heritage - particularly in roots bluegrass and gospel. Many local musicians have grown up playing instruments such as the mandolin, bass guitar, harmonica or fiddle. Friends and families have played together for years. In fact, it is not unusual to hear live Bluegrass music in unlikely locations - barber shops, parks, and the front porch of the Rocky Top General Store. All have been good spontaneous stages for local musicians just wanting to play. Since Tennessee has always been known for all types of music it is no wonder that Roane County has become known as the place for roots Bluegrass music.
Bradbury Bluegrass Music Show
3rd Saturday night at 7 pm
$2 Admission
Bradbury Community Club
3343 Buttermilk Rd, Kingston
Come out for some toe-tappin' fun where a different band takes the stage every 30 minutes. Cloggers welcome!
Bradbury Bluegrass Jammin' Sessions
Every Tuesday night, 6 - 10 pm
$1 Admission
Bradbury Community Club
3343 Buttermilk Road, Kingston
Music is busting from every seam at the Bradbury on Tuesday nights. Musicians and groups are welcome to come and join in. Each room, including the outside provides a place to pick with your friends!
Friday Night Barn Dance
Every Friday night at 7pm
Rockwood Event Center
116 W. Rockwood St, Rockwood
(865) 285-9458
www.RockwoodEventCenter.com
Bluegrass & Country Music
Every Friday night at 7 pm
American Legion Hall
624 Morgan Street, Harriman
Live Music Venues
When the weekend rolls around live music can be found at many of the local restaurants or special venues - many located on the water. Most of the marinas close for part of the winter season so be sure and call for exact time and schedule.
Crow's Nest at Blue Springs Marina
3952 River Road, Ten Mile
865-376-7407
Full service restaurant and bar; occasional live music. Open Friday - Sunday only.
Caney Creek Marina
3745 Roane State Hwy, Harriman
865-882-4042
Outdoor restaurant providing karaoke and live music some weekends during summer months.
Ladd Landing Listening Room
1100 Waterford Place, Kingston
865-603-6981
The Ladd Landing Clubhouse comes alive most Friday nights (excluding summer months) with special guests such as Jason Eskridge, Sam Lewis, Blue Mother Tupelo, and more! Doors open at 7 pm and the music starts around 7:30 in this family-friendly place. $10 to get in + BYOB. Reservations usually not required but calling ahead is recommended as many times it is standing-room only.
RedBones on the River
316 W. Race Street, Kingston
865-376-9696
Full-service restaurant and bar overlooking the Clinch River. Live music many weekends year-round, inside or out, weather permitting.
Special Music Events
Babahatchie Community Band provides free concerts during the summer months at Riverfront Park, including the popular Music & Melons Concert in August. The first Saturday in December the band sponsors the nationwide Merry Tuba Christmas at the Harriman High School auditorium - encouraging tuba and euponium players of all ages & levels to participate. For more information visit the Roane County Visitors Bureau events page.
Roane State Presents supports the performing and visual arts for students and patrons of Roane County through a series of plays, concerts, art exhibits and dance reviews. Performances are held primarily at either the Roane State Campus or the Princess Theatre.
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Attractions
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Watts Bar Lake offers so many recreational opportunities - world class fishing, skiing, sailing, paddle boarding, camping - or just relaxing in a quiet cove. There are 39,000 acres of water to enjoy. With an abundance of species such as bass, crappie, striper and more, fishing tournaments are held nearly every weekend March through October. Camping is available lakeside at Caney Creek RV Resort and Riley Creek Campground. There are restaurants where you can find live outdoor music most summer weekends, while there are several annual outdoor music events - Half Moon Music Festival in September and Gizmo Jam in May. There are so many nice parks on the water's edge - Roane County Park (our largest) with swimming area, splash pad, 18-hole disc golf and numerous covered pavilions; Kingston City Park - home to Smokin' the Water, our annual 4th of July Festival, with the largest covered pavilion and picnic area; Harriman Riverfront Park - home to the monthly Babahatchie Band concerts, along the Emory River; and more. Our largest boat launch is Tom Fuller Park in Rockwood but we have several across the county that will accommodate fishing tournaments. There are several outdoor rentals available - paddleboarding and outdoor gear through Emory River Outdoors in Kingston and pontoon boats through Blue Springs or Caney Creek Marina. During the summer Paddelboard Knoxville sets up (weather permitting) at Kingston City Park; while Tennessee Paddleboard can usually be found in the Caney Creek area.
Roane County is known for its recreation - whether you are looking for things to do on the lake, picnicking or walking in the park, splashing around, playing golf or disc-golf, or competing for prizes and money in a triathlon, bike race or fishing tournament. In Roane County it is all about getting outdoors and enjoying nature at its best!
Roane County is host to many sporting and recreational events throughout the year - fishing tournaments, baseball and softball, triathlon, bike races, and even horse shows and rodeos. Here are just a few of our annual events as well as a list of sporting facilities available for an event.
Roane County Park, located on Watts Bar Lake, features lots of fun family activities - splash pad, 18-hole disc golf course, 1.5 mile paved walking trail, tennis courts, fishing pier, covered picnic shelters, playgrounds, swimming area, canoes, baseball field, and more. There is also meeting room space available. Lakeside primitive camping spots also available. Open year round. Bus parking available. Pets allowed on Leash 9 am - 9 pm. Directions: Exit 350 (Midtown) on I-40. South on Pine Ridge Road to Hwy 70, turning right at light heading west on Hwy 70. Roane County Park is approx. 4 miles on the left.
Roane County boasts a rich musical heritage - particularly in roots bluegrass and gospel. Many local musicians have grown up playing instruments such as the mandolin, bass guitar, harmonica or fiddle. Friends and families have played together for years. In fact, it is not unusual to hear live Bluegrass music in unlikely locations - barber shops, parks, and the front porch of the Rocky Top General Store. All have been good spontaneous stages for local musicians just wanting to play. Since Tennessee has always been known for all types of music it is no wonder that Roane County has become known as the place for roots Bluegrass music.
The Top Secret Trail is a journey through some of East Tennessee's beautiful scenery and best-kept secrets. Roane County is part of this self-guided driving trail - part of the State's Discover Trails & Byways program. Brochures are available at the Tennessee Welcome Centers, as well as the Roane County Visitor's Bureau (Point of Interest #23 on the map) or at other points of interest on the trail. The trail is also available as a pdf online. Top Secret signs can be seen along the route - directing travelers to from one attraction to the next.
This trail takes you from Knoxville to the "Secret City" of Oak Ridge and its atomic mysteries to Harriman and Rugby, both built on the principles of their utopia-dreaming founders. Enjoy nine state parks, natural areas, hundreds of miles of scenic shoreline, town squares, general stores, local museums, arts and crafts, and more on this 465 mile route.
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Transportation |
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McGhee Tyson Airport - Proudly Serving East Tennessee
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Climate |
Monthly Temperatures / Rainfall
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Low
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Avg
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High
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Rain |
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January
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25.6
F°
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35.5
F°
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45.4
F°
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5.6
"
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February
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27.5
F°
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39.0
F°
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50.5
F°
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4.8
"
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March
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34.6
F°
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47.3
F°
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59.9
F°
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6.0
"
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April
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42.5
F°
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56.0
F°
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69.6
F°
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4.5
"
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May
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51.7
F°
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64.3
F°
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76.9
F°
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5.5
"
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June
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60.5
F°
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72.3
F°
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84.0
F°
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5.0
"
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July
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64.9
F°
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76.1
F°
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87.3
F°
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5.4
"
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August
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63.5
F°
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74.8
F°
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86.2
F°
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4.1
"
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September
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57.0
F°
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68.8
F°
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80.7
F°
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3.9
"
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October
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43.9
F°
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57.1
F°
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70.3
F°
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3.4
"
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November
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35.0
F°
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47.0
F°
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58.9
F°
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5.1
"
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December
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28.3
F°
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38.6
F°
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48.9
F°
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5.6
"
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Best Time To Go:
Summer and fall.
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Summers are warm and sunny for swimming, skiing, fishing, boating, living on the lake fun & picnicking. Fall is a beautiful time of year with the colors on all the trees. Winter is relatively mild. Spring time comes alive with an abundance of flowering trees and flowers.
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Accommodations |
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Costs |
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Additional Information
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Visitor Information
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Back to:
Overview,
Things To Do,
Transportation,
Climate,
Accommodations,
Cost
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