Butler: the town that wouldn't drown
Butler might be small, but it stands on one of Tennessee's most beautiful communities, surrounded by Watauga Lake and a leg of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. It might not have all that much in the way of attractions, but that doesn't stop outdoorsy types packing up their walking boots, bagging Butler vacation rentals and using the town as a base to explore the astonishingly beautiful nearby nature. It's most famously known as the "town that wouldn't drown", after all the residents were moved from the original location when it was submerged in flood water.
Discover the history of Butler
The biggest attraction in town and the best way to discover the area's past is at the Butler Museum, which chronicles the history from the native Indians through to the Civil War. However, most come to view artifacts and hear stories from Old Butler, the original location which now resides at the bottom of Watauga Lake. If you visit at the right time, you can join Old Butler Days, which celebrates the original community through live music, Southern food and historical talks. The Watauga Lake Winery is also a fascinating place to learn about the production of Tennessee wine and take part in tastings.
Myriad outdoorsy adventures in Butler
One of Butler's biggest draws is a section of the mighty 2,167-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail which runs past the town. It might only be a tiny leg of the trail, but it's an impressive, challenging and stunningly beautiful part nonetheless. Many of the other outdoor activities near the Butler vacation rentals are centered around the Watauga Lake. Splashing around in the waters during the sizzling midday summer heat is a great way to cool off, but for something a little more exciting, there are several waterfront outfits offering water sport rentals, including kayaks and sail boats, along with fishing equipment.
Cherokee National Forest on your doorstep in Butler
You've got the vast Cherokee National Forest leading away from the doorstep of your Butler vacation rental. This isolated wilderness is home to some fascinating critters. While you won't want to get up close to black bears, spotting one in the distance is the highlight for many. Other than these ambling beasts, you can often catch a glimpse of otters playing in the rivers, woodchucks rustling around on the forest floor and white-tailed deer darting through the trees. Birdwatchers aren't left out and can view some magnificent avifauna, including eagles, hawks and peregrine falcons.
Traveling to and around Butler
The nearest airport is in Tri-Cities, TN (TRI-Tri-Cities Regional), located 22.7 mi (36.5 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you might consider flying into Abingdon, VA (VJI-Virginia Highlands), which is 22.9 mi (36.8 km) away.
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