Visit a lesser known piece of history at the Blockhouse
An often-overlooked landmark in Monroe County are the ruins of the Tellico Blockhouse. This small fortification (across the lake from the much larger and more well known Fort Loudoun) was built in 1794 by then-newly formed American military to mediate relations between the Cherokee people and white settlers. The blockhouse served as a trading outpost and meeting place until around 1807. Today, all that remains of the blockhouse are the stone foundations and a reconstructed wooden fence and small tower. The ruins have a rich history, but if you don't care about that, the blockhouse is on a small peninsula which offers panoramic views of the lake. Spring is a great time to visit because visiting the blockhouse during the Summer heat or Winter chill can be miserable. The blockhouse is a short drive away from Highway 411. Visitors with disabilities may have difficulty navigating the site.
See an underwater stampede at the Buffalo Run
In early April, the normally calm waters of Citico Creek becomes the site of an aquatic stampede as thousands of Ictiobus, better known as buffalofish, return to their spawn in the creek. This event only happens once a year and it is hard to tell how long it will last, so if you want to see it happen, you better be in the area with a close watch on the news. Buffalofish are not a protected species so you can go fishing for them. Just remember to have a license. Be aware that Citico Creek is in the Cherokee National Forest and is an hour drive from Vonore.
Go fishing on the piers at Tellico Lake
One great way to enjoy the Spring weather is to go fishing. We can't talk about Vonore without mentioning Tellico Lake and its many fishing spots. The lake is home to numerous kinds of fish including various species of bass, bluegill, carp, rainbow trout, catfish, and lake sturgeon. A Tennessee fishing license is required and they go on sale on February 18. There are three piers: one at Heritage Park, one near the Unicoi Turnpike, and one at Fort Loudoun. Check out this interactive map to find each pier and this guide on all the regulations for what and how much you can catch. Don't forget to check out some other local landmarks like Fort Loudoun and the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum. Heritage Park (which is across the street from the Vonore Heritage Museum) also has some great spots to relax and get your steps in.
Spend some time on the green at Rarity Bay Golf
Our visitors who love golf need to check out Rarity Bay in Vonore. This golf course is 150 acres and features 18 holes. A par-72 (if you know what that means, good for you, because I had to look it up) along the shore of Tellico Lake, not only will this be a great way to get outside on a Spring day, you'll have amazing views of the lake and the Unicoi Mountains. We should note that this is a private golf club and non-members can only play at the golf course on weekends after noon. Please visit their website for all the rules and prices. Rarity Bay includes a restaurant open to all members of the public, but if that is not open during your visit, Vonore has several great dining options.
Take the road less traveled on the Unicoi Turnpike
For our visitors who like venturing where tourists don't normally go, you'll want to check out the Unicoi Turnpike which was a major road used by the Cherokee and connected their capital Chota (near what is now Vonore) to Tellico (which was a major Cherokee town). Highway 360 follows the original path between Vonore and Tellico Plains. It is 20 miles long and should take about 30 minutes to drive. This is a narrow, curvy backroad which takes you through the rural countryside. The only gas stations and public restrooms are at the beginning and end in Tellico and Vonore. When you visit in the Spring, this is a great chance to see wildflowers and other plants in a less trod path. Use the map below to navigate. Click "More Options" in the top-left corner to open the full map.