Just 10 minutes outside of White Pine rests beautiful Douglas Lake. With their bright blue waters, teeming wildlife, and picturesque view of the Smoky Mountains, you will feel like you have stepped into another world entirely. Here in White Pine, Tennessee, we live for our days out on the lake, which is why we’d love to share some of our favorite ways to spend a hot summer day out there with you. Check out any of the 5 different activities that we have listed below, and you will be sure to have a day on Douglas Lake unlike any other.
1: Go by Boat
If you’re a low-key crowd just looking to float on by in Douglas Lake’s beautiful waters and soak up some Tennessee sunshine, we suggest renting out a pontoon boat from our friends at Beyond the Horizon in Dandridge, Tennessee—just 15 minutes up the road from White Pine. Here, the friendly and helpful staff will make sure you get the perfect boat for your crew and will get you out on the water in no time. From there, the rest is up to you. Pack a lunch, stock a cooler, and let the water take you where it will.
Pontoon boats are great for a bigger group. They offer a bit of privacy for your crowd, you’ll get plenty of shade from the tarp (in case you get tired of catching rays), and they give you a chance to drive around Douglas Lake and explore all its hidden gems. Maybe you’ll even find your new perfect spot for your next lake day.
Of course, we also know how spending a day out on the lake can make anyone work up an appetite, so when it’s time to come back to the shore we recommend stopping by El Toro for dinner. Close out your night in our town favorite Mexican restaurant and enjoy some delicious food and fresh, frozen drinks. You’ll find that when you leave your heart will be as full as your belly and thinking to yourself, “When can I go back out on the water again?”
2: Enjoy the White Pine Tournament Trail
If your group is full of fishing fanatics, you’re going to love these tournaments. The White Pine Tournament Trail is hosted by our very own White Pine Marine Sales and Services, a boating and fishing supply store right here in town. They’re one of the many locally owned small business that are flourishing here in White Pine and were even awarded by the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce the Pinnacle Award for Tourism.
With both standard and free launch tournaments, your crowd will never get tired of watching these master anglers come from all over the country to compete for the top spot on the White Pine Tournament Trail. What makes this event truly special, however, is the watching crowd’s perfect blend of locals and tourists. It’s a great chance to meet other folks from surrounding states and to also get to know the White Pine locals, which can be especially helpful for anyone looking to make White Pine, Tennessee, their new home.
3: Paddleboard or Kayak Your Way Through Douglas Lake
Maybe your crew is a little more on the active side and is looking for a fun group activity that you can all do together. Paddle boarding and kayaking are great ways to build up some upper body strength and your muscle coordination while also enjoying the quiet, morning stillness of beautiful Douglas Lake. You can find all the equipment you need for this next lake adventure out at Swann’s Marina where their friendly and helpful staff will be able to match you and your crew with the perfect sized paddleboards, kayaks, and oars. This marina is loved by locals and tourists alike for the large heaping of Southern hospitality that’s in their service.
Of course, if you’ve worked up an appetite while paddling your way through Douglas Lake, we can recommend another spot for you. Check out White Pine Pizza on your way back into town. This local favorite is known for its great pizzas, salads, pasta, and subs, so there is bound to be something on the menu for everyone in your group.
4: Get a Fishing Guide
Maybe your group loved watching the White Pine Tournament Trail so much that you’ve decided to become anglers yourself. If you want to learn the ropes on fishing Douglas Lake, there is no better person fit for the job than your own personal fishing guide. These fishing experts know all the best places to cast your line around Douglas Lake, so you are sure to have a wonderful, personal, and unique experience while trying your hand at this waterfront sport. The guides at Smokies Angling Fishing Adventures are known for their outstanding service and are always willing to teach anyone, no matter if they’re 7 or 97. Their boats are kept in great shape and the guides always have some fun stories to tell and keep you entertained while you’re waiting for the fish to bite. You’re liable to spend a full or half day out on the lake if you choose to get a private fishing guide, though, so be sure to stock a cooler full of snacks and drinks to bring along with you.
5: Rent Some Jet skis
This is a great option for anyone with older kids or a younger crowd. Zoom along the placid waters of Douglas Lake and enjoy unplugging from your devices for a while on your very own jet ski. Be sure to check what days the lakes are usually less crowded so you can enjoy your time on the water safely. The helpful, friendly staff over at Smoky Mountain H2O Sports are known for their love of extreme water sports, and their passion is contagious. Let them help you find the jet skis that are perfect for you, your friends, or your family and you will be guaranteed a time out on Douglas Lake that will be full of heart-pounding, windswept fun.
On your way back into White Pine, stop by AttiKats Cakes and Confections for a hot dog, fresh chicken salad croissant, and some baked goods to satisfy your sweet tooth. You and your crowd are bound to have worked up an appetite when you were out on your jet skis, and this restaurant is the perfect solution to an empty stomach. While you’re sitting around their dinner tables with your freshly made meal, don’t be surprised if you start feeling perfectly content with the wonderful day that you just had out on the lake with your friends. White Pine is known for bringing people closer together.
Your Perfect Lake Day Starts in White Pine, Tennessee
White Pine has everything you need for the perfect day trip to the lake. With plenty of great places to stay and eat, along with its perfect location near the Smokies and the lakes, White Pine is your “home base” for all things Lake Day. But we are also a great place to visit all year round, too. Whether you’re looking for a quiet Tennessee Christmas, a chance to explore the Smokies in all their autumn glory, or to watch the Dogwood blossoms of spring bloom, White Pine is your place to go. Check out our event calendar on our website to keep up with all the happenings here in town. Find your time to press pause and enjoy life with White Pine today.