Sailboats bask in the sunshine at Lakeshore Marina. Watauga Lake has become home to several marinas which offer a range of services.

  By Lesley Hughes
star staff
lhughes@starhq.com
  For over 50 years, Watauga Lake has been a host for Tennessee Valley Authority's Watauga Dam, but has also become home to several marinas which offer a range of services.
  Fish Springs Marina, 191 Fish Springs Road, Hampton, is the oldest continuously operating marina since it was established in 1949, only a year after the lake was created by the TVA.
  Last summer the marina was honored with the Clean Marina Flag from the TVA. The flag was presented to owners Thomas and Michelle White once the marina met all federal, state and local regulations.
  Fish Springs Marina was also the place where scuba diver Jerry Hall broke the world record for the longest scuba dive for the second time.
  Pontoon boats, fishing poles, tubes, ropes, trolling accessories, down rigging and other equipment are available for rent to make for a memorable Watauga Lake excursion.
  For more information about Fish Springs Marina visit www.fishspringsmarina.com or call (423) 768-2336.
  Lakeshore Resort, located on Highway 321/67, Hampton, offers a full service marina, boat rentals, cottage and cabin rentals and motel units and The Captain's Table Restaurant.
  The Captain's Table specializes in seafood and also serves steaks, chicken and specials of the day such as prime rib, crab cakes, barbecue ribs, a seafood platter and fresh fried oysters. The restaurant is open March through October, Wednesday through Sunday, opening at 4 p.m. except for Sunday when they open at 11 a.m. for lunch. A boat dock also allows for access from the lake as well as the highway.
  For more information, please call (423) 725-2223 or visit www.lakeshore-resort.com.
  Other marinas around the lake are Cove Ridge Marina, (423) 768-3760; Midway Marina, (423) 768-2677; Pioneer Landing, (423) 768-3164, and Mallard Cove Marina, (423) 768-3440 or www.mallardcovemarina.com.