Water activities and summertime just naturally go together, especially when you need to cool off from the intense heat.

Guests at Whitestone Inn are especially blessed with many opportunities to find that perfect diversion where you can spend a lazy afternoon floating or speeding along the 39,000 acres of water surface at Watts Bar Lake. The property sits on a quiet stretch of the lake’s southwest shoreline, so it’s not surprising that they take advantage of the following things to do.

Here’s a quick list of the fun you can have on the water, while you enjoy your stay at Whitestone.  You just might get relaxed enough to think up some of your own.

Cruise on a pontoon boat

Do you have a big party (8 or more people) that’s ready for a leisurely to moderately fast ride on the lake? Then consider renting a pontoon, a spacious motorboat perfect for larger groups.  You can rent them at several marinas around Watts Bar, including Caney Creek, which is tucked away in a secluded inlet on the northwest side.

Glide around on something smaller

If laid-back skimming along the surface is more your preference, take a spin out on a kayak or canoe. These watercrafts are great for pure relaxation with their slower pace and smaller sizes. You can bring your own, or use one of our family-friendly boats from the Schoolhouse at Whitestone.

Fly on a jet-ski

Sometimes relaxed transportation on the water just won’t do, and you have the need for speed.  Riding on a jet-ski will take care of that hankering.  The largest rental outlet on the lake is JBeez Watercraft, which offers WaveRunners.  Make sure that you head out to one of the many sandy beaches and hidden coves along the lake’s shores.

Go fish on the lake or at our pond

Watts Bar Lake’s biggest draw are the plentiful schools of crappie, black crappie, largemouth bass and spotted bass.  While you can always catch and release fish, be sure that you are in a low-risk area for contaminants if you’d like to eat them. Of course, you can always angle in the Whitestone’s own pond, located right on the property.

Enjoy the view while you dine

Plenty of dining establishments populate the lake’s shores on both sides, and a good share of them offer great waterfront views. Our dining room here at Whitestone brings views of the lake throughout your experience. There are other great restaurants along the lake in Kingston that you will enjoy.

Paddleboard at Three Rivers

Test your balance and cruise the Watts Bar Lake waters on a stand-up paddleboard.  If you’ve never tried it, take a lesson through Three Rivers Paddle Sports near Kingston, and you’ll be looking like a SUP Pro in no time.  If you have some experience, try taking one of their yoga classes, either on land or on a board for an even greater challenge.

Take a dip in the pool and soak in the hot-tub

Of course, the easiest way to enjoy the summertime fun in the water is simply to head down to the Whitestone Inn swimming pool and hot-tub.  You’ll especially enjoy this sure-fire way to relax after enjoying any of the other activities – and don’t forget to have a nice cool drink to cap off the day.

Canoe Image Courtesy of Giulia Forsythe, Flickr and Paddleboard image courtesy of Mike Mitchell2, Flickr.