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From Staff Reports
Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park is gearing up for a thrilling array of special events throughout the month of October. From the 28th Annual Sycamore Stitchers Quilt Show to unique guided tours and educational programs, the park has something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a glimpse of the exciting events coming up:

28th Annual Sycamore Stitchers Quilt Show (October 6-8)
* This three-day exhibition, sponsored by the Sycamore Shoals Stitchers, showcases local quilters’ talents. Visitors can explore an array of quilts, including bed quilts, wall hangings, holiday and baby quilts, miniatures, and antique quilts. Admission is free.

Bird Walks with the Lee and Lois Herndon TOS Chapter (Saturdays in October)
* Meet fellow birders and naturalists at Sycamore Shoals for birding sessions during the migratory season. It’s a fantastic opportunity to observe various bird species in their natural habitat.

Gardening Seminar Series: Winterizing Your Garden Beds (October 14)
* Join master gardener Ben Hunter for the final installment of the gardening seminar series. Learn valuable techniques for winterizing your garden beds and preparing for spring. This free educational event takes place in the Visitor Center Gathering Room.

Solar Eclipse in the Park (October 14)
* Witness the partial solar eclipse, one of nature’s spectacular wonders, at Sycamore Shoals. Activities include telescope viewing, making pinhole solar projectors, interpretive programs, and coloring sheets for all ages. Safety is paramount, so only use ISO certified solar viewing glasses available at the park gift shop.

Sabine Hill Guided Tour – Featuring Early American Mourning Traditions (Wednesdays in October)
* Take a guided tour of Sabine Hill, a stately home with rich Federal architecture. Explore the detailed interior and learn about the influential Taylor family who resided there in the early 19th century. As a special feature, the house will host exhibits on early American death and mourning traditions.

Death Comes to Sabine Hill (October 20-21)
* Experience an after-hours candlelight tour of the historic Taylor House at Sabine Hill State Historic Site. Learn about 18th and early 19th-century funeral customs, mourning attire, superstitions, funeral food, and more. This unique event delves into the traditions and professions associated with death and mourning in Early America.

Scary Stories at Fort Watauga (October 26)
* Get into the Halloween spirit with an evening of family-friendly stories, songs, and tales at Fort Watauga. Bring a chair, dress warmly, and join in for spine-tingling fun.

Visitor Center hours vary but are generally 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday (with a one-hour closure from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.) and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. The park grounds are open from dawn until dusk.

For information about program cancellations and office closures due to inclement weather, please contact the park.

Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park is located at 1651 W. Elk Avenue, Elizabethton, TN 37643. For more details, visit their website at sycamoreshoalstn.wordpress.com or find them on Facebook at facebook.com/sycamoreshoals. Additional information can also be found on the Tennessee State Parks website at tnstateparks.com/parks/sycamore-shoals and on the Friends of Sycamore Shoals website at friendsofsycamoreshoals.org.

Plan your visit and enjoy a month of exciting and educational events at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park in beautiful Elizabethton.