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Every Wednesday at around 11:15 a.m., a special tradition unfolds at Dino’s Restaurant in Elizabethton. This is the weekly Carter County Legends Lunch, a gathering that began in 2018 with a few close friends – C.Y., Jarfly, and Kim Birchfield – coming together to reminisce and share stories. Over time, more joined, including local figures, Shelby Miller, Ron Hicks, and Jerry White, transforming this weekly lunch into a beloved event. What started as a small group quickly grew, and now it’s a cherished spot where folks across the county meet to honor their past and the people who shaped it. Now Gary Stocton, Jr. Stanley, James Bowers, Mrs. Ronnie Hicks, Russell Kyte, Wayne Hayes, and many more are regulars.

The Legends Lunch is not your average meal. At any given table, you might find Deacon Bowers, 87 years young, sharing a soulful hymn. Jarfly Dugger, known for his playful stories, brings laughter and lightheartedness with tales that may or may not be entirely factual. And, of course, there’s always something new to learn about the history and legends of Carter County.

Larry Sells, once a regular attendee, fondly recalls his first invitation: “When they asked me to eat with them, there were very few I knew, but they talked to me like they’d known me for a long time. I couldn’t think of a better group to eat with. Love going there on Wednesdays, and the food is great.”

You might run into 1974 state champ Buff Walker, a regular when he’s visiting from his home in Florida. Bill Wilson, known as the Big Indian, was a superstar at Mary Hughes and went on to play basketball at Tennessee and ETSU. Also present could be Rick Nichols from Bluff City, who was a grand champion horse trainer in California. The list goes on.

Whether it’s the nostalgia, the camaraderie, or the excellent fare at Dino’s, the Legends Lunch has grown into more than a weekly meetup – it’s a slice of local heritage. For those looking to join, swing by Dino’s on a Wednesday. The laughter, stories, and companionship make it some of the best entertainment in town.