Ben Arnold, an East Tennessee State University Innovation Lab member, has just completed purchasing Cove Ridge Marina and Campground in Butler (Tennessee).
In August 2021, Cove Ridge Holdings, LLC, Arnold’s group, sealed the acquisition of the property on Watauga Lake, as per a report.
Arnold shared that the goals for 2022 include adding pontoon and kayak rentals, more covered slips, and hosting a range of events, such as live music, food trucks, beer and wine tastings, and more.
The ETSU Innovation Lab is a high-tech business incubator that supports entrepreneurs from their initial ideas to commercialization.
The purchase of Cove Ridge Marina and Campground in Butler, Tenn., in 2021 by ETSU Innovation Lab member, Ben Arnold, who is also a graduate of ETSU, is a testament to his tenacity and entrepreneurship and this facility is the perfect landing spot for Ben to grow Connect Outdoors even further,” said Dr. Audrey Depelteau, director of the Innovation Lab.
Arnold is also the co-founder of Connect Outdoors, which is a company that combines new technology with love for the outdoors. Connect Outdoors was formed in 2019 and is located at ETSU Innovation Lab.
The 70-acre Cove Ridge Marina and Campground complex offers a range of boat slips as well as trailer and RV sites that can be expanded. The marina has covered and uncovered slips, fuel sales, and RV site rentals. There is also an on-the-water deli/grill, dry storage both indoors and outdoors, as well as an outdoor fenced trailer and boat storage.
The campground has beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains.