A Premier City Club In the Appalachian Highlands

Nestled in the historic Alfred Moore Carter Mansion in downtown Elizabethton, The Powhatan Club stands as a beacon of refined elegance and timeless tradition. Named in honor of Samuel P. Carter, a distinguished figure in American military history, our club offers an exclusive sanctuary for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Here, members enjoy unparalleled dining experiences, cultivate meaningful connections, and become part of a legacy that spans generations. The Powhatan Club is more than a destination, it is a community where distinction and heritage converge.

Club Overview

What kind of club is it?

Technically, we are considered a “city club.” Think of a city club as a “country club without a golf course.” City clubs can be found in most markets in the United States and internationally. You will find them in midsize cities like Roanoke, Chattanooga, and Knoxville as well as in larger cities like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. A recent Wall Street Journal article noted that city clubs are beginning to pop up in small and mid-sized markets at a rapid pace.

Why does someone join a city club?

While the emphasis at country clubs is on amenities such as golf and tennis, city clubs focus heavily on building community, providing high-quality dining, group travel, special events, and business networking.

Why is it called The Powhatan Club?

Our club is housed in the Alfred Moore Carter Mansion in downtown Elizabethton, TN. Serving as a regional union headquarters during the Civil War (the Confederate headquarters was located in the house across the street), the mansion was also the birthplace of Samuel P. Carter. In addition to his heroism as an Army commander during the Civil War and a long, distinguished career in the Navy, Samuel Carter is remembered as the only person in history to achieve the rank of Admiral in the U.S. Navy and General in the U.S. Army. “Powhatan” was the secret code name adopted by Samuel Carter during the Civil War.

What kind of dining will you offer?

Your dining journey at the Club begins with completing an extensive culinary profile. We want to know as much as we can about your (or your guest’s) dining needs and preferences in order to create a fresh and unique dining experience for each time you are here. Most of our dining experiences are multi-course fine dining. However, we also offer some family-themed and comfort food nights to round out our offerings, as well as High Tea. We are also proud to have partnered with Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse to provide our members “kitchen takeover” steak nights. Members of our international hospitality staff have worked at some of the most prestigious restaurants and hotels in the world.

What sort of social events?

From wine tastings to book clubs to regional excursions, the job of our Director of Experiences is to provide a diverse calendar of activities that appeal to members with diverse tastes.

What kind of travel?

Our experienced travel team curates unique group and individual travel experiences for our members. Powhatan Select members receive special travel credits that can be applied to the cost of either group or individual travel.

What is the dress code?

Jackets (men) are required for dinner. Business casual is appropriate indoor attire at all other times.

What other benefits are there?

Powhatan Select members receive personal concierge services, opportunities to obtain exclusive tickets to concerts, games, and events, local courtesy transportation, access to the club for meetings and events, reciprocal club access, and hundreds of other benefits through the Powhatan Select Black Card.

When will the club open?

We are opening in phases with full service expected to commence in early January.

Why is the club “invitation only”?

Our goal is to create a club with a diverse membership from various sectors of our community. In other words, we don’t want it to be boring! In addition, our reciprocal club networks require that member clubs not be open to the general public. Accepted members in good standing may nominate up to two other individuals/couples for membership each year.

How many members will there be?

In order to provide the level of personalized service that our members deserve, membership is capped at a number our consultants tell us a club of our size can reasonably accommodate. All other applicants will be placed on a waiting list.

Can a club like this really be successful in this market?

Based upon the response we have received over the last two years of development, we anticipate a thriving club here in the Appalachian Highlands. Of course, a club like this is not for everyone and caters to a certain type of clientele that appreciates the unique benefits of being a member of a private city club. No membership agreements will be finalized until the initial minimum number of membership units is reached.

What are the billing options for the initiation fee?

Initiation fees may be paid in a single payment or spread across up to a total of four (4) payments.

How are club charges handled?

Charges posted to your member account will be settled to the payment method on file the following business day. Monthly dues will be posted at the beginning of each month in advance and will also be settled to the payment method on file. When visiting a reciprocal golf club, city club, yacht club, or country club, payment will be processed directly by that club on the day of service.

Do membership benefits extend to my children/dependants?

All children and dependants under the age of 26 are afforded club benefits consistent with your level of membership.

The Powhatan Select Black Card^™

Powhatan Select members receive our exclusive Black Card, offering a world of exclusive benefits at thousands of locations worldwide.

Your Personal Concierge

The World's Top Hotel Brands

Access to unpublished rates at the world's most luxurious hotel brands.

The World's Top Restaurants

Receive exclusive perks and discounts when dining at premier dining establishments.

Exclusive Pricing on Top Brands

Up to 60% off

and hundreds of others

Members-Only Access

High-end events held at the most sought-after venues.

Available Anywhere