I know that my friends and I aren't the only ones searching for fun, out-of-the-ordinary things to add to our list of things to do in Knoxville this summer. You may not have the opportunity to climb mountains in Yosemite or travel overseas, but you can still find plenty of fun things to do.
We are blessed to live in an area of the country where parks and hiking trails are almost everywhere! Check out parks like Smokey Mountain National Park, Obed Wild and Scenic River, and Big South Fork for hiking trials and other outdoor activities. One that I've got on the top of my list is Forks of the River WMA during sunflower season.
2. Go to a drive-in movie.
How can you not love a good blast from the past? There are at least 15 drive-ins in Tennessee alone, and although they may be a good drive away from where you live, they're worth it!
3. Go to Knoxville's Jazz on the Square.
Who doesn't love live music? Market Square isn't just for shopping and eating this summer! Check out the outdoor stage on Tuesdays from May 12 to August 25 for fun outdoor Jazz music.
4. Go to the Ijam's Nature Center.
Ijam's has outdoor activities for all ages, ranging from paddling and canoeing opportunities to outdoor climbing, or enjoy live music at the Meadow Lark Music Festival on June 27th.
5. Let's face it, you're going to have a rainy day.
So make the most of it! Have a checklist of all your must-see movies and Netflix series, and get the popcorn ready. Or, Maybe you throw on your rain boots and go jump in the puddles. Either way, the lazy days can often be the best days throughout the summer.
Our summers don't always have to be about traveling to the other side of the world or taking road trips across the country. When we're given those opportunities we should, undoubtedly, grab ahold of them. But, we don't always have them, and we have to make the most out of the opportunities that we are given. There are tons of things that you can find in your own town or within an hour drive that can be just as rewarding as some of the things we hope to one day check off of our bucket list. So, this summer, make the most out of where you are, and make memories that you're excited to share with everyone in the fall, regardless of where they happened.