Carson-Newman is in the literal middle of nowhere, and for many of my peers, it's definitely a downfall. For me, it's the norm. I was eighteen and living in the dorm before I drove in the city (Knoxville) for the first time. Market Square, clubs, parties that aren't on someone's large piece of land and classes with a large amount of people are all sorts of foreign to me. People ask me all the time, "How did you stand growing up here with nothing to do?" While it helped that I never knew any different, there are things you can do for fun; you just have to know where to find them.
1. Football
Football is everything in Jefferson County. Every week in high school began with anticipation for Friday, and every week in high school ended with the game on Friday night. Saturday was just another day to get through until you could see your friends again at church on Sunday. You see, it wasn't just that we loved the game, though we did (I can name every play right down to a flea flicker), it was that Friday nights were and still are freedom. There is a community, an activity and food- what more could you possibly need. Plus, no one looks at you funny when you stand up and scream.
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2. Hay Rides
Seriously, if you haven't been on a hay ride, have you lived? It may not be a roller coaster, but on hilly mountain pastures, it is a fun thing to do. All your friends are there, and you are literally laughing all the way back to the barn.
3. Mountain Days
"But I don't hike." You don't have to hike or be outdoors-y to enjoy the mountains. You can simply take a picnic and some board games and relax by the water all afternoon. Try visiting the tubing places in Townshend, which has been affectionately dubbed, "the quiet side of the Smokies." I don't know of any day that is more relaxing than a mountain day.
4. Fishing
Unfortunately, not everyone can afford a boat, but there are plenty of public access spots on the lake. You can pack a fishing pole, lunch and some sunscreen and stay out there all day. Some places even allow you to build a bonfire. And a bonfire party by the lake can be even more exciting than a field party.
5. Muddin'
There is seriously nothing better than riding around in a muddy field in a pickup truck. It sounds horrible, but it's actually kind of thrilling once you've tried it.
6. Field Parties
I've never been to a great party that was hosted indoors. The best parties I have ever been to have been with my closest friends around a bonfire with a boom box blaring country music. Someone almost always has a football that's being thrown around, and while some people are playing tag in the field, others are stargazing on the roof of a barn.
7. Potlucks
Though the traditional church kind can be tons of fun, I'm actually talking about something a little different. Get a bunch of friends together, and have each person bring a food and beverage. With just a few friends, there will be more than enough food to go around. Music is usually playing while the stars come out, and it eventually turns into a stargaze on someone's tailgate.
We may be in the middle of nowhere, but it honestly doesn't get better than this.
