April warmth means more than just going from place to place without a coat. It also means that nature enthusiasts can finally partake in the great outdoors. If you’ve always wanted to try getting outside, then here are a few easy ways to start.
Explore Knoxville
When people say they want to “get outside,” they often also want to see new things.
While Knoxville is familiar to many of us, there are likely still some things you haven’t seen tucked away and waiting to be discovered.
You can also see some of Knoxville’s many scenic areas, like Alex Haley Square in East Knoxville, World’s Fair Park and the UT Gardens.
No one goes from their daily stroll to hiking 20 miles, so just getting out of your routine and taking an extra walk can make a big difference.
Rent a Bike
Cycling is an easy and effective way to enjoy the outdoors while still getting to where you need to go.
However, most worthwhile bikes are fairly expensive. Luckily, there are multiple ways to rent a bike for a short time.
River Sports Outfitters has multiple locations you can rent from. For those near UT, the TRECS center offers cycles to satisfy any function.
Another option is “bikesharing,” a system where people check out a bike at a rack and return it later that day. Pace is Knoxville’s bike sharing program, and it has stations set up all over the city.
Ijams Nature Center
Nature is what makes the outdoors beautiful.
Ijams is no mere hiking locale; it’s a 315-acre nature preserve for people of any age and knowledge level.
You can use your bike rental on Ijam’s nine miles of beginner to intermediate bike trails. They also have their own bike rental service.
If you’d like to try hiking, Ijam’s relatively flat and scenic vistas are a great place to start
If you’d just like to learn something new, the center offers multiple events. Some standouts include birdwatching, courses on conservation and the weekly “Creature Feature.”
Beardsley Community Farm
For those who enjoy volunteering in their free time, Beardsley Community Farm is a great way to do just that.
Promoting food security and sustainable agriculture, the non-profit has donated over 10,000 pounds of produce to local food pantries.
Volunteers help to plant seeds, compost waste, garden plants, keep bees and more. Over 2,000 people volunteer each year, so you wouldn’t be alone if you decide to check it out.
This serves as a great way to get outside while contributing to a worthwhile cause.
Play sports with your friends
Sports are the be all and end all of outdoor activities, so gather some friends and go out for an hour or two. Maybe you and your group can enjoy a game of touch football, or really get into a soccer match.
But you can’t play ball without a space to play it. Some more well-known areas include the Samson Sports Complex, Alliance Park and World’s Fair Park.
For UT students, the RecSports turf fields are nearby and well kept.
