Summer Heat, Boy and Girl Meet

            Are you trying to come up with a fun date for you and your spouse, or are you going on a first date and you aren’t sure what to do? Lucky for you, Knoxville offers a large selection of fun summer date activities for couples of all ages. I have lived in Knoxville my whole life and have experienced both good and bad dates. I realize some dates quickly turn south when you discover you actually don’t like the person as much as you thought you did. However, I have also experienced disastrous dates based on where we went or what we did. In order to save you from these same tragic experiences, I have listed some fun date ideas for you and your significant other right here in Knoxville.

Rockin’ Rides and Good Times

 If you are looking for a way to let loose and fill your day with lots of love and laughter, Dollywood is your answer. Only thirty minutes for downtown Knoxville lies Tennessee’s best Amusement Park and Water Park. Dollywood has it all from crazy rollercoasters to the best funnel cakes around. Whether you want to spend your day riding rides, floating in the lazy river, watching shows, or shopping for souvenirs, your trip to Dollywood will be an experience you never forget. For more information about directions, ticket costs, and hours visit http://www.dollywood.com/.

 

A Day in the Mountains

 

One day my previous boyfriend and me were feeling adventurous. We talked about doing something different and exciting for a change, so we decided to go hiking in the Smokies. There are many different trails to choose from but we picked to hike the Chimneys. Although I was a little nervous about going hiking, we ended up having a blast and the view was absolutely incredible. There are trials for people like me that don’t hike very often, as well as more challenging trails for more experienced hikers. You can visit the website, http://www.hikinginthesmokys.com/ to get more information about the various trails that the Smokies have to offer. 

 

On your journey to find the love of your life it is inevitable to prevent going on a few bad dates. However, thanks to Knoxville’s wide variety of enjoyable date options, you are less likely to experience an uncomfortable date. There are many other date options during the summer time such as putt-putt, concerts, and great restaurants. Make sure to pick something that you enjoy, and don’t forget to be yourself!

 

Winter Activities For Families in Knoxville

Christmas can be a stressful time for every family. Parents run around trying to figure out what Christmas presents to get, while kids are forced to study for midterm exams. What happened to Christmas being a relaxing holiday where you spend time with your family? I encourage you to take a moment and slow down, remember what Christmas is supposed to be about. Knoxville offers many different Christmas festivities that may be just what your family needs.  If you are looking for some fun ways to spend time with your family during this busy winter season here are some ideas that my family has really enjoyed.
 

Holiday on Ice

Located in the middle of Market Square is a huge outdoor ice skating rink. Every winter my family goes to Market Square, eats dinner, and then goes ice-skating. Although no one in my family has ever been any good at ice-skating, we still have a blast trying to save each other from falling and laughing at how bad we are. It is one of my favorite holiday traditions and I look forward to it every year.

 Holiday on Ice provides different fun activities depending on the day of the week. Mondays you can skate with the Knoxville Ice Bears and Chilly. On Tuesday kids enjoy skating with the Holidays on Ice mascot. Olympic Night is hosted on Wednesdays for those competitive families. Thursday they cater to college students, taking $2 off if you show your College ID. Friday and Saturday they provide fun DJ music and disco lights that you can skate to. Lastly, Sundays are dedicated for Family Fun Day. Decide which event sounds the most entertaining to you and your family and go. The rink will open on November 29, 2013 and will be closing on January 5, 2014. Admission is only $7 for children 12 and under and $10 for adults. The admission cost includes the skate rentals as well. Don’t let the weather be an issue. Rain doesn’t have to ruin your plans thanks to the large tent covering the entire rink. You can visit their website http://www.knoxvillesholidaysonice.com/ for more information.

Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland

Only thirty minutes away in Sevierville, Tennessee is Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland. It is a drive-through Christmas light show with hundreds of thousands of lights and synchronized music. Pile your family in the car, tune in to the radio station, and watch the lights change with the beat of the music. If the music and colorful lights don’t put a smile on your face, I don’t know what will. I went last year for the first time and I have been waiting to go back ever since. They have expanded the display this year and I am so excited to see their new theme, Santa’s Beach Party!

It is $20 for a car or family van and I was pleased to hear that Shadrack’s gives a large portion of the money they receive back to the community. They are open every night beginning November 8^th and ending January 5^th. The light show is from dusk to 10PM. Go ahead and pick a date because this is an experience you and your family won’t want to miss. For more information or details you can visit their website at http://shadrackchristmas.com/.

  It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas is just around the corner. Don’t get too caught up with the stressful Christmas chores and forget to celebrate what Christmas is truly about. Make an effort to spend more time with your family this holiday season. Take your family to one of these Christmas celebrations. It will raise your holiday spirit and leave your family with lasting memories.

Family Fall Activities in Knoxville

When fall begins many families are sad that summer is over and their kids' busy school schedule is starting back up, not to mention it is getting chilly outside. They get too busy and forget about some of the amazing fall activities Knoxville has to offer. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience these fall festivities with your family. They leave every family with an amazing memory or family tradition for the fall. 

Some of these activities include.... 

 

 The Oakes Farm Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

Oaks Farm Corn Maze opens September 21^st and last till November 3^rd. They offer two corn mazes, a kid’s maze that is 1.3 miles and a giant 3 mile long corn maze. The goal for the kids corn maze is to find 12 different posts and then find your way out. However, families with older children usually like to visit their haunted corn maze.

Oaks Farm also offers many other activities like hay rides, pumpkin patches, moon bounces, and more. My family has made it a tradition to come to Oakes Farm every year. After going through the corn maze we get our pumpkins from the pumpkin patch and take them home to carve them. We have been coming here for the past six years and it is something we all look forward to every fall. For more information about times, activities, and location you can visit their website at http://www.oakesfarm.com.

Boo! at the Zoo

Take your kids to Boo! at the Zoo to experience a safe and not too scary Halloween night. They are only open 12 different nights in October so go ahead and look up the dates so you don’t miss out. Kids dress up and trick-or-treat through the Boo! Trail, filling their bags with candy from friendly costumed characters. They also offer much more entertainment like music and games for you and your family to enjoy. My parents took me to Boo! at the Zoo when I was little and it was an experience I will never forget. Visit their website http://www.knoxville-zoo.org for more information and times. Go ahead and pick a date, it is something you won’t want to miss! 

I have lived in Knoxville my whole life and have visited many different fall celebrations, however, I have found these two to be my very favorite. Still, there are many other family activities your family can experience during the fall. You can take your family to a UT football game or you can even do something as simple as play in the leaves. As long as your family is doing it together you will have a spectacular time no matter what you choose to do!