Social Distance In Style Tennessee, Outside

The rewards of immersing yourself into nature and embracing the gifts of the great outdoors are inexplicable. Our nation feels a united blanket of anxiety, as we ponder the risks of venturing out to Food City for eggs and bread. As we grow eager to explore the depths beyond our yard parameters, the world seems yet again an oyster. Here are a few ways to get out and enjoy early summer vibes in Eastern Tennessee and still be cautious during the global pandemic.

​By: Allie Bynum

Explore your own backyard, literally.

Gardening is a wonderful way to occupy time spent at home, whether it be weekends after work or throughout the week in quarantine. This is a great time to knock out house projects and get crafty. And what better way to fight the food-shortage-fright (hyped up by the media) than by planting some seeds right in your own backyard and harvesting some fresh veggies later this summer!?

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Go For A Bike Ride.

It is refreshing to change up the pace. Take a bike ride out to meander around the plethora of trails available in our backyard. Under these very special times, it is wise to do some research on trail accessibility and closures. Some trails will remain closed predicted until mid-June. It's worth a quick call to your local forest ranger supervisors to inquire about special circumstances. Along with enjoying our local recreation, we must protect and respect it!

Note from Writer:  My favorite way to enjoy the trail is by hooking up the Burley trailer and pulling the kiddo behind with a picnic packed & ready.

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Hone in on special skillz.

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Check out Johnson City's new Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park! The park has trails for all levels and a stellar pump track to practice your skills. The views of the city up here are lovely, and guests seem respectful of social distancing themselves from one another. Helmets are required to ride!

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Immerse Yourself In Local Culture.

Many local businesses have social distancing guidelines in place and allow you to support them in a safe atmosphere. The Noli Food Truck paired up with Scott's Strawberries is a Tennessee Girl's Dream come true (especially during a pandemic)! Scott's Farm Market is limiting how many customers may enter the market at one time, allowing you to purchase freshly harvested strawberries by the quart and gallon and support our local farmers. To keep the lines from growing too long, the Noli Food Truck is cooking up gourmet street food right in the parking lot with properly spaced picnic tables outdoors. Masks encouraged! 

Pro-Tip:  Try the Fresca Caliente chicken sammich with strawberry habanero hot sauce. YUM!

Quaint about al fresco.

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We live in such eclectic communities around the Tri! Get out and explore your local hometown art. You will be surprised at the creativity lurking in abandoned alleyways and long-forgotten city streets (not encouraging walks down dark, sketchy places). It is amazing to see all of the old and new building architecture and connect the past with the present in the places we grew up. What a time to be alive!

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The Space Age.

Nighttime is magical in Appalachia. With the constant reminders of full moon events, it can be fun to organize a date night with your camera and freshen up on night photography skills. Not to mention, the nostalgic feeling of seeing lightening bugs shimmer in the trees is worth setting up a backyard blanket fort for alone. Ah, Tennessee summers are the best! And speaking of space, is anyone else excited for the premiere of Space Force?

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Have Paddle, Must Paddle.

Get out and explore the many waterways that our region has to offer. Paddling is social distancing at its finest and makes you appreciate the beauty surrounding us at Boone Lake/ River, Watauga, and our beloved Noli.

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Catch a Movie at the drive-in.

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They were already doing social distancing way before it was a thing, and who doesn't love a good old-fashioned drive-in movie!? The Twin City Drive-In in Bristol shows movies rain or shine and allows you to sosh-dist as far away from others as you'd like.

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Get out of your comfort zone, within reason.

Getting outside can be a great way to challenge yourself and grow confidence but know your limits. While exploring locally and building new skills are good ways to get some fresh air, this is not an invitation to put yourself in unsafe situations. Know your strengths and know your limits. Also, can we do our absolute best to practice Leave No Trace and pick up after ourselves both in our local communities and around the natural land we recreate? :)