10 Things Tennesseans Are Always Itching To Get Out And Do Once Winter Finally Thaws
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Meghan Kraft
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Tennessee is a great state to experience no matter the time of year, both for the state’s expansive natural spaces and community-driven cities. Ol’ Rocky Top knows how to honor springtime weather with fun festivals and outdoor events, and there’s never a bad time of year to visit the mountains or the lakes scattered across the Cumberland Plateau. Every year, locals are counting down the days to the warm weather of spring to get outside and enjoy the beauty of Tennessee once again. Check out these 10 things Tennesseans are itching to do after the wintertime! You may just want to join.
The Sewanee Perimeter Trail is a full 21.5-mile trail located near Sewanee, Tennessee. It’s known for its moderate difficulty and the stunning wildflowers that stud the trailhead throughout the springtime season. It’s a popular mountain biking location, and visitors love to roam the loop trail come springtime.
The Anakeesta Theme Park is tucked high in the mountains of East Tennessee and though the outdoor experience can be accessed all year long it is best enjoyed when the hills are freshly green come spring. The adventure hub offers everything from mountaintop dining to zip lining and gondola rides.
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The family-friendly Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival is hosted every spring in the city’s Public Square. The event honors Japanese culture beneath blooming cherry blossoms, and you’ll have the chance to experience everything from tea ceremonies to origami and food booths. The event normally takes place in April, and it is completely free to the public.
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Tennessee is home to more than 10,000 caves, which means the moniker "Ol’ Rocky Top" is aptly applied. There are more caves in Tennessee than any other state in the nation, and the diverse ecosystems and rock structures make for a great experience. The spring season is a great time to explore since cave tours tend to be quite chilly. Pack a light sweater and drive through the lush wilderness of Tennessee to burrow deep beneath the surface, friends. It’s a wild ride!
Paris, Tennessee hosts the "World’s Biggest Fish Fry" every spring. In late April, you can visit the small town to enjoy some of the 12,500 pounds of catfish served up in spades. Don’t skip out on the rodeo or catfish race, either. The weeklong celebration is full of fun and great for families.
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There are 12 "great" lakes in Tennessee, from Chickamauga Lake to Center Hill and South Holston. When the weather gets warmer, you’ll find Tennesseans flocking to the waterfront to enjoy everything from stand-up paddleboarding to kayaking and canoeing.
You can’t skip out on a springtime hike! Locals love to visit one of Tennessee’s 56 state parks for family-friendly experiences like hiking, bird watching, and picnicking. Make sure you check the conditions of the trail you’re looking to explore, of course. Springtime can be wet, but the rain serves to nourish the seasonal wildflowers. This particular photo was taken in Window Cliffs State Natural Park in May. Just look at that greenery!
The small town of Columbia, Tennessee, located roughly an hour outside of Nashville, hosts an annual "Mule Day" during the spring season. The festival celebrates the town itself, one that has been known as the "Mule Capital" of the world. What began as a historic gathering for mule breeders has become a homing beacon for more than 200,000 people every Tennessee spring. Join in the fun during the four-day celebration for traditional Appalachian meals, dancing, music, and crafts.
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Don’t want to hike on your own? It’s a good thing Tennesseans are friendly! Check local message boards for hiking meetups throughout the state. When the seasons change, you’ll find all sorts of Tennesseans meeting new friends and joining in the fun of a new adventure by way of the humble hiking meetup.
Patio dining is popular no matter where you are in the state, but in Nashville, you’ll find some of the best balcony restaurants and honkytonks. Pictured is Rare Bird, a cocktail lounge situated high atop the Noelle hotel in the city’s downtown. Join locals ready to toast the new season with something strong when the weather shifts.
Tennessee during the warmer months is truly a magical place to spend a day or two, and the locals know how to get the most out of great weather. How many of these opportunities have you knocked off your list?
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