The Un-Official Start To Summer!
Fun things for a Memorial Day weekend!
Lakeside at the Point Marina – Staff Photo by Jeff Depew
Memorial Day is on the horizon and with it comes the unofficial start to Summer 2013! Many are looking forward to a much needed three day weekend and planning some fun activities to fill the time. If a quick jaunt to the beach just isn’t in the cards for the holiday weekend, do not fret. There are plenty of activities to do within an hour or so of home. Locally, Memorial Day is considered the beginning of boating season. If the weather cooperates, the Cherokee and Douglas Lakes will be filled with pleasure boats. For those that would like to spend a little time on the water but need to rent a craft or are looking for a speedy toy to rent for the day, most of the local Marinas have rental craft and water toys. Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency will have a strong presence on local waters over the holiday weekend and they will be tasked with keeping the lakes safe for everyone to enjoy. Remember that alcohol consumption and boating do not mix well.
For those that like to look at the water or take an occasional dip but are not in the boating frame of mind, Cherokee Dam and the Great Smokey Mountains National Park offer “beach” opportunities for sunbathers and swimmers. The public outdoor swimming pool in Jefferson City will be open for the season on Saturday, May 25, for those that prefer a chlorinated swimming experience.
Landlubbers in the area will have plenty of activities to pick from for their Memorial Day celebration. Sports enthusiasts will be happy to hear that the Smokies are in town for Memorial Day weekend. Take it to the Lake will be coming to Morristown and the headliner for the event is Dustin Lynch. Fireworks, games, food and a great concert will be on tap at Cherokee Park and admission runs between $5 and $10, depending on what you choose to do.
Those looking for a unique camping experience should check out Edgar Evins State Park in Silver Point, Tennessee. They will be having a campsite decorating contest and winners will get a free stay at the campground. There are also boat tours for wildflower viewing however some restrictions apply.
There will be a ceremony at East Tennessee State Veteran’s Cemetery on Lion’s View Pike in Knoxville on Memorial Day at 2:30 pm.
Locals out on the water for Memorial Day can zip up to Lakeside at the Point on Douglas Lake and get a taste of Summer. They are flying fresh shrimp in from Florida so those looking for a great bucket of peel and eat should make their way waterside, because the ambience of Summer is in abundance there. If food is an important part of Memorial Day, a drive to Chattanooga may be in order. The 3rd annual Beast Feast at the Chattanooga market will be knee deep in sauce on Saturday and the food is worth the drive. If a little down time is a part of the weekend plan, you can’t beat a pizza and a movie. Scooby Doo and the Blue falcon is a sure hit for most ages( who doesn’t love those meddling kids) and Jack Reacher may be just the fix for action movie junkies. Grab one of Walt’s great pizzas at Dandridge Pizza and More, a little popcorn and the stage is set for a laid back weekend.
Whatever way the celebration takes place, enjoy the opportunity to celebrate and be thankful for the men and women that made Memorial Day 2013 possible.
