Spring has officially arrived, complete with warmer weather, sunny skies, and blooming flowers. It’s time to get outside and enjoy the season. There are many opportunities to get active and be social in Knoxville this spring, from yoga and sound healing to cycling and outdoor excursions.
Here are seven ways to stay healthy this spring:
1. Yoga at local breweries
People can’t get enough of this beer and yoga combo. And luckily for Knoxville, there are plenty of breweries jumping on the bandwagon with this one. Hi-Wire Brewing hosts weekly yoga sessions for just $6. Bonus: You’ll get half-off your first pint at the brewery if you go! It’s recommended that you reserve your spot ahead of time for this vinyasa flow-based class. You can register here.
If beer isn’t your thing, Radius Rooftop Lounge is hosting a beginner Acro Yoga and Mimosas class on April 24. Acro Yoga is great for increasing strength and flexibility along with fostering connection with others. Tickets are just $10 and can be purchased here.
2. Race for a cause
If you like to run and also want to make a difference, spring is the best time to do it. It’s not too hot just yet, and makes for the perfect leap into a summer of wellness. Added bonus? You get to support some great local causes. Try out the 12th annual Forget Me Not 5K for Alzheimer’s on April 16, benefitting the Pat Summitt Foundation. Or run in the annual Race for Kids 5K and Family Walk on April 23, hosted by The Catholic Charities of East TN, supporting the fight against child abuse and homelessness.
3. Relax through sound
If you’ve never been to a sound healing, you’re in for quite a different kind of wellness experience. Mystical Beginnings Shoppe is putting on a sound bath on April 20, which will include a guided meditation, Himalayan singing bowls, gongs, drums, and more. This is a perfect opportunity to let go of the daily stressors and allow yourself to recharge. There is no need to register, and participants are asked to pay $20 upon their arrival. You can learn more here.
4. Find a love for cycling
Roam Fest is coming to Knoxville on May 13-15. It’s a unique opportunity for female-identifying cyclists to spend a weekend trail riding at a fantastic riding destination. This three-day cycling festival includes gear demos, group rides, workshops, dance parties, and more. Sierra Nevada Brewing Company and friends will be serving donation-based beverages. For more information, check here.
5. Run for fun
Every Friday at 6:30 pm there is an opportunity for a social run for all levels starting from Pour Taproom. The run lasts for 3 miles and takes place throughout downtown at World’s Fair Park and the river walk. The run will end at Pour Taproom.
If trail running is more up your alley, Ijams Nature Center hosts a weekly trail fun run at Meads Quarry. Runners can meet on the trails every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. to get some exercise and then get $1 off pints at nearby Alliance Brewing.
Locally owned running store, The Long Run, hosts a group run every Tuesday night at 6:00 p.m. This run is for all paces and experience levels. It starts at the store and goes to Tom Black Track at the University of Tennessee. At the track, participating runners will get to do a workout designed by a marathon runner. After the workout is complete, all runners can head back to The Long Run to enjoy a free draft beer on the patio.
6. Stop and smell the flowers
The best of both worlds collide with a wildflower hike on April 13 at the Obed Wild and Scenic River. Come enjoy a ranger-led hike for free along the Nemo Area Trails complete with the chance to see dozens of wildflowers, all while being immersed in nature. Participants are asked to meet at the Nemo Picnic Area at 10:00 a.m. Info can be found here.
If this date doesn’t work for you, there is another opportunity on April 27 at Obed on the Lilly Area Trails. This hike will be ranger-led, and 4 miles in total along the Bridge Trail to view Lower and Upper Melton Mill falls. It will continue to the Point Trail, where hikers can enjoy the beautiful wildflowers in bloom. The hike will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Lilly Bridge on Ridge Road. Details can be found here.
7. Get out on the water
If you’re itching to get near the water, there will be a group kayaking experience led by Olympian Missy Kane, taking place on May 6 from 9-12 p.m. Paddle along the river and see a new view of Seven Islands State Birding Park. Kayaks and a shuttle service will be provided by the Knoxville Adventure Collective. Tickets are $10 and more information can be found here.