For many growing up in the Union County Community, summers were spent on the water. I know for my family personally; my parents and brother tell stories of summers on the houseboat, and I remember always taking a trip to what I would call the “hole tree island” to camp.
Every summer, we would take the boat out and take a trip to one island on Norris Lake to go camping. The special part of this island was that there was a singular tree in the middle of our camping area that had a perfect hole in the side of the tree. This simple indention became a cooking pot for my imaginary kitchen for many years.
Memories like these were a staple to my childhood summers, and now, families can make many similar memories with new additions to the community.
Whether it be visiting Norris Lake for a day in the sun or visiting the new splash pad in Maynardville for a quick cool down from the summer heat.
Families can visit the farmer’s market every Saturday at the new Union County Farmer’s Market Pavilion to pick up some fresh produce and support local farmers and small businesses in the community. The farmer’s market vendors provide everything from produce, meat, homemade baked goods and sweets as well as arts and crafts.
If you are unable to shop at the farmers market or rather pick up some produce, you can easily order online and pick it up on Saturday mornings from 9:30 to 11 o’clock in the morning.
Big Ridge State Park is a great spot for anyone as they offer hiking trails, camping spots, a boat house that has canoes, kayaking and paddle boarding as well as numerous events throughout the week.
These events vary from morning kayaking trips led by one of the park rangers, the famous ghost house trail hikes, making bird houses, junior ranger camps, and soap making. In order to register for these events, you can simply visit the Big Ridge State Park website and register for whichever event you are drawn toward.
The Winery at Seven Springs Farm offers numerous events for a couple or friends’ night out with trivia, bingo, farm tours with axe throwing, wine tasting and alpacas as well as weekly Friday After 5 and Mimosa Sunday events
Along with this, families can visit the Union County Opry to hear bluegrass and country music from artists such as Exile on July 16, Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers on August 20, and the Bellamy Brothers on September 10.
If you are looking to get your kids or yourself involved in education classes during the summer getting involved in a 4-H program is a great option for you. This summer the Union County UT Extension Office is offering canning classes on three different dates this summer including salsa, pickles, and pressure canning classes. Canning classes cost $25 and include all ingredients, jars and a UT Extension canning guide.
If community members are interested in participating in 4-H summer programs or extension classes the Union County Extension office is in the process of moving to its new location, which is at the Historic Snodderly House, 720 Main Street, Maynardville, TN 37807. The extension office will be open for business on June 27.
Along with these events and activities, Tennessee is one of the best places to be this summer. Whether you try something new in the community or take a day trip to the Smokey Mountains or Nashville, make sure to make memories that will last a lifetime in our beautiful community and state. It is never too late or too early to make a summer tradition that you will look forward to each year with you loved ones!