I’m putting this out a week before the event to give everyone time to register for several portions of the event which are free, but require pre-registration.
First, a couple of personal notes: I’m probably going to skip some publication days in the coming weeks because I have travel plans. I intended to be on the road this weekend but, unfortunately, our little bubble has its first case of COVID-19, with the positive test for Urban Girl. She’s not really feeling badly, so that is good, but we were exposed, so we’ll go into lock-down for a few days and then test. I have a trip planned for the next week and probably won’t post much then.
All of which brings up an important point for everyone to note: COVID-19 cases are rising rapidly in Knox County. At the beginning of April, there were 153 known active cases in the county. That number has increased each week since and we now have 780 known active cases (clearly a fraction, since most people home test). The number is similar to that at the beginning of March. We’ve had a 72% increase in the last two weeks. It’s time to resume being a bit more cautious. Consider masking in crowds.
On to happier things:
Bike, Boat, Brew, and Bark (June 4)
Visit Knoxville sponsors Bike, Boat, Brew, and Bark, which it started several years ago. As the name makes clear, it celebrates much of what we love about the city, including all things outdoors. The event site moved to the Knoxville Adventure Collective last year and it will return to that location. There are plenty of free, fun activities that run throughout the day, and there is also a lengthy list of scheduled activities. Many activities involve walking, biking, and boating and the number of options have been increased this year.
Starting at 10 a.m., B97.5 will broadcast live from the location and Bike Walk Knoxville will host a Guided Urban Bike Ride. It’s a great way to enjoy a ride with others regardless of your experience level, but it’s also a great way for novices or timid cyclists to become more comfortable with the great local spots to ride. Carol Evans of Legacy Parks will lead a guided hike to Morningside Park, a great greenspace right on the edge of downtown. Also at 10 a.m., you can join in with Keep Knoxville Beautiful for a rewarding clean-up activity at Second Creek.
Jack Neely will lead one of his great history walks along side the river, starting at 10:15. Just a few minutes later, I’ll lead a group in a walk around downtown in which we’ll discuss new businesses, development, a touch of history, and I’ll answer every question you’ve ever wanted to ask me. Unless it’s something I don’t want to answer. We’ll have fun, I promise. There are also four different slow rides to choose from, each of which lead to a different local breweries.
Throughout the day you can stop by the Young-Williams booth, or the Adopt a Golden booth. You’ll find discounted greenway and mountain bike rentals, e-bike demos, Frisbee golf demos and more. Several local attractions are offering free admission, including the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (with a scavenger hunt), James White Fort, and Blount Mansion. New this year, there are free open-session yoga classes starting every fifteen minutes.
If you want to try out the water, you can pick your style and go for it. If you want big, the Volunteer Princess is offering two Sightseeing Casino Cruises and a Dinner Cruise. If you want small, you’ve got a kayak open session with an instructor. In between, you’ve got a Pontoon Boat Ride to Sutree Landing Park, or a cruise on a Knoxville Cycleboat. To end it all, there will be a Sunset Paddle at 7:15.
Lunch is also covered without leaving the site. Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse is offering local craft beer and $10 burgers and steak sandwiches, while Knoxville Adventure Collective will have brats and even more craft beer.
It promises to be a fun day for anyone who loves the outdoors, so bring your pup, if you like, and come on down.
If you’d like to join one of the walks or organized bike rides, they are free-of-charge, but participation is limited and you must make an advance registration by the day before the event. Reservations to all walks and rides must be made here.
If you are one of my readers, I have to guess you are interested in downtown development and business and I’d love the chance to walk around with you while talking about just that. Who knows? I might accidentally spill a secret or two.