adventures in tennessee | ijams nature center | THE KLACKNERS

5.06.2014

adventures in tennessee | ijams nature center

i spent this past weekend in knoxville with my college bestie. the weather was absolutely glorious on saturday and we knew we wanted to spend as much time outside as possible. so we headed out to ijams nature center which is just across the river from downtown knoxville.  neither one of us had ever been there, and it's always fun exploring new places! y'all know how much i love adventures.

this nature center was really beautiful. we took the trail that leads to a gorgeous view of the tennessee river and has a fun riverfront boardwalk. the boardwalk is built into the rock and looks like something that swiss family robinson would have made. those crafty swiss robinsons.

we sat on the rocks by the river for a bit, soaked up the sun, talked about life (the ups and the downs), and decided that the cows on the hillside across the river had it so easy. seriously, all they have to do is eat grass and moo. #cowlife

the weather in tennessee this time of year really is the best. our temperatures average in the 80s, but we don't have the incredibly high humidity yet. however, that will hit us before we know it. warm days and cool breezes for now, though.











i absolutely love adventuring with my best friends. exploring new places and making memories. of course, nat has long-term memory loss (i'm allowed to say that...she knows it's true), so i'll have to remind her about this day and how we sat on the rocks and talked about life a year from now, but that's what friends are for...to remind you of the good days, the memorable moments, the heart to hearts, and the things that are true.

how do you adventure?
meg pitts said...

That place looks fun! We love finding places like that! We were so excited when we found a great park with a river and trails about 10 minutes from our house! The joys of living where we do now!!

Kristina said...

That looks like a fun adventure. And so beautiful! I wish it was already warm enough for chacos and shorts in Germany :)

Rachel Cox said...

such great pictures! Makes me want to go outside all day todaY! So much fun!

Christina Main said...

Those are some seriously cool photos, chica!!!

Amy Hodgdon said...

I love this photo-filled post! Beautiful adventures I must say! Isn't it amazing to be in God's creation and explore new places!!?? Love it!

Samantha@Elah Tree said...

So many beautiful pictures! Love it! I'm so excited to go to Tennessee! I love this mid-west!

Olivia Driver said...

I LOVE Tennessee! I'm from TN and it'll always be home to me! :) Beautiful pictures!

Beka Johnson said...

What a fun weekend with your friend! My husband is super adventurous and we are always traveling somewhere. cows! I love cows. We see them a lot because of all the driving we do. I think they have a pretty easy life too ... until they get eaten =( I decided that if I should ever own a cow I'd name it 'mignon' and then I probably wouldn't ever eat him because he would be my pet.

Natalye said...

Beautiful photos! Next time I visit Knoxville, this place is definitely on my list!

Caitlin | The Siren's Tale said...

This nature center looks amazing! So glad you were able to have a fun adventure with your college bestie... I mean, is there anything better?! I love adventuring in the woods, in nature, and at farms!

Megan McIlvaine said...

oh fun!! it's nice to having something that close! most of my favorite hiking places in chatt are closer to downtown and the mountains, but it's only like 20ish minutes...so not bad :)

Megan McIlvaine said...

ah! when does it start warming up there?
i have been so excited about our warm weather these days and getting to ditch the coats and sweaters for a while :)

Megan McIlvaine said...

haha thanks!! if i could take my computer and work outside every day, i totally would :)

Megan McIlvaine said...

thanks friend!! it was such a beautiful place!

Megan McIlvaine said...

thank ya! and yes!! i love how creative God is..that is one of my favorite parts about adventuring...getting to see places and things he has made.

Megan McIlvaine said...

yay!! i'm excited for you! you are going to have such a great time!
warning: it's starting to get a smidge humid ;)

Megan McIlvaine said...

oh fun! where in tennessee? it seriously is a beautiful state.

Megan McIlvaine said...

oh my goodness..that made me laugh out loud. mignon. please buy a cow and name it that!! :)

Megan McIlvaine said...

yes!! it's worth the visit...even if just for the view of the river :)

Megan McIlvaine said...

i always feel so refreshed after an afternoon adventure. it makes my heart so happy :)

Kristina said...

Haha I can totally relate to the excitement! Well we just have a real spring season in april and may where it's in the high fifties and low sixties. Nice to be outside but not quite warm enough for shorts and sandals. But in june it really starts to get warm. I can't wait :D

Elizabeth Mayberry said...

so much greeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen!

Amy said...

could i just eat grass and moo please. ;)
what a beautiful place to go walking, and i'm with beth SO MUCH GREEN! i love it...love all hte pictures you captured and yay for close friendship time.

Brittany said...

I came across your blog from the Jack of All Trades Link Up. Your photography is absolutely stunning. I may have to plan a trip to Knoxville with my son, he's love this!

Jess Elyse said...

I really wish we had more spots like this where I live. Places like this are definitely in the more northern part of the state. If I did have a place like this though, I would definitely be there all the time!

Megan McIlvaine said...

yeahhh. it looks like that around here these days. it's all those april showers.

Megan McIlvaine said...

seriously though. i know...so green. it was a little breathtaking!

Megan McIlvaine said...

thank you so much! you totally should! knoxville has some beautiful places to visit!

Megan McIlvaine said...

you should take a girls' weekend and go on an adventure!

Elizabeth Mayberry said...

it is greening up here a bit... all those april blizzards!


Oak + Oats
Would you take a moment to click over to my fundraising page and prayerfully consider supporting me? I would really apprieciate it! XOXO