Back to School is Cool!

Ok, so many of you are experiencing the bliss of back to school, but this mama is still at home with little ones waiting, actually praying for preschool to start soon, and very soon. So, I must embrace the job of motherhood this week and find something fun to do. Thus, we have FIFE.

With the weeks becoming more centered around school for most, I will try to offer ideas for both the preschool set as well as after-school ideas. Please pass on any ideas to me if you have anything fun going on in your area. FIFE is good!

Monday, August 18
Call me crazy, but I love a good 'ole country fair. I am just a sucker for corn dogs and funnel cakes. Today I think I might have to travel to Crossville, TN to get my fix. The Cumberland County Fair which runs from August 14-23 looks like a great reason for a road trip. (Please keep in mind my alternative...did I mention preschool is NOT in session yet?) Monday happens to be Special Needs Kids Day and doors open at 9am. I am assuming it is open to all. Today seems to have the most kid-centered activities available, and it is one of only two days the fair opens early.

Now, for the after school set. A. Get off bus B. Run, Play C. Do your homework and D. Check out this website for some amazing after school snacks to make yourself.

Tuesday, August 19
Those of you looking for a great park to discover, I'll bet you have never heard of Walker Springs Park. Here are directions: 700 Kidder Lane 37923 (I-40/75 to Walker Springs Exit, go north on Walker Springs, approx. 1mile, Kidder Lane on the left.) Total park acreage (20) – Natural Trail (.1 mile) - Paved Walking Trail (1 mile) - Picnic Gazebo Area – Picnic Table (1) – Playground (1) – Restrooms (1); Take time to discover the Cavet Station Greenway while you're there. Pack a lunch, you'll find plenty of shade. Also, riding toys are a great bring along. A shout out to JD for turning me on to this park.

This would be an ideal place for after school kids as well. Stop by Sam's Club for a cheap after school snack, or a gallon of whatever you need, and head to the park for some after school romping or a quiet place to work on homework.


Wednesday, August 20
For the preschool set, today would be a good day to visit the Alex Haley Children's Defense Fund Farm in Clinton TN. Haley Farm is a beautiful 157-acre farm that once belonged to Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alex Haley. So why drive 30 miles outside Knoxville? Today is free apple picking! Bring your own container and apple picking pole. The farm is open to the public Aug. 20-21 and is typically exclusive to conferences and training. I hope to make the trek and check it out. Anyone know where I can find a apple picking pole?


As for those hungry kids getting off the bus, head to TCBY in Farragut Wednesday is 99cent waffle cone nite- a big shout out to JK who told me about that!

Don't miss the Food City Race Day! at the Knoxville Expo Center. Nascar drivers, cars, free food sampling and commercial characters galore. Doors open at 3:00 so and children under 12 are free. Check out the website for the full rundown. Vrooom!

Thursday, August 21
My ideas are running a little thin for today, so I decided to pass on someone else's brilliant ideas from Daily Candy. They were just too cute to pass up, and because I am not into plagarism, I thought I would give them credit! These back to school ideas rock, much like yourself.

I recently learned about a wonderful organization that you should know about too- it is called Girls on the Run. Go to www.GOTRKnoxville.org to learn more and see if your child's school has a chapter. This organization teaches girls valuable lessons surrounding fitness, healthy choices and all around confidence building through running. They goal is to build up to a 5k run for every pre-teen. You go girl!

Friday, August 22

Make your walk in the park worthwhile- get a 60 minute full body workout while pushing your stroller! If you have not checked out Stroller Strides, now would be the time. Classes meet at various parks in the area with varying times. So many opportunities to get healthy. Check out the website to learn more. The first class is free! If you decide to try this out, today would be the day! Lisa Druxman, the founder of Stroller Strides is coming to Knoxville on Friday, August 22. Lisa is a nationally recognized speaker and author and considered an expert in the field of fitness, particularly pre/postnatal fitness.

Let's hear it for the weekend! Back to school is officially accomplished for most (hmmm. preschool?) so, way to go. Now let's focus on the fun stuff. Did you know Maryville is home to the endangered Drive-In? It is open on Friday and Saturday, and it doubles as a flea market too. Eureka! The Parkway Drive-In is located in Maryville on Lamar Alexander Parkway. Check it out today and see Mama Mia or The Mummy.

If downtown Knoxville is more your style check out Summer Movie Magic at the historic Tennessee Theatre. Today's showing is Gone With the Wind. Showtime is at 8pm and tickets are $6 - $8. Frankly, you should get out!

Saturday, August 23
Typically, weekends are not featured on FIFE, but I recently got tipped off to a great happening in Knoxville that deserved an exception. The Museum of East Tennessee at the History Center (601 Gay St.) is having a grand opening this weekend. It could fill your Saturday with fun stuff to do from 10-5. Admission is free and so is parking at the Locust and Market St. Garage. There will be music, re-enactors, free films at the TN Theatre and crafts-people. Come learn the story of East Tennessee. More festivities continue on Sunday. See all times and details at www.east-tennessee-history.org