Places to Cool Off and Beat the Summer Heat
You know that familiar Southern one-liner often attributed to an older man in a rocking chair as you walk up to his front porch on a blistering midsummer afternoon, right?
“Hot enough for ya?”
The resounding answer lately here in Tennessee—and across much of the nation—is not even an emphatic “Yes!” It’s actually a head-shaking “No! It’s not hot enough—it’s way too hot for me, thanks!”
Cue the arrival of a pitcher of lemonade and two glasses filled with ice cubes already beginning to soften in the humidity…
Yep, it’s steamy outside, as we’ve all noticed. And as we move into the meaty part of the summer—and yes, we mean that literally, with July 4th grills already getting ready to sizzle the hot dogs and burgers currently chilling in the fridge—residents of Wilson, Smith, and Dekalb counties are looking for ways to cool off. Often that means heading out to enjoy some watery fun with their families. From the pool to the splash park to the lakefront and beyond, our beautiful region of Tennessee is brimming with a full menu of possibilities.
**For any of our members’ clients who are interested in adding their own pool to a property, the checklist here from Wilson County Codes & Zoning is a helpful resource to consult for those who live within the county.
Now, here are some of the water-recreation options that we know of within the communities that EMTAR members serve and in a few in not-too-far-away locales as well.
Mt. Juliet:
This popular locale on Old Hickory Lake includes a sandy beach with a swimming area and picnic spots. Cedar Creek Campground offers 60 sites and limitless options for activities like boating, hiking, fishing, and relaxing on the swim beach. A picnic shelter located in the day use area may also be reserved on weekdays throughout the summer. (Cost: $5 per car.)
Ava’s Splash Pad @ Charlie Daniels Park
1075 Charlie Daniels Pkwy
This public facility is a ton of fun, especially for the little ones.
Looking ahead, Mt. Juliet has begun constructing a 14-acre recreational and aquatic center along Clemmons Road, with hopes of opening within three years. Not much good for this summer, but something to look forward to!
For more Mt. Juliet water options, visit the Parks & Facilities page here.
Lebanon:
Jimmy Floyd Center – Pools
511 N. Castle Heights Ave.
Indoor and outdoor pools, swim lessons, and more. Memberships available.
Don Fox Park – Wading Pool
416 Baird Park Circle
The park has four pavilions equipped with an electrical outlet, a grill, and eight picnic tables including a handicap-accessible table. There are 61 other picnic tables throughout the park, along with 17 other grills, a wading pool, and a walking track.
Located on Old Hickory Lake, Laguardo is a great day-trip destination. It offers a playground, boat ramp, and sandy beach to keep the kids and adults entertained. Also ideal for bank fishing. (Cost: $5 per car.)
Dekalb County:
Dekalb features the sprawling Center Hill Lake and its wide variety of water-related activities, from boating to swimming to fishing.
For more general information about the area beyond Center Hill, visit the county’s Parks and Recreation page here.
Smith County:
The Town of Carthage has a welcoming pool that was updated last year. Among other fun stuff, it offers water aerobics, pool parties, and season passes.
For more details about these and other Eastern Middle Tennessee pool and beach destinations, visit Nashville Fun for Families here.
Additional water-fun opportunities a bit outside of our area and across Tennessee include:
Nashville Shores — 4001 Bell Road, Nashville — a popular attraction just a few miles west of many of us, on Percy Priest Lake.
More Info
Wave Country — 2320 Two Rivers Parkway, Nashville — up by Opryland, so not too far from our communities.
More Info
SoundWaves — 2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville — actually within Gaylord Opryland Hotel, also not a long drive from most of our residents.
More Info
Boro Beach — 2310 Memorial Blvd., Murfreesboro — a fun spot a little bit farther south.
More Info
These next few get quite a ways from Eastern Middle Tennessee, we realize, but we’re throwing them for those who might want a road trip.
NOOGA Splash — 2389 Gold Point Cir N., Hixson
More Info
Dollywood’s Splash Country — 2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd., Pigeon Forge
More Info
Wild Bear Falls Water Park — 915 Westgate Resorts Rd | Gatlinburg
More Info
Wild WaterDome Waterpark — 190 Gists Creek Rd | Sevierville
More Info
No matter where and when you choose to find your way to the water: Have a blast and stay cool out there! (Or at least as cool as possible…)
About EMTAR: Chartered in 1969, our Association’s 1,200+ REALTORS® are a proud part of the 36,000+ members of Tennessee REALTORS® and of the 1.5 million+ members of NAR, all working to serve the public and protect the rights of America’s property owners. EMTAR members are known not only for their unmatched real estate excellence and high ethical standards, but also for being generous, hospitable, others-focused, loyal, hardworking, and eager to help wherever and whenever help is needed.