Knoxville, TN

Gateway to the Smokies

Knoxville is one of the largest cities in the Smokies.  Home to more than 175,000 people, this city offers activities to fit almost every taste.  From culture to museums, outdoor adventure to sports, Knoxville is a tourist destination unto itself.  If you are staying in the mountains and you are looking for a night out or just something a little bit different, Knoxville welcomes you to come experience the Gateway to the Smokies.

Knoxville, TN

In 1786, James White built a fort above what was to become downtown Knoxville.  From that point until the Civil War, Knoxville became a traveling point for people heading west.  The town grew as more people decided they liked the area and it became a transportation mecca as the railroad began to take over the south.  During the Civil War, Knoxville became a highly contested prize and was the site of several major battles.

As the industrial age grew, the railroad system in Knoxville made it the home of a thriving textile industry.  Though a lot of the manufacturing companies have moved on since then, Knoxville has reinvented itself into a town that welcomes all types of commercial opportunities and is even reinventing its downtown area into a tourism draw full of boutiques, galleries and eclectic food choices.  Knoxville is an every changing example of the character of the people of the southern Appalachians.

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  • Three Rivers Rambler - The Three Rivers Rambler is a train excursion that runs along to the Tennessee River.  This 90 minute train ride starts from the waterfront near downtown Knoxville and takes you on a ride through the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.  You will pass a lot of the history that has formed not only Knoxville but … Continue reading "Three Rivers Rambler"
  • University of Tennessee Football - Go Vols! Looking for some fun in the Smokies on a football weekend.  Plan your visit for a home game weekend and get those tickets early.  plan to sit with over 100,000 of your closest friends and cheer on the UT Volunteers (or their opposition) at one of the best football venues in one of … Continue reading "University of Tennessee Football"
  • McKay Used Books - One of my favorite places to shop in Knoxville is McKay Used Books, CDs, Movies & More.  Imagine, if you will, a library sized store selling every type of book imaginable at hugely discounted rates.  Add to that, shelves of music and movies, videos games and more and you have a shopping trip that might … Continue reading "McKay Used Books"
  • Mast General Store – Knoxville - In 2006, a Smoky Mountain tradition joined the newly renovated downtown area of Knoxville, TN – the Mast General Store.  The Mast General Store is what it was to people back in the turn of the century a store, carrying general merchandise and those things from our homespun past that bring back tons of great memories. … Continue reading "Mast General Store – Knoxville"
  • Tennessee Theatre - On October 1, 1928, a landmark was opened on Gay Street in Knoxville, TN – The Tennessee Theatre.  The first movie they ever played at this grand old theater was The Fleet’s In with Clara Bow.  From that time until today, this theater has been a cornerstone ofthe culture and history of Knoxville and East … Continue reading "Tennessee Theatre"
  • East Tennessee Historical Society - The East Tennessee History Center If you are looking to learn a little bit more about the history of the Tennessee side of the Smoky Mountains, then you might want to make a trip to Knoxville, TN.  In the middle of downtown, right on Gay Street is the home of the East Tennessee Historical Society … Continue reading "East Tennessee Historical Society"
  • Tupelo Honey Cafe - Fluent Flavor Spoken Here One of the premier restaurants in Asheville has recently expanded to the other side of the mountains.  Tupelo Honey Cafe strives to take southern cuisine to the next level.  They take the traditional and the extremely southern, you know soul food, and they turn it on ts head and put their … Continue reading "Tupelo Honey Cafe"
  • Knoxville Ice Bears - The ice glows as you walk into the arena.  You can feel the coolness of the rink seep into your bones.  You take your seats and get ready for the action.  The Ice Bears take the ice, the adrenaline starts pumping through the crowd.  The puck starts flying and if you are lucky, you might … Continue reading "Knoxville Ice Bears"
  • Haunts and Haints at Marble Springs - Two days before Halloween, the former home of Tennessee’s first Governor, John Sevier put on a new face and had some Halloween fun.  Marble Springs was the home of John Sevier from 1745-1815.  It has been kept as a historic landmark of the history of Tennessee.  Throughout the year, living history and educational tours happen daily.  … Continue reading "Haunts and Haints at Marble Springs"
  • Puleo’s Grille - It is nice to find a local chain of restaurants that you love.  One of those places in East Tennessee is Puleo’s Grille.  Puleo’s bills themselves as having ‘Southern Roots with Italian Heritage’ and they live up to that concept.  Their food is simply amazing, the atmosphere and the service is second to none and … Continue reading "Puleo’s Grille"

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