Knoxville Tennessee Travel Information
Knoxville, the largest city in East Tennessee, may not appear at
first glance to be the most scenic city as you enter amid fast traffic
on Interstate 40. But exit the interstate and you’ll find exciting
sporting events, a variety of restaurants and shopping, historic sites
and outdoor recreation set against the backdrop of the nearby Smoky
Mountains. Located where the Holston and French Broad Rivers
join to form the Tennessee River, Knoxville has been a center for
trade since James White built a fort here in 1786. During the late
1700s, the city was the state capital and home to a newspaper and
college which later became the University of Tennessee. There was no
clear-cut allegiance to either side in Knoxville during the Civil War
with sympathizers on both sides. Downtown Knoxville is centered
on Gay Street and clustered with business skyscrapers. Sites to visit
here include the Lamar House-Bijou Theatre, first an 1816 tavern, then
a hotel until a theatre was added 1909. Nearby, the 1928 Tennessee
Theatre, once home to silent movies, still houses a “mighty Wurlitzer”
organ and features live shows today. History-laden sites to see
include Blount Mansion, seat of government in the U.S.’ first
territory from 1792-1796 and the East Tennessee Historical Society
Museum, featuring regional history from the mid-18th century forward.
Civil War sites include the Confederate Cemetery where 1,600
southerners rest and the Knoxville National Cemetery where 9,000 Union
troops lie. Nearby is the Old City, a group of cafes, unique
shops and music clubs ranging from rock to jazz to the blues housed in
turn of the 20th century buildings. Upscale lofts have drawn
residents to call this unique area home. Not far away is the site of
the 1982 World’s Fair, home to the 26-story high Sunsphere, the
restored L & N railroad station and the 1919 Candy Factory, where more
than 100 kinds of candy are sold. The University of Tennessee
with its 500+ acres and 25,000+ students is an important part of
Knoxville. Thousands of orange-clad fans flock to Knoxville each year
to watch the Tennessee Volunteers play football in Neyland Stadium,
the third largest in the country. Thompson-Boling basketball arena is
home to UT’s men’s team and the famous Lady Vols, coached by Pat
Summit. Volunteer Landing has become a destination for Knoxville
residents and visitors alike with its replica of James White Fort and
selection of restaurants. The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
features a huge basketball on top of its building and plenty of
memorabilia. Jump on the Tennessee Riverboat for a cruise on the
Tennessee River or climb aboard excursion train “Three Rivers Rambler”
for a sightseeing trip. The arts are alive and well here with
museums such as the Knoxville Museum of Art and the East Tennessee
Discovery Center for children. Knoxville has a symphony orchestra,
opera, ballet and stage company. Baker-Peters Jazz Club housed in a
1860s home, features live jazz six days a week. The natural
surroundings of the Knoxville Zoo are home to 225 species of wildlife.
Explore nature on your own along six miles of trails at Ijams Nature
Center. UT Gardens presents over 2,000 annuals and perennials plus
water gardens. Knoxville dining runs the gamut from traditional
Italian fare at Naples to some of the best hamburgers around at
Litton’s. Shopping is popular along Kingston Pike, which parallels
I-40 and also offers a wide range of restaurants. Knoxville is
located in the geographical center of the eastern U.S. and at the
intersection of Interstates 40, 75 and 81 about three hours east of
Nashville.
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