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The city under the glittering Sunsphere proves to be as intriguing and fascinating as its skyline’s predominant feature.

The third-largest city in the state, Knoxville offers something for everyone, from the bleachers at Neyland Stadium to the banks of the Tennessee River.

FUN IN THE CITY
If there’s one thing that stands out in downtown Knoxville, it’s the iconic Sunsphere. Originally constructed for the 1982 World’s Fair, the 266-foot tower has become the most distinctive structure in the city. The fourth floor of the Sunsphere serves as an observation deck, and the fifth floor recently opened as the SkyBox Bar and Lounge.

The city also offers some unique boutiques, such as the Southern Market in Farragut, a collection of shops within a shop. Instead of opening their own stores, merchants rent spaces within the market to sell their merchandise, giving the venue its distinctive mix of furniture, clothes and crafts.

Speaking of crafts, the state’s oldest artisan’s guild holds its annual fall craft fair each November at Knoxville’s Chilhowee Park. The Foothills Craft Guild’s fall show displays more than 100 booths filled with fine arts, both modern and traditional, created by local artists.

Visitors looking for the stillness of nature can make their way to Ijams Nature Center. The 165-acre wildlife sanctuary includes walking trails, meadows and a boardwalk, as well as an educational center.

You can also go wild over the wildlife at the Knoxville Zoo, which features a wide range of animals, from lions, tigers and bears to pythons, penguins and red pandas.

PHYS ED
Sports enthusiasts will feel right home in Knoxville. As the proud home of the University of Tennessee Volunteers, the city offers countless varieties of games for every kind of fan.

Those who bleed orange can head to Neyland Stadium to see the Vols in action. The campus is also home to the University of Tennessee Football Hall of Fame, which showcases the history and spirit of the Big Orange.

The nearby town of Kodak hosts the stadium of the Tennessee Smokies, a minor league baseball team. The Cubs affiliate team plays around 70 home games a season, April through September, and the facility also houses the Smoky Mountain Visitor Center and on-site restaurant, the Double Play Café.

Another must for those on the athletics scene is the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. The 32,000-square-foot facility opened in 1999 and is dedicated to all levels of women’s basketball. Along with artifacts and trophies, the hall of fame features interactive exhibits and a court where guests can test their skills.

HISTORIC ROOTS
Take a peek into Knoxville’s past at a string of authentic historic sites, including the Armstrong-Lockett House & W.P. Toms Memorial Gardens. This house-turned-museum, known as Crescent Bend, dates back to 1834 and is filled with all sorts of impressive art and antiques. Known for its extensive silver collection, the property includes a 3-acre formal garden that descends to the Tennessee River.

Another well-known area to visit is the Old City Historic District, where visitors can experience a blend of past and present. The restored warehouse district features several historic buildings as well as unique shops, antiques stores, restaurants, coffee houses and nightclubs.

Take a ride back in time on the Knoxville Civil War Driving Tour, which stops along battle sites, cemeteries and museums.

Other notable spots include the Tennessee Theatre, a restored venue dating to 1928; Marble Springs Historic Site, home of first Tennessee governor John Sevier; and Beck Cultural Exchange Center, a museum of African-American achievements and culture.

WATER WORLD
Being nestled on the banks of the Tennessee River has its benefits. For Knoxville, one of them is the Tennessee Riverboat Co., which features the Star of Knoxville paddle wheeler that cruises along the river. The boat is available for day cruises or special events and has a climate-controlled main deck for year-round comfort.

Another hot spot is Volunteer Landing, a 1-mile riverwalk stretch featuring stores and restaurants, in addition to greenways, fishing docks and fountains for kids to play in.

Crowds gather near Knoxville’s Henley Street Bridge during Boomsday, the largest Labor Day weekend fireworks display in the nation. Held the Sunday before the holiday, Boomsday has become an all-day event, culminating with a 20-minute fireworks show, choreographed to music.

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Magazine:
Tennessee Home & Farm, Summer 2010 Edition Edition

Headline:
Get Your Kicks in Knoxville

Summary:
Legends of sports and history shine under the Knoxville's Sunsphere

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