Marble City Weather
The mountains surrounding Knoxville temper both hot summer winds and arctic blasts, giving the city its mild climate. Less than a foot of snow falls in the city during the winter, and it's rare to see it stay on the ground more than a few days. Winter highs in the 50s are ideal for hikes or sightseeing, while nighttime temps rarely dip below the freezing mark. By mid-March, Bradford flowering pear trees around the city burst into bloom as temperatures warm, creating a stunning visual display. With all the flowers in the air, be sure to pack your allergy medicine. The mountains do nothing to stave off humidity, however, so plan a summer outing to one of the city's three rivers or a waterpark.
Activities For All Seasons
Take a ride to the observation deck of the Sunsphere, towering more than 250 feet above World's Fair Park. Splash in interactive fountains to beat the summer heat, and marvel at a geyser gushing one story into the sky. In wintertime, glide around the Market Square ice skating rink. You'll find the square bustling with activity throughout the year—a farmer's market runs from May through November, and you can dance to a different tune during the summer concert series. Marvel at some of the city's oldest and largest buildings on Gay Street. Here's where you can also get gussied up for concerts and plays in the palace-like atmosphere of the historic Bijou or Tennessee theaters.
Doing Business
Boasting one of the best employment outlooks in the country, Knoxville has major industries centered around education, healthcare and public utilities. Energy is king here, and the headquarters of the Tennessee Valley Authority is in the city. Not only does the TVA provide electricity throughout the state, water release schedules from its dams will figure greatly in your plans should you wish to take any whitewater kayaking or rafting trips. The city's steady growth is bolstered by Knoxville's telecommunication and fiber-optic infrastructure, which attracts major corporations, like the headquarters for Regal movie theater chain and Ruby Tuesday’s, to the area.
Getting Around Knoxville
Getting to Knoxville is easy, because the city is served by major airlines, bus and rail service. Ride a trolley along the downtown loop or on branch lines serving the University of Tennessee and the Old City. See city sights from the unique perspective of the water on the blueway that stretches along the Holston, French Broad and Tennessee rivers. Rent a canoe or stand-up paddle board at the outdoor Knoxville Adventure Center at the downtown waterfront. You can also rent a bicycle from KNX Regional Bicycle Facilities to pedal along the river or venture to about 60 historic buildings downtown.
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