The University of Tennessee has been a major presence in Knoxville for over two centuries and is today an institution of nearly 26,000 students and 400 academic programs. This is also where you will find Neyland Stadium, a 102,455-seat venue and arguably the most popular campus landmark. During fall Saturdays, it is a sea of orange and white as thousands of fans cheer on their beloved Volunteers football team as they go to battle on the gridiron.
Bring the family to the Knoxville Zoo, where more than 800 animals are awaiting your visit! Watch them live freely in Black Bear Falls, Chimp Ridge and Grasslands Africa – just a few of the exhibits that mimic real natural habitats. Make sure to take the young ones to the Clayton Family Kids Cove so they won’t miss their chance to learn how to milk a cow, dress up like a zookeeper, interact with the Kids Zoo animals and go for a ride on the Fuzzy-go-Round carousel.
Head to the Old City historic district for a fun night out. The historic buildings and warehouses found here preserve Knoxville’s days of old, what makes the area even more special its lineup of eclectic shops, antiques stores, trendy restaurants, cafés and nightclubs. The neighborhood really wakes up once the sun sets with enough live jazz, blues and rock and roll to keep you energized deep into the early morning
. The collection at the Knoxville Museum of Art is something not to be missed. Browse more than 700 pieces of work across five unique galleries and take part in one of the many lectures, workshops, concerts and family activities held here. If you are lucky enough to be around on a select Friday night, check out “Alive After Five,” a popular event featuring live music, beverages and finger foods – great for a family outing or a date night!
If you are in town for that big meeting, then you may already be headed to the Knoxville Convention Center. A variety of events take place here throughout the year, including major conventions, conferences, charity functions, formal banquets, live entertainment and more. Adjacent to the site is the beautifully landscaped World’s Fair Park and its landmark Sunsphere tower, so be sure to stop by for a unique photo opportunity!
Although widely popular for Volunteer sports, Knoxville is also home to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Upon your arrival it will be hard to miss the world’s largest basketball, standing 30-feet high and weighing in at 10 tons! Step inside for a tour to see exhibits like the Ring of Honor and Hall of Honor as you learn more about the individuals who have been inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame since its opening in 1999.
If you are looking to have quality family time or a few days of play with good company, start planning your trip to Knoxville, TN. Make your reservations with Choice Hotels to ensure a warm, cozy bed waiting nearby once this town has taken all of your energy by day’s end. Book your Knoxville vacation online today!