Knoxville, TN in the spring

[Zorro]

My cousin is getting married! She's getting married in Knoxville! I've never been there before! It's in May, so it is therefore during the school year- this means I can realistically only take one personal day, Friday, (the day before the wedding) fly down in the morning, and I have to come home Sunday.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has any ideas as to what I could see or do during the day that Friday. It'll only be me- hubby and the three-year-old will not be going to the wedding. I love history things- old houses, museums, etc. A brief search shows that Knoxville seems to have a good amount of both, but I was wondering if anyone had any experience there, and could tell me which places are the Must See things.

[MidgardDragon]

Originally Posted by Zorro

My cousin is getting married! She's getting married in Knoxville! I've never been there before! It's in May, so it is therefore during the school year- this means I can realistically only take one personal day, Friday, (the day before the wedding) fly down in the morning, and I have to come home Sunday.

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has any ideas as to what I could see or do during the day that Friday. It'll only be me- hubby and the three-year-old will not be going to the wedding. I love history things- old houses, museums, etc. A brief search shows that Knoxville seems to have a good amount of both, but I was wondering if anyone had any experience there, and could tell me which places are the Must See things.

Hmm, I live in the Knoxville area, and honestly I don't know of what any of the "touristy" things are. Usually we head up the road to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, which if you have time during the day I'd personally suggest doing as that's where Dollywood and all the touristy things in this area are. I think it's about an hour's drive from the Knoxville area. As for things to do in Knoxville, the only big attraction I know of is the Knoxville Zoo. Do you know where exactly the wedding is taking place? There's quite a bit of area that people refer to as "Knoxville". As for history, I imagine there's quite a bit of historical things to see, although I'm not the person to ask, so I'll let others take it from here.

[Lainie]

Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are pretty touristy. So is Dollywood.

Are you into Civil War history? There's bound to be some of that in and around Knoxville. These links will get you started. May should be a nice time to do that kind of stuff, not too hot yet.

[MidgardDragon]

Originally Posted by Lainie

May should be a nice time to do that kind of stuff, not too hot yet.

Although if things don't change before then it may well be too wet to do anything meaningful outdoors. It feels like it's been raining all year here.

[Zorro]

Originally Posted by MidgardDragon

Hmm, I live in the Knoxville area, and honestly I don't know of what any of the "touristy" things are. Usually we head up the road to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, which if you have time during the day I'd personally suggest doing as that's where Dollywood and all the touristy things in this area are. I think it's about an hour's drive from the Knoxville area. As for things to do in Knoxville, the only big attraction I know of is the Knoxville Zoo. Do you know where exactly the wedding is taking place? There's quite a bit of area that people refer to as "Knoxville". As for history, I imagine there's quite a bit of historical things to see, although I'm not the person to ask, so I'll let others take it from here.

I don't know the exact location of the wedding or the hotel yet. My cousin's mailing address is Knoxville, not a 'burb. I have no plans to rent a car while there, so I'm basically confined to anywhere that I can get to via mass transit/public transportation or taxi or walking.

Originally Posted by Lainie

Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are pretty touristy. So is Dollywood.

Are you into Civil War history? There's bound to be some of that in and around Knoxville. These links will get you started. May should be a nice time to do that kind of stuff, not too hot yet.

Yes, I am huge into the Civil War! Thanks!

Originally Posted by MidgardDragon

Although if things don't change before then it may well be too wet to do anything meaningful outdoors. It feels like it's been raining all year here.

Eh, I'll feel right at home. We here in NJ have been trying like crazy to give Seattle its weather back this year!

I have another question...are there any areas of Knoxville I should stay out of?

[MidgardDragon]

I'm not that familiar with downtown, and there are the usual local prejudices, but I've lived here all my life and never ran into any major trouble. I'd say it's the type of place where you can easily stay out of trouble if you don't go looking for it. I wish you luck with the public transport situation. This place was not designed with it in mind so it's quite crap, but if it's in the city and/or downtown you might be alright on that front.

[Just Jocko]

Originally Posted by Zorro

I have another question...are there any areas of Knoxville I should stay out of?

I'd recommend staying out of the hospital or the morgue.

[Zorro]

Originally Posted by Just Jocko

I'd recommend staying out of the hospital or the morgue.

Yeah, that would ruin my whole weekend.

[WildaBeast]

Just remember, you parked under the Sunsphere.

...You mean Wigsphere! :-p