Our Adventures

Knoxville, TN

Of Tennessee's four major cities, Knoxville is second oldest to Nashville, which was founded seven years earlier. After Tennessee's admission into the Union in 1796, Knoxville was the state's first capital, in which capacity it served until 1819, when the capital was moved to Murfreesboro, prior to Nashville receiving the designation. The city was named in honor of the first Secretary of War, Henry Knox.

Knoxville is also the home of the University of Tennessee's flagship campus. The university's sports teams, called the "Volunteers" or "Vols", are extremely popular in the surrounding area. In recognition of this popularity, the telephone area code for Knox County and eight adjacent counties is 865 (VOL). Knoxville is also the home of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, almost entirely thanks to the popularity of Pat Summitt and the University of Tennessee women's basketball team.

McGhee Tyson Airport serves Knoxville and the Tennessee Air National Guard.

More. . .

Knoxville was a stop over in route to Nashville so we didn't venture out to see much. We stayed at the downtown CrownePlaza, another great hotel, and had a wonderful view of the Christmas trees on top of the tall buildings and what is known as "Old City" market place across the street. After resting for a while we went over the Old City to look around.

Old City is about 2 blocks long and consists of multiple eating establishments and bars. There are also those special boutiques that you don't find at the mall with great art work and odd gifts. Since it was cold, they actually had a fire burning near the front of the market on the walkway. There was an outdoor skating rink in the middle if you wanted to skate. Children and adults were truly enjoying the moment with Christmas carols playing in the background. This seems to be a part of their annual holiday setting.

Also in the market place you will fine statues regarding the history of Knoxville and the various struggles they have gone through. This is also home to the University of Tennessee which was once known as Blount College. You need more than just a quick stay to really enjoy what it has to offer. I40 is on our road trips a lot, so who knows, we may get back there one day and have the time to really explore "Old City".

Knoxville, TN