Rocky Top

I'll begin this entry with a disclaimer. Knoxville, Tennessee is one of my favorite places to visit in the world. It is likely (hopefully) where I will spend my "Golden Years". The maternal side of my family tree is rooted in East Tennessee, and I consider Knoxville my hometown. That said, I am unapologetically biased when it comes to this city and the surrounding area.

I would suggest that if you plan a trip to Knoxville, do as much research as possible beforehand. Knoxville is a wonderful city with TONS of options for entertainment, recreation, dining, etc., especially when you factor in the surrounding areas of Gatlinburg, Sevierville, and Pigeon Forge. I have been visiting the area 2-3 times a year for the last 20 years and I am still finding new things to do.

Knoxville is sometimes referred to as "Scruffy City", a rather dubious moniker, but one used fondly by some residents and business owners. Some of the scruffier buildings and areas are covered with vibrant murals, several of which feature beloved Tennessee icons such as Dolly Parton, Pat Summitt, and Candace Parker.

Speaking of Coach Summitt and Candace Parker, Knoxville is home to the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. Despite the dumpster fire that the Lady Vols basketball program currently is, Coach Pat Summitt built the women's basketball team into such a powerhouse and brought a spotlight to women's basketball in general, it was a no-brainer to put the Hall of Fame in Knoxville. I have visited the HOF twice and enjoyed it both times.

Knoxville is a sports town built around the University of Tennessee, of which I am self-admitted fanatic. Over the years, I have attended football, men's and women's basketball, baseball, softball, and volleyball games, and enjoyed them all. The gameday environment at Neyland is like nothing I've ever experienced, as there is likely nothing like it anywhere, starting with the Vol Village and Vol Walk to the Running of the T to 100,000+ fan singing "Rocky Top"! Did I mention that I am a Vol fanatic?

The UT baseball team is struggling to find itself after the departure of Coach Tony Vitello in the offseason to the major league San Francisco Giants, but one would be hard pressed to find a more enjoyable place than Linsey Nelson Stadium to watch a baseball game.

The sports scene isn't just limited to the Vols, as the city has professional hockey in the Knoxville Ice Bears, who play at the Civic Coliseum, and baseball in Chicago Cubs affiliate Knoxville Smokies. I haven't made it to either yet, but I intend to do so soon.

It's not just sports. Knoxville has a string of venues that host a variety of shows and concerts. The Tennessee Theatre is the most beautiful venues I've ever been in. I've seen Cody Jinks, The Steel Woods and Ashley McBryde there and I enjoyed the atmosphere of the venue every bit as much as the music. There's also the Bijou Theatre, the Auditorium at the Civic Coliseum, and Thompson-Boling Arena. Just outside Knoxville in Maryville, The Shed hosts many rock and country acts in a laidback, fun environment. Neyland Stadium has big shows like the upcoming Luke Combs show on May 2, which I will be attending.

I make it a point on each trip to walk along the Tennessee River and Volunteer Landing at least once. It's a particularly awesome sight on football gamedays when the Vol Navy is moored at the marina, but it's just as amazing every other day of the year.

While I usually take my walk along the river in the morning, an evening stroll is enjoyable, as well. Consider making a reservation for dinner at Calhoun's on the River. Great food with beautiful scenery is a win-win in my book.

The Rock is another University of Tennessee tradition. It is located near the Haslam Music Center, a short walk from Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Students paint it with murals, changing it regularly to reflect current events and also to woo visiting recruits.

This "travel blog" is about to take a personal detour. Pat Summitt is a legendary figure, not only in Knoxville, but all of sports. In my lifetime, I have been fortunate to meet many famous people ranging from Lt. Col. Oliver North to Eric Church. Name a pro wrestler and I've probably at least exchanged a handshake and a "Hello". No one has left me flustered and borderline speechless until I met Pat Summitt. For years, her steely gaze had intimidated me through my TV screen. A chance meeting had me at a loss for words, no small feat if you know me. To her immense credit, Coach Summitt was patient, kind, and every bit the class act I imagined her to be. I make it a point to visit Coach at Summitt Plaza on each trip to Knoxville.

One of Knoxville's coolest areas in Market Square. Restaurants, saloons, and shops frame a common area that at various times, houses community activities such as a skating rink, Market Square Madness (Lady Vol basketball rally), and farmer's markets. I suggest Ruby Sunshine, which is an offshoot of New Orleans' famous Ruby Slipper, for breakfast.

This is a long entry compared to most of my usual posts, but it doesn't even scratch the surface of what Knoxville has to offer.

I just got back from Knoxville yesterday and can't wait to get back. Fortunately, I won't have to wait too long as I will back the first weekend in May for the Knoxville Book Festival. I hope to see many of you there. More information can be found at Knoxville Book Festival | Your New Favorite Book Festival