Don’t Let This Summer Slip by Without Enjoying It

Summer is a great time here in East Tennessee. It’s time to take advantage of it.

Rather than sitting around your home and reading or watching tv get out of the house, get out and have fun. Go someplace and do something you may never have done or haven’t done in in some time.

Your excuse may be you don’t want to do anything just by yourself. Don’t. Invite a friend or friends to join you. Another option would be to ask your family and make a day out of it. If they don’t have the time, take your grandkids. Just plan on having a great time and enjoy yourself.

What can you do?

How Long Has It Been Since You’ve Been to Downtown Knoxville?

Knoxville is a fantastic city. There are many different things to do. Here are some of them. The best part is most are free.

A starting point is Market Square. Take your time and wander around. Enjoy a free concert or even a play by Shakespeare. Visit the shops. If you find yourself getting tired, sit for awhile and do a little people watching.

Close to Market Square is the East Tennessee History Center. The Museum of East Tennessee History is located there. Spend time at the museum and learn about the people, places, and events that have made East Tennessee into what it is today.

Also nearby is the Knoxville Visitors Center. There you can sit in on the WDVX Blue Plate Special. This is the live music show put on by WDVX radio station from noon to 1 p.m. daily.

A Short Walk Away is . . .

. . . World’s Fair Park. Stroll through the park and take in the sites. Of course, you definitely have to go up in the Sunsphere. If you get tired, take a break. Just sit and relax. Many events are held in the park. You may want to check ahead of time to see if an event may be of interest you.

Near World’s Fair Park is the Knoxville Museum of Art. This museum focuses on the rich culture, old and new, of the Southern Appalachians. On display you will find the art of artists from here in East Tennessee.

Two “Must Sees” on the UT campus

The next place to check out is the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture. It is on the campus of the University of Tennessee. This museum has exhibits on anthropology, geology, archaeology, human origins, history, decorative arts, ancient Egypt, and natural history.

Also on the campus is the University of Tennessee Gardens. In these gardens, you can view a wide variety of flowers, herbs, tropical plants, trees, shrubs, vegetables and ornamental grasses.

Another Great Place is . . .

. . . the Ijams Nature Center. Here you can connect with nature. Step out of your city or urban life and into a more rustic place filled with rocks, rivers, trees, trails, owls and salamanders. You can hike, bike, paddle, stroll, learn or simply enjoy the day.

Many visitors to East Tennessee are enjoying these places every day. It’s about time you did, too. The nice thing is you don’t have to check out all of these at one time. You can visit one or two a day and go back to those you really enjoy.

You can stagger your visits out over the summer. That way you’ll have something to look forward to.

Here is more information on each of these to help you plan your visits:

Market Square

18 Market Square
Knoxville

Museum of East Tennessee History

East Tennessee History Center
601 South Gay St.
865-215-8830
Hours: Mon-Fri: 9am-4pm; Sat: 10am-4pm; Sun: 1pm-5pm
Admission: Seniors -$4.00; Free on Sundays

WDVX Blue Plate Special

Knoxville Visitor Center
301 South Gay St.
Hours: Noon to 1 p.m.
Admission: Free

World’s Fair Park and Sunsphere

963 Worlds Fair Park Dr.

Knoxville Museum of Art

1050 Worlds Fair Par Dr.
Hours: Mon: closed; Tue-Sat: 10am-5pm; Sun: 1-5pm
Admission: Free

McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture

1327 Circle Park, Knoxville
Hours: Mon–Sat: 9am–5pm; Sun: 1-5pm
Admission: Free

University of Tennessee Gardens

2518 Jacob Dr.,
865-974-7324
Admission: Free

Ijams Nature Center

2915 Island Home Ave.
865-577-4717
Admission: Free