On my recent trip to Oak Ridge, Tennessee I decided to stay in Knoxville since it was only 30 minutes away and check it out. I wasn't sure what to expect but I found myself happily occupied. It be fair I didn't have a full 24 hours in Oak Ridge, but I imagine if I did I'd have found plenty to do. I started at World's Fair Park which was built for the 1982 World's Fair. The park includes an amphitheater, an interactive fountain and two huge lawns. Probably the most recognizable part of the park is the Sunsphere. It's the only one of it's kind and has a free observation deck. To me it just looks like a huge bingo dauber. It is accessible by elevator and there are informational plaques as you walk around the observation deck telling you what you are looking at. It was cool to go up in to get a better view of the city - for those of you who don't know me yet I LOVE observation decks. It makes me feel like I get a better view of the city when I can see it from above.

Another item from the 1982 World's Fair that isn't at the park but is nearby in the lobby of a Holiday Inn is the world's largest Rubik's Cube. It was a gift from Hungary, and was built to be rotated, but it doesn't currently move.

Next stop was to check into the hotel. I stayed close to Market Square which is walking distance from World's Fair Park for people who don't have issues walking (like me). Market Square has dining and shopping with occasional entertainment and is kid, pet and ADA friendly. I was there on a Tuesday which just happens to be when they have free jazz concerts in the evenings during the summer. I had dinner at Cafe 4 and just thinking about it makes me want to plan another trip asap! If you go make sure to get the Mac N Cheese - it may possibly be the best Mac I've ever had!

That's all the time I had on this trip, but there seems to be plenty more to do around Knoxville. If you're looking to add Knoxville to a roadtrip there's Oak Ridge, TN 30 minutes away, and Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge, TN about an hour away.

Have you been to Knoxville? What should I add to my list next time I visit?

#tennessee #northamerica #knoxville