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Something new and fun at Zuma Fun Center

by: Brittany Vaughn

I was looking for something new and fun to do with my family, so we decided to go to Zuma Fun Center to see what they had to offer. We quickly saw that there was so much to do, we could definitely stay and play all day! There was an indoor fun area, as well as an outside play land to get everything we wanted out of our adventure.

The indoor area had a party room that included a show put on by dancing characters that performed while we ate. After everyone was full and ready for more, we went upstairs to the arcade area with games and pool tables. Downstairs there were some good old favorites like skeeball and the coin pusher! Around the next corner we found the race car and motorcycle games that were definitely fun for the kids to ride before we went to the next area.

Data Dog at the batting cages

Data Dog at the batting cages

Outside was definitely my favorite part of Zuma Fun Center. There were so many fun things to do, ranging from batting cages to mini golf! The bumper boats were a wonderful break from the heat outside. The kids thought it was hilarious to get everyone as wet as possible! There was a train, a swing area, and a play house that looked fun for small children to go through on the way over to the airplanes.

Now, for everyone’s favorite part of the day, GO CARTS! The go carts looked like so much fun! It made me think of the days when I was a kid. The extra curvy and hilly track seemed to be a blast for the kids. They rode at least 10 times in a row before I finally had to make them take a break. It looked like they were having so much fun racing, but I wanted them to have the opportunity to enjoy everything before we had to leave.

Our day at Zuma Fun Center was so much fun and I will definitely be going back soon! The kids won lots of great prizes and they had great time doing it! I learned while I was there that Zuma also books birthday parties and many other different types of special events. I know my little ones would love a Zuma Fun Center birthday party and it would be a well-received surprise!

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— August 3, 2010 at 3:26 pm

Blount Mansion in Downtown Knoxville, TN

by: Claire Binhammer

This week I took a stroll down Historic Gay Street in Downtown Knoxville towards the Tennessee River and decided to stop in for a tour of the Blount Mansion.  Built in the late 18th century for the first governor of Tennessee, William Blount and his family, the mansion still stands today and is a registered National Historic Landmark.

Blount Mansion in Historic Downtown Knoxville

Blount Mansion in Historic Downtown Knoxville

I began my tour at the Blount Mansion Visitor Center.  The tour began with a 10 minute video about the years leading up to the Blount’s arrival in East Tennessee.  William Blount was one of the original “fore-fathers” that signed the US Constitution and was sent by George Washington himself to settle in the territory south of the Ohio River.  Once this film was finished, we began our tour of the house and the grounds.

Our tour guide for the day showed us first into the Blount family garden, which actually contains brick from the original house on the pathways through the gardens!  The weather was perfect for our tour of the gardens and the breeze from the river made the experience very memorable.

Our tour guide took us through the back of the house and into the parlor.  It was really interesting to hear about the history of the people that lived in the house, to be able to see where rooms were added to the original house, and where old buildings once stood.  The tour led us upstairs into the loft where the Blount children lived, out to the kitchen, and finally to William Blount’s office.  I had a wonderful time listening to our tour guide talk about William Blount and his efforts to make Tennessee a state.

Tours of Blount Mansion are directed by dedicated volunteers and are given at the top of every hour, with the last tour at 4:00.  Blount Mansion is closed on Sunday and Monday.  If you are interested in volunteering or just visiting, please visit www.blountmansion.org or call 865-525-2375.

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— July 29, 2010 at 2:12 pm

From the Water – A trip on the Tennessee Riverboat

written by: Brittany Vaughn

The Tennessee Riverboat is one of the most unique experiences Knoxville has to offer. They have lunch cruises, dinner cruises and also host many different special events. The events range from concerts to banquets to holiday cruises. It is a fun family experience that everyone can enjoy. What a great way to explore the Tennessee River and get a chance to see some of Knoxville from a different perspective.

My experience on the Tennessee Riverboat was absolutely wonderful. I had a chance to do something away from the ordinary dinner and movie night, so I went on a night cruise.  Since it was dark out, the lights from the city were such a beautiful sight from the water. I had never seen the city from the water before!  We went on a straight away along the back side of the University of Tennessee Campus. There was a deck on top of the boat where you have a chance to walk around, enjoy the weather and get a great view.

The Tennessee Riverboat

The Tennessee Riverboat

In the lower deck area there are tables set up with a dance floor stage.  There was a D.J. and karaoke booth set up so we took turns all night singing our favorite songs. Everyone was having a great time dancing on the dance floor and singing along. The Riverboat staff also caters, so there was a buffet dinner set up in the lower deck area and the food was great and definitely added another reason to come back.

There was something for every age group to enjoy on our cruise, so everyone stayed entertained the entire time.   The scenery, food, and entertainment were all amazing. I will definitely take the time to go on a sightseeing cruise during the day.  I heard the Captain narrates the tour and you really get to take in the scenery.  The only thing I would change about my trip on the Tennessee Riverboat cruise was that I wished it would never end!

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— July 22, 2010 at 12:30 pm

Bright Lights, Big City

written by: Claire Binhammer

Over the Fourth of July weekend, I wanted to experience the best that Knoxville has to offer, so I stopped by the Knoxville Visitor Center to find out what I could do for the day.  “The Long and Winding Road” motorcycle trail map was one of the newest self-guided maps that Knoxville had to offer.  Even though I was in my car, this sounded perfect for such a nice weekend.  The map has a total of five wonderful trails taking you throughout downtown Knoxville, part of the Smoky Mountains, and through many of East Tennessee’s most popular national parks!  Since I was in Downtown Knoxville, I chose the Bright Lights, Big City trail and started on my way!

This trail allows everyone to experience the best of Knoxville!  The first stop on the trail was the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.  This building is unique because it has the world’s largest basketball right outside!  From there you have a perfect view of the Historic Gay Street Bridge, Volunteer Landing, and a Knoxville favorite, Calhoun’s on the River!  This was an excellent spot to see many places that I will definitely take time to visit on Volunteer Landing.

Tennessee Theatre

Tennessee Theatre

The next stop on the trail was historic Gay Street and many famous Knoxville landmarks.  We passed the Bijou Theatre and the East Tennessee History Center and Museum, two gems of the Knoxville area.  Next was the Tennessee Theatre, which I read has been recently renovated to resemble how it looked back in the 1920’s!  It now serves as the state theatre of Tennessee and hosts symphonies, rock concerts, and movies!  The buildings were absolutely breathtaking!  Everything looked like it had been there forever, but was so new at the same time.  It was gorgeous!  I can’t wait to come back and see the inside of these beautiful theatres!

Next on the trail were the historic S&W Grand, Downtown Grill & Brewery and Mast General Store.  The streets were filled with people shopping and having a good time.  Further up Gay Street, we found some of the old historic areas of town, including the Old City and old Knoxville High School.  Again, the buildings had so much history and beautiful architecture.  For the Civil War buffs out there, a stop by Old Gray Cemetery and National Cemetery must be included!

Next we went to old Broadway and Fountain City.  This small little town, just on the outskirts of Knoxville, is most famous for the Dogwood Arts trails they have in the spring.  The community boasts having the largest of the trails and is absolutely beautiful to drive through during the spring and fall months when the flowers bloom and the trees change color.  I will definitely have to come back to see the area in the fall.

We heard so much about Litton’s Market & Restaurant, famous for their world-class hamburgers, we had to stop.  I see now why their hamburgers are world-class! It was wonderful! Even though Litton’s definitely filled us up, we decided we couldn’t pass up some ice cream at the Creamery right across from Litton’s.  The ice cream was wonderful, but I was definitely full after that!

We went back for the rest of the trail through some historic home districts in north Knoxville, by the Knoxville Center Mall, the Knoxville Zoo, and finally by Chilhowee Park, home of the Tennessee Valley Fair!  We ended this beautiful trail by driving back into downtown Knoxville to enjoy the sunset from the Sunsphere.

It was a wonderful day in Knoxville!  Everyone should definitely stop by the Knoxville Visitor Center to pick up a trail map to experience Knoxville and much more of East Tennessee! Whether you are a motorcycle enthusiast or not, the trail is wonderful for everyone!

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— July 13, 2010 at 9:11 am

Using the Greenways to get from one side of Knoxville to the other

by Liz Lyons:

With the weather getting warmer, I find myself looking for any excuse I can to be outside. We are lucky here in Knoxville to have so many great parks-81 parks and over 40 miles of greenways to be exact. No matter what part of town you may find yourself in there will always be a green space to get some exercise or simply relax somewhere nearby.  You will probably even find yourself on the front of one of the seven lakes that touch the city!

Not only do we have an ample amount of parks here, but we also have wonderful greenways that connect each of these parks to each other. I have always heard that you can take the greenways from one end of Knoxville to another, but had never quite understood how this would work. After looking at the wonderful information on the City of Knoxville Website and the Knox County Parts and Recreation website, I realized that this would be highly possible.

Cove at Concord Park

Cove at Concord Park

While I have still yet to try to make it across town, I was able to take my dog and joined a friend and her five year old daughter and we set out to enjoy a nice walk every Saturday morning for the past two weeks. We encountered more than we ever could have hoped for while exploring the John Teague greenway and we made it to the Cove at Concord Park the next weekend.

The youngest member of our crew, my friend’s daughter, thoroughly enjoyed the John Teague greenway. This greenway runs behind the West Side YMCA and ends at West Hills Elementary School. Both of these locations had multiple playgrounds suitable for children of varying ages. It wasn’t a very long walk, but it was an enjoyable one. I would definitely recommend this greenway to anyone with children or any amateur bicycle enthusiast.

Our next trip on our quest to see the parks and greenways of Knoxville was the Cove at Concord Park.  When we first pulled up, I felt totally relaxed.  This park is so calming!  It is actually located in a Cove off Fort Loudon Lake.  The first thing I noticed was that this would be an excellent place to catch some fish if I had my rod, but this was not the day for fishing.  There was a very nice beach area for everyone to swim and it is roped off, so I know the little ones won’t go too far out.  There is even a playground, a sand volleyball court and you can rent a canoe or kayak! I also learned about the Second Saturday Concerts at the Cove.  That is a definite return trip to the Cove at Concord Park on the second Saturday of the month throughout the summer!

I have had two wonderful experiences at the greenways and parks in Knoxville over the last couple of Saturdays.  I think we will definitely make this a regular Saturday trip to enjoy all that Knoxville has to offer this summer.  Not only will I get some exercise, but I have had a wonderful time with my friends.  Since there are so many parks and greenways in Knoxville, who knows where we will go next, but I am sure we will have a wonderful time enjoying them all!

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— June 10, 2010 at 3:40 pm

Data Dog present for the opening of the newest Tennessee Welcome Center in Unicoi County

by: Knoxville’s Data Dog

I attended the opening of the newest Tennessee Welcome Center! It is located off I-81 in Unicoi County. It has a cabin-like exterior and sits on more than 60 acres of land. It is only about a 2 hour drive from Knoxville, so I went to spread the word of all the cool things happening in Knoxville this summer.  I ended up having such a great day and meeting so many new and old friends!

When I first got there I could immediately hear the ETSU Bluegrass Band playing out front. Congressman Phil Rowe joined in with them playing the fiddle!  He is really good!  The band was such a blast! They were playing crowd favorites that had everyone dancing around.  I even ran into my old friends Sharky and Big Bear while I was dancing around to the music. I told my old friends that they need to come and visit Knoxville soon so we can catch up.

I told everyone about all the fun stuff to do in Knoxville this time of year. I told them they should come on Thursday night so we would be able to go to Sundown in the City. With our shared love of great fun and wonderful music, Sundown is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a live band and enjoy the Downtown Market Square area!

I told them that if they stay for the weekend we could also go to the Farmer’s Market. The Farmer’s Market has a large variety of fresh foods and is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the summer in Market Square.

I met a lot of new people on my visit to the Welcome Center. While taking our tour of the new building I met Raja, the leopard gecko from the Hands on Museum. He was happy to be out and visiting with all the people at the Welcome Center grand opening. I told Raja about all the fun stuff there is to do in Knoxville and that he should visit sometime soon. Raja loves the outdoors, so he will be right at home in Knoxville with our 81 parks and 7 surrounding lakes that touch the city.

The Welcome Center opening was so much fun and I’m glad I got the chance to visit. I got to meet new friends and let them know about all the great things Knoxville has to offer. I am looking forward to them coming so they can fall in love with Knoxville and come back and visit!

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— June 1, 2010 at 3:52 pm

Dogwood Arts Festival

By: Ashleigh Walker

With the Dogwood trees in full bloom all over Knoxville that can only mean one thing.  The Dogwood Arts Festival is here and it’s over this week!  This is the festival’s 50th year of celebrating Knoxville’s natural and cultural beauty.  The entire month of April is dedicated to showcasing a colorful and exciting mix of blooming flowers and trees, fine art, crafts, theater, dance, Americana music, film and literary arts.

If you didn’t happen to make it to the wonderful  events like the Dogwood Gala, First Friday, the Market Square Arts Fair, Rhythm n’ Blooms and the Diva Luncheon, have no fear there is still much more fun to be had before the Dogwood Arts Festival comes to an end!

If you are in the mood for music then the Dogwood Arts Festival is definitely where you want to be.  From April 26-30 Knoxville is music, music, music.  There will be events and performances such as the Orchestra at Maryville College, Tennessee Shines, Dr. Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys with Cherryholmes, Stone Terrace Series: The Sweetback Sisters and Red Molly, Dave Barnes, Our Town, Ball in the House and Concerts in the Community.

The great thing about the Dogwood Arts Festival is that whether you are a “blue jean beauty” or a “black tie guy” there is something for everyone to enjoy!

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— April 26, 2010 at 1:31 pm

James White’s Fort

with Knoxville’s Data Dog!

This week I was able to take a tour of James White’s Fort. Little did I realize how much I was going to learn! The Fort still has most of its original buildings and is furnished to match the late 1700s. I was able to receive the help of an informative tour guide that took me around the property.  I was enlightened on the history of James White’s founding of Knoxville and what life would have been like if I had lived 300 years ago here in East Tennessee.

Data Dog at James Whites Fort

Data Dog at James White's Fort

Each building was completely authentic to the time period!  I really got to experience how different life was without the spoils of electricity and running water. The water-well seemed like so much more work than the water hose that is used now.  There was so much to do to keep me entertained that I would have never expected.  Today’s modern lifestyle makes it difficult to imagine life in the 1700s. I even got to try out the spinning wheel and a loom, which would have been hours of fun if I had had the time! Instead it was on to the outdoors…

The Dogwoods being in full bloom and the other various flowers were such a beautiful enhancement to my visit. I definitely understand how James White’s Fort can offer something for the whole family! Throughout the year they offer hands-on interpretations of open hearth cooking, blacksmithing and spinning. They also celebrate Cherokee Heritage Day every year, conduct ghost tours of downtown Knoxville every October and host “Christmas Past Tours” in December.  I will be sure to come back soon to learn more about the culture in the late 1700s.

James White’s Fort is open from April to November, Monday through Saturday from 9:30am-5:00pm. December to March from 10:00am-4:00pm Monday through Friday. It is located just east of downtown Knoxville at 205 East Hill Avenue, directly across the street from the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and within walking distance of other attractions such as Blount Mansion, Market Square, Krutch Park, Volunteer Landing, Alex Haley Park and the Old City. Free trolley rides are available to James White’s Fort and other downtown sites from World’s Fair Park and the UT Campus. All in all it’s a great place to visit for an informative and interesting afternoon about not only the founding of Knoxville, but a way of life that has long since vanished.

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— April 16, 2010 at 9:30 am

Day at the Knoxville Zoo

with Knoxville’s Data Dog!

Knoxvilles Data Dog with the Rhinos at the Knoxville Zoo

Knoxville's Data Dog with the Rhinos at the Knoxville Zoo

This week I got to go on a family friendly adventure around Knoxville. We started out our adventure by heading to the Knoxville Zoo. The Knoxville Zoo offers family fun for everyone!

I started out my Zoo adventure by visiting the black bear. At first I couldn’t find him, but then I looked up and he was climbing up a big tree to take a nap. I learned that black bears not only know how to climb, but they can swim and run up to 35mph!

After visiting the black bear, I stopped by to see the red pandas. They were also a bit sleepy because it was the middle of the day when I saw them, and red pandas are usually more active at dusk and at dawn. I was sad to find out these pandas are considered endangered, but amazed to know that the Knoxville Zoo has had more red pandas born there than any other zoo in the Western Hemisphere.

I was so excited when I got to see so many other animals while I was there. I was able to get up close and personal with over 800 of the most amazing animals.  I saw rhinos, elephants, camels, an owl and zebras! I became really good friends with the prairie dog too. He even chirped at me through the glass that separated me from his home. I learned that prairie dogs don’t actually bark like most dogs I know, they actually chirp.  I never knew I could see and learn so much while visiting one place.

The Knoxville Zoo also offers other options for a fun-filled family day. Kids can have their birthday parties, schools can plan field trips and the Wee Play Zoo is now open again! The Wee Play Zoo is designed for toddlers to elementary school kids to be able to dress up and play the different roles that are found around the zoo. Kids can play at the ticket booth, work the concession stands and take care of animals in need. It is an interactive way for kids to have hands-on experiences!

On Sunday April 25th, the Knoxville Zoo is hosting a Party for the Planet (link is to Knoxville Zoo events page which updates after events pass) from 1pm to 4pm. This event is to help celebrate conservation of the local environment and diverse inhabitants. For more information about upcoming events at the zoo, please call (865) 637-5331.

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— April 10, 2010 at 10:30 am

Dogwood Trail in Sequoya Hills

Dogwood Trail

Dogwood Trail

by Courtney Jacobs:

Today I went on a tour of the Dogwood Trail in Sequoya Hills at 415 Cherokee Boulevard.   As I entered the Boulevard, I followed the pink dashes marking the trail along the beautiful tree lined road. As the Boulevard opened up and began to follow the Tennessee River, I pulled off and parked in a car lot next to the river bank.

I got out and took in the lush green fields of grass, the beating river waves, and the abundant amount of people and pets out frolicking.  Everyone was enjoying the beautiful weather and blossoming Bradford Pear and Red Bud trees.  The Dogwoods had not bloomed just yet, but I know they are on their way.  I could see the buds, but they just weren’t quite ready.  Just a few more sunny spring days and they will be out in full bloom. I walked along the river for a while and then went back to my car to get my bike and finish the rest of the designated Dogwood Trail.

The trail took me past grand, gorgeous historic looking homes with beautifully landscaped and manicured yards.  Each featured their blossoming Bradford Pear, Red Bud, almost ripe Dogwood trees and array of beautiful blossoming flowers. It was a beautiful day! Definitely an economically and environmentally friendly way to enjoy this 50-year tradition in Knoxville!

I am glad to have an early start, because the clock is ticking!  I only have until April 25th to see them all.  I still have Fountain City’s featured trail starting at 2805 Gibbs Drive and 100 Hotel Avenue, the Farragut trail at 12255 Kingston Pike, the Holston Hills trail at 200 South Chilhowee Drive, the Chapman Highway trail at 5507 Chapman Highway, the Westmoreland trail at 5406 Sherwood Drive and 4534 Lyons View, and the Loudon Lake trail at 3113 Montlake Drive. That is 6 more trails totaling almost 60 more miles of breathtaking residential landscaping, flowers and blooming trees.  I am getting my camera ready now!

I may just have to take the bus tour of the Dogwood trails coming up this weekend (April 9-11) – Friday and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to Farragut and 2:00 p.m. to Fountain City or Saturday at 11:00 a.m. to Fountain City and 2:00 p.m. to Farragut.  Maybe I will try for both since it is only $5 per person.  That will get me to two more trails, and I will learn so much about Knox Heritage’s historic neighborhood and the town of Farragut.  I am determined to see them all this year!

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— April 8, 2010 at 9:55 am