Knoxville thrives as
a scenic city with a metro-population of nearly 687,000. Located at the
crossroads of three major interstates, 1-75, 1-40, and 1-81, and in the
center of the eastern region of Tennessee, Knoxville is within a day's drive
of half of the nation's population.
There is plenty to experience in the magnificent Great
Smoky Mountains, the most visited National Park in the nation, as well
as Cumberland Gap National Historic Park and Big South Fork National River
and Recreation Area. All three national parks provide numerous outdoor
activities from which to choose. The shimmering Great Lakes of the South
provide water sports and recreational opportunities. Due to Knoxville's
convenient location, visitors can easily spend a day in the mountains
or raft a whitewater river and still enjoy an evening on the town. Knoxville's
area golf courses offer challenging and beginning golf, beautiful tree-lined
fairways, and gorgeous views of the mountains and surrounding countryside.
The city also offers excellent art and cultural museums,
the performing arts, a world-renowned zoo, historical sites, shopping
and festivals. Those interested in history will find Knoxville rich with
opportunities, from the seven homes of the Civil War and the First Frontier
to historical museums. Plus, the Historic Old City District includes many
choices for dining, shopping and nightlife.
A wealth of entertainment
and educational opportunities are waiting to be discovered at Volunteer
Landin g, a one-mile paved river walk along the Tennessee River in downtown
Knoxville. Visitors can hoop it up at the nation's only Women's Basketball
Hall of Fame, experience nature and technology at the Gateway Regional Visitor
Center, tour fascinating historic sites including Blount Mansion and James
White Fort, enjoy water sports at Volunteer Landing Marina, see the countryside
aboard the Three Rivers Rambler train, and take a relaxing cruise aboard
the Star of Knoxville Riverboat.
