Knoxville, TN

In recognition of Homecoming Weekend for the University of Tennessee at Knoxville (even though we lost and it was a tad cold in the shade)...it's time to recap a great southern city. The land where I met and courted my wife and spent more time in Orange than anyone should...

Things to Do-- In Knoxville it all starts and ends with the Volunteers (VOLS), on an autumn Saturday, Neyland Stadium becomes one of the largest cities in the state, and they play a little basketball here too! There is a good Zoo, plenty of shopping, and a nice downtown with a neat little district where the 1982 World's Fair was hosted as well as the Old City area. Just a few miles north you will find minor league baseball and the Gateway to the Smoky Mountains in the Sevierville/Pigeon Forge/ Gatlinburg area, which has some pretty great outlet malls if that's your thing. Plenty of Golf and outdoor activities make Knoxville an outdoorsman's playground. If you're looking for a random diversion, Country Line dancing is interesting, and available at the Cotton Eyed Joe!

Things to Eat-- The food is good. All the chains, of course, but hit up Puleo's or Aubrey's for some local flavor. If you're looking to splurge, go for Regas, it's truly a local institution and it's other concepts, Conners and The Chop House are also very good. If you're looking for BBQ, there is plenty, a local favorite is Calhoun's and their Ribs are nice, I'd recommend their river location which is right in front of Neyland Stadium on the Tennessee River! For a nice combination of location, food, and good micro brew, hit up Downtown Grill and Brewery. Ruth's Chris also has a great location on the River and they serve a pretty good steak, if you like that whole melt in your mouth perfect cut and temperature beef thing...

Place to Stay-- I oddly haven't spent many nights in hotels in the capitol of East Tennessee. My few favorites are the renovated Hilton downtown and for a more cozy but equally convenient experience try the Maplehurst Inn. The Marriott is also a reasonable choice but sits up a hill from the rest of downtown next to the NCAA women's basketball Hall of Fame. The Holiday in Select is also convenient as is the new Hampton Inn and Suites.

So there you have the short and sweet on a lovely city on the banks of the Tennessee river where the people go crazy over orange! Tell 'em I said hello and learn the words to Rocky Top while you're there!