Making my first trip to Knoxville

#1
H

HeFixesTheCable

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#1
Hey all- sorry for the hijack but can't start a new thread.

I'm a Washington alumn (dad is a Vol) living in Seattle and 3 buddies and I are making a trip to Knxville for the Bama game and I'm really excited for what will hopefully be a battle of two undefeated/top 5 teams.

Anyways, would love any suggestions for must-do activities while we're in town. Will be in Knoxville Friday and Saturday night but considering a day trip to Gatlinburg if we have time and a round of golf so,we here between Nashville and Knoxville since we're staying Thurs night in Nashville.

There was an ESPN article recently about the similarities between UW and UT with both being traditional powers that have suffered hard times but both programs on the cusp of getting back on track, which I hope is the case for both programs as I've always had a soft spot for the Vols since my old man went to school there and grew up in Nashville. Can't wait to see Neyland Stadium on the water- the 2nd most scenic stadium in college football I hear :)

Anyways, any recommendations would be greatly appreciated so thanks in advance.
 
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#2
#2
HeFixesTheCable said:
Hey all- sorry for the hijack but can't start a new thread.

I'm a Washington alumn (dad is a Vol) living in Seattle and 3 buddies and I are making a trip to Knxville for the Bama game and I'm really excited for what will hopefully be a battle of two undefeated/top 5 teams.

Anyways, would love any suggestions for must-do activities while we're in town. Will be in Knoxville Friday and Saturday night but considering a day trip to Gatlinburg if we have time and a round of golf so,we here between Nashville and Knoxville since we're staying Thurs night in Nashville.

There was an ESPN article recently about the similarities between UW and UT with both being traditional powers that have suffered hard times but both programs on the cusp of getting back on track, which I hope is the case for both programs as I've always had a soft spot for the Vols since my old man went to school there and grew up in Nashville. Can't wait to see Neyland Stadium on the water- the 2nd most scenic stadium in college football I hear :)

Anyways, any recommendations would be greatly appreciated so thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

Plenty of golf in Crossville. 2nd to who? Can't go wrong with The Great Smokey Moutains. The trees will be dressed for the Bama game.
 
#3
#3
Unbelievable your first game gets to be the year we end the BAMA streak. My recommendation: Mail me your ticket 😀
 
#4
#4
Gatlinburg would be alright, just 30 minutes away. But man, hiking the smokies is something else.

In Knoxville, you can check out Market Square and the old city has some cool spots. Not a whole lot to do. The city saves its magic for big football games.
 
#5
#5
Haven't lived in Knoxville for many years (I'm a fellow left-coastie) but...

Bama game's early in the month this year (earliest the 3rd Saturday can be) so you may need to head up into the mountains to catch the fall colors -- good excuse to hit the Smokies, get some hiking in. Cades Cove was always worth the visit for me, despite the fact that it's an 11-mile car parade with obligatory stops for every gopher or mile-off deer.

Take advantage of the season and have a little goofy fun, maybe do a walking ghost tour of downtown or hit a cornfield maze.

Get some local flavor at Market Square, hit some shops, try to find an eatery with a good tap list. I was in Knoxville a few weeks ago and stopped off near MS at a t-shirt shop called Nothing Too Fancy and got a couple local flavor t-shirts -- fun designs, excellent quality, great wearable souvenirs.

Rent a canoe, some good rivers and streams to paddle.

Go up in the Sunsphere. It's surprisingly anticlimactic but you'll have satisfied that little bit of curiosity.

Ride the paddle wheel riverboat, less anticlimactic than the Sunsphere. Maybe someone on these boards will hook you up with a game day charter (or maybe they won't).

Or you could spend an entire day on a Google-guided campus construction site tour.
 
#6
#6
There's always shopping.

250px-Knoxville_Wig_Outlet.png
 
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#7
#7
A drive through the Smokey Mountain National Park in October is sure to bring a smile and a tear or two...
 
#9
#9
Definitely golf in Crossville, only an hour out of Knoxville. Play there early and then go check in in Knoxville (If that's where u staying) and go hit Old Town. There will be plenty happening there to keep you busy the rest of Friday night. That will leave you all day Sunday for Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. That will be 3 very busy days, cause you will want to Footballin' all day Saturday, there will be more than you can look at just on Saturday. make sure you walk the River and see the Vol Navy! Have a great time! Luck up and run into me and I'll buy you a beer or two.:toast:
 
#11
#11
My fav way to pass the time on the TSIO, and I highly recommend you give it a try, is kicking everybody wearing crimson clothes in the ding ding. Yes, even their women have em. It's good wholesome fun for the whole family and doesn't cost a dime. Great way to pass the time until you get to watch our team do the same thing to their players.
Make some memories.
 
#13
#13
ButchPlz said:
Just wanted to say you've got a boss username, OP.
Click to expand...

Haha- thanks man. Not everyone gets it but usually gets a chuckle for those familiar with the movie and lone,

Thanks a ton for all the feedback- lots of great advice and I can't wait for this game and to experience Neyland for a big game.

For what it's worth, I made a similar trip to Oxford 2 years ago for Bama-Ole Miss (my buddy is an Ole Miss alumn) and the Rebels knocked off then #1 Bama so hoping for a similar outcome with ESPN Gameday there and everything
 
#15
#15
Make sure you get to campus 4-5 hours (at least) before the game to soak in the atmosphere, Vol Walk, band, Vol Village, etc. I've had friends come with me to UT games who are fans of other teams & they're awed & amazed at how fun & colorful game day in Knoxville is. Smokies & Cades Cove are a must too! And don't forget the Vol Navy. We'll be #1 on your list after seeing it.
GO VOLS!
 
#16
#16
No matter what you do, and you've got some great suggestions here, but please come back and tell us about your experience.

Safe travels to ya!


:rock:
GBO!!
 
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#18
#18
If you're from the left coast better bring ear plugs for the game. Nothing out there like Knoxville. Ole Miss game day is like a funeral wake compared to Tennesee. Neyland Stadium is the 5th largest city in Tennessee on game day, and for Bama? Noise is SEISMIC!

Go to Calhouns On The River. If you can get in. Atmosphere fantastic, food OK. But there is a Ruths Chris next door if you bring enough money :)
 
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