Wednesday, March 5, 2014

KNOXVILLE, TN

Coming down out of the Smoky Mountains, roll the windows down and enjoy the cool, moist air. If that doesn’t refresh you, get out and hike along the shaded stream that was once the lifeline of the early settlers here. Roll up your pant legs and wade in; your feet will appreciate the smooth, pebbled creek-bottom massage.

If you can stomach a seriously kooky tourist trap, eat lunch along the infamous Pigeon Forge/Sevierville strip that leads back up to I-40 (just south of I-40 Exit 407). Hillbilly-heaven meets Appalachian charm, or something like that.
TIME IT RIGHT: 
  • Market Square International Biscuit Festival (end of May).  There's no better way to celebrate one of the South's greatest creations.  www.biscuitfest.com
  • Bloomin' Barbeque & Bluegrass (mid May). Sevierville. www.bloominbbq.com
If you've taken the time to enjoy the drive and partake in an adventure or two, you should be arriving in Knoxville right around sundown. Regardless of the time, take a turn around Market Square, the soul of this small, southern city.


Located just south of I-40 (take Exit 388A, then south on Central Street), this historic square, sporting an Old World plaza feel, has been an important part of Knoxville culture since the 1860s. You’ll appreciate the casual energy of the area and the fusion of enticing aromas wafting from cafes and restaurants with open-air seating.

Market Square Meals:

·       The Tomato Head: if the smell of fresh pesto and roasting mushrooms doesn’t draw you in, the menu will! Check it out online (and if you just can’t decide, you won’t go wrong with #2).  www.thetomatohead.com

 
·       Farmer’s Market:  graze the open-air market every Wed. & Sat. 11a.m. to 2p.m. Expect delicious local food and entertainment. 
 
·       Blue Coast Burrito:  for a little fun and a lot of flavor, hang out at this Baja-style burrito bistro.  www.bluecoastburrito.com
 
·       Coffee and Chocolate:  it's all in the name. Indulge! (just off the square, down Union).  www.coffeeandchocolateknoxville.com
 
    Staying in Knoxville?

For convenience sake, stay at very trendy The Oliver Hotel. Newly reopened, the historic boarding house--now sophisticated boutique inn--is the perfect place to soak up all that Market Square has to offer.
www.theoliverhotel.com, Rates from $140, #865-521-0050
Because Knoxville is situated along the winding Tennessee River, a little dockside dining may be in order. A fabulous meal of juicy ribs and Smoky Mountain Brewery ale await you at Calhoun’s on the River (Copper Cellar). Follow that with your choice of riverboat cruises ranging from sightseeing to dinner and dancing.
                   www.tnriverboat.com,   www.coppercellar.com
But if you’re really looking for an experience that will etch the sweetness of the area’s Appalachian charm on your heart, find Persephone’s Farm (southeast of Knoxville) and stay a night or two.
 
PERSEPHONE'S FARM RETREAT
 


THIS little piece of heaven on earth is conveniently situated to Knoxville, the Smoky Mountains and the plethora of activities in and around Pigeon Forge, but turn into the shady drive and you will find a sanctuary from it all.
Horses graze while dogs frolic along the river’s edge; miniature horses and a potbelly pig live side by side in the upper pasture.  
    As the sun sets, you’ll want to perch on your cabin porch or on the gazebo swing overlooking the lazy, verdant river that winds through the valley.
 
     Fireflies do their little dance at dusk, lulling you to sleep

 in the quiet haze of evening.
 
Reflect on how life must have been for early settlers who happened upon this velvet green dale.


They would have lived in small cabins much like the one you’ll be staying in, minus the amenities of AC, TV and convenient indoor plumbing.
    The gracious manner and warm personality of your host, Victoria, invite you to explore and make yourself at home on the small working farm where children are invited to help care for and play with the animals.
 A fully satisfying farm-style breakfast will be brought to your cabin in the morning.


Set a while on the porch and enjoy the rich flavors of fresh eggs and buttery apple turnovers. It’s good to get back to nature once in a while!
www.bedandbreakfast.cc
      Persephone's Retreat:
  Rates from $135
  #865-428-3904
 

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