Where I Live

If you are a nature person, then this is an article that you will want to read. Knoxville has many parks to choose from. With that said, they will soon be adding a dog park to the list below. At the current time, there is anything from parks with lakes or ponds, to parks with nature trails or hiking. The World’s Fair Park might be one of the best known here in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Whatever it is that you are looking to do outdoors, these parks can definitely supply those outdoor needs. If you are planning on visiting Knoxville, then please take the time to check these out.

World’s Fair Park

Sam Hill Park

Caswell Park

Beverly Park

Ball Camp Community Park

Chilhowee Park

Ijams Nature Park

This coming Saturday, February 21, 2009 will mark the 2nd annual Mardi Growl Parade. The costume parade is designed for dogs and their owners. The parade will begin at the corner of Central Avenue and Summit Hill Drive. This is the site where the dog park will be built in the near future. The area is also known as “The Old City”. The parade route will end at Market Square. Pets and owners are encouraged to dress the part. 

This event is being put on by PetSafe Village and Invisible Fence Brand and being produced by by the City of Knoxville and Young-Williams Animal Center. Proceeds raised from the event support animal adoption efforts of the Young-Williams Animal Center. 

Please make sure to show up early.

One of the things that I get asked all the time is what is the quality of life in Knoxville, Tennessee. Well, to answer that, I guess the first thing that one has to understand is, what qualities are you looking for. If it is the hustle and bustle of the big city, and all the night life that you can enjoy, then this is not the city for you.

Knoxville is a college town. With the University of Tennessee positioned as the focal point, life here pretty much revolves around it and the churches. Now, that is not to say that there are not night clubs, dance clubs, gay bars, sports bar, and life such as this lingering here in town. Hell, if there were not, this would not even be much of a college town then. On top of the bar life, there is great entertainment in the form of malls and theaters. You can shop till you drop of catch one of the latest flicks in any of the 10+ cinemas in town.

So, if you get a chance, come visit our fair city.

After just 10 weeks of being the new head coach for the University of Tennessee, Lane Kiffin is already landing in hot water. Just over a week ago, Lane “mistakenly” accused University of Florida head coach Urban Meyer of committing an NCAA recruiting violation. After that incident, Kiffin himself was discovered by the UT officials to have committed 3 NCAA violations himself.

Now, mind you, these violations are of a secondary nature and not too severe, but the University of Tennessee officials are not happy with Lane’s miscues. With all these issues now popping up, I am wondering how many people are wishing that the Vols would have waited on Jon Gruden?

The Dogwood Arts House & Garden Show will be in Knoxville, Tennessee this coming weekend on Friday and Saturday. The dates will be 02/20/2009 and 02/21/2009 and the event will be held at the Knoxville Convention Center between the hours of 10 AM and 8 PM. If you have never attended one of these festivals, then I urge you to get out and enjoy this one.

This will be the largest house and garden show in all of Tennessee and promises to provide a ton of information. It will draw do-it-yourselfers, garden enthusiast, as well as interior decorators from all over. There will be many products and services available for people that are into gardening, building, remodeling, and decorating.

Are you a fan of dance? How about music? Now if we throw in a ton of Irish heritage you begin to see where we are headed. On February 17th and 18th the Knoxville Civic Auditorium welcomes the incredible Riverdance.

This spectacular is an incredible display of traditional Irish dance and music. Tapping their way into the hearts of thousands of spectators around the world this is an event unlike any other. This is a great event for the entire family to enjoy. Tickets are very affordable and are still available. There are group, senior, and students discounts available. Click HERE to view your ticket option.

The Dogwood Arts Festival is a popular and long running event in Knoxville. In 2001 as part of this festival, local artists donated their talents to raise money for the festival. They did this by painting a variety of fiberglass bears. These bears were then auctioned to raise money to help support the festival. Since that time these bears have become a fixture around the city. On display for all to enjoy these bears are a whimsical way for the city to express itself.

In that same sense of expressiveness, the bear which has greeted visitors outside the Knoxville Visitors Center since then. In recent months the original “Tourist Bear” has been repainted. In its new incarnation it shows the four season of Knoxville through the depiction of four Knoxville landmarks. Prior to the bear’s unveiling, the Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation has sponsoring an event to name the bear! The contest runs through February 25th and is a fun way to get involved in Knoxville’s tourism!

The arts are important to the cultural and intellectual identity of any city or town. In east Tennessee where music, dance, and the culture of the Appalachian region plays such an important role in the people, it is no wonder that diverse outside influences co-exist. This can be seen in everything from the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s annual holiday concert to the majestic Bijou Theatre .

Tomorrow night will see such a grand event when the Knoxville Opera presents Rigoletto. In full costume and full voice, the Knoxville Opera will bring this magnificent Verdi opera to life. Filled with court intrigue, familial bonds, and a poignant jester, this opera is a masterpiece. It will be performed in Italian with English subtitles. Tickets range between $15-$88 dollars and are still available at the Tennessee Theatre. The doors open promptly at 7:00 pm so don’t miss out!

There has been a lot of talk about USDA loans not being available. Well, actually, that is not the case. If you are in the market to get a USDA loan and live in the Tennessee area, then email me and I will send you the information that you need to get a USDA home loan here in Tennessee.

Even though USDA is currently out of money, the government is working on rectifying that minor issue. With that said, there are lenders out there that are willing to front the money for the loan and then get it funded through USDA once the government gets the funds.

When I first moved to Knoxville, I had thought about buying a side of beef. I have a deep freezer and thought that it would be a great idea if we put the beef in it. This way, I can have it over time and not ever have to worry about running out of meat. So, for the last week, I have been spending 2 to 3 hours a day trying to find the side of a cow that I wanted.

I never really thought that this would be as difficult as it has been. With that said, today, my search finally ended. I made a purchase of entire cow for $200 more than what I found the best price on half a cow for. If you are in East Tennessee and need help with this, just email me and I will save you a ton of heart ache.

I have lived in Tennessee for almost a year now. This is my third stint here and each time, it has been with a different economy. Over the time that I have been here this round, I have been solely involved in the Real Estate Market. My position in the market is as a mortgage loan officer.

With that being said, I have kept a close eye on the market for this area as I do on markets all around the south east. I have to if I want to stay competative with other lenders. As the market is getting ready for the spring season, I am noticing homes appear on the selling market more than normal. I think that this is caused partially due to a lot of homes that were taken off the market during the colder months.

That said, I really think that people need to assess why they are selling their home. If it is to get from under the debt, then you need to get it done as quick as you can. If it is just because you want to move, maybe the time is not right and you should consider waiting to list that home. All in all, with a down market, properties are not going to fly off the inventory shelve as they would in a seller’s market. The times favor the buyer at this point and time.

Last week, Pat Summitt of the Lady Vols from the University of Tennessee accomplished a milestone that not a lot of people can claim. She has notched her 1000th victory. Actually, for the record, she is the all-time winningest coach in NCAA basketball history and the first NCAA Division I basketball coach to win one thousand games.  It took a few tries to get it in the book, but if finally happened. It was also more fitting in my opinion that the victory came at home.

Pat started coaching basketball in 1974 and has spent that entire time at the University of Tennessee. In that time, she has won 13 SEC Tournament Championships. The years were 1980, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2005, 2006, and 2008. She also holds 14 SEC Champions that were in the years of 1980, 1985, 1990, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2007. But, I think none of that compares to her 8 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championships that she won in 1987, 1989, 1991, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2007, and 2008.

She will forever be loved in the state of Tennessee.

Marble Springs is the name that Governor John Sevier gave to his 355 acres homestead at the foot of the Bay Mountains south of Knoxville. He named the property Marble Springs because of the abundance of marble scattered over the property and the numerous springs that flowed through the property. Sevier built a cluster of structures mostly from pine and oak. Though only the main cabin has survived the trials of time, the other original buildings have been restored to period detail.

The Tennessee legislature purchased 35 acres where the original settlement was. To oversee the restoration and reconstruction of the property, the legislature created the Governor John Sevier Memorial Association.  Marble Springs is a popular place for educational outreach on the history and culture of the region. The general area is also a popular spot for families to picnic and enjoy nature.

I am a huge fan of most ethnic cuisine. I love Italian, Japanese, Cajun, and Caribbean foods but my favorite is probably Chinese food. From Mandarin to Schezuan I am a huge connoisseur of Chinese cooking. Not only do I love to make Chinese food at home for friends and family, I love to eat at a variety of Chinese restaurants.

In Knoxville, where I have lived on three separate occasions separated by several years, I love the Plum Tree restaurant. The Plum Tree is a medium sized place with all the traditional red and gold decorations of most independently owned Chinese restaurants. What you will not find are rude servers who are simply trying to rush through as many tables as possible to garner the most tips possible. The staff at Plum Tree treat you with courtesy and respect. As for the food, it is excellent! The in house sauces are as rich in their diverse flavors as any I have ever tasted. The vegetables are always fresh and prepared to perfection. As I am a vegetarian, I can only tell you that my dining companions have truly raved about everything from the seafood to the beef! If you are looking for an authentic Chinese restaurant in Knoxville, this is the place to go!

They are located at 7052 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 and can be reached via phone at 865-588-2002.

As part of the Great Decisions Program at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Stephen Zunes the acclaimed expert on American policy on the Middle East and Central Asia will speak for FREE in the Great Room of the International House. He will be speaking about Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Stephen Zunes is a professor of politics and international studies at the University of San Francisco. He is the chair of the Middle Eastern Studies Program. Zunes has been recognized for his writing on diverse topics concerning American-Middle East policy. He is an editor of the Peace Review and chairs the academic advisory council for the International Center on Nonviolent Conflict. He is also a contibuting foreign affairs journalist for the National Catholic Reporter. As a recognized expert in the field, Zunes will be sure to give an informative and enlightening presentation on Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Quietly opening their premier Knoxville season in November of 2008, the Knoxville Thunderbolts have quickly moved to #11 in the American Basketball Association (ABA) power rankings. You may recall the original ABA that competed with the NBA from 1967 to 1976. An eventual merger of the professional leagues saw the dissolution of the ABA.

In 2000 the new ABA was formed. The new ABA is different from the old ABA in that it serves as a type of developmental or field system similar to the minor leagues and mirroring the NBA’s developmental league in many respects. The players in the ABA have a real passion for the sport and aspire to the NBA ranks. The ABA does use the familiar red, white, and blue basketball of its predecessor league. Currently the Knoxville Thunderbolts play their games at Grace Christian Academy with a domed stadium planned in the near future. If you are a sports fan, this is a great opportunity to see some excellent athletes.

Click HERE to visit the official website.

On January 31, 2009 the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum will host the Soffee Spirit Tennessee Open Championships. This competitive event will host more than 100 individual and team events designed to showcase the athleticism, agility, aptitude, and creativity of the competitors. The nationally certified judges will judge the competitors from all over the country and ages ranging from five years old to college age.

These are more than the cheerleaders you remember from high school. While those cheerleaders may have been very serious, this competition will showcase the best of the best. It is an “open” event though so there will be many skill levels represented. These are serious athletes who take their dance, acrobatics, and overall performances very seriously. If you want to see some great competitors this event may be just right.

Click HERE to visit the official website.

Established in 2001 by a grassroots effort, the Knoxville Botanical Gardens & Arboretum is located on the site of a former family nursery just minutes from downtown. The original nursery and orchard, Joe N. Howell Nursery and C.B. Howell Nursery, was established in 1786 by Revolutionary War Veteran David Wessels Howell.

The Knoxville Botanical Gardens & Arboretum covers a beautiful 44 acre ridgeline. Much of the original stone walls of the nursery remain. The entire original and expanded nursery site were purchased through grassroots fundraising efforts. Soon a stone belltower will grace the front entrance thanks to a generous, and anonymous, donor. This beautiful addition to the city of Knoxville showcases both native an exotic plants that grow well in the east Tennessee climate.The Knoxville Botanical Gardens & Arboretum are FREE to the public and is open Monday through Friday 8:00 am until 4:00 pm.

Click HERE to visit the official website.

Click HERE for driving directions.

Everyone can dance. Everyone should dance. Circle Modern Dance was founded to provide local choreographers, dancers, musicians, and performance artists a place to showcase their talents. In addition to showcasing accomplished dancers, Circle Modern Dance fosters dance for people of all ages and skill levels. This is a place to dance freely and without judgment.

The motto that anyone willing to make the effort and move is welcome. Classes are underway now with two different technique classes offered on Sundays and a Copeira class offered on both Tuesdays and Thursday. The techniques classes cost $12 per class or a package of four classes for $40. There is a discount for students and seniors. The Copeira classes are offered at $12 per class or $45 per month with the first class being free! Circle Modern Dance is active in its community outreach giving of it time and talent to many worthy organizations and festivals.

If you are interested in learning more about Circle Modern Dance you can contact them at:

circlemoderndance@gmail.com

www.myspace.com/circlemodernknoxville

865.524.7615

Our office and studio

are located at

The Emporium Center

for Arts & Culture

100 N. Gay St. Suite 104

Knoxville, TN 37902

Yesterday, lost to most people in all the excitement surrounding the inauguration of Barak Obama, the Tennessee Smokies announced the hiring of Ryne Sandberg as the new manager of the team. The Tennessee Smokies are part of the Southern League of Professional Baseball and the Double-A minor league team of the Chicago Cubs. The announcement was made at a luncheon comprised of both season ticket holders and sponsors.

Ryne Sandberg played second base for the Chicago Cubs for all but one year when he played for the Philadelphia Phillies. Sandberg helped to set the modern standard for second basemen. His strong, accurate arm led to nine consecutive golden gloves and helped to take the Cubs to the 1984 postseason, their first appearance since 1945. Elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005 with 76.2% of the vote. Sandberg brings his years of big league experience and love for the game to the Tennessee Smokies.

Click HERE to view the official Tennessee Smokies website.

Sadly out of tragic situations and incidents progress is often made. In this case an accident that paralyzed a four year old child was the impetus for Ashley Nicole’s Dream Playground. A bit of the back story is that the horrible accident that paralyzed Ashley Nicole made it apparent that she could no longer enjoy the simple pleasure of swings, slides, and other playground equipment.

Modeled after Lily’s Garden in Nashville, the idea of a universally accessible  playground was born. This idea grew when it was discovered that nearly one in five children had a disability. Fundraising was the main element to raising the $290,000 needed to make the project a reality. It took a full five years for ground to be broke on Ashley Nicole’s Dream Playground but today the playground is a popular spot for all children to play together.

Click HERE to visit the park’s official website.

That is right! Just as the name title of the post says, the circus is coming! I remember the thrill I used to get when I was a kid and the circus came to town. From the clowns funny antics to the massive elephants and trapeze acts, the circus only has the fondest of memories for me. One of the great things was that they usually had a school day when the local schools all went on field trips to the circus.This is still the case with many schools in Knox County as the upcoming circus has a 10:30 am show on January 23rd set aside for the schools who wish to participate to do so!

As for the general public, beginning on January 22, 2008 the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus to be precise will be calling Knoxville home for four days. The circus is being held at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum .  If you have kids or are simply a kid at heart, this is a can’t miss event.

The shows are scheduled for:

Show Time: Jan 25th 1:00 PM
Show Time: Jan 24th 7:00 PM
Show Time: Jan 24th 3:00 PM
Show Time: Jan 23rd 7:00 PM
School Show, No Pre Show Jan 23rd 10:30 AM
Show Time: Jan 22nd 7:00 PM

Tickets can be purchase online by clicking HERE !

or at the following box office locations:

 All Knoxville area Cat’s CDs and Cassettes

Disc Exchange

f y e Music (formerly Camelot)

The Rhythm Section in Gatlinburg

Tickets Can Be Charged By Phone: Coliseum Box Office (865) 656-4444 or toll free (877) 995-9961

Today I had my second grade niece staying with me and I was looking for something fun for us to do together. As it is pretty cold out and I definitely did not want to be responsible for returning my niece to her parents with a cold, it was important that we find something indoors to do. Then it struck me, bowling is a fun activity.

When I suggested we go bowling, she was thrilled. Her only request was that she not have to use the bumpers. Bumpers, in case you don’t know, are placed in the gutters to keep the very young kids from only getting gutter balls. I figured that could be her call and I agreed no bumpers. So off to Fountain City Lanes Strike & Spare for a bit of bowling!

The building itself has a fun design as you can see from the picture above and we anxiously went in to have fun. We got our rented bowling shoes and selected the balls that were right for us; the smallest ball they had was a 6 lbs. and you have to ask for those. We were on lane two and were very excited to start racking up the points. My niece on her first ball got a STRIKE (knocked down all the pins)! This was a thrill for both of us. As I am not a very good bowler, it took me until the 5th or 6th frame to get a strike. Though neither of us are great bowlers, it was a lot of fun. If you are looking for something to do that is a little different, try bowling!

The Fountain City Lanes Strike & Spare is open:

Sunday 1:00 pm until midnight

Monday thru Thursday 9:00 am until midnight

Friday & Saturday 9:00 am until 2:00 am

They also host kids birthday parties, Lock-Ins, Corporate Events, Leagues, and  Tournaments.

Click HERE to visit their website!

Who would have believed that thirty-seven years after the release of the Eagles self-titled first album, and the infamous dissolution of their band after their 1982 release of Eagles Greatest Hits, Volume 2 that this legendary band would still be making and releasing quality music. In support of their most recent album, The Long Road Out Of Eden, the Eagles are touring again. If you are a classic rock, rock, or music fan then this is a concert that you simply cannot miss.

Thompson-Boling Arena will play host on  Tuesday, January 20th to the Eagles. Please note that this show was originally scheduled for Wednesday, January 21st. If you have not got tickets to see these living legends of rock, Glen Fry, Joe Walsh, Don Henley, and Timothy B. Schmit you still have time! Tickets are available online by clicking HERE , by phone by calling “Tickets Unlimited” at  (865) 656-4444 or Toll Free (877) 995-9961 or you can visit any of these locations to buy tickets in person:

Box Office: Thompson-Boling Arena
Outlets: Cat’s Music (Knoxville and Sevierville)
Disc Exchange (Knoxville)
FYE Music (Knoxville and Morristown)
Rhythm Section (Gatlinburg)
Sonic Music (Bristol,Va.)
Smokies Stadium (Sevierville)
Knoxville Civic Coliseum
University of Tennessee Central Ticket Office

When you were a kid was there a jingle or the opening bars of a theme song that made you laugh and smile upon hearing it? For me, the unmistakable first chords of the Harlem Globetrotters theme music always made me smile. The basketball antics and tricks that these awesome players have used for years are part of my fondest memories as a kid. From playing for the Chinese Premier in 1979 to the Saturday morning “Harlem Globetrotters Show” cartoon that ran for three years and was syndicated to thirty countries, the Harlem Globetrotters represent some of what is best in America.

I am happy to report that, after 82 years, these entertaining players are still making people of all ages smile and laugh today! On January 16, 2009 the Harlem Globetrotters will bring their unique brand of entertainment to Knoxville. Tickets are still available for this event to be held at Thompson-Boling Arena so if you have kids of your own or want to relive some of those childhood memories this is the perfect opportunity! Is that bucket full of water OR confetti? You won’t know until it is thrown!

Click HERE for online ticket info or visit one of these locations to buy your tickets in person:

Box Office: Thompson-Boling Arena
Outlets: Cat’s Music (Knoxville and Sevierville)
Disc Exchange (Knoxville)
FYE Music (Knoxville and Morristown)
Rhythm Section (Gatlinburg)
Sonic Music (Bristol,Va.)
Smokies Stadium (Sevierville)
Knoxville Civic Coliseum
University of Tennessee Central Ticket Office

Click HERE to visit the official Harlem Globetrotters’ website.

On November 12, 2008 I wrote a post entitled John Conlee & Janie Fricke In Concert. In that post I also highlighted the Country Tonite Theater in Pigeon Forge that was hosting the concert. I mention this because tonight the same theater is hosting the Appalachia Fest.

This is the third year for Appalachia Fest which celebrates the music that defines much of the Appalachian culture. As you would imagine, the music of Appalachia is an eclectic mixture of sounds that incorporates among others, country, bluegrass, gospel, and folk music. Add to this an array of instruments from dulcimers to banjos and you will begin to get an understanding of the music. It is widely believed that southern Appalachian folk music has its roots in Irish, Scottish, English, and African musical traditions. In many instances, females were the writers of the lyrics and singers of the songs either A capella or with instrumental accompaniment. The songs were a form of entertainment, an expression of emotions, and a way to pass on family and regional history. Tonight you can partake in this rich musical heritage, click HERE to visit the official website.

Click HERE to listen to an excellent sample of this music genre entitled Sourwood Mountain performed by  Mary Jane Queen .

One of only twelve museums accredited by the American Association of Museums, the Frank H. McClung Museum supports and enhances the mission of the University of Tennessee to “serve the state, region, and nation through scholarship, teaching, artistic creation, professional practice, and public service.” This is a general museum with collections that span the ages, from the prehistory of the region of the region to the cultural and technological trends of today.

This great museum is a part of the University of Tennessee and is always free to the public! It is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Unlike most museums around the world, the Frank H. McClung Museum is open on Mondays!

Click HERE to visit the official website!

Golden Retrievers are remarkable dogs. They are not only quite beautiful, they are often trained as guide, sign, and signal dogs to aid people with disabilities. They have also been used therapeutically with ill children and the elderly. These very smart dogs take readily to training whether for service or general good manners as an animal companion.

In Knoxville, the Heartland Golden Retriever Rescue works tirelessly to rescue abused, abandoned, and displaced goldens. Operating entirely on the generosity of the public, the volunteers and trained professionals give not only their time and money but their very heart to this cause.  This wonderful organizations operates in Tennessee, southwestern Virginia, northeastern Alabama, and southeastern Kentucky in their effort to save these animals.

Golden retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of dogs which unfortunately correlates to a huge need with regards to rescue. Like most rescue organizations, the goldens are given a thorough examination, vaccinated, spayed/neutered and microchipped by veterinarians who work with the group. Heartland is committed to finding forever families for all of these animals. After being approved to adopt one of these animals they offer a 14 day trial period with the dog to make sure there is a good match.  If you want to volunteer your time, money, or expertise, click this LINK to visit the Heartland Golden Retriever Rescue website. Below are photos of a couple of beautiful goldens who would love to find their forever family.

Pandora - 9yo owner surrender with another dog.  This girl is wonderful.  Just has so much love to give.  Loves toys.  Very well behaved currently living with 3 other goldens and a cat.

Justine,  - has been waiting a long time for her own home.  She is a very sweet girl, and has suffered some health problems in the past but is doing better now.  Very calm and well behaved.

For more information please email

Heartland

or call 865/694-5477 (9am-7pm Eastern time)

Pigeon Forge is home to Dolly Parton ’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction. This is a family friendly dinner extravaganza. If you want to see some of the best riders in east Tennessee show the best of their talents then the Dixie Stampede is where you should be.

The show incorporates animals, music, pyrotechnics, and dramatic lighting to enhance the performance of some very talented riders and their animals. To get a taste of what awaits is the prelude to the show in the Carriage Room that takes place about 50 minutes before the show itself. Along with the mesmerizing show, there is the excellent four course meal (special accommodations can be made for vegetarians). The Dixie Stampede is fully accessible for special needs visitors. This is a great place to have your next family or business gathering.

Click HERE to visit the official website!

New Year’s Day is oftentimes a day of relaxation and recovery (from the holidays in general, and the night before in particular). If you want to ring in the New Year with a family friendly 5k run in the morning then you definitely owe it to yourself to check out this event. You can register right up until the day of the event!

So what is it all about? The Knoxville Track Club in conjunction with Calhoun’s Restaurant is hosting its annual New Year’s day 5k run. The race starts at 9:30 AM and you can sign up until 9:00 AM to participate! The race is along the scenic Tennessee River on Neyland Drive. The route is fairly flat and is considered to be the fastest 5k. The race is open to anyone who wishes to participate so all skill levels and age ranges will be participating. The top 75 males and the top 75 females to cross the finish line will receive awards. Participants will also be able to enjoy the all-day continental breakfast served by race sponsor Calhoun’s. If you are looking for a healthy way to ring in 2009, and still be able to watch football later in the day, this could b just the ticket!

Click HERE to visit the official website!

James White was a veteran of the Revolutionary War and the founder of Knoxville. The North Carolina native was granted 1,000 acres for his military service. White built his two story log cabin and outbuildings in 1786. He had a very good relationship with the local Cherokee that including frequent trading. It was White himself that divided part of his land into 16 blocks of half acre parcels that were auctioned off and eventually became Knoxville itself. During his lifetime, White also donated land for First Presbyterian Church and Blount College. White died in 1821 and is buried beside his wife in at First Presbyterian.

His home was meticulously restored to its original state in 1970 by a joint effort of the City Association of Women’s Clubs. Today more than 10,000 visitors tour the home and grounds each year. The restoration allows visitors to feel as if they have stepped back in time a couple hundred years. This is definitely a unique nugget of Knoxville history that should not be missed.

Click HERE to visit the official website.

New Year’s Eve is in three days and Knoxville has got you family friendly evening covered. In the tradition of Boston’s First Night, Knoxville is hosting its own version for the second year in a row. There are a multitude of events incorporated into First Night, most of which are predominantly indoors. All of the First Night events are family friendly and alcohol free.

The children’s festival kicks off at 3:00 PM at the East Tennessee History Center and is called Giggle. The children’s event will include a children’s musician and a storyteller. The children’s event will last until 11:00 PM but if you make it over to the Part at Market Square there is a special early kid’s countdown from 8:45 - 9:00 PM. In addition to the kid’s events there are a multitude of events for the adults including numerous music acts, dance performances, ventriloquism, comedy performances, a film festival, and the always anticipated New Year’s Eve Countdown and Ball Drop at Market Square! Advance tickets to enjoy all the events are only $10 ($15 on the day of the events).

Click HERE to download the official brochure with a complete list of venues, events, and performers.

Click HERE to visit the official website!

One of the many things the south is known for is its excellent food. In the spring, summer, and fall months you can hardly go outside without smelling that familiar aroma of someone having a barbeque. Just because the mild months have waned does not mean that the taste and desire for barbeque has. In Knoxville, if the weather is chilly or rainy or both but you just have to have your fix, don’t worry; Sweet P’s Barbeque & Soul House has got you covered.

Chris Ford, the former frontman for the homegrown rock & soul band Gran Torino, puts as much of himself into preparing his excellent food as he did with his music. Ford slow cooks his barbeque with fires built of hardwoods that are added throughout the day. Signature dishes include chopped pork, Tennessee beef brisket,  and Sweet P’s pulled chicken. There are all the wonderful sides you would expect from mac and cheese to greens! If you want some of this tasty goodness why not give them a try at your next party or corporate event as they are CATERING ONLY! And don’t forget the banana pudding!

Click HERE to visit the official website!

One of the issues that compounds the problem of unwanted cats and dogs is that many of these animals are never spayed or neutered. This means that if these unaltered animals are abandoned, wander away from their homes, or become separated from their human companions that they could easily become pregnant or impregnate other animals. Whether the animal is recovered by its owner, a shelter, or never recovered this leads to an unwanted increase in the number of dogs and cats.

In an effort to help slow the reproduction of homeless animals and in an attempt to place the millions of already homeless animals, the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley operates Fix-A-Pet. Fix-A-Pet is a low cost spay and neuter clinic that also offers vaccinations and other health testing. There goal to to connect those pet owners with an affordable veterinarian with whom they can form an ongoing relationship for the benefit of their pet’s health. They also carry a full assortment of heartworm, flea, and tick medications. If you need to have your pet spayed or neutered and do not have a regular veterinarian, Fix-A-Pet can definitely help you.

Click HERE to visit the official website.

East Tennessee is home to the beautiful Smoky Mountains. Each season in the mountains has something different to offer. During the spring you can see hundreds of deer frolicking in the fields, in the summer there are the cool mountain streams, fall offers the magnificent show of colors with the changing of the leaves, and winter has snow skiing.

If you are into fitness and exercise (or maybe just a day of it) the snow skiing should definitely be on your list of things to check out. Whether you want the endurance testing of cross country skiing or the thrill of downhill mogul runs snow skiing is a great sport. The first time I ever put on a pair of skis was actually at Ober Gatlinburg and was during a college break. Some buddies and I took advantaged of the long Martin Luther Kin, Jr. holiday to make the roadtrip to Gatlinburg for some snow skiing. This was in late January so the snow was pretty good.

There are eight trails with varying skill levels from beginner to intermediate to advanced Click HERE to view the trail map. There is a very helpful ski school for beginners to learn the basics like turning and stopping. Ober Gatlinburg uses the latest in snow grooming equipment to maximize your ski experience. As most skiers will tell you, snow skiing is very different in the east than in the western portion of the United States. Snow skiing is also very different in the southeast as opposed to the northeast. These differences will not lessen your enjoyment; they will enhance your snow skiing experience. I hope to see you on the slopes this season!

Click HERE to visit the Ober Gatlinburg website!

The official name is the General James White Memorial Civic Auditorium And Coliseum named after the an early Knoxville pioneer and Revolutionary War hero who devised and laid out the early plans for the city. The Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum was designed in 1959. It is a multi use facility that is available for rent for both public and private functions. The 34,000 square feet of floor space has been used for everything from concerts and sporting events to graduations and ice shows. During the winter months it is regularly used as the home field of the Knoxville Ice Bears . This great venue has a full lineup of concerts, sporting events, and other shows for 2009. Click HERE to see a calendar of scheduled events. While there are some pretty basic event policies to govern the patrons and promoters of events, many of the policies can be custom tailored to suit your event’s needs. Click HERE to view the general policies. If you or your group are interested in having you event at this great Knoxville venue, just click HERE to check availability and HERE to view the contact info. Whether you are up for a gospel festival or the circus , check out what is slated for the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum!

Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville are big tourist destinations all year long. Their close proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park make these ideal places to enjoy. There are a multitude of outlet shops to take advantage of, snow skiing in the winter, miniature golf, go carts, and some great food, including the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant .

Usually in early November, before the frigid temperatures have really set in, these towns come alive with workers busily stringing Christmas lights; five million Christmas lights! Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville, from early November through February, are really a sight to behold. The lights are a huge part of Winterfest which is an annual festival that has run for nineteen years.  Winterfest is a joint effort of the three cities. Not only does Winterfest help to drive tourism but it also delights the local residents. The best way to take in Winterfest is on one of the city’s Trolley Tour of Lights that have special routes for maximum viewing pleasure. I would definitely recommend taking a drive or riding the trolley to enjoy the glowing fun of Winterfest!

Visit the city of Pigeon Forge’s website HERE !

Today I was awarded the Lemonade Award from Totally Tennessee . I have to say that I really had no idea what the Lemonade Award was! From the best I can determine, the Lemonade Award is given to 10 bloggers whom  a prior recipient (that would be me) feels displays gratitude and/or attitude in their blog. I am happy to say that I am glad to have received this award as it is nice to be recognized by fellow bloggers. If you get the chance, stop by Danny Thornton’s Totally Tennessee website.

The Knoxville, Tennessee Area Local Expert website is announcing the winners of my Lemonade Awards. These 10 blogs are a must see.

Ha Media’s Marketing & Advertising Blog

Lake Anna VA Real Estate Specialist - Kathleen Elim

Chris’s Blog

Viroqua Wisconsin

Alisha’s real estate and other ramblings

Marey Hoeppner- Portage, MI- Virutal Assist Expert

Gayle’s Blog

REALTOR Andrew Mooers’ Maine Real Estate Blog

Home Loan Information At Your Southern Oregon Housing Resource - Quality Home Loans

Betina’s Austin Texas Real Estate Blog
Congratulations to all the Lemonade Award recipients. It is now your turn to share this opportunity with your favorite bloggers by doing the following:

1) Put the logo on your blog or post (in addition to showing you received the award, you won’t receive duplicates).

2) Nominate at least 10 blogs, which show great Attitude and/or Gratitude!

3) Be sure to link to your nominees within your post

4) Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

5) Share the love and link to this post and to the person from whom you received your award.

Knoxville is home to the main campus of the University of Tennessee , Knoxville College , Pellissippi State Technical Community College , and several other institutions of higher learning. As most of us remember from our college days there were always those bars, clubs, and other places we went to blow off a little steam. Knoxville definitely has it share of places for the college students to go.

Not only a student bar, but definitely trending in that direction is the Valarium. The Valarium is a large space with over 6,000 square feet, including a stage, two dressing rooms, a kitchen (for catering), and two lighted parking lots. This high energy dance club has longtime Knoxville DJ Slink spinning his progressive beats that are modulated with the energy of the evening. Add to this, the synchronized lighting and every manner of adult beverage and you have a great place to spend an evening. And for those of you who can resist the pull of the dance floor, there is ample seating for enjoying a cocktail with friends while watching the always eclectic crowd. The Valrium is also the intimate venue of choice for many cutting edge musical groups that visit Knoxville. Click HERE to visit the official website and to see what emerging new musical group will be coming to the Valrium next.

Built in 1792, Blount Mansion now sits among the modern glass and steel skyscrapers of downtown Knoxville. Blount Mansion was built by William Blount with the intention of serving as the territorial capital for what would become the state of Tennessee. Blount had been appointed two years earlier by President George Washington as the Governor for the Territory South of the River Ohio. Upon completion of the Holston Treaty with the Cherokee Nation , Blount relocated from modern day Johnson City to what would become Knoxville.

The house was designed by Blount himself with considerable input from his wife, Mary. The  lumber was brought from his native North Carolina, the nails came from his factory in North Carolina, and the windows cam from Richmond, Virginia. Though the kitchen has been restored to period accuracy, the rest of the home remains in tact. With the exception of the month of January, the home is open for public tours with a very small admission fee. This is a great piece of pioneer and colonial history so if you are in Knoxville don’t miss Blount Mansion.

Click HERE to visit the official website.

Knoxville is prod to be the home of Knoxville College. Founded in 1875 by the United Presbyterian Church of North America, Knoxville College has played an instrumental spiritual and educational role in the lives of many African American Tennesseans. The design and the very bricks of the ten buildings that compose Knoxville College were literally created by the students themselves. This spirit of community involvement is alive and well at Knoxville College today.

Knoxville College is a private, four year liberal arts school. Though the school is a historically black college (HBCU), its doors are open to all qualified applicants. The school is committed to its community and its students and instills a sense of responsible citizenship among its students. In addition to prospective students who have demonstrated the ability for academic excellence, the school also reaches out to those with the potential and desire to achieve academic excellence but may have been afforded little in the way of societal support to achieve those goals. Knoxville is fortunate to have this excellent school lending to the academic and cultural environment of the city, the region, and the state.

Click HERE to visit the official website.

One of the things that really characterizes this time of year is the music. From the choirs and choruses to the ballads and hymns, it seems that the holidays have a sound all there own. In fact in two separate posts this month, I have highlighted festive holiday music events here in Knoxville, the Rocky Wynder Trio and the Living Christmas Tree . Today I wanted to highlight yet another  holiday music event.

The 22nd Annual Clayton holiday Concert kicks off tomorrow night at the Knoxville Civic Auditorium. Maestro Lucas Richman conducts the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, the Knoxville choral Society, and special guests in some of the your most beloved holiday songs. This years special guests include Shira Adler, the Appalachian Ballet Company , and the Second Company Children’s Choirs. In addition to these special guests, Santa himself is scheduled to make an appearance.

Event Info:

Show Time: Dec 21st 3:00 PM
Show Time: Dec 20th 7:30 PM
Show Time: Dec 20th 3:00 PM
Show Time: Dec 19th 7:30 PM

Ticket Info:

$ 45.00 Patron Aisle
$ 39.00 Patron
$ 35.00 Orchestra 1 & Balcony Aisle
$ 29.00 Orchestra 1 & Balcony 1
$ 22.00 Orchestra 2
$ 14.00 Orchestra 3

Click HERE to visit the official website and buy tickets!

In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee which is a short drive from Knoxville, is a shopper’s oasis. There are outlet stores of every descriptions, stores featuring local artisans, the Christmas Place , and many, many more! When your bones are tired from shopping and your stomach is gnawing at your back, you will appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and awesome food of the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant .

Off the bat, let me say that I am not a fan of neither baked nor fried apple dishes. I was very happy to have lunch at this restaurant however as it is a favorite of my families. I was not however ready for the apple fritters. The fritters are basically an elongated sugar donut with the apple butter in a dish on the side. I was going to eat just the donut part but I decided I would give it a shot and try the apple butter. It was fantastic! It was one of the best sweets I have ever had. If you need a respite from your holiday shopping or you are in the area for vacation, seek out the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant. It is not hard to find but it is definitely worth a try! And don’t forget the Applewood Julep!

Have you ever heard the term country Christmas? In Pigeon Forge, Tennessee you can definitely experience a country Christmas and more. The Christmas Place is where visitors can explore over 43,000 square feet of a total Christmas odyssey.

The Christmas Place was begun by Hurshel and Marian Briggs in 1986 as a small Christmas themed gift shop. Regardless of the time of year, the Christmas Place has phenomenal decorations that include fifty themed trees. The mission statement of the Christmas Place speaks volumes about just how far they have come from being that small gift shop to being an entire Bavarian Christmas village.

Grow in reputation as the premier Christmas store destination in the United States where all guests enjoy a shopping experience which represents the spirit of Christmas, provided by highly trained, friendly, and caring employees.

From the twinkling Christmas lights to the shiny ornaments, from the singing Santa to various themed rooms, from the collectible Christopher Radko ornaments to the Swarovski figurines the amount of things to see and do will delight and entertain you.