Page 10 - Conf 2017 Vol35 No4

Things to Do in KnoxvilleByMollyGilbert

Fishing, Hiking, Mountain Biking

Located within an hour of nine lakes and two mountain chains, Knoxville has tons of
outdoor adventure, festivals and special events, and a terrific local restaurant selection
sure to please any foodie. However, you don’t have to leave the city limits to enjoy the great
outdoors. You can be within three miles of downtown but feel like you are in the Great
Smoky Mountains or the Cumberland Mountains. It’s the best of both worlds. Fish, hike or
bike all day in Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness and then enjoy an exquisite chef-prepared meal
paired with a locally crafted brew in the big city.

Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness

With more miles of trails near downtown than any other city in the nation, Knoxville’s Urban
Wilderness has over 50 miles of natural surface trails that host a variety of outdoor activities
for all skill levels, presenting a unique urban adventure playground for hikers, mountain
bikers and trail runners. The new Baker Creek Preserve has over 7.1 miles of trails ranging
in difficulty from easy to downhill extreme. The South Loop Trail System offers 42-miles of
easy to moderate natural surface trails on varying terrain. A signed 12.5-mile loop connects
Ijams Nature Center, Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area, Anderson School Trails,
William Hastie Natural Area, and Marie Myers Park. These trails connect to the rest of the
Urban Wilderness by way of a pedestrian and bicycle bridge across Red Bud Road. There
are seven trailheads within the system that offer parking and kiosks with trail information,
with restroom facilities at Ijams Nature Center and Mead’s Quarry. Knoxville’s Urban
Wilderness trails are all signed with UW logos, tree blazes, and street stencils for convenient
way-finding.

Gearing Up

With all of the conference activities, you may not have planned correctly to allow a full day
of fishing, but you can still take advantage of the great outdoor gear stores here in Knoxville
so that you can maximize your outdoor adventures when you get back home. Mast General
Store, located on Gay Street, and Uncle Lem’s Mercantile and Outdoor, located on Sevier
Avenue, are your closest options. Both of these stores are known for their quality clothing
and gear. For the fly fisherman, 3 Rivers Angler is a well stocked shop only 4 miles away.

Knoxville is also home to Academy Sports, Dick’s Sporting Goods and REI. So, whether
your hobby is camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, biking, birdwatching or something more
extreme, you’re in good company in Knoxville.

CLOSEST TO THE KNOXVILLE CONVENTION CENTER

Knoxville is the biggest small town in America. No matter where you are, you are never more
than about 20 to 30 minutes away from where you want to be. But, knowing that some of
our visitors would rather hoof it than to jump back in their cars, here are a few things that
are easily within walking distance:

Knoxville Museum of Art, Fort Kid, and the Knoxville Chocolate Company

Admission to the Knoxville Museum of Art is free. Spend some time looking at the
permanent and temporary exhibits and then if you have kiddos with you, burn off some
energy at Fort Kid playground across the street. And, for the kid in all of us, treat yourself to
a few chocolates at the Knoxville Chocolate Company.

Sunsphere and World’s Fair Park

Riding to the viewing deck of the Sunsphere is free and offers a 360 degree view of
downtown. Besides, how can you come to Knoxville and not go to the iconic Sunsphere?
Take a stroll through the World’s Fair Park – your kiddos will find a great playground and
may even want to splash in the water jets (if the weather allows). Are you a runner? This
park is also a great starting point to follow one of the greenways toward the riverfront. Just
follow the other runners, no matter which way you go, you’ll end up with a good workout.

10 TPW Conference 2017