Spend some time enjoying the Museum of East Tennessee History, the couple's very first stop on their very first date. You can explore the history of the area from the time of the Cherokees to the pioneers to the Civil War, up through the birth of country music and the creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Local tip: Admission is only $5, but it's free on Sundays!
The second stop on the couple's first date, the UT Gardens function as an outdoor laboratory for the University of Tennessee Department of Plant Sciences. The gardens are beautifully designed and filled with a large variety of gorgeous plants and flowers. It's the perfect place for a lovely, relaxing stroll. Local tip: The terrace rose garden, with its koi ponds and arbor, make the most stunning backdrop for photos.
Blackhorse was the final stop on the couple's first date, and they've celebrated many anniversaries and special occasions there since. Despite the restaurant changing locations last year, it remains their go-to location for good food. Fun fact: They ordered the exact same meal -- the Cletus burger with sweet potato fries -- and it remains one of their all-time favorite burgers to this day. Local tip: If you're a craft beer enthusiast, try the off-menu "Sweet Red" -- a mix of the Barnstormer Red Ale and Vanilla Cream Ale!
Knoxville's Urban Wilderness is quickly becoming one of the hottest destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Within a ten minute drive of the hustle and bustle of downtown, you can be completely engulfed by nature. When you visit Ijams, save some time to also visit Meads Quarry a couple hundred yards down and across the street. Activities include hiking, biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Local tip: When you need a break from all the activity, check out the beautiful meadow and terraced garden at the home site, located off the parking lot to the left when you pull in. Also, the Urban Wilderness is comprised of much more than just Ijams. Visit their site for more info: http://www.outdoorknoxville.com/urban-wilderness
In 1982, the world came to Knoxville! There was skepticism about the ability of a "scruffy little city" (as we were called by a national publication) to host such a large, international event, but the World's Fair was a success. The remains from the fair are the park itself, which features two large greenspace areas, a playground, and seasonal fountains; an open-air amphitheater; and the Sunsphere, a 266-foot tower topped with a five-story globe, representing the fair's theme -- Energy Turns the World. You can take the elevator to the fourth level of the Sunsphere to see a 360-degree view of downtown and an exhibit on the last successful world's fair ever held. Local tip: Visit the Holiday Inn next to the World's Fair Park to visit the world's largest Rubik's Cube! The ten-foot tall cube once graced the Hungarian Pavilion at the fair, then languished under the interstate overpass for years, before being moved and restored in 2007.
Knoxville's most high-class speakeasy is located in the Oliver Hotel on Market Square. You can enter through the hotel lobby as a guest, or otherwise, enter through a hall off the alley behind the hotel. Enjoy literary-themed drinks in comfy booths surrounded by bookshelves. Local tip: Ask for the bride's favorite bartender and friend, Josh!
This free International Street Fair put on by the Knoxville Opera Company boasts world-class opera performances, other entertainment options, arts/craft exhibitions, and local vendors. Make sure to check the website closer to the actual date, as you won't have much information on schedules and vendors until that time. Local tip: You'll have lots of food options, but try to pop into Cafe Vicolo, located off an alley beside the East Tennessee History Center. The groom works in the same building, and this is a regular haunt for the couple when looking for muffins, croissants, and cannoli.
Downtown Knoxville is a vibrant area with many shops, restaurants, and entertainment spaces. Start by perusing the stores on Market Square and enjoy a meal at Tomato Head, a popular pizza and sandwich place. Browse the candy bins at the old-fashioned Mast General Store on Gay Street. Go bowling at the trendy Maple Hall. Refine your palate with an olive oil and vinegar tasting at Tree & Vine. Finally, top it off with ice cream from the local Cruze Farms. Local tip: Try to take in a show at the glorious Tennessee Theatre, the 90-year-old Official Theatre of Tennessee. Filled with rich drapery, crystal chandeliers, and ornate decorations, watching a performance there is an experience like no other.
Knoxville's craft beer scene has exploded in the past five years. If you want to visit one or more, you can either take a tour with Knox Brew Tours, or you can plan your own pub crawl! Local tip: Schulz Brau is quite an experience. Designed to look like a German castle, the brewery boasts of a beautiful great hall, an outdoor biergarten, and traditional German beers brewed according to the German beer purity law.
Lions and tigers and bears! Oh my! A great stop while in Knoxville (especially if you have little ones!) is Zoo Knoxville. Multiple animal encounters and play areas make for a fun time for all. The bride surprised her groom with a trip there for his birthday last year. He knew all along, so it ended up not being much of a surprise, but they still had a fantastic time with his family. Local tip: The otters and gibbons are the most fun to watch, but you have to stop by the red panda pavilion. Zoo Knoxville is considered the "Red Panda Capital of the World", because of their success in breeding the endangered animal. More red pandas have been born here than at any other zoo in the world.