1-14-2022
I spent today checking out Knoxville. I really like this city. They had the 1982 World’s Fair here, they have a huge college football team, the river area is nice, and there are a few different sections of downtown with different feels to them. I parked at Calhoun’s again since it is on the South side of downtown. I started walking up the West side of downtown and went to the World’s Fair area first. This one wasn’t nearly as big or exciting as the one in New York. They had a tower, the Sunsphere, but the observation deck was under construction, a convention center, amphitheater, and a river walk.
I made my way further North toward the core of the city and went to Market Square. This was where they had their big Christmas tree and a bunch of shops around the square. On the South end of the square was Charles Krutch Park. There was a nice path through trees and sculptures were all over the park. The main thing here was the homeless and drug activity which really ruined a nice little park. In one of the alley’s next to the square was the Art Alley. The first thing you walk by is a huge portrait of Dolly Parton. The rest of the alley was covered with different murals.
I continued North up to the Old town. There were a bunch of 19th century buildings here. Lots of little shops, restaurants, and pubs. I stopped at Pretentious Beer Company for a beer before heading back on my way. I found out that they own the glass blowing shop next door. All of their tap handles and glasses were made there. I went to the shop after my drink and watched them make glasses for twenty minutes or so.
After that I headed back to the van. There wasn’t much to see on the East side of downtown. University of TN and Neyland Stadium, home of the Vols, was within walking distance, but I didn’t go over to it. It was only 4:30 when I got back to the van so I started making my way toward Wilmington and Myrtle Beach.