INFORMATION ON KNOXVILLE
Knoxville is located in East Tennessee and surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The city has served as the hub of the region since its founding in 1791 and is still rooted in its Appalachian heritage through many historical and cultural sites in the area. The first and only Governor of the Southwest Territory (1790-1796), William Blount, named Knoxville for President Washington’s War Secretary, Henry Knox. In more recent history, Knoxville’s neighbor city, Oak Ridge, was founded during the Second World War to develop America’s atomic weapons program. It is one of the nation’s five national labs. Whether you are looking for the adventures in the great outdoors, historical and cultural sites, or unique area attractions, Knoxville offers it all.
DRIVING TO KNOXVILLE
Knoxville is within a day’s drive of half the nation’s population. Knox County is situated at the crossroads of interstates I-75, I-40, and I-81. Major cities within driving distance: Atlanta Birmingham Charleston Charlotte Chicago Cincinnati Cleveland Detroit Jacksonville Lexington Little Rock Louisville Memphis Philadelphia New York Raleigh Washington D.C.
AIR TRANSPORTATION
McGhee Tyson Airport is Knoxville’s largest and most frequently used airport. McGhee Tyson Airport is serviced by the following airlines: American Eagle 1-800-433-7300 Comair 1-800-354-9822 Continental Express 1-800-525-0280 Delta 1-800-221-1212 Northwest 1-800-225-2525 United 1-800-241-6522 US Airways 1-800-428-4322
The following cities have direct flight service to Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport:
●
Atlanta Cincinnati Charlotte Detroit Houston
● Minneapolis ● Philadelphia ● Cleveland ● Memphis ● Dallas ● Newark, NJ ● Pittsburgh ● St. Louis ● Washington, D.C.
Rental car agencies stationed at McGhee Tyson Airport: Alamo 1-800-327-9633 Avis 1-800-331-1212 Budget 1-800-527-0700 Hertz 1-800-654-3131 National 1-800-227-7368 Thrifty 1-800-367-2277
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Knoxville Area Transit buses run 18 routes throughout the city: MondayFriday 6:00am-9:30pm, Saturday 6:00am-7:00pm, Sunday 11:45am-6:15pm. Basic fares are $1. Also, Knoxville has a Downtown Trolley system, which is free of charge. The trolley brochure features a map of downtown Knoxville, the trolley routes, walking tours, and points of interest. The trolley runs every 10 minutes, Monday-Friday, 7:00am-6:15pm. Brochures with trolley routes will be available at the conference. However, almost all conference related sites are within walking distance from the Hilton Hotel as well as a wide variety of restaurant. There is no Amtrak service to Knoxville.
CLIMATE
Knoxville is in a temperate climate zone. The summers are always green and gentle. The fall colors are truly magnificent and winter is brief and mild. Spring arrives early and stays late, featuring East Tennessee’s famous dogwood trees. Annual Average Temp: 58˚F Average Low Temp: January 28˚F, July 68˚F Average High Temp: January 45˚F, July 87˚F Annual Average Precipitation: 48.2 inches Annual Average Snowfall: 11 inches Elevation: 936 feet above sea level
THE HILTON HOTEL
The Hilton Hotel, located in the heart of downtown Knoxville, will serve as the Society for Military History’s headquarters during the 2003 annual conference. For this conference, a group rate of $84.00 per night has been negotiated. To make reservations with the Hilton using this group rate, please call: 1-800-445-8667, OR (865) 523-2300 and give the operator this code: CSWS Parking is free for guests staying at the Hilton. Directions to the Hilton from the major interstates surrounding Knoxville are as follows: TRAVELING NORTH ON I-75, EAST ON I-40, OR TRAVELING FROM THE AIRPORT TAKING 129 NORTH (ALCOA HWY) TO I-40 EAST: Take I-40 EAST into the Downtown Knoxville Area Take Exit # 388 You will exit to the right, but then stay in the left lane Go through the tunnel to Henley Street Go to the second traffic light and turn left on Church Ave. The Hotel is one block on the left TRAVELING SOUTH ON I-75 (I-275 SOUTH) Take I-275 South to Knoxville Follow signs for 441 South/Henley Street Go through the tunnel to Henley Street Go to the second traffic light and turn left on Church Ave. The Hotel is one block on the left TRAVELING WEST ON I-40 Take Exit # 388A (James White Parkway) – this will exit left Take first exit off of James White Parkway (at Summit Hill) You will come to a stop sign on Summit Hill, turn right Go to the fourth traffic light (Locust St), turn left The Hotel is three blocks on the left
DINING
Many of the finest restaurants in Knoxville are located within walking distance of the Hilton Hotel. The following is a list of some of the area’s favorites, their locations, hours, and pricing:
American:
The Bistro 807 S. Gay St. (At the Bijou Theatre) Pasta, fish, and steaks. Happy Hour 2-7pm. Mon.-Fri. 11am-9pm, Sat. 5pm-10pm. Handicap Access, $7-12. Fairbanks Roasting Room 607 Market St. House smoked beef and lamb, fresh fish and seafood. Also offers vegetarian dishes. Dinner only, Wed.-Sat. from 5:30. Handicap Access $11-24. (544-0537)
(544-3090)
The Riverside Tavern 950 Volunteer Landing Lane (637-0303) Riverfront dining. Rotisserie Lamb, chicken, pork, salmon, steaks. Mon.-Thurs. 11am-10pm, Fri.& Sat. 11am-11pm. Sun. 11am-9pm. Handicap Access, $10-25.
Cafes:
Crescent Moon Café 718 Gay St. (637-9700) All-homemade lunches, low fat soups and sandwiches. Healthy and unique food; also a good choice for vegetarians. Mon.-Fri. 7:30am-2:15pm. Handicap Access, Under $8. Pete’s Coffee Shop 428 Union Avenue (523-2860) Breakfast, lunch, and blue plate specials. Located at the corner of Locust and Union. Mon.-Fri. 6:30am-3:00pm, Handicap Access Under $7. (523-2860) Sunspot 1909 Cumberland Ave. (637-4663) Southwestern, Caribbean, and Latin American dishes; also a good choice for vegetarians. Daily 11am-10pm. Handicap Access, $7-15.
Coffee Shops:
Higher Grounds, Inc. 625 Gay St. Cappuccino, lattes, and lunch specials. Mon.-Fri. 6:30am-3:30pm. Handicap Access, $5-7. (329-9972)
Java, Old City 109 S. Central (523-9817) Great Sunday breakfasts, coffee and more. Mon.-Wed. 8am-11pm, Thurs. 8am-Midnight, Fri. 8am-2am, Sat.8:30am-2am, Sun. 8:30am-11pm. Handicap Access, under $6.
Deli:
Harold’s Kosher Deli and Restaurant 131 S. Gay St. (523-5315) Huge kosher Sandwiches. Also has a great Saturday morning breakfast. Mon.-Sat. 7am-3pm. Under $7.
Fondue:
The Melting Pot 111 N. Central Ave. (971-5400) Many different types of fondue including cheese and an amazing dessert chocolate fondue. Also has a great wine list. Sun.-Thurs. 5pm-10pm, Fri.& Sat. 5pm-11pm. Over $25. Reservations recommended, (971-5400).
Lunch:
The Lunchbox 800 S. Gay St., Plaza Tower (525-7421) Homemade soups, sandwiches, salads, and hot specials. Mon.-Fri. 11am-2pm. Handicap Access, under $7. (525-7421) The Soup Kitchen 1 Market Square Many different varieties of excellent soups! Mon.-Fri. 11am-2pm. Handicap Access, under $8. (546-4212)
Pizza:
Barley’s Taproom and Pizzeria 200 E. Jackson St. (521-0092) In the heart of the historic Old City, Barley’s serves New York style pizzas and calzones. Also has over 40 microbrews on tap, live music, and never a cover charge. Mon.-Sat. 11:30am-2:00am, Sun. 12pm-12am.
Handicap Access, $7-12. (521-0092) Tomato Head 12 Market Square Mall (637-4067) Menu offering include pizzas, calzones, salads, sandwiches, soups, and a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. Artwork on display each month. Mon. 11am-3pm, Tues.-Thurs. 11am-10pm, Fri.& Sat. 11am-11pm. Handicap Access, $8-10.
Seafood:
Chesapeake’s 500 Henley St. (673-3433) Fresh seafood featuring Maryland Crab Cakes, oysters, and lobster. Lunch Mon.-Fri. 11am-2:30pm, Dinner Mon.-Thurs. 4:30pm-10pm, Fri. & Sat. 4:30pm-11pm, Sun. 4:30-9:30pm. Handicap Access. Lunch $10, Dinner$18.
Steaks:
The Butcher Shop Steakhouse 806 World’s Fair Park Drive in the historic L& N Depot Building. (637-0204) A traditional American menu with an emphasis on steaks. Tues.-Sat. 5pm-close, Sun. 4pm-close, Free parking for customers. $12-$20 Manhattan’s Antiques Bistro and Bar 101 S. Central (525-2333) Nice bar area and great food! Evening entertainment. Mon.-Thurs. 5pm-10pm, Fri. & Sat. 4pm-11pm. Handicap Access, $7-18. Patrick Sullivan’s Steakhouse & Saloon 100 N. Central Knoxville’s “most historic” Restaurant. Sun.-Thurs. 11am-11pm, Fri. & Sat. 11am-Midnight. Handicap Access, $7-22. (637-4255)
DOWNTOWN ATTRACTIONS, MUSEUMS, & POINTS OF INTEREST
Knoxville Museum of Art showcases exhibitions from around the world
and a permanent collection of contemporary art. Admission charge. Tuesday-Thursday, Saturday, 10-5; Friday, 10-9; Sunday, 12-5. Closed Monday. 1050 World’s Fair Park Drive (865-525-6101)
Historic Candy Factory and Victorian Houses is a collection of shops
and galleries featuring the works of local and regional artists. Also home to a working chocolate factory, children’s playground, and visitor information. 1060 World’s Fair Park Drive (865-546-5707)
The Tennessee Theater is a historic theater located in the heart of
downtown and home to concerts of all kinds, classic movies, and special events. 604 South Gay Street (865-673-9613 or 865-522-1174)
The Bijou Theater Center is one of the oldest buildings in Knoxville and
is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Bijou hosts events, plays, concerts, etc. 803 South Gay Street (865-522-0832 or 1-800-738-0832)
The Old City Historic District offers shops and boutiques with unique
gifts, crafts, antiques, art, and clothing. Also home to popular coffee shops, restaurants, and night spots. Surrounding the intersection of Jackson Avenue and Central Street at the North end of the downtown district.
The East Tennessee History Center is the home of a regional history
museum, a premier genealogy research library, and historical archives. It is home to the East Tennessee Historical Society, the Knox County Archives, and the Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection. The McClung Collection hosts one of the most complete collections of East Tennessee materials available. *The East Tennessee Historical Society Museum entrance is located at the 600 Market Street entrance. (865-215-8830) Monday-Saturday, 10-4. Sun. 1-5. *The McClung Historical Collection entrance is located at the Clinch Avenue entrance. (865-215-8801) Mon-Tues 9-8:30, Wed-Fri 9-5:30, Sat 9-5, Sunday 1-5.
The Blount Mansion, 1792, was the home and Capitol of William Blount,
Governor of the Territory of the U.S. South of the Ohio River (1790-1796), and a signatory to the U.S. Constitution. Blount, originally from North
Carolina, was also Tennessee’s first U.S. Senator. Blount Mansion is alos the site where the Tennessee State Constitution was drafted. Guided tours of this National Historic Landmark highlight 18th-century antiques and the workings of frontier government. Small admission charge. Monday-Saturday, 9:30am-5:00pm, tours on the hour. Last tour at 4:00pm 200 West Hill Avenue (865-525-2375)
James White’s Fort was the first settlement in Knoxville and home of
General James White who settled here in 1786. The fort consists of seven log houses, each containing pioneer articles and furnishings. Small admission charge. January-February, Monday-Friday, 10-4. March-December, Monday-Saturday, 9:30-4:30. Last tour around 3:30pm. 205 East Hill Avenue (865-525-6514)
The Frank H. McClung Museum, a general interest museum, maintains
exhibits on Archaeology and the Native Peoples of Tennessee, Ancient Egypt, Decorative Arts, Geology & Fossils, Civil War, and local and natural history. Special exhibits every 3-6 months. Free admission. MondaySaturday, 9-5; Sunday, 1-5. 1327 Circle Park Drive on the UT Campus (865-974-2144)
The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame honors the past, celebrates the
present, and promotes the future of the women’s game. Small admission charge. Students free. Monday-Saturday, 10-7; Sunday, 1-6. 700 Hall of Fame Drive (865-633-9000)
Knoxville Area Attractions:
The American Museum of Science and Energy houses exhibits on the
Manhattan Project research that created Oak Ridge. Live demonstrations, self-guided tour. Admission charge. Tues.-Sat. 9-5; Sun. 1-5; Closed Monday. 300 South Tulane Ave., Oak Ridge, TN (865-576-3200)
The War Dog Memorial commemorates dogs that served in World War
II. Dedicated in 1998. Full disabled accessibility. Free admission. 2407 River Drive, in front of the University of Tennessee Veterinary Hospital. (865-974-5869)
The Knoxville Zoo is home to over 800 animals and two of the top black
bear and chimp exhibits in the nation. Hours vary. Admission charge. 3500 Knoxville Zoo Dr., Exit 392 off I-40 (865-637-5331)
Confederate Memorial Hall (Bleak House) served as the headquarters
for General James Longstreet, C.S.A., during the 1863 “Siege of Knoxville.” Showcases memorabilia from the War and a Confederate museum. Admission charge. Open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 1-4. 3148 Kingston Pike (865-522-2371)
The Discovery Center features hands-on exhibits and activities that
focus on life, physical and earth sciences. Displays include a human kaleidoscope, a shadow box, minerals, and collections of living and preserved animals. Monday-Friday, 9-5; Saturday, 10-5. Last tour at 4:00pm. 516 N. Beaman St. at Chilhowee Park (865-594-1494)
Fort Sanders Battle Site (Ft. Dickerson) was built by the Union army
to defend Knoxville during the Civil War. The Confederate army attacked the fort on November 15, 1863, but did not succeed in taking the fort. Open daily. Admission free. Monday-Saturday, 10-4; Sunday, 1-5. (865-215-8830 or Dr. Michael Toomey at 865-215-8827)
Regional Attractions
Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a cozy, mountain village that lies at the foot of
the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is filled with beautiful hotels, cabins, and chalets. Prices vary. There are hundreds of gift and craft stores, restaurants, and, entertainment venues. Approximately 1 hour South East of Knoxville. For more information call (1-800-900-4148)
Asheville, North Carolina is located between the Blue Ridge and Great
Smoky Mountains. In addition to the mountain scenery, Asheville offers art galleries, shops, restaurants, and several historic attractions including Biltmore House and the Grove Park Inn. For more information call (1-888-247-9811)
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park consists of 520,000 acres,
with 850 trails for hiking and horseback riding. There are developed and
backcountry campsites, scenic views from over 6,000 feet, several visitors centers. Headquarters are located at Sugarlands Visitor Center in Gatlinburg. From Knoxville, Approximately 40 miles SE, on Hwy 441 (865-436-1200)
Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies in Gatlinburg. Thousands of exotic
fish, 10 foot sharks, dive & fish feeding shows, world’s longest underwater aquarium tunnel, and two great restaurants. Also hosts hourly education classes. Sunday-Thursday, 9-9; Friday-Saturday, 9-11. Downtown Gatlinburg, Traffic light #3 (888-240-1358)
Pigeon Forge, Tennessee is nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky
Mountains and a home to many live entertainment theaters and a five-mile long parkway lined with more than 50 rides and attractions. It also has six outlet malls with more than 200 stores offering everything from designer clothes to home furnishings. For more information call (800-251-9100)
Louise Mandrell Theater in Pigeon Forge. Discover why it’s the most
attended show in the Smokies. Starring Louise Mandrell, this multi-million dollar variety production has spectacular music, incredible sets, elaborate costumes, 15-foot puppets, and balloon drops. Admission charge. AprilOctober, regular season. November-December, Christmas show. 2046 Parkway, Pigeon Forge (865-453-6263 or 800-768-1170)
Dixie Stampede in Pigeon Forge. Experience 32 magnificent horses,
daring riders and exciting feats of horsemanship in a friendly North/South rivalry. Music, singing, dancing, and a fabulous four-course meal. Shows daily. Admission charge. 3849 Parkway, Pigeon Forge (865-453-9473 or 800-356-1676)
Dollywood, located in Pigeon Forge, is Dolly Parton’s 118-acre
entertainment park. It offers the best music, shows, attractions, crafts, family fun rides, special events and Smoky Mountain traditions. Hours vary. Admission charge. 1020 Dollywood Lane, Pigeon Forge (800-DOLLYWOOD or 865-428-9488)
The Chattanooga Aquarium houses more than 9,000 animals that swim,
fly and crawl in natural habitats. Journey through a sixty-foot canyon and two living forests, where you’ll see all these natural wonders. Open daily except Thanksgiving & Christmas, 10-6. One Broad Street, Chattanooga (800-262-0695)
The Historic Rugby Site is the restoration of the community founded in
1880 by the British author and social reformer Thomas Hughes, as a cooperative, class-free, agricultural community. The site still contains twenty original buildings. Adults $4.50. State Scenic Hwy 52, Rugby (423-628-2441)
The Lost Sea is America’s largest underground lake and registered natural
landmark. Open daily except Christmas. Guided tours every few minutes. Hours vary. Admission charge. 140 Lost Sea Road, Sweetwater (423-337-6616)
The Tennessee Museum of Aviation offers a “living history” of aviation
through exhibits of functional aircraft and the pilots who flew them. Also includes the Tennessee Aviation Hall of Fame. Admission charge. 135 Air Museum Way, Sevierville (865-908-0171)
The Alvin C. York State Historic Park pays tribute to Sergeant York,
Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, and one of the most decorated soldiers of WWI. The park includes the York family farm and gravesite. The home includes a collection of photographs and other mementos. Free Admission. Open Saturday and Sunday, 9-5. Highway 127 Pall Mall (931-879-6456)