As published in The Florida Villager
One of life’s greatest challenges is realizing when to take a time out. My realization came a few weeks ago when I found myself having a full-blown conversation with my cat- time to get away. I packed a small bag, took the top off my jeep and headed for Knoxville, Tennessee.
I knew the ’82 World’s Fair had been held there and it’s home to the University of Tennessee but I was going there to spend time in nature and reconnect with myself. Crossing the Henley Street Bridge into downtown, I was very much aware of the little mountain town feel.
I checked into the Holiday Inn World’s Fair Park and trust me, as Robin, director of sales and marketing, said, “This is not your grandpa’s holiday Inn.” The hotel’s décor was inviting and my room was spacious and extremely pleasant. However, what really made this hotel a place I will definitely recommend was its staff. Chris at the front desk could not have been nicer and more accommodating and Charles, the shuttle driver, entertained me with his personality and stories of Knoxville. A huge shout out to the staff!
On my way to dinner, I was totally taken with the quaintness of the town. There is Old City with its shops and restaurants and the square downtown is blocked off to make downtown one of the most pedestrian friendly cities I’ve seen. There was a movie playing in the square with people sitting in lawn chairs and the cool night breeze blowing their blankets. I stepped into J.C. Holdway, a restaurant that made me think of a loft in New York. After asking my waiter to tell me his favorite foods, I settled on the chicken wings with Alabama white sauce. All I can say is that had I been with friends, I would have ordered another batch. They were spectacular.
I decided to check out the nightlife and found myself noticing people turning down this small alleyway. I peeked around the corner to see them entering a doorway with a red light over it. Making my way across the threshold, I could make out a dimly lit hallway with a gentleman wearing a gold bowtie standing by another door. Believe it or not, I was ushered into a speakeasy. On the other side of the small room was a wall that slid back and forth which would gain you entry into The Oliver Hotel. What a step back into time.
The next few days were a whirlwind of fun. I went kayaking with River Sports Outfitters down the river and just soaked in the solitude and the beauty of the riverbanks. I ate lunch at Jackie’s Dream, which is a small restaurant in a neighborhood serving the best soul food I have ever had. Denisha, my waitress, just made the whole experience the best with her singing. I had time for a quick stop at the Botanical Gardens to see their new secret garden before heading to Wine on the Water.
Wine on the Water is a yearly event to benefit Cystic Fibrosis and it was wonderful. There were multiple wine and food booths and it appeared the whole community came out to support the cause. As nighttime crept in, the bridge lanterns came on and a paddleboat cruised down the river. Norman Rockwell at his best.
I have to say, it’s difficult to pin point the best experience in this amazing town but Navitat ranks way up there. Navitat is a zip line adventure park with six stations that start at a huge tree house. Each station gradually increases in tree height and difficulty. At the end of each “adventure” you zip line down. It was the challenge I was looking for.
Sadly, I had to say goodbye to Knoxville but as I drove back across the bridge, I waved and thought, “Thanks for the memories.”