Walking the streets of downtown Knoxville, the state's third-largest city, you'll be met with a sea of orange, but don't fret if orange isn't your color and the Vols aren't your team. Knoxville offers plenty of outdoor activities and festivals throughout the year and is known to be a destination that's fun for the whole family.
FAST FACTS
> Population: 185,291
> Time zone: Eastern Standard
> Claim to fame: Home of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville's campus
> Did you know? Settled in 1786, Knoxville was the first capital of Tennessee.
EVENTS TO CHECK OUT
> The International Biscuit Festival draws more than 20,000 biscuit-lovers to downtown each year in May, and has been featured in Southern Living, Garden and Gun and The New Yorker. During the festival, visitors can taste biscuits, cheer on competitors in the biscuit baking contest, shop at the Biscuit Bazaar or vie for the pageant title of Miss or Mr. Biscuit. Rise for the occasion May 19, 2018. (biscuitfest.com)
> Christmas in the City is Knoxville's most anticipated winter festival, as the downtown is dressed for the holidays with lighted trees and decorations. A wide range of events start Thanksgiving Day and run until New Year's.
> The Tennessee Valley Fair is held every September and is a celebration of East Tennessee's agricultural heritage. Being held Sept. 8-17 this year, the fair also includes a concert series, carnival rides and entertainment. (tnvalleyfair.org)
GOOD GRUB
Knoxville Food Tours offers a sampling of some of the city's best eats. You'll be treated to a taste of signature dishes from some of the city's most iconic restaurants. The tour even allows you to add pairings of beer from local and craft breweries, wine flights and cocktails. (865-201-7270; knoxvillefoodtours.com)
NOTABLE ATTRACTIONS
> A 90-minute ride on the Three Rivers Rambler, a vintage steam engine train, will allow you to see some of Knoxville's most historic and beautiful countryside. During the holiday season, the train is transformed into the "Christmas Lantern Express." (2560 University Commons Way; 865-524-9411; threeriversrambler.com)
> The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum offers walking trails, gardens and more than two miles of distinctive stone walls. It's home of Knoxville's Secret Garden, which bears some likeness to the hidden garden in the well-known book "The Secret Garden." (2743 Wimpole Ave.; 865-862-8717; knoxgarden.org)
> Worlds Fair Park was once the site of the 1982 World's Fair, and features miles of lawn, acres of flowers and several waterfalls. The park is also home to the Knoxville Convention Center, providing a place for meetings and quiet moments outside. (963 Worlds Fair Park Drive; 865-215-8161; worldsfairpark.org)
ORANGE COUNTRY
Neyland Stadium, on the University of Tennessee-Knoxville's campus, is the nation's fifth-largest stadium. The stadium was constructed in 1921 and called the Shields-Watkins Field. It has undergone more than a dozen expansions over the years. The stadium is now named for Robert Neyland, who served three stints as the head football coach of the Vols between 1926 and 1952.