Alcoa, TN, and Knoxville, TN, boast some of the most fascinating local attractions in East Tennessee. Not only can you find an exciting downtown scene in Knoxville, but, after a short drive, you can go explore the Great Smoky Mountains. Below are four unique and astonishing attractions you must visit to discover the region’s art and rich culture.
1. The Sunsphere
The Sunsphere, with its 24-karat gold glass panels that give the sphere its iconic gold color, stands 26 stories tall. The glowing Sunsphere is the most notable feature of the Knoxville skyline. Architecture firm Community Tectonics designed it for the 1982 World’s Fair.
The Observation Deck on the fourth level provides a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of Knoxville, the Tennessee River, and the Great Smoky Mountains. The Observation Deck gallery displays information and images of the region. Admission to the Observation Deck is free of charge.
2. Knoxville Museum of Art
The Knoxville Museum of Art is a 53,200 square-foot facility that exhibits a vast collection of historical and contemporary artworks from artists across East Tennessee. The permanent exhibitions showcase works from mostly unknown artists from the mid-nineteenth to the late-twentieth century, modern and contemporary art by established artists, glasswork, and installations of miniature historic interiors.
The museum regularly displays delightful temporary exhibits of regional culture and contemporary artists supported by educational programs, including workshops, lectures, and tours. The museum is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays between 10 am and 5 pm and on Sundays from 1 pm to 5 pm. Admission to the museum is free.
3. Street Art and Murals
There are street art and murals by local artists on the walls throughout the city, especially downtown. The colorful downtown murals include Postcards from Knoxville on the side of the Knoxville Visitor’s Center and Strong Alley’s constantly changing artworks between Union and Wall Avenues. A massive portrait of Dolly Parton, who grew up nearby, and Windows to the Smokies provide an abundance of color to the city streets.
One of the most impressive street art pieces is the 43 brightly painted stairs called Weaving Rainbow Mountain in World’s Fair Park. Then there is the Fireflies mural in Henley Street, Greetings from Knoxville and Dreambikes in Old Knoxville, and many more to discover on strolls through the city streets.
4. Millennium Manor Castle
The story of Millennium Manor Castle starts with William Andrew Nicholson, who lived between 1877-1965. He firmly believed that the biblical Armageddon would happen in his lifetime. He also thought he would survive it and live on earth with the other 144,000 righteous souls for another 1,000 years. He decided to build an indestructible home where he and his wife, Emma Fair, will survive the Apocalypse and live happily for another 1000 years.
He burrowed into the hillside and constructed a 14-room, two-story mansion out of anything that could not rot or rust. Massive boulders were mortared together with 4,000 bags of cement. Today the castle is owned by firefighter Dean Fontaine and his wife, Karen. Dean said a tornado passed directly over the mansion in 2006, and he slept right through it.
Go on an expedition to discover the region’s most memorable attractions. Visit Rick McGill’s Airport Toyota today for top-quality new and used vehicles, expert maintenance and repair services, and exceptional customer care.
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