East Tennessee Residential Communities : Holrob Communities : Private Communities near Knoxville, Knox County, Blount County, Anderson County, Sevier County

In his latest book, Who's Your City, best selling author Richard Florida claims that where you choose to live is more important than ever before. Florida points out that economic activity, innovation, types of people, and creativity is concentrated in relatively few places and that those places will offer better jobs, quality of life, and services. Florida uses a series of maps to show how the world's population is distributed, and where the most productive and creative people live and the strongest economies are in the United States. The Southeast shows prominently on these maps.

Photo by sleepless aquarius.

Florida recommends considering a number of factors when deciding on a new community - opportunity and basic services are among the most important. The Knoxville Metropolitan Statistical Area, home to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the University of Tennessee, and numerous medical and technology-based businesses, reflects our government and community leadership's commitment to quality economic development and quality of life. Recent awards and rankings speak for themselves:

• 2008 - Knoxville ranked 4th on the "Best Cities for Relocating Families" list for Mid-Size Markets. Source: Worldwide ERC and Primacy Relocation May 2008

• 2008 - Metropolitan Knoxville named No. 10 on the list of Forbes Magazine "Best Places for Business and Careers." Source: Forbes Magazine March 2008

• 2007 - Expansion Management magazine named the Knoxville Metropolitan area 3rd among all mid-sized cities in the nation in its annual "Best Metro for Business and Expansion" competition. Source: Expansion Management Magazine August 2007.

• 2007 - Boating Life Magazine named Knoxville as one of the "10 Best Places to Live And Boat." Source: Boating Life Magazine July 2007

• 2007 - Metropolitan Knoxville named No. 5 on the list of the best metro areas for business and careers by Forbes Magazine. Source: Forbes Magazine April 2007.

• 2007 - Knoxville ranked 1st on the "Best Cities for Relocating Families" list. Source: Worldwide ERC and Primacy Relocation May 2007

• 2007 - Expansion Management magazine named Knoxville one of "America's 50 Hottest Cities," cities that are best places to expand or relocate a business. Source: Expansion Management Magazine February 2007.

If you would like more information about Knoxville, click here and request more information.

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For the past two decades motorcycle sales have been on the rise. Since 2002, new purchases have topped over 900,000 each year, a trend that is likely to continue with rising fuel costs. It's estimated that nearly nine million motorcycles are currently in use in America; with such popularity it's no surprise that bike owners have an annual event to share their enthusiasm. Celebrating its eighth consecutive year in Knoxville, Honda Hoot attendees will soon arrive at Chilhowee Park to "blow out the candles" for the Hoot's fifteenth anniversary.

Photo by goatmanbaldy.

This "Top 20 Event" is much like a reunion, drawing visitors back year after year to visit with old friends, make new ones, and to "enjoy the variety of activities and events - from self guided rides through the serene Knoxville outdoors to demonstration rides that offer exclusive opportunities to experience dozens of brand new bikes." Many daytime activities are suggested, highlighting the area's wonderful attractions and scenery. For instance, bikers might take a ride to nearby Dollywood, go white water rafting, visit the Knoxville Zoo, or take a riverboat cruise on the Star of Knoxville. In past years, the rides through the Cumberland Gap and Cherohala Skyway have been popular. This year, new rides include "Bikes and Boats at the Lake" (in which attendees will visit) Lenoir City for water activities and lunch and the "Capes and Cavern Ride" will provide a day of exploring caves..." Over 200 vendors will participate in the vendor expo and nightly shows, fireworks, and games are planned with Wynonna Judd performing a special private concert to Hoot attendees as a grand finale. The June 18-21 event will bring over 16,000 bikers to the city with an estimated city/county economic impact of over $23 million.

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A June 8 New York Times article described Knoxville by some familiar nicknames: Knoxvegas, K-town, Knoxpatch. For the record, we also recognize Vol Country, Big Orange Country, and others conveniently compiled by Byron, but not this: "Knoxville is often called “the couch” by the people who live there." The couch. What?!

Upon publication, it took no time at all for the blogosphere to hum with peeved reactions, all well worth the read. I wondered: if Knoxville were a couch, what type would it be? Certainly not my grandmother's sofa, an ancient affair with little to offer the eye or rump, upholstered in a bland brocade, the hump on its back a pretentious salute to the past. Grandma's sofa offers no indication that you should stay for long, rather, it sweetly sends the opposite message: you're a visitor, don't spill your drink, and cross your legs at the ankle. Knoxville wouldn't be my son's couch, either... a salute to All Things College, an item in disrepair destined for a May 2010 trash heap - and none too soon! It wouldn't be the overstuffed, self-important monstrosity that I recently saw in a store window while traveling. The schizophrenic fabric was pulled tightly over the fill like a drum set to explode. And it wouldn't be what the Times portrayed: "too unassuming to shout about but too comfortable to leave," a statement that conjures images of a frumpy old clunker that woos one into passivity.

To be fair, Knoxville is comfortable and easy to love. But the city's Southern charm, quality of life, and gracious people have made Knoxville a popular place to move: Knoxville added over 100,000 new residents from 1990 to 2000. These people aren't coming to town to settle into a spud-like trance, they are coming for the city's culture, creativity, innovation and technology, educational opportunities, and beauty. We're a growing, vibrant city: "Metropolitan Knoxville is No. 10 on the latest list (Forbes) of the best metro areas for business and careers." As with all cities, there's room for improvement, absolutely...but Knoxville's no unassuming couch.

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Beating the likes of Lollapalooza, Coachella, and Burning Man, April's Rolling Stone Magazine named Tennessee's Bonnaroo the "ultimate, over-the-top" Best Festival! Bonnaroo is in its seventh year with a full slate of musical, comedic, and other entertainment events to appeal to each of the 80,000+ folks who will attend this year. As a massive caravan in the middle of farm country, they arrive in campers, cars, on bikes, and foot to camp out for this four-day event (there is an RV park for those with campers). Bonnaroo is held each June in Manchester, southwest of Knoxville, on a 700-acre farm, upon which multiple stages are set for "some of the best performers in rock and roll, along with dozens of artists in complementary styles such as jazz, Americana, hip-hop, electronica, and just about any contemporary music you can think of." Promoted by Knoxville based A.C. Entertainment and Superfly Productions, last year's line-up included the Police, Wilco, Widespread Panic, Tool, among many others. The event caught, once again, national attention with write-ups  by the New York Times,  E! Online, Variety, MSNBC, and more. This year's schedule starts with Pearl Jam, Metallica, and Jack Johnson, but the list seems endless - the event organizers have promised over 100 bands!

Besides music, there are several other activities and events, many of which offer air conditioned spaces to hot and sweaty festival-goers. Some of those activities include the cinema, which runs a variety of movies around the clock; the Arcade Discotheque offers Xbox games galore; a new yoga tent will host classes; and the Broo'ers tent offers a wide variety of "hearty bocks, revitalizing pilsners, crisp pale ales, and more, offered up by great microbreweries from around the country."
 

If this sounds like a modern day Woodstock, you're not the first to make the connection. All of the things that happened there are likely to happen in Manchester, despite rather successful attempts to curb the more questionable behaviors. And festival-goers seem to revel in the hippy-esque environment. Although all aren't into the long skirts and flower themes, those who are rather set the tone. If you are thinking of attending, you must also be prepared to suspend access to some of the creature comforts that most of us consider instrumental to a civil society. Soap is scarce, showers aren't for everyone, and it's June - so it's hot. But for those who can make it, there's a marathon of memories to be made at the Best Festival in the country!

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People fall in love with Knoxville for many reasons, but it doesn't take long for the city to feel like home. Folks who leave Knoxville often save their moving boxes, suspecting that they'll soon return - and they frequently do. Others save the trouble of packing and settle in to become passionate about the city, like Brandon Clarke and Casey Peters at Knoxify. The two have dedicated themselves to blogging all things social, political, and cultural in and about Knoxville - interviewing county commissioners, reporting on local events, and offering advice on topics from where to get the best coffee to the best insurance deals. A recent post pays homage to their top ten favorite things about Knoxville - and readers followed up with top ten lists of their own. From past leadership to entertainment, dining, and the surrounding area, for an insider's uncensored take on what makes Knoxville great, I can offer no better source.

Photo by dkolbay

But Knoxify isn't the only blog touting Knoxville's virtues. In fact, the area's lively and prolific blogging community is lively and vast, nicely reflecting the city's population, culture, and vitality. To get started, visit the Knoxville Blog Network which aggregates various blogs into one forum for a one-stop experience. Also, the local paper, The Knoxville News Sentinel, offers blogs written by News Sentinel employees on a variety of topics. Recently, a great News Sentinel article gave a quick run-down of the various blogs that are signed up on the Knoxville Blog Network, complete with links to the sites. The topics and titles of these blogs show what those of us who live here already know: The city is filled with creativity, wit, and a wide range of interests. Thinking about moving to Knoxville? Browsing the area's blogs is a great way to learn more about our wonderful city!

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Meant to boost regional tourism and Knoxville’s economy, the Knoxville Convention Center has proven a successful addition to the city. In the late 1990s, city planners, developers, citizens, and leaders began to discuss the construction of a public attraction to draw visitors to the area. The goal was to identify a project that had just the right mix of cost and benefits that would result in extra tax revenue and jobs. While other cities have opted for sports arenas and stadiums, planetariums or aquariums, Knoxville, drawing on its central location, environmental beauty, and Southern hospitality, settled on a convention center. Upon its opening in 2002, the city anxiously waited while the convention center built its clientele and reputation, efforts which have reaped a positive economic impact of $288 million since 2002, certainly justifying this $93 million construction.

The convention center has won national awards for quality service. Last year, nearly 380,000 people attended meetings, conferences, weddings, and shows at the center; their satisfaction and endorsements have helped to increase convention center bookings by 81 percent from the 2005-06 to the 2006-07 fiscal year. Some of the center’s highlights? Fourteen meeting rooms which seat from 100-460 in theater style; a 27,000+ square foot ballroom which can be divided into six break-out rooms; a nearly 120,000 square foot exhibit hall, which can be divided into two spaces; three luxury conference rooms; a 460 seat lecture hall; and first class amenities including a business center and full kitchen services.

The 500,000 square foot convention center is located in the heart Knoxville, adjacent to the 1982 World’s Fair site which has recently been renovated into a beautiful park. The park’s meticulously groomed festival and performance lawns, an interactive water fountain that produces a “stories-high geyser,” and man-made lakes and streams provide a beautiful setting for the modern structure. A short walk away is Knoxville’s downtown, Market Square, and the Old City, featuring great restaurants, shopping, and night life opportunities.

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The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (KSO) has been entertaining East Tennessee since it was formally established in 1935. Following its establishment, the KSO brought David Van Vactor on as music director in 1947. Van Vactor commenced the work of establishing the orchestra, bringing in talent, and promoting the KSO to the region. Upon his retirement, 26 years later, his work was continued by Maestros Arpad Joo, Zoltan Rozsnyai, and Kirk Trevor. By the time Trevor left in 2003, the KSO had expanded its original orchestra to over 80 paid musicians! The KSO is recognized as "one of the finest regional orchestras in the United States," performs over 200 shows per year, and has a budget exceeding $3 million.

The KSO's status allowed it to launch an international search for a new maestro upon Trevor's retirement. This search brought the acclaimed Lucas Richman to Knoxville in 2003. Since he arrived, Maestro Richman has built on the KSO's 71 years of success by expanding the orchestra's programs and community involvement, and by focusing on the region's children. Richman believes that programs developed especially for children ensure the successful future of the KSO and classical music, while bringing culture and music appreciation to kids. Some of these efforts include the Young Orchestra Association, the Young People's Concerts, and In-School Programs.

The 2007-2008 concert season continues throughout May offering the masterpieces of the Masterworks Series, the SunTrust Chamber Classics, and the exciting Pops Series. Concert-goers will enjoy Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" in January, while February will bring a KSO salute to George Gershwin and Misha Dichter's Tchaikovsky. March offerings include Schubert's "Trout" Quintet, Natalie MacMaster's Celtic Celebration, and more. April and May follow with Mozart, Berlioz, Paganini, the songs of Stephen Foster, and Herb Reed and the Platters. Performances are held at Knoxville's Bijou Theater, the historic Tennessee Theater, and Knoxville's Civic Auditorium. Tickets prices vary, but all are available for purchase through Tickets Unlimited.

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Since 1990, the Knoxville Museum of Art (KMA) has greatly enriched the area with its exhibits, tours, lectures, events, and workshops. The beautiful $11,000 million, 53,200-square-foot building was designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes and built on the 1982 World’s Fair site. The KMA replaced the Dulin Gallery of Art when popular demand created a need for a larger space.

The KMA has over 700 two- and three-dimensional pieces of art in its collection, portions of which are displayed as permanent exhibits. In addition to these objects, the KMA schedules exhibitions featuring regional artists as well as those from all over the world. Past exhibitions have included rare Rembrandt etchings, David S. Allee’s photographs, Tomory Dodge’s paintings, and Jean-Pierre Gauthier’s sound designs. Current and future exhibits include Jun Kaneko’s ceramics and a multi-artist exhibit, New Directions in American Drawing, which promotes drawing as an important contemporary art form.

In addition to its permanent collection and schedule of exhibitions, the KMA hosts a variety of educational programs which are geared toward promoting “first-hand involvement with the visual arts.” For students, there are teacher-led programs and field trips. For adults (and sometimes students, too!) there are concerts, such as the popular Alive After Five series; tours, such as the Annual Holiday Home Tour; fine arts and craft auctions, such as the annual Artscapes Art Auction; and workshops such as The Design Lab series which allows the public to interact with artists as they explore “what design is and how it affects life.” For example, a recent lab featured C.A. Debelius’ building designs. The KMA also offers a program for those interested in becoming docents.

As the public’s support for the KMA has grown, the museum has been able to give back to the community. For instance, the KMA recently created a grant program to cover the cost of bus transportation so that children attending qualifying schools are able to visit. Also, the museum participates in the area’s Ticket Subsidy Program which helps underprivileged children gain access to area museums. These are but two of many programs the KMA supports with the intent of bringing world class art and culture to the community. Museum memberships are available but are not required to visit. The cost for non-members is $5. Admission is free on Tuesdays.

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Each fall thousands of visitors travel into East Tennessee to see our trees explode with vibrant colors but, for residents, the wave of orange that signals the start of “leaf season” also means “UT Football Season!” While Big Orange Football kicks off September 1, most fans will have to wait until September 8 to see the Volunteers in live play – and don’t think they’re happy to wait! In 2006, fan attendance averaged 105,789 per game, exceeding Neyland Stadium’s 102,037 seating capacity, offering standing room only to nearly four thousand fans in the third largest stadium in the country (the record-breaking turnout was for the 2004 TN-Florida game with over 109,000 in attendance). These fans cram in to Neyland to cheer the players on, no doubt, but UT Football is more than that - autumn Saturdays when the Vols are in play are as much cultural events as a sporting ones.

Home game Saturdays begin the week before. It’s no exaggeration to say that for the week leading up to a home game, every passing day brings a greater concentration of orange in the form of t-shirts, car magnets, signs, antenna toppers shaped like “Ts,” hats, orange and white pom-poms, and merchant banners selling anything and everything – but selling it with spirit. The media begins to speculate on players, coaches, and chances while recounting last year’s victories and defeats. All the while, armchair coaches across the region are offering their own predictions to anyone who will listen.

Game day arrives and the region’s population simply shifts and concentrates. Many head to UT’s beautiful campus to park early, walk about, and tailgate. Others congregate with friends at homes, restaurants, and sports bars (don’t worry, the game will be on!). UT students host impromptu events such as mini-parades and Frisbee tournaments. It really is a day for the fans. A witty writer once pointed out that UT Football is so popular the state’s traffic cones are even orange and white! If nothing else, they match everything else, at least when there’s a home game.  

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Owned by the Historic Tennessee Theater Foundation, Inc., and managed by AC Entertainment, Knoxville’s Tennessee Theater has the distinction of being one of 249 theaters on the National Register of Historic Places (NR). When listed on the Register in 1982, the Tennessee Theater joined an elite group of properties which, in most circumstances, must be at least 50 years old and, according to the NR’s guidelines, must “have made a significant contribution to our country’s history and heritage.” The Tennessee Theater certainly has done just that.

When George M. Fuller broke ground for the Theater in 1927, he couldn’t have known the growing pains that were in store for the grand building. Opening in 1928, the Theater’s first show was Clara Bow’s, The Fleet’s In. Moviegoers paid 60 cents to take in the evening event. Over the next 80 years the Theater would experience bouts of great success followed by failures as ownership of the Theater changed hands and political and public interest waxed and waned. Nevertheless, the Tennessee Theater has done much more than survive; the Theater has flourished to host more than 200 public events per year, including operas, ballets, dance presentations, concerts, and cinematic screenings.

The Tennessee Theater was decorated in the Spanish Moorish style, so popular in the Roaring Twenties. The lobby is decorated with tile inlaid walls, gold overlays, and five French-style, Czech crystal chandeliers valued (today) at $150,000 each, terrazzo marble from Italy, and lavish handwoven carpeting and draperies. The 1,650 seat auditorium houses the Theater’s original Wurlitzer organ, a 55-person orchestra pit, red velvet seating, and a truly incredible concaved and frescoed ceiling, all of which underwent a $25.5 million restoration with the theater reopening in January 2005. All restorations were done with a dedication to historical accuracy.

The Mighty Wurlitzer also underwent restoration - from August 2000 to September 2001. Master organ rebuilder, Ken Crome of Nevada, and his crew of artisans and technicians worked to refurbish “almost the entire organ - all the pipes and the console with its manuals, stops, and pedals.” The result led acclaimed organist, Lyn Larson, to claim that the organ’s tonal quality and acoustics of the Theater placed it “among the handful of the very finest 'in-theatre' installations in the country.”

What’s in store for the coming season? Go to the Tennessee Theater event calendar or visit Tickets.com for ticket purchases and more information.

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