Start off the night with a group of friends in the Old City for an eclectic mix of bars, pubs and dance venues. If anyone is looking for a easy going location, there are options from Barley’s to Urban Bar and Crown and Goose, that are perfect for sitting down and relaxing.  Urban Bar’s patio is the best location for some cool breezes while talking to good friends and people watching along the main street of the Old City. Barley’s always has some good music to kick back and listen to while chatting with locals.

If people are looking to have some fun and dance, the Old City offers a variety of places to let loose.  Two new spots include “Old City Entertainment Venue” and NV Nightclub that offer patrons an upscale feel.  Many visitors enjoy Southbound which offers a great dance floor and second floor balconies overlooking the main street.

Walk a few blocks down the road and visitors will find themselves walking into Sassy Ann’s.  This well known establishment in Knoxville has one of the most unique layouts in the city, being inside of an old house, and the best dancing crowds.

The Old City is a great place to spend hours at night when all the locals and visitors leave their homes and hotels to come out and have a good time.  Take a few hours to stop in to all of these establishments and find a favorite new nightlife spot!

After leaving Haley Heritage Square, visitors may walk to the Beck Cultural Exchange Center and begin their tour of this organization, founded in 1975, which still remains the largest African American membership organization in East Tennessee.  From the start, this center provides a unique way for visitors to learn about African American history and culture by having guests participate in a treasure hunt.  In the end, groups will have a chance to “visit themselves in the future” and staff helps visitors come up with a mental map of their possible future opportunities.

The Beck Cultural Exchange Center provides a vast amount of resources for visitors including a collection on William Hastie, first black Governor of the Virgin Islands and first Black Federal Judge in the United States.  Hastie was born in Knoxville, and this collection features personal and official memorabilia.  Other exhibits include the Austin High School and Knoxville College collections that highlight the activities and leaders of the schools since their founding in the 1870’s.  There is an extensive collection of newspapers, printed book and videos for visitors to browse that include topics such as African Americans in the military, religion, civil rights and sports.

The Beck Cultural Center is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.  More information can be found at www.beckcenter.net or by calling 865-524-8461.

Looking for a new way to get around town?  Here are two reasons why your family should take a ride on a Knoxville trolley: it’s free and you will be doing the environment a favor.  The first one needs no explanation, the second one means you will be helping replace thousands of cars per day.

The Knoxville Area Transit’s Trolley has become one of the best ways to get around in downtown Knoxville. Currently the trolley operates three routes throughout downtown Knoxville and University of Tennessee campus.  There are three lines on the trolley routes, and for visitors the trolley stops at the Four Points by Sheraton, the Holiday Inn World’s Fair Park, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Oliver Hotel, Hilton Downtown, and the Knoxville Marriott in downtown.

The Orange Line runs from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays, with stops every 10 minutes.  The Orange Line runs through “The Strip”, World’ Fair Park, Knoxville Convention Center, Mast General Store, and downtown streets including Locust, Summitt Hill Drive, Gay Street, and Main Street.  The Orange Line extension runs on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. along the same route, and also stops at Summitt Towers.

The Blue Line runs from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays, with stops every 10 minutes or less.  Some of the attractions along the Blue Line are the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, Blount Mansion, the East TN History Center, and the Knoxville Civic Coliseum.

The Late Line runs from 6:00 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday (August-early May), with stops every 15 minutes.  The Late Line runs through the University of Tennessee campus, along “The Strip”, through World’s Fair Park, Knoxville Convention Center, through downtown and Old City.

Getting around Knoxville is simple and free.  For more information about taking a trolley in Knoxville visit www.katbus.com.

Diners can choose from a variety of options including porterhouse, prime rib, sirloin strip and steak burgers to make a perfect dinner. Don’t forget that Ye Olde Steakhouse also has delicious desserts!

Whether it’s a dinner date, dining with friends or a having a big meal before the game, this restaurant provides the perfect food and atmosphere for diners to experience during their time in Knoxville.