Summer in Knoxville--Unique Attractions

Knoxville was in the news in 1982 when it was the site of the Winter Olympics. It brought a lot of money into the community and gave the city exposure to many people who weren't even really aware where Knoxville was located. This city, once filled with soot from the burning of coal, has now cleaned up its act and has done considerable renovation of historic public buildings, including the beautiful train station, extensive development of the downtown area, and landscaping around the bridges and the rivers. There are some pretty unique things to do when visiting this old city and most are not expensive. Some are family-friendly; some are more for adults. Oak Ridge, only a few miles south of Knoxville, is the site of several fascinating museums and attractions that are fun in the summer.

The Children's Museum of Oak Ridge is a great place to take youngsters for a day of exploration and interactive learning on a multitude of scientific/nature topics this summer Here, children can learn about rain forest's' delicate ecosystems, east Tennessee birds, their nests, eggs, and songs. In the Waterworks exhibit they learn all about the lock system for the extensive Tennessee River System. Another area of two rooms is a step back into a 1910 Knoxville setting, cameoing both city and country life here. They can also get a dose of authentic history in the Pioneer Living area with three log cabins. Role-playing really appeals to students in this section.
The Children's Museum of Oak Ridge is open Mon.-Fri., 9-5 or Sat. 11-4 in the summer. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for children 3-18.
461 West Outer Dr.,
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
phone 865.482.1074

http://www.threeriversrambler.com/
Who wouldn't just love a ride on an authentic steam engine train? Well, Knoxville has an adventure that will fill that need. It's called the Three Rivers Rambler, and it departs from downtown Knoxville, passing through beautiful farmland, the young town's first settlement, past quarry mines and historic sights. This summer, if you've never heard the doleful sound of a steam whistle, the experience will be a wonder. For 90 minutes and over 11 miles, visitors will experience a real transport into the past and hear about the area's history from experienced guides. Prices are $19-adults, $17-seniors, $11-children 3-12. Call them for updated info, since their web site has not been updated for the 2007 seasons: (865) 524-9411.

http://www.amse.org/programs.html
Essential to any stay in Knoxville is a visit to the Oak Ridge Museum of Science and Energy. Oak Ridge was one of the centers for the Manhattan Project that led to the making of the atomic bomb. It is also home to TVA and the extensive hydroelectric system that produces much lower energy rates for the people of the Tennessee Valley. At this Museum, people can look at a cross section of a nuclear reactor, see weapons and protective clothing worn by people at Oak Ridge, and they also can watch a fascinating video of the history of Oak Ridge, even a short summary of the Manhattan Project. There is also an area that focuses entirely on energy sources, detailing their uses, advantages, disadvantages and methods of production. Nobody should miss this attraction this summer! The Museum is open Mon. - Sat. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m.
300 S. Tulane Avenue - Oak Ridge, TN 37830 call: 865-576-3200