As it’s possible you’ll know for those who’ve learn my weblog for some time, I continuously go to the Nice Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg, as that space is simply a pair hours from the place I reside. To get to the Nice Smoky Mountains, I all the time drive by means of Knoxville and whereas I’ve pushed by means of Knoxville many occasions all through my life, I’ve by no means really spent any time within the metropolis… till very just lately, anyway!
Should you’re a fan of faculty soccer, then you definitely most likely know Knoxville as being the house of the Tennessee Vols, and to be sincere, that’s all I knew in regards to the metropolis till my latest journey. Nonetheless, after spending 4 fun-filled days in wheelchair accessible Knoxville, I can now say that it has a lot extra than simply the Tennessee Vols soccer workforce. Actually, it’s a vacation spot with a plethora of accessible points of interest and issues to do!
From having fun with a cruise on the Tennessee River to seeing animals at Zoo Knoxville and a lot extra, I had a incredible expertise at a number of the greatest wheelchair accessible Knoxville points of interest, and I’d like to let you know about them. In my article under, I’ll let you understand what all you are able to do in Knoxville as a wheelchair consumer after which on the finish, I’ll let you know in regards to the nice lodge I stayed in. Listed here are a number of the greatest accessible issues to do in Knoxville, Tennessee –
Wheelchair Accessible Knoxville Points of interest & Issues to Do
Get pleasure from a dinner cruise onboard the Volunteer Princess
The Volunteer Princess Dinner Cruise is a two hour wheelchair accessible cruise. This spectacular expertise takes you round Knoxville whereas having fun with the scenic fantastic thing about the Tennessee River. From this cruise, you may see an incredible view of the Tennessee Vols faculty soccer stadium, float by some beautiful waterfront properties, and even see the Sunsphere, which is the 1982 World’s Truthful well-known metropolis landmark.
Since boarding begins half-hour earlier than departure, plan to get there early. There are a number of nice spots for accessible parking, which might be discovered at 956 Volunteer Touchdown Lane. Simply pull round behind Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and you’ll’t miss it! When going through Ruth’s Chris, you can find the paved walkway to your proper that can lead you all the way down to the boat dock for the boarding to start. As soon as there, a employees member will help you with boarding onto the boat. There’s a ramp that the employees will fortunately place down so that you can enter. I’ll say that the flip into the boat is slender, however I had no drawback getting onboard in my 400 lb energy wheelchair.
For the dinner, it’s inside a seated indoor space utterly cooled for these scorching summer season days. To get contained in the dinner space, you’ll have to navigate one other ramp, nevertheless it isn’t as slender because the one getting on the boat. Your complete decrease stage is wheelchair accessible, however there isn’t an elevator to get to the highest stage.
The meals is a three-course meal and it was completely scrumptious. On my cruise, we got a contemporary salad, hen and steak (sure, I stated each!), potatoes, greens, and even a tasty cheesecake for dessert! The servers had been nice they usually stored my candy tea stuffed the whole cruise, which lasted about two hours in complete.
I might extremely advocate this dinner cruise if you’re within the space. I simply wore comfy, however good garments and appeared to suit proper in. Some folks had been dressed extra formal for his or her night time out with their family members and that’s advantageous too. Both approach, it’s really a terrific and accessible approach to spend the night.
Take within the views from the Sunsphere
I grew up listening to tales of how my mother visited the World’s Truthful in Knoxville in 1982 when she was a child along with her mother and father. Each time we drive by means of Knoxville, my mother all the time says, “There’s the Sunsphere! I had dinner inside there after I was in center faculty!” She undoubtedly stirred my curiosity in seeing inside this towering 266-foot construction with a 75 ft, gold dome sitting excessive above.
You’ll be able to’t go to Knoxville and never see this epic a part of World’s Truthful historical past, so I knew this was one factor I undoubtedly wished to do throughout my go to. Since I stayed at a downtown lodge (extra particulars on it later on this weblog submit!), I used to be capable of roll throughout just a few streets utilizing easy curb cuts to get there.
The wheelchair entry is on the third stage elevator, which might be discovered on Clinch Avenue simply subsequent to the UT Convention Heart. When arriving on the elevator, name 865-314-0660 and a pleasant employees member will convey the elevator all the way down to get you. Please observe that the Sunsphere is open 7 days per week, Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, and Sunday 12pm-4pm, however it’s closed from 1:30pm-2:30pm day-after-day for lunch.
As soon as contained in the elevator with the employees member, I used to be rapidly taken as much as the 4th flooring remark deck. Rolling out of the elevator and seeing the 360 diploma views of the Nice Smoky Mountains, the Tennessee Vols soccer stadium, and the encompassing metropolis of Knoxville with breathtaking views of the Tennessee River, I liked this expertise.
I used to be additionally excited to see memorabilia from the 1982 World’s Truthful on show with an entire timeline, and even a present store in order that I may seize some souvenirs. Being contained in the gold sphere, and with the ability to simply roll round and see out of the ground to ceiling home windows, was a enjoyable expertise.
Immerse your self in artwork on the Knoxville Museum of Artwork
The Knoxville Museum of Artwork is positioned in downtown Knoxville and is well inside strolling/rolling distance of the Sunsphere. Oh, and I can’t neglect to say that admission is totally free, which is superb!
The Knoxville Museum of Artwork is house to over 1,500 items of artwork, together with work, sculptures, and even combined media works. The actual focus right here is on artwork from East Tennessee, starting from the mid nineteenth century by means of the present time interval.
This museum may be very spacious, easy to roll round, and has elevator entry to each stage. I discovered it wheelchair accessible and the artwork right here was intriguing. There are a selection of everlasting and non permanent reveals with one thing to swimsuit everybody’s style.
See a Broadway present on the Tennessee Theatre
I don’t consider that I’ve ever seen a prettier theatre than the Tennessee Theatre. There’s no surprise that it’s listed within the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations and honored because the Official State Theatre of Tennessee. Whereas visiting wheelchair accessible Knoxville, that is one venue that you just don’t need to miss!
Positioned on Homosexual Avenue within the coronary heart of downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee Theatre continuously has exhibits which you could get pleasure from watching and it additionally affords wheelchair accessible excursions, so you may hopefully nonetheless marvel at its magnificence even when a present isn’t taking part in whilst you’re on the town.
On this theatre, you may see touring Broadway exhibits, at present’s hottest musicians and singers, classic movies, and even performances by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra. There’s a complete plethora of wonderful choices.
Throughout my go to, I selected to take a Deluxe Tour, which was a wheelchair accessible two hour tour. Rolling contained in the theatre, I used to be instantly in awe of the beautiful chandeliers within the Grand Foyer. The ground was easy and simple to roll on as our information defined all the main points of the historical past of the grand opening of this theatre in 1928. She went on to inform the superb story of its full renovation years later, as she walked us to the wheelchair accessible seating space of the auditorium.
There isn’t a foul seat within the theatre. The accessible seating is behind the theatre and there are some accessible seats close to the entrance as properly. We additionally discovered extra accessible seating areas on the second stage with entry from the elevator. I can solely think about how nice a Broadway present could be from any of those wheelchair accessible seating areas.
I used to be additionally pleased to discover a companion care restroom on the primary stage, simply to the left of the theatre. And as our information defined, they’re presently present process extra renovations to enlarge the venue and will probably be including one other companion care restroom on the highest stage as properly. I’ll undoubtedly be again to see a present within the close to future!
Shoot some hoops (and study some historical past) on the Ladies’s Basketball Corridor of Fame
When driving by means of the downtown Knoxville space, you may’t keep away from seeing the large 10 ton, 30-feet-high basketball sitting excessive atop the Ladies’s Basketball Corridor of Fame. If that’s not sufficient to spark your curiosity, I don’t know what would. As quickly as I noticed it, I instantly needed to pull in and test this place out.
Wheelchair accessible parking is offered and close to the doorway with paved sidewalks main inside. As quickly as I rolled inside the primary entrance, an superior 17-foot bronze statue met me on the door. It was erected to honor the previous, current, and future of girls’s basketball and each inductee into the Corridor of Fame receives a duplicate. This facility is the one certainly one of its variety to be devoted to all ranges of girls’s basketball.
After buying a ticket on the desk contained in the present store, which is the primary cease in your proper, I used to be anxious to take an additional look inside. Rolling by means of and studying the historical past, and seeing the pictures of basketball stars from way back and present was so attention-grabbing. I discovered the whole museum to be very spacious and simply maneuverable in my wheelchair.
One in every of my favourite issues was the locker room exhibit, the place you may really sit and take heed to the Knoxville Corridor of Famer herself, Pat Summit. You could possibly hear her voice overhead and truly watch her on the display whereas sitting amongst statues of gamers. I actually felt like she was speaking to me and I used to be able to take the courtroom with full pace. There was additionally a movie in regards to the historical past of girls’s basketball with a theater that included accessible seating. I additionally took the elevator all the way down to the underside flooring, the place there have been some basketball targets arrange and a few basketballs. Should you’re in a position, you may attempt your hand at capturing some hoops!
Truthfully, I’ve by no means been an enormous fan of basketball, however I do have full respect for the athletes, so rolling by means of this Corridor of Fame was a watch opening expertise and I liked it. I realized lots about these superb girls and their many accomplishments in basketball. Should you go to, plan to be right here for at the very least a pair hours.
Roll by means of the nice outside alongside accessible trails
When touring, there’s nothing worse to me than staying cooped up inside a lodge room. I need to get out and discover the vacation spot, and certainly one of my favourite methods to try this is on wheelchair accessible mountain climbing trails. On these, I can view wildlife, meet different folks alongside the way in which who’re out having fun with nature, and traverse the panorama. I used to be so pleased to search out two splendidly wheelchair accessible trails in Knoxville and I need to let you know all about them.
Excessive Floor Park has a paved wheelchair accessible path that winds you thru the towering bushes. The path is spacious and does have just a few steep sections, however I didn’t have a problem exploring this beautiful path in my energy wheelchair. I used to be fortunate sufficient to see a pair squirrels alongside my journey and a number of other sorts of birds.
Accessible parking for the path is close to the doorway of Excessive Floor Park and there are bar areas beside the spots, so loading and unloading your wheelchair gained’t be a problem. I discovered this path to be very properly maintained and delightful, and I felt at one with nature right here.
I used to be additionally ecstatic to study that Knoxville is house to about 54 miles of paved ADA-accessible greenways! That will be numerous rolling for my energy wheelchair, particularly since my battery could be useless and I might be caught in the course of the path by the tip of 54 miles. So, I opted to journey the part at Island Residence Park on the Will Skelton Greenway. The Greenway is paved, so I had no worries that it could be a terrific path for me and for anybody utilizing a wheelchair. I simply discovered accessible parking beside the playground and rapidly began my journey.
The Will Skelton Greenway is paved and runs for 3.5 miles alongside the beautiful Tennessee River. There are a number of viewing spots alongside the way in which, the place I totally loved watching the boats go by. Additionally, the airport is close to right here, so seeing numerous airplanes fly over was one other thrilling a part of rolling alongside this path. I visited on a heat summer season day, so I actually appreciated that there was numerous shade alongside the route.
See over 1,200 animals at Zoo Knoxville
One in every of my favourite issues to do in any metropolis is visiting the zoo. I like watching the animals work together with each other and at Zoo Knoxville, I used to be capable of stand up shut and private with so many beloved animals.
At Zoo Knoxville, accessible parking is simple to search out close to the primary entrance. As soon as parked, rolling inside is tremendous fast and simple, because the grounds are all paved and curb cuts can be found as wanted. Make certain to seize a park map when exhibiting your tickets, so that you could see all of the places and occasions of the animal encounters as they’re plentiful at Zoo Knoxville. The encounters embrace the sloth, otters, gorillas or chimps, lions, baboons, and extra.
I discovered the whole park to be simply accessible since it’s all paved and never very hilly. There are a number of spots for shade and benches to take a relaxation if wanted. Should you’re feeling fairly courageous like I used to be, you may even roll throughout a suspension bridge to get the perfect views of the monkeys. I actually loved watching the lions play too, in addition to the gorillas with their human like options.
One other spectacular a part of the zoo is the two.5 acre middle, The Clayton Household Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Campus. It homes over 95 species of reptiles and amphibians. It was straightforward for me to enter inside, as it’s easy and paved, and roll previous the glass enclosures of Reticulated Pythons, King Cobras, Golden Dart Frogs, and so many different bone chilling creatures. I used to be capable of roll so near the glass that I may watch the snake’s sides broaden with each breath that they took. Yikes!
I’ve visited some fairly spectacular zoos all through my travels, together with the San Diego Zoo and even Taronga Zoo in Sydney, and I can confidently say that Zoo Knoxville is likely one of the greatest I’ve visited. Should you’ll be within the Knoxville space, this ought to be a must-do throughout your wheelchair accessible Knoxville journey!
Buy native items on the Market Sq. Farmer’s Market
The Market Sq. Farmer’s Market is open-air and is positioned in Market Sq. in downtown Knoxville. This occasion takes place each Wednesday and Saturday, Could by means of mid-November. I used to be fortunate sufficient to be visiting on a Saturday, so after all I needed to see what all native merchandise had been out there. I rapidly realized that every little thing on the market is both made, grown, or raised inside a 150-mile radius of Knoxville. How cool is that?!
I discovered the accessibility within the space to be glorious and I used to be capable of roll across the closed off metropolis streets and store the native stands that had been arrange. I bought a tasty latte from a meals truck, some scrumptious selfmade caramels from the kindest woman, and my favourite merchandise of all, chocolate chip pumpkin bread.
The folks promoting the products had been all tremendous pleasant and good, and provided help for me when taking a look at their objects. I had a good time wanting on the handmade chicken homes, the creative colours within the work, and even seeing the sunshine glare off the handmade jewellery items. I had a good time on the Market Sq. Farmer’s Market!
Dine at a few of Knoxville’s scrumptious eating places
Knoxville has some critically superb eating places, espresso retailers, and even ice cream retailers, and I had the possibility to attempt quite a few them throughout my journey. Listed here are a few of my favourite locations to eat and drink in Knoxville, Tennessee:
South Press – Identified for offering a secure neighborhood area within the Knoxville space, South Press affords a heat welcome with hospitality for all. Accessible parking out entrance is simple, free, and close to the doorway. As I rolled inside, I acquired a heat welcome with a hearty “Good morning!” from each the proprietor, Joslynn, and the employees. The menu of hand crafted espresso and teas had loads of choices, and the eclectic ambiance was even higher. As I sipped on my latte, I by no means wished it to achieve the underside. I used to be totally having fun with simply sitting and taking a look at all of the distinctive and colourful decorations across the store. I used to be additionally excited to see wheelchair accessible cubicles right here. I didn’t have to take a seat on the tip of the sales space as a result of one of many benches was minimize shorter, in order that I may pull proper up on the aspect and sit in my wheelchair on the desk, simply as if I used to be sitting within the bench seat. I liked this function and will certainly be again for extra espresso right here! South Press additionally continuously has occasions, together with drag bingo and performances, so make sure you test their calendar.
Candy P’s – Being from the south, I’ve eaten my fair proportion of scrumptious barbecue. However I’ve to confess, Candy P’s Downtown Dive location in Knoxville serves up a number of the greatest I’ve ever eaten. I simply discovered wheelchair accessible parking of their lot throughout the road and the accessible entrance is simply to the precise of the constructing. As soon as inside, you may scent the barbecue and instantly my abdomen started to growl. After wanting over approach too many nice sounding decisions, I made a decision on the tender beef brisket slices with their macaroni and cheese, sautéed greens, and cornbread. I actually liked all of it and loved each chew. However simply after I thought that I couldn’t maintain any extra meals, I then splurged for the banana pudding. Each single chew that was on my plate was completely delectable. Make sure that Candy P’s is in your checklist of must-eats in Knoxville!
Yassin’s Falafel Home – When in Knoxville, you undoubtedly have to seize a scrumptious lunch on the restaurant named in 2018 because the “Nicest Place in America”, Yassin’s Falafel Home. When eating at their downtown location, wheelchair customers ought to name 865-219-1462 upon arrival and ask them for the accessible door code to enter. This accessible entrance is within the again the place the general public parking space is. As soon as parked, simply roll to the door, kind the code in, and make your approach to the entrance entrance. They’ve so many nice meals choices, however I lastly selected the falafel plate. It had falafel with salad, selfmade hummus, and baba ghanoush with a aspect of Pita and a drink. I completely liked all of it and even cleaned my plate with all this deliciousness. However you understand how they are saying that you’ve a separate abdomen for dessert? Effectively, it should be true as a result of I made room for his or her tasty baklava. And let me say, don’t go away there with out making an attempt this merchandise. It was so good!
Cafe 4 – Positioned on Market Sq. in Knoxville is Cafe 4. Diners right here can select to take a seat indoors and revel in their beautiful ambiance, or sit exterior and folks watch on the beautiful Market Sq.. I selected to eat exterior, however It was straightforward to maneuver by means of the indoor eating areas with my wheelchair in addition to the out of doors patio. This restaurant is spacious, so no worries there! After scouring their menu, I selected to get two Nashville scorching hen tacos and one fish taco. These had been so delicious and I ate each single chew! I’d like to return and check out much more of the menu.
Petro’s Chili & Chips – Positioned in Market Sq. within the coronary heart of downtown Knoxville is a tasty restaurant often known as Petro’s Chili & Chips. This restaurant bought its debut on the 1982 World’s Truthful in Knoxville. On the occasion, fair-goers may get pleasure from their meal in a sliced open Fritos bag, that was piled excessive with chili and different tasty toppings. It was an immediate hit and I can definitely see why. Their chili, now served in a dish, is scrumptious and pairing that with corn chips, cheese, and bitter cream makes my mouth water simply serious about it. They’re additionally well-known for his or her well-known Trace-of-Orange iced tea, so it would be best to have a style of this!
Cruze Farm & Phoenix Pharmacy – Should you’re within the temper to deal with your self to some ice cream (and why wouldn’t you be?!), these two ice cream retailers are fantastic choices they usually’re each positioned on Homosexual Avenue throughout from one another! I had an opportunity to attempt them each and actually, I don’t know which one was my favourite, so that you’ll simply should get each. Cruze Farm has contemporary churned ice cream from a neighborhood dairy farm and I LOVED their vegan gentle serve chocolate ice cream with a peanut butter exhausting shell topping. Phoenix Pharmacy is an old style pharmacy and soda fountain with a wide range of sundaes and shakes. I had their brownie sundae, which was actually tasty!
Knox Brew Hub – Positioned only a block away from Market Sq., I lucked up on a member of Knoxville’s Ale Path (study extra in regards to the Knoxville Ale Path right here). Knox Brew Hub has almost two dozen faucets, each solely meting out a beer produced in Knox County or a bordering county. Upon rolling inside, I noticed instantly what the draw was for having fun with a pleasant beer right here. The ambiance is laid again, the employees may be very pleasant, and the craft beer decisions had been plentiful. Since I’m not an enormous beer drinker, I requested the bartender which he would recommend. He simply identified his most bought beer, the Hub Lager. It was actually tasty and it slid proper down with their tasty spicy pimento cheese dip served with tortilla chips.
The place to Keep: Hyatt Place Knoxville / Downtown
All through my time in Knoxville, I stayed on the Hyatt Place Knoxville / Downtown. This lodge is in an ideal location within the coronary heart of downtown. It’s positioned on Homosexual Avenue, the place lots of the most well-known eating places and retailers are, and only a quick stroll/roll from locations like Market Sq., the Sunsphere, Knoxville Museum of Artwork, and extra wheelchair accessible Knoxville points of interest.
Hyatt Place additionally has an on-site Starbucks, which I frequented a number of occasions throughout my keep, and a rooftop bar. The rooftop bar is known as 5 Thirty Lounge and it has each indoor and out of doors seating. It’s a stunning area with incredible views of Knoxville.
In my wheelchair accessible room, there have been two queen sized beds they usually had loads of clearance beneath them for a hoist/hoyer carry. The room was spacious and even had a dwelling space with a sofa. I used to be impressed with the dimensions of the room.
Within the lavatory, there was a pull-under sink, seize bars by the bathroom, and a roll-in bathe with a fold-down bathe seat. The roll-in bathe had easy entry and the whole lavatory actually couldn’t have labored extra completely for my accessibility wants.
I might completely keep at this lodge once more subsequent time I’m in Knoxville. With a first-rate location and glorious accessibility, Hyatt Place Knoxville / Downtown definitely gained me over and I can’t wait to return to this lodge sooner or later. Should you’d wish to study extra about this lodge or ebook a keep of your personal, simply click on right here.
My journey in Knoxville, Tennessee was higher than I may’ve ever anticipated and I’m now in love with the town. It’s a particular place and tremendously underrated, however I can assure that for those who resolve to go to, you’ll get pleasure from it simply as a lot as I did. And now that you understand which wheelchair accessible Knoxville points of interest to take a look at, all that’s left is so that you can really plan a visit of your personal!
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*Thanks to Go to Knoxville for working with me on this journey and exhibiting me the perfect of wheelchair accessible Knoxville! Whereas my experiences had been complimentary, all opinions expressed are genuine and my very own.
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