One-Day Escape

There's always something to do in the heart of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Spend a day in Knoxville's Market Square, and you'll understand why the heart of this midsize city feels like one of our favorite small towns. Discover great shops, try fun restaurants, and get to know the folks who are lucky to call this home.

Morning: Breakfast and Browsing

Start the day with a cup of coffee and a Belgian waffle at Market Square Kitchen. This cheerful cafe welcomes you with an ample menu featuimg plenty of breakfast options for around $5. Walk off breakfast by exploring the many shops and boutiques that line the square Visit Bliss for designer bedding, frivolous rugs, and fashionable decor. Find unusual gifts, from "bath ice cream" to wind chimes made from recycled keys at Earth to Old City.

You can shop with a conscience when you buy exotic crafts from around the globe at Village Marketplace. The Vietnamese teapots, African instruments, and delicate Indian fabrics are all handmade by native artists in developing nations.

Afternoon: Lunch With the Locals

Grab an outdoor table at Oodles, a noodle bar where you can design your own dish. Choose from a variety of noodles, meats, and sauces that range from Italian to Thai.

Afternoons are great times to meet locals. You might spot artists painting impressive works or musicians tuning up.

Evening: Brews and Tunes

As daytime melts away, relax over a glass of wine at Uncorked. For a livelier scene, head to Preservation Pub for happy hour specials.

Don't spoil your appetite, though, because you'll miss out on a great dinner at The Tomato Head. This cozy bistro serves pizzas, soups, and sandwiches, all made with fresh produce and a healthy twist.

Finish off the night with live music back at Preservation Pub (call [865] 524-2224 for a schedule of events). KIM CROSS

For more information: Contact the Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation at 1-800-727-8045 orwww.knoxville.org.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Nov 2005
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