Visiting those community museums

By Mike Steely Throughout our region, there are many communities that are proud of their past and many say so with a local museum. You probably know about our Knoxville museums or attractions with a historic exhibits, like the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, the East...

The tales of two historic train depots

By Mike Steely I think my interest in railroad depots goes back to my childhood when my family lived just up the tracks from an active station. I recall a railroad trip to Louisville, Ky., once by train from our home in Williamsburg, Ky., and since then my own family...

Some place names explained

By Mike Steely Ever been to Friendsville, Greenback, Mascot, Walland or Wartburg? Ever wonder how those places got their names? Friendsville was founded by Quakers from North Carolina who visited the area to promote anti-slavery. Some stayed and founded the Friends...

Taking the Indian Mountain State Park loop

  By Mike Steely It’s either the first or the last Tennessee State Park you will pass, depending on which direction you are traveling on Interstate 75 entering or leaving Kentucky. Indian Mountain State Park is only about an hour north of Knoxville and is unusual...

Taking the Food Loop

By Mike Steely There are lots of things to see and do within a short drive from Knoxville with historic sites, museums, parks, lakes and mountain scenery aplenty. There are also lots of places to eat and some very special places that not only have tasty fare but are...