City Fun - Knoxville, Tennessee

Where to stay?

The Oliver Hotel

To be completely honest, I chose this hotel just for its name; it happens to also be my oldest son’s name. I surprised him, hoping he would get a kick out of it. His reaction and the hotel itself did not disappoint. This 28-room boutique hotel in downtown Knoxville is in a renovated 1876 building that was originally a bakery. Everything from the hotel keys and décor to the hidden speakeasy ooze charm and sophistication. Optional hotel suites, walkability to restaurants, parks, coffee shops, and other points of interest make this a great choice for children and parents. The three kids, wound up after the 8-hour drive from Michigan, loved going up down the abundant staircase examining the eclectic artwork. The staff was friendly, full of local knowledge and recommendations and knew the hotel’s history inside and out. My Oliver found it strange but very cool to see his name everywhere throughout the hotel. He joked about taking the immense front doormat with his name on it home for outside his room.

Where to Eat?

Our family loves southern food! Tupelo Honey Café is a fun, funky southern comfort food gem that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is popular; we must have hit at the right time. A few minutes later, there was a line out the door. The staff was teeming with southern hospitality and accommodated my 8-year old’s request to add fresh strawberries to his meal. A bonus, if you are a coffee addict like me, they have a full espresso bar in addition to a traditional bar. My youngest ordered steamed milk and said it tasted like clouds. My oldest appreciated that there was also a great selection of vegetarian options on the menu.

A must for adults is the Peter Kern Library. This speakeasy is hidden in the lobby of The Oliver Hotel. I love that their cocktails are named after literary characters. As mentioned, I was traveling single parent style, alone with the kiddos. Unfortunately, I did not get to sit and soak up the cozy library atmosphere or enjoy the full menu, which looked delicious. However, the staff was very accommodating and made me an incredible old fashioned to take back to my room and sip. The perfect way to relax after a full day in the car.

Where to Play?

Knoxville is a charming town with plenty to keep you busy. There is the Knoxville Zoo, Jams White Fort, and the Knoxville Museum of Art, to name a few. If you’re an art enthusiast, Knoxville is a great place to visit. We were surprised to find a modern urban art sculpture park just steps from The Oliver hotel. The sculptures are so creative and thought-provoking that it appeals to all age groups. My 8-year-old was so intrigued he had to take home pictures of each sculpture. Knoxville is also home to the University of Tennessee (Go Vols!). You will not regret taking a stroll through this magnificent campus, home to beautiful southern-style brick buildings that are vacation picture-worthy.

Single Parent Road Tripping

I think every child should experience a road trip. So, my three kids and I packed the car and traveled from Michigan to South Carolina. I know the thought of spending hours in the car with your children can induce anxiety and maybe even full-on panic attacks. Take it from this single mom, state of mind and positive thoughts are key here. You really have to psych yourself up and remind yourself that this will be the most amazing trip.

In day-to-day life, our family is often moving in different directions. The experience of having the kids all to myself to talk, sing, and laugh was nothing short of magical. My children are ages 8, 14, and 17; if yours are a lot younger, you may not be ready yet. There were times when we had just stopped for a pee break, and 20 minutes later, of course, someone has to pee. Not all bladders are created equal. When sibling squabbles occurred, which were expected, the Broadway tunes came on and everyone would stop and start signing. Hearing my 8-year-old son belt out “You’ll be Back” from Hamilton, trying his best to match the king’s English accent, still cracks me up.

I was most amazed by the kids’ interest in the new sights and environments outside their windows. I had expected them to be glued to their tablets and phones. We fell in love with driving through the mountains and feeling so small in our car against the beautiful landscape. We made a couple stops along our way to the South Carolina shore, where we stayed the remainder of the week and visited with good friends, and a couple on the way back. By the time we arrived in our beloved Michigan driveway, we were ready to be home. We made great memories as a family; my oldest learned driving through the mountains isn’t her cup of tea, and I felt a huge accomplishment as a parent. If I could successfully survive a road trip alone with three kids, I can do anything! Bring it!