Knoxville, one of the south’s most vibrant cities -- and home to the University of Tennessee -- is just 15 minutes north of Lowe’s Ferry. Fine restaurants, a burgeoning music scene, an array of visual and performing arts from the symphony to the ballet, and even the opportunity to take classes at one of the nation’s top universities, are all available to you. In fact, Knoxville has been awarded a five-star rating for quality of life by a major national magazine.

Downtown Knoxville is a city alive with cultural activity year-round. Market Square, Volunteer Landing, and World’s Fair Park are kaleidoscopes of diversity, filled nearly every weekend with festivals that range from wine and cheese tastings to parades and ice cream socials. The music scene is just as varied with nightly concerts that range from Blues to Gospel and Country to Classical. Theatergoers have three stages to choose from, offering the city a taste of Broadway, the classics, and even a locally developed theater.

Saturdays in autumn are special in Knoxville; it’s when Tennessee’s beloved Vols take the football field against the storied teams of the SEC. As the strains of Tennessee’s fight song, “Rocky Top,” echo across Neyland Stadium -- one of the largest college stadiums in the country -- join the throngs of fans wearing orange in support of the Volunteers. Neyland is one of only three college stadiums adjacent to bodies of water, and the “Volunteer Navy,” an armada of more than 200 boats from large to small, routinely makes up what has to be the largest floating tailgate party imaginable.

Lowe’s Ferry is at the hub of the region’s top attractions and amenities; along with downtown Knoxville, McGhee Tyson Airport and two regional malls are all within 15 miles of Lowe’s Ferry.

To the southwest, the Turkey Creek Shopping Complex offers some of the top retailers in the country, a state-of-the-art movie complex, more than 20 restaurants, and a 58-acre nature preserve. Just west of Knoxville, the West Town Mall features five major department stores, more than 100 specialty shops, restaurants, and movie theaters.

One of Tennessee’s most popular theme parks, Dollywood, is just 35 minutes from Knoxville, and includes rides, family attractions, and more than a dozen live stage shows. Looking for a place to get in some downhill skiing? Ober Gatlinburg is just south of Knoxville. It features one of America’s largest aerial tramways that runs from downtown Gatlinburg to the top of the mountain. Plus, there’s a great year-round amusement park for kids.

Quick Facts:

Tennessee offers no state income tax, one of the lowest property taxes in the country, and an average temperature of 60 degrees.

Named top place to retire this year by Where to Retire Magazine

Named one of the top 10 best places to live and boat this year by Boating Life

Third largest city in Tennessee.

  • Knoxville's McGhee Tyson Airport - 10 miles
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park - 30 miles
  • Nashville, TN - 180 miles
  • Atlanta, GA - 214 miles
  • Cincinnati, OH - 253 miles
  • Roanoke, VA - 260 miles