Enjoy Knoxville in the Spring.....

Celebrate the arrival of spring and enjoy the Dogwood Arts Festival in Knoxville, taking place 1st April-6th May 2011. This unique festival, in its 51st year, transforms Knoxville into a month long springtime celebration offering residents and visitors from across the nation and worldwide a memorable experience of the rich woven customs, perspectives and creativity of their Southern region.

The Dogwood Arts Festival's perennial return is a tradition that East Tennessee has grown to cherish. It is a celebration of the region's natural beauty as well as its rich cultural and artistic offerings in all their vast varieties. Activities during the festival include street performers and Americana musicians, over 60 miles of dogwood trails and gardens, heritage tours, masterful fine art exhibitions, performing arts events and sidewalk chalk painters enliven the city against the canvas of beautiful, blossoming Dogwood trees.

Recognised as among the top 20 events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society, the Dogwood Arts Festival has also been proclaimed a Southeastern springtime jewel by The New York Times, Southern Living magazine and media celebrities Willard Scott and Paul Harvey. The Festival has made Knoxville a destination art city, offering a myriad of fine arts, crafts and performing arts attractions over the month-long festival.

From art fairs to Americana music concerts, outdoor sculptures to open gardens in full bloom, each Festival-goer can create his or her own aesthetic adventure. The Dogwood Arts Festival offers hundreds of events throughout the spring and below is a highlight of a few favourites.....

Art in Public Places in Knoxville, Tennessee, April 1-March 16 2011

Arts comes in all shapes and sizes. Experience some of the larger variety with Art in Public Places, an annual event featuring large-scale outdoor sculptures in downtown Knoxville. The works are equal parts thought-provoking and awe-inspiring, like an outdoor gallery strategically situated for all to enjoy. The nationally recognised John Henry will be exhibition juror.

Dogwood Arts Festival Parade in Knoxville, Tennessee, April 29 2011

The official Dogwood Arts Festival Parade will begin at Hill and Gay streets, march down Gay Street and conclude at Depot Street. Giant, helium-filled balloons, colourful floats and celebrity appearances will make the parade a memorable time for the expected 25,000 festival participants.

Market Square Art Fair in Knoxville, Tennessee, April 15-17 2011

More than 60 artisans display and sell paintings, pottery, glass, jewellery, woodwork, metal and handmade creations at Market Square. Free live performances by country, string, blues and folk bands will be featured on two stages.

Rhythm 'N Blooms in Knoxville, Tennessee, April 1-3 2011

East Tennessee's musical history is as rich as it is varied. The Dogwood Arts Festival celebrates this heritage with Rhythm 'N Blooms, musical performances by locally-revered and nationally-renowned artists whose work falls under the broad banner of "Americana" music - a genre that spans country, blues, jazz, rock, bluegrass and folk and is generally characterised by a strong sense of musical tradition even as it may expand beyond traditional musical boundaries.

Rhythm 'N Blooms is produced in partnership with Knoxville Americana Music Foundation, Metro Pulse and WDVX radio. For a complete schedule click here.

For more information about the Dogwood Arts Festival visit www.dogwoodarts.com.

Experience Knoxville

A modern city offering a wide variety of activities with a touch of Southern charm. Steeped in Southern hospitality and tradition, Knoxville provides incredible nature, arts, history and entertainment experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for culinary delights, museums, nightlife or championship sports, Knoxville has a little piece for everyone to enjoy.

Knoxville is naturally blessed with the beauty of the shimmering Tennessee River and the Great Smoky Mountains right in its backyard. The city is also surrounded by three national parks, numerous lakes and more than 25 golf courses.

Knoxville's Visitor Centre

Located in the heart of downtown, Knoxville's Visitor Centre is no ordinary "grab-a-brochure-and-go" kind of place. Stop in any day of the week for refreshing gourmet coffees, freshly baked goods and locally made crafts; not to mention the free WDVX Blue Plate Special, a daily, live, noon-time performance of Americana music.

Tennessee River

Along the banks of the Tennessee River, you will find Volunteer Landing that includes refreshing waterfalls and fountains, historical markers and locally owned restaurants. Don't miss the Star of Knoxville riverboat, Three Rivers Rambler train ride, the Volunteer Yacht, TRACE 1 pontoon and more.

Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame honours the greatest contributors to the game while celebrating the past, present and future of women's basketball. Enjoy an assortment of hands-on interactive experiences, along with the history and personalities of the growing sport of women's basketball.

East Tennessee History Museum

A premier genealogy research library and historical archive, the East Tennessee History Museum brings visitors face to face with the region's history makers. Many special subjects are offered including the Civil War, country music's beginnings and Cherokee artefacts and information. You can even learn about the birth of the atomic bomb!

Ijams Nature Centre

Ijams Nature Centre is a wildlife sanctuary and environmental education centre encompassing more than 275 acres of protected woodlands and meadows and the reclaimed Mead's Quarry site, all open for exploration via seven miles of nature trails including a boardwalk on the Tennessee River.

Knoxville Zoo

One of the top zoological parks in the Southeast United States, the Knoxville Zoo, has an internationally renowned preservation and breeding program. The zoo features more than 230 species and 800 animals in natural habitats including black bears, tigers, giraffes and elephants. For more adventures, the East Tennessee Discovert Centre offers ten different aquariums showcasing exotic saltwater and freshwater species.

World's Fair Park

World's Fair Park is a state-of-the-art park that incorporates major landmarks from the 1982 World's Fair. The Park includes acres of lawns, fountains, trails and the Sunsphere, a Knoxville landmark that highlights an observation deck, great for a 360-degree view of downtown.

University of Tennessee Athletics

It's great to be a Tennessee Vol! Sports are very popular in Knoxville, and the University of Tennessee Athletics provides incredible facilities that draw large crowds throughout the year.

Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum

A 44-acre "secret garden" that is preserved and restored for the benefit and enjoyment of the public. The gardens are a magical place with whimsical round stone buildings, stone-sided greenhouses and secret garden paths and alleys.

McGhee Tyson Airport

Knoxville can easily be reached by flying into McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS). With rocking chairs and a mountain stream inside the terminal building, your adventure begins the moment you step off the plane. Located just minutes from downtown, McGhee Tyson Airport is the perfect place to begin or end your travels! Visit the airport at FlyKnoxville.com.