The World's Eyes Fell Upon Knoxville

It's a cold, brisk, blustery afternoon in Knoxville. The sky is gray, gloomy almost, with the look of precipitation about to fall on the city skyline.

The scene is barren. On such a cold afternoon, no one, except for a few college students here and there, is outside in the open fields. The iconic fountains are turned off for the winter, but the waterfall across the way slowly sprinkles across the rocks towards the creek.

And then there are the eyes. The two big blue eyes glaring over the barren field, piercing one's soul, imploring one to ponder on the magic and wonder of art.

On such a cold November day, it is hard to remember or think about the history of this place. An area once full of kudzu-infested nothingness became home to one of the globe's biggest celebrations in 1982, completely revitalizing what was once such a dead zone in Knoxville. The park today isn't home to international tents and the ferris wheel that was once on Volunteer Landing isn't there, but the originally-named World's Fair Park remains a top attraction for visitors and citizens of Knoxville throughout the year.

Well, almost throughout the year.

The tents and the 'modern' marvels from the 1980's are all gone, but current Knoxvillians still enjoy timeless classics at the park. One of the lone remnants from the World's Fair, and the park's current centerpiece, is the Sunsphere, the fair's symbol. Once home to a restaurant and an observation deck, admission was set at two dollars until the Sunsphere was closed after the fair ended.

After being reopened for a short time in 1999, the tower was closed again after construction of the Knoxville Convention Center required the Sunsphere to be used as office space for construction staff.

2005 marked a first for the Sunsphere, as well as the nearby Tennessee Ampitheatre, An announcement by then-mayor Bill Haslam allowed the two fair staples to be renovated and reused for public use. In 2007, the observation deck was open to the public, this time with no admission charge, which remains today.

From the observation deck, visitors are able to see Knoxville in all directions, seeing everything from downtown to the Tennessee River, to the Great Smoky Mountains to the University of Tennessee.

There's a number of other sites a little closer to the tower.

Remember those eyes? With a message of "Open your eyes, open your mind", the Knoxville Museum of Art highlights a mix of local East Tennessee artists and travelling artists. A common theme to World's Fair Park, admission to this museum is also free, with parking located just down the road.

In case looking at local art causes a sweet craving, the park also features its own candy shop. The South's Finest Chocolate Factory may have its original shop out west on Kingston Pike, but the aptly named historic Candy Factory Building houses the World's Fair location, on the corner of Clinch Avenue and World's Fair Park Drive.

Right below lofts that look outward onto the park, the chocolate factory offers a wide variety of that sweet deliciousness (don't believe me? Check out the website...http://www.chocolatelovers.com/). No, the chocolate is not free, but you can get a free look at the chocolate being made in the on-site factory.


In the warmer months, expect to see more people hanging out on the center fairgrounds, throwing a frisbee, sunbathing or playing in the fountains, but no matter when you visit, there will always be something to do, and usually something free.