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If you're looking for somewhere to go and have a few drinks after a tough day at work or a long week at the office, then keep reading. We know how much going out with friends for a drink or two can improve your mood. If you're new to the area or want to check out a new drinking hole then keep reading. And even though we are all staying inside right now because of the coronavirus, here are some ideas for when everything goes back to the way it was. Come Hang Out at Aubrey's Aubrey's Restaurant is a homestyle restaurant with a comfortable atmosphere, good food, and better drinks. If you're looking for somewhere that you can go to hang out without being bothered, then this is a great place to check out. They offer the largest beer tap selection in Eastern Tennessee. You can also try one of their many wines from around the world. Find Aubrey's at 401 Town Creek Road E., Suite 5612. They are open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the week. more Have Some Fun at Calhoun's Another great spot to grab a drink is Calhoun's, one of our personal favorites. Grab some food and add a drink from their Tiki Bar. Some of the drinks on their favorites list are their blackberry and raspberry mojitos. They also have delicious white and red sangria and $7 martinis in flavors such as lemon drop, chocolate, and apple. If you're looking for something different, then you can try their Waiting for Spring with Deep Eddy lemon vodka, lemon juice, prosecco, and strawberry puree. Or check out the Spicy Patron Paloma with Patron silver tequila, agave nectar, club soda, grapefruit juice, and a chili-lime rim. Calhoun's is located at 4550 City Park Drive. Celebrate at Cinco Amigos Cinco Amigos is a place with a fun vibe for celebratory drinks. They have a great food menu as well as an expansive drink menu. Get domestic and imported beer as well as Micheladas, which is a Mexican beer style cocktail. They also have several types of wine sold by the glass and homemade sangria. We can't forget about their amazing margaritas, served either on the rocks or frozen. Cinco Amigos is located at 1110 U.S. Route 321. Relax at Citico's Restaurant Located inside an inn at the WindRiver Community, Citico's offers a serene environment to enjoy some quiet drinks with friends. Get a bucket of beer with choices like Bud Light, Yuengling, Michelob Ultra, and Miller Lite for $16. They have a large, rotating wine selection, including several house wines. You can also grab vodka, whiskey, tequila, or gin for a unique drink experience. Citico's has some great food if you find yourself hungry while out for cocktails. Citico's Restaurant is located at 2698 Oakum Court and is open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday. Grab a friend, or six, and head out to one of these great places to grab a drink right here in Lenoir City. Great conversation, good food, and amazing cocktails can help lighten the mood and ease any stress caused by your daily grind. Cheers! Image via pexels.com

Planned date nights are important for any relationship; they allow you to spend quality time alone and allow you to have fun together. If you're looking for somewhere new to go for your next night out, then keep reading. And although we are all probably under quarantine due to the Coronavirus, here are four date night ideas around Lenoir City for the perfect night out with your loved one when life goes back to normal! 1. Visit a Brewery Get excited for date night at a nearby brewery. One of our favorites is the Smoky Mountain Brewery. They have delicious food and great drinks. Some of their homebrews are the best we have tasted and include their Cherokee Red Ale, Mountain Light, or the Helles. They also have cocktails and wine. Start your date night meal out with an appetizer, such as their Brewery Nachos with Brewhouse chili, beer cheese, jalapenos, and tortilla chips. Choose from burgers, their specialty wings, pizzas, or even steaks. They also host events throughout the year. You can participate in a team trivia event or relax and listen to some fun live music. The Smoky Mountain Brewery is located close by in Knoxville. more 2. Stay At a Bed-and-Breakfast You should always make time for the most important person in your life. Taking a night to stay at a bed-and-breakfast is relaxing and intimate, so you'll really get to reconnect. The Whitestone Country Inn is a great place to start. It's situated on 600 acres and provides a peaceful atmosphere with Southern charm. One of the greatest features here is the suites. Stay in one of their 22 unique rooms, such as the Canada Goose or the Quail Suite. Each comes with a whirlpool tub, Wi-Fi, and breakfast at the restaurant. They offer anniversary add-on packages that include a dozen roses, a 30-minute carriage ride, chocolates, and nonalcoholic champagne. Find the Whitestone Country Inn in nearby Kingston. 3. Jam Out At the Lenoir City Jamboree If you're looking to put some excitement back into your relationship, then why not go listen to some live music at the Lenoir City Jamboree? They have live music on the second and fourth Friday of every month. These shows include two different bands that specialize in bluegrass, blues, classic rock, and country. They showcase new up-and-coming singers at the beginning of each show. The Lenoir City Jamboree is located at 103 N. B St. in Lenoir City. 4. Token Game Tavern Take it back to the old days when all you needed to have fun was a pocketful of quarters. Now you can enjoy this experience on date night. The Token Game Tavern is one of our favorite places to visit. They have classic arcade games to play such as Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and even a Star Wars pinball machine. There's also delicious food and great drinks. Enjoy appetizers such as their Baja Chicken Tacos, Powered Up Nachos, or BBQ Pork Nachos, or get something a little more filling like their 10-inch naan flatbreads. This is a must-do for a date night at least once. Grab that special someone and stop by one of these great date spots. We think that the best nights are date nights. Have fun, relax, and enjoy yourselves while you keep the fire burning. Image via pexels.com

Tennessee is home to one of the greatest barbeque traditions in the nation. Discover the meat of that tradition in Lenoir City, Tennessee, at one of these exceptional barbeque spots. Whether you prefer wet or dry barbeque, you're sure to find something to love in this city. Calhoun's For some of the best barbeque in the city head over to 2550 City Park Drive. At Calhoun's, you'll find a fantastic combination of menu items, like naked, wet, smoked, and boneless wings, bacon-wrapped beef briskets, white chicken chili, pulled pork nachos, and hickory-smoked barbeque pork. Patrons adore their char-grilled shrimp, grilled lemon chicken, and filet mignon. Wash down your mean with freshly squeezed lemonade, orange juice, or grapefruit juice. Finish off your meal with their famous macadamia nut banana pudding, Louise's triple fudge cake, or the cheesecake of the day. more Buddy's BBQ For a friendly barbeque place with excellent fare head over to 5806 Kingston Pike in nearby Knoxville, Tennessee. The half-hour drive is more than worth it when you consider their barbequed ham, beef brisket, pork, turkey, and chicken. If you have a family to feed, go for Buddy's family pack, a combination of any three barbequed meats at a total weight of 20 ounces, baked beans, green beans, slaw, potato salad, BBQ sauce, five buns, and five cookies. The pack typically feeds five, but their double family pack feeds ten. Barbequed meats can be ordered by the pound as can sides in bulk, so head to Buddy's if you're thinking of feeding everyone at a corporate meeting or personal event. Taste-O-Texas Drive down to 1562 Highway 72 North Suite A in Loudon, Tennessee, for a taste of Central Texas that you'll never forget. This family-owned and operated barbeque joint offers some genuinely excellent fare. Their barbeque platters include beef brisket, pulled pork, smoked sausage, and more. Customers love their Texas Two-Step sandwich, a combination of brisket, sausage, slaw, and spicy jalapenos. Little Texans can get their hands on brisket or pulled pork sandwiches, grilled cheese, chicken tenders, and more. Their bulk menu specials change daily, so keep an eye on their website for details. If you love their sauce, feel free to take it home by the pint or the quart. Dickey's Barbeque Pit For spectacular barbeque in the restaurant or delivered directly to your door, go with Dickey's at 11483 Parkside Drive Suite 202 in Knoxville. If you have kids 12 and under, this is the barbeque destination for you, because every Sunday they eat for free. Their menu is straight-forward. One, Two, and Three meat plates are available, as are pork and kielbasa, poultry, and pork rib plates. Dickey's offers full-service catering for a minimum of 100 people and a delivery buffet for at least ten people. If you're in a hurry, grab one of their box lunches. Their regular box includes a classic barbeque sandwich, chips, and a chocolate chunk cookie, while their deluxe box includes all of these plus any side item. Sate your craving for barbeque at one or all of these notable locations. They're more than worth the effort. Image via pixabay.com

Lenoir City, Tennessee, is home to a surprising set of fascinating historical spots. Please take a look at our list of favorite historical locations in and near the city. You'll be surprised by what you find. Historic Loudon Tennessee Just 15 minutes away from Lenoir City, you'll find a charming little town steeped in southern hospitality and history. Situated at 1075 Highway 321 North, this place is packed with quaint shops, excellent southern food, and kind people. Get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and discover the spirit of a place with a recorded history that dates back to the late 1700s. In the early days, Loudon was bare, having only a steamboat landing and a few small buildings. With the coming of the railroad in the 1850s, the area was utterly transformed. This place is a stop on both the Civil War Trail of Tennessee and the Appalachian Quilt Tour, so if you are involved in them, make sure to mark Loudon on your map. more The Lenoir City Museum Opened in 1997, this museum was originally the town's city hall. Its contents document the city's past from the time of settlement in the early 1800s to the arrival of the railroad and the city's boom, through the Civil War, and up to Lenoir's official establishment as a city in 1907. Different aspects of the city's growth are highlighted here, including facts on residential, industrial, and commercial growth. The Lenoir Car Works, long the economic lifeblood of the city, is featured prominently in the exhibit. The roles of the people of Lenoir in United States military history and in the religious, social, and educational growth of the city are on display as well. The museum rests at 110 Depot Street in downtown Lenoir City. The Lenoir City Mills Dotted across Lenoir city are the remains of a number of cotton mills that were hotly contested during the violent days of the Civil War between the United States and the Confederate States. Cotton was the economic lifeblood of the south, as it made up the majority of the region's exports. During the war, the area was burned by the Union army as their advance south progressed. For their time, the mills were quite advanced in terms of industrial capabilities, and the north desired to deny confederate sympathizers that source of income. A new restoration of the structure is taking place, as the first reconstruction was destroyed by arsonists, but visitors are always welcome. The National Campground In nearby Greenback, Tennessee, sits a place that is dear to the hearts of civil war history enthusiasts everywhere: The Bivouac of Reconciliation. In this place, on the grounds of The National Campground, Confederate and Union sympathizers together created a site meant for deep Christian fellowship and forgiveness. Its purpose was to end the bitterness and pain caused by the war, and there was much to be had. General Sherman devastated the area as he burned his way south prior to the Siege of Atlanta. The tabernacle shed houses the annual meetings and September services. Lenoir City has a deep and rich history that runs deep in the hearts of its citizens. Take in these historic sites there, and you'll see what they love so much about the place. Image via pexels.com

Fishing is relaxing, with moments of major excitement if you're lucky!. It's a beloved pastime for many Tennesseans, including Lenoir City and Knoxville residents. If you're interested in doing a little angling in either (or both) of these Volunteer State cities, you should know that there are some amazing places to cast a fishing rod and hope for a big catch. This quick guide will make it easy for you to plan a day of fishing solo or with friends and family. Fort Loudon Lake This scenic lake is situated at the Tennessee River's headwaters, close to Knoxville. It's a lake that's beloved by local anglers. When you fish at Fort Loudon Lake, you'll have a good chance of catching smallmouth, largemouth, and crappie, along with sauger, bluegill, catfish, and white bass. This lake is such a great fishing spot, and it's a popular choice with tournament anglers. If you want to catch big fish, spending time on this lake will be worth your while. In 1976, a blue catfish weighing in at 130 pounds was caught at Fort Loudon Lake. The lake and surrounding area are also popular with boaters and bird-watchers. Keep your eyes peeled for osprey. These birds of prey have wingspans of up to 5 feet. more Tellico Reservoir Tellico Reservoir is a beautiful waterway measuring 15,500 acres. This lake attracts plenty of brown trout and rainbow trout, in addition to walleye. At the reservoir, well-oxygenated cold water flows inward from the Tellico River and Chilhowee Reservoir, setting the stage for some impressive angling, Aside from trout, this fishing spot is home to rock, yellow, white, spotted, smallmouth, and largemouth bass. You'll also find blue catfish, bluegill, and yellow perch in the local waters, and this just scratches the surface. This Knoxville fishing locale is a beautiful place to relax and commune with nature. This reservoir is also a good place to find black bass, which along with crappie, are generally the most abundant species in the water. Watts Bar Lake This lake is the perfect place to fish for black-nose crappie because there are plenty of them in the water. The crappie population starts to surge around the end of February each year and continues to flourish in early March. The beginning of May is also a great time to fish this lake. When the water begins to get warmer, crappie head for deeper water and local anglers love to find them in the evening with the help of lanterns positioned over the water. This fishing spot is just 39 miles from Lenoir City, so it's easy to get to. Watts Bar Lake is 56.4 miles from Knoxville. No matter your skill level, you'll find that fishing in the Lenoir City-Knoxville area is a fulfilling experience. Angling is a great way to push aside the cares of the day and enjoy fresh air as well as a little quiet contemplation. With any luck, you'll catch more than enough fish to enjoy a good, old-fashioned fish fry. Image via pexels.com

Knoxville is a jewel of a city, with so many glittering facets from the historic Market Square district to Zoo Knoxville to the 266-foot high Sunsphere. The Sunsphere is a glass-paneled ball filled with gold dust. Since there's so much to see and do in the city, it's the perfect daytrip destination, for families, couples, or singletons. This guide will make it so simple for you to enjoy the ultimate day out in Knoxville. However, you should stick around the city when the sun goes down because Knoxville is a lot of fun in the evening too. Check Out Market Square District Market Square Knoxville is one of the most popular locales for shopping, eating, and drinking. It's a great place to hang out, and there are often outdoor films and concerts to attend in addition to Shakespeare on the Square. Situated only moments from the University of Tennessee campus, this Knoxville district is also close to Urban Wilderness, which stretches 1,000 acres and is home to 50 miles of bike trails, hiking trails, and walking paths. more Market Square is family-friendly and it is pet-friendly, too, thanks to its water play fountains (there are two) as well as its proximity to beautiful Krutch Park. There are great hotels and eateries in this part of the city, so keep that in mind if you're deciding where to stay and where to eat. Market Square has been a hub for locals and tourists since 1854. Buildings around the square are exceptional examples of 20th-century commercial architecture. See the Animals at Zoo Knoxville Zoo Knoxville is right downtown, so it's easy to find and is the perfect destination for parents and kids or for anyone who loves animals. This zoo is one of the city's premier, top-rated attractions. When you visit, you'll be able to see African elephants, Malayan tigers, North American black bears, and a host of other animals as well as birds, reptiles, and so much more. If you're a parent and you're bringing the kids along, you'll love the experiences that this zoo provides to children, such as animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours. The zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day year-round, except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Marvel at the Sunsphere Some activities tend to cost money, but gazing at a beautiful example of human creativity and ingenuity such as the Sunsphere isn't one of them. So, marveling at the Sunsphere will be a cost-effective way to enjoy a little novelty while in Knoxville. It won't cost a penny to go to the Observation Deck of the Sunsphere, but the structure looks pretty dazzling from the street too. This steel truss structure is very tall, and it's topped with a golden glass ball that was the symbol of the World's Fair in 1982. You'll find the Sunsphere at 810 Clinch Ave. When you visit all three attractions, you'll have an amazing day in the city. This itinerary will provide a good balance of urban pleasures (Market Square), natural wonders, (Zoo Knoxville) and novelty (Sunsphere). Image via pixabay.com

The best places to watch the next big game are sports bars. Whether you're looking for a new spot for Sunday Funday football, or you want to catch the next NBA game, there's a restaurant for you and your family nearby. Grab the crew, put your game face on, and order some appetizers at these great Lenoir City, Tennessee, area sports bars. 1. Aubrey's If you're looking for great American-style food to enjoy while you watch your game, head to Lenoir City's own Aubrey's. They have everything from crab cakes and nachos to burgers and fried chicken at Aubrey's. There's also a bar area that has plenty of televisions tuned to that day's main games. Line up at the bar with friends, or take the whole family for a sit-down dinner while you root for your team. Out of all the names on this list, Aubrey's is where you'll find the most well-rounded dining experience, and still get to enjoy the game. more 2. Wild Wing Cafe Over in Farragut, you'll find the Wild Wing Cafe. As its name suggests, this sports bar and grill prides itself on its chicken wings. Order up a dozen or two of this game-day staple in any of their 33 made-from-scratch sauces. Pair them with one of the 30 local and craft beers Wild Wing Cafe has on tap and in bottles. Best of all, their dining area is full of screens showing the biggest games of the day. 3. Smoky Mountain Brewery Smoky Mountain Brewery is a local sports-fan favorite, and is where you'll find tasty, affordable game-day food and plenty of ice-cold beer to go around. They specialize in burgers, pizzas, and wings for food items.  Their brewery produces some of the best local beer you'll find in the area. Try a pitcher of their Mountain Light, Cherokee Red Ale, or Appalachian Pale Ale and find a table close to the screen with your game on it. 4. Taco Boy Sports Bar & Grill If you love Mexican food, then Taco Boy Sports Bar & Grill is the place for you. Their tacos, burritos, fajitas, and more all hit the spot. Grab a glass of one of the Mexican beers they have on tap and enjoy your game in their fun atmosphere. If you're looking for a small, regular-heavy bar and grill to hang out in, Taco Boy might be what you're looking for. 5. Big Kahuna Wings In Farragut, Big Kahuna Wings is another top-notch restaurant that specializes in game-day favorites and has enough televisions to show the game you're looking for. Big Kahuna Wings boasts hormone-free, organic dry-rub wings that really knock it out of the park. If you're a chicken wing aficionado, you can't go wrong with everything this restaurant has to offer. Getting out of the house for your next game day is easy thanks to the many sports bar options in the Lenoir City area. Try each to find your new go-to game-day spot and let us know which are your favorites. Image via pexels.com

Located close to big cities and sightseeing, Lenoir City is a lovely place just far enough out of the way to enjoy a getaway. If you are newlyweds, looking for a place to unplug from the hustle and bustle of daily life, or want to recharge your relationship then taking a break from reality is exactly what you need. Here are four local country inns for a weekend getaway in Lenoir City and the Knoxville area. 1. Whitestone Country Inn A prime spot for a trip you won't forget, The Whitestone Country Inn has over 360 acres of secluded land to set the pace for your country retreat. This bed and breakfast has a large lake, walking trails, and even a spa for the perfect weekend. You will pass through the Entrance barn as you enter the property and have a chance to forget your troubles while you stay in one of four units located there. There also offer the Sparrow Suites, Chickadee Suite, and Meadowlark Suite. Each has a kitchenette, queen bed, and whirlpool tubs. You can enjoy all your meals here cooked right in the kitchen. A daily breakfast is included in the daily rate and their dinner menu changes nightly. The Whitestone Inn is located at 1200 Paint Rock Road in Kingston. more 2. Marble Hill Inn Another great place for a weekend getaway and relaxing weekend is Marble Hill Inn in Knoxville close to town. They have three different spaces available to stay, each opening to a balcony or patio. There are also living spaces and shared bathrooms. You can enjoy the Wi-Fi, terrace, garden, coffee, and tea, as well as on-site parking.  Marble Hill Inn is located at 125 East Glenwood Avenue. 3. Lakeside Inn at WindRiver The Lakeside Inn at WindRiver is both a casual and elegant waterfront inn with beautiful views of Tellico Lake and the immaculate golf course. They have four guest suites, the WindRiver Suite, Lakeview Suite, Fairway Suite, and the Hideaway. Each has its own restroom and bed. The WindRiver Suite has a king-sized bed, claw foot tub, walk-in shower, and beautiful directions. You can choose from three packages for your reservations. There is the Lover's Getaway, Relax and Unwind, and the Romantic Retreat. Lakeside Inn is located at 350 Lighthouse Pointe Drive. 4. Gracehill Bed & Breakfast Lastly on our list is the Gracehill Bed & Breakfast located in Townsend Tennessee at 1169 Little Round Top Way. Gracehill is known for being the highest home around with a beautiful 360-degree view of the Smoky Mountains. You can enjoy your breakfast on the veranda, in the dining room, fireside in the morning room, or on the back patio. Their Spellbound room is known for its romantic feel and decor, especially with the waterfall view. There are also three different rooms for you to choose from. We hope you enjoy everything that Lenoir City has to offer and choose to stay at one of these great country inns for your next weekend getaway. It is always a great time for a road trip so book yours today! Image via pixabay.com

If you're looking for ways to get into the holiday spirit in Knoxville, Tennessee, there are plenty of events to do just that around town. There's no better way to celebrate the holidays than by joining your friends, family, and community to enjoy everything Knoxville has to offer. Make sure you check out these Christmas events this season: Christmas Lantern Express, Nov. 23-Dec. 23 Bring the kids to the Christmas Lantern Express this year for a fun visit with Santa Claus. You and your family will enjoy tasty holiday treats, listen to Christmas stories from celebrity readers, and get in a special request with Santa, all aboard a real steam-engine train. A trip on the Christmas Lantern Express lasts about two hours. Tickets are $28.50 for adults, $16 for children 3-12, and $7.50 for toddlers under the age of 3. more Holidays on Ice, Nov. 29-Jan. 5 No Christmas season is complete without at least one visit to the seasonal ice rink. Holidays on Ice is a tradition for many in the area, and it's the perfect way to get out and enjoy yourselves in the winter months. Head to Market Square in downtown Knoxville, strap on your skates, and enjoy the classic tradition of ice skating with your friends and family. At night, the Christmas lights will illuminate the rink to help you get into the holiday spirit. Admission to Holidays On Ice is $11 for adults and $8 for children 12 and younger. WIVK Christmas Parade, Dec. 6 The WIVK Christmas Parade should be the one Christmas event you attend this year if you only attend one. This parade is the biggest parade in Knoxville, bringing a great many floats and people for visitors to enjoy. If you want to give the kids a chance to see Santa Claus himself, you may just find him here. The parade will begin at 7 p.m. and will travel down Church Street between Gay Street and Magnolia Street. Christmas in the Cave, Dec. 6-8, 13-15, 20-21 Bring in Christmas underground at Christmas in the Cave. Head to the Historic Cherokee Caverns to stroll through the caves decorated in Christmas lights and visit Santa and the Grinch. This is a fun, inexpensive event that your kids will love. Admission to Christmas in the Cave is $10 per person age 4 and older. On the open dates, the cave is open from 5-8 p.m. on Friday and 3-8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tour de Lights, Dec. 14 Another popular Knoxville holiday celebration is the Tour de Lights. Bring out your bikes and join the community on a bike ride through northern and downtown Knoxville to see a beautiful display of holiday lights. Riders will be decorating themselves, as well as their bikes, to celebrate the holiday season in full color. The Tour de Lights will start at 5:30 p.m., beginning under the Jackson Avenue bridge and ending at Market Square. Getting out and taking part in these enjoyable holiday events makes your holiday season that much more memorable. Make it a good one this year by taking advantage of these Christmas celebrations. Image via Pixabay.com

Looking for some fun and exciting things to do in Knoxville, Tennessee, with the family? You're in luck — there are plenty of great spots in town that the whole family will enjoy. Visit some of these awesome places to have a great day with the kids. Zoo Knoxville Zoo Knoxville is a great way to let the kids explore nature. This world-class zoo has a huge variety of animals — from giraffes and elephants to baboons and red pandas. Letting your kids find a new furry, feathery, or scaly friend to observe is easy with all the species that call this zoo home. The zoo also holds events for Christmas, Halloween, and other holidays for animal lovers to come and watch. Zoo Knoxville is constantly making improvements and working toward its goal of protecting as many animals as possible, especially the world's endangered species. more World's Fair Park If you want to dive into history or find something a little different to do with the kids, the World's Fair Park is the perfect place for you. This location was where the 1982 World's Fair was held, and now it serves as a popular getaway destination. The beautifully maintained historic site has many fun things to see, including a giant Rubik's Cube, performances throughout the year, an amphitheater, and more. Make sure to keep an eye on the schedule of events to find something that interests you and your kids. West Town Mall Shop until you drop at the West Town Mall. This amazing shopping center has over 100 shops, from American Eagle to Zumiez. Stop by the food court to eat at one of a variety of restaurants to refuel for your day. Stop by Build-A-Bear to let your kids make a new friend. Ijams Nature Center If you're looking for something fun to do on a nice day, pay a visit to Ijams Nature Center. There are a great many opportunities to let the kids get in touch with nature, as well as some fun activities to make the day even cooler. Get out on the water at Mead's Quarry. Let younger kids explore the play area at Jo's Grove. Go hiking, biking, and kayaking, too. Ijams is a popular Knoxville spot to get outside and enjoy some fresh air. Muse Get your kids excited about science at the Muse. This is a science museum specifically designed to ignite children's imaginations about how the world around them works. They won't realize they're learning as they explore the many interactive exhibits Muse offers. Explore the stars at the planetarium, create new inventions and works of art at the Make Space, and learn about acoustics at the Sound Play exhibit. If you want a museum experience for your kids that they will love, visiting Muse is a great option. Getting out and enjoying the day with the kids in Knoxville is easy — the hard part is choosing where to go first. Any of these fun destinations are sure to please the young ones, and you might even have a good time yourself. Image via Pixabay.com

Thrift stores are great places to shop for yourself and your family. Young people just starting out on their own can also find a variety of housewares and furniture at budget-friendly prices. If you're looking for some thrift stores, Lenoir City, Tennessee, has many good options. Goodwill Goodwill stores use their profits to help people in the community find jobs. The stores are divided into sections so thrifty shoppers can easily search the inventory. Check Goodwill for baby clothes, especially those for young babies, who are constantly growing. Goodwill has a good selection of onesies and other outfits. The furniture section is a great place for college students or people moving out on their own for the first time to look. The electronics section often features movies and shows that have long since disappeared from television. The books cover any subject and offer a pleasant escape from the electronic world. If you are wondering how a piece of clothing looks, step into the dressing room and try it on before you leave. Bring a friend or family member with you for another opinion on your new outfit. more Good Neighbors Shoppe The Good Neighbors Shoppe is on Leeper Parkway in Lenoir City. The store is open Tuesday through Saturday for shopping and donation drop-off. Bargain hunters check here for gently used clothing and shoes. You may also find some interesting books or antiques in the store, as well as home goods and furniture. Check the selection of collectibles to finish your collection. Proceeds from the store go to a variety of local charities and organizations in Loudon County. Loudon County Habitat Home Store The Loudon County Habitat Home Store, or ReStore, is located at 303 Simpson Road E. near the Burger King off Highway 321. It's open Tuesday through Saturday. This is the perfect store to find the finishing touch for any home project. These locations often have extra items from former Habitat builds. Some also include toys and housewares. The ReStore accepts donations for future builds. Some of the items you can donate to the ReStore include construction pieces such as tile, flooring, lighting, toilets, and much more. it also accepts donations of clean, gently used linens and clothing. Any electronics or appliances must include all pieces and must work. KARM Thrift Store The Knox Area Rescue Mission (KARM) Thrift Store is on Highway 321 North. The store is open six days a week for shopping and donation drop-off and is closed on Sunday. The store's profits support the work of the Rescue Mission. These men and women go out into the community and work with individuals. They also collect coats during the winter and offer warm meals when needed. Bring your friends or family with you as you shop. They can serve as both your fashion consultant and a helpful hand when loading larger purchases. If you are shopping for someone specific, bring him or her with you so you can see if a potential buy is a good choice before leaving the store. Image via Pixabay by angelsover

The definition of comfort food changes depending on who you ask. In general, comfort food is considered to be warm, stick-to-your-ribs food that often brings up memories of the past. Lenoir City, Tennessee, has many delicious restaurants that create these yummy meals designed to fill your stomach and transport you back in time. Aubrey's Aubrey's is an excellent destination for comfort food in Lenoir City. They are open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. There are different specials Monday through Saturday. Sunday is trivia day for those who want to have some fun while enjoying a delicious meal. The menu features house specialties like the buttermilk fried chicken which is double battered then deep-fried. Once it is on the plate, they add a thick layer of white gravy on top.  Another specialty is the North Carolina catfish with a lemon caper sauce.  All of the specialties come with one side. more Aubrey's also offers a variety of stick-to-your-ribs pasta dishes. One is the seafood pasta, which adds shrimp, Pacific white fish, sugar snap peas, and red onion to bow tie pasta. A delicious cream sauce finishes the dish. Another pasta option is the rattlesnake pasta with a base of linguini. The southwestern spiced Alfredo sauce covers grilled chicken, spinach, and green peppers.  Save room for desserts, including the chocolate turtle cake or peppermint patty ice cream pie. Maple Street Biscuit Company Comfort food is not just for dinner. The Maple Street Biscuit Company in nearby Knoxville creates breakfast and brunch comfort food dishes. They are open six days a week and are closed on Sunday.  The menu features several biscuit dishes.  The Farmer is a flaky biscuit with all-natural chicken, bacon, and homemade apple butter. The Garden Egg is a biscuit with house-made collard greens, a fried egg, and a splash of hot sauce. They also have house-made vanilla waffles topped with honey butter. For a comforting lunch, try the Smokey Mountain mac 'n' cheese. It features three different types of cheese topped with a crunchy cheese cracker crumble. Pair your dish with a steaming cup of coffee for a complete comfort meal. Petro's Chili and Chips Add some spice to your comfort food with a stop at Petro's Chili and Chips on Highway 321. The menu includes the mouthwatering Petro. This dish, served in a bowl, is a layered meal with a little bit of everything. The base is a layer of either pasta or corn chips followed by chili, cheese, tomatoes, green onions, and sour cream. You have the option of adding jalapenos or black olives to finish off the bowl. They also have baked potatoes, hot dogs, and family take-out meals. Finish your meal with a delicious homemade chocolate chip cookie. Don't forget to ask your friends and family to join you for lunch or dinner at these locations. It is a great time to introduce new foods and swap stories over a warm, family-friendly meal. Leave your phone in the car so you can focus on each other during the meal. Image via Flickr by Naotake Murayama under use of CC BY 2.0