Country InnLocated 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.

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2020 Red Ford MustangClear a space on your garage wall for a new poster — the 2020 Ford Mustang has arrived. The American icon of muscle car engineering is back, dressed to impress. What’s under that sharp-looking exterior is just as impressive. It’s time to get to know the new 2020 Ford Mustang.

Unparalleled Power

A Mustang is nothing if it isn’t fast. The 2020 Ford Mustang ups the stakes with its superior muscle. The new Mustang starts with a 2.3-liter Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection I-4 Engine that gives this pony car 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque to play with.

Track racers can beat their times with the enhanced launch control feature. The multiple drive modes let you shift between a more performance friendly mode for the streets, a more capable mode for inclement weather, or give it free rein over its power. All the strength in the world means nothing if you don’t have systems in place to control it, and the 2020 Mustang has plenty.

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Gold and Red Ornaments on Christmas TreeIf 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.

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2020 Red Ford F-150America’s top-selling truck is back again to maintain its place at the head of the pack. The 2020 Ford F-150 is stronger and more equipped than ever to give you everything you need to tackle your work and play. Here are a few reasons why the new F-150 is the truck to beat this year:

Built Ford Tough

The 2020 Ford F-150 brings the same high level of reliability the model has been known for. It has an impressive array of engine options that let you choose the perfect level of power for your needs, all the way up to the 450-horsepower turbocharged V-6 that packs 510 pound-feet of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission is built to last and offers seamless shifts that keep your ride smooth.

Choose between multiple drive modes to tell your pickup how to tackle the road conditions ahead. If you’re looking for an off-road-ready pickup, opt for the F-150 Raptor. Everything that went into the 2020 F-150 was designed to make it one of the toughest pickups on the market, thanks to Ford engineering.

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Giraffe's Head and NeckLooking 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.

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Yellow Ford Mustang Car EngineThe moment you pay for your car, you are making a long term investment. You count on it for your daily commute and fun road trips. It relies on you to keep it running for as long as possible. There are several things you can do to help extend the life of your car’s engine.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance is the most important thing you can do for your engine. Change your oil on time. Do not ignore the mileage on the sticker from your mechanic. By changing your oil regularly, you keep the internal workings of the engine lubed up and ready for the road. You may change your oil at home or call a local shop to have a professional do it.

Another part of routine care is checking on your fluids and filters. If your fluids are low, refill them. As you change your oil, change the oil filter. You may also want to check on your fuel filter and see if it is dirty. Changing these filters helps the fluids work through the engine better. Check and change your air filter if it is dirty. It helps your engine breathe and stay cool during long trips.

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Clothing Hangers at Thrift StoreThrift 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.

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Cracked WindshieldIt’s bound to happen. No matter how careful you are, your windshield is going to break. If you notice a small crack or something more significant in your windshield, you need to address it right away. There are several things you can do right after your windshield breaks to minimize or repair the damage.

Pull Over Safely

The first step after your windshield breaks is getting to safety. Flying debris from other vehicles or bridges can seriously damage your vehicle. Slow down and find a safe location to pull over. Call the police if you suspect someone throwing something from a bridge that caused the damage. They are going to need to take pictures and talk to you about what happened.

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Mac and Cheese in Casserole PanThe 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.

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Whitewater Rafting at Nantahala National ForestEnjoy the sights and sounds of the Great Smoky Mountains with an outdoor adventure. Known as the “Land of the Noonday Sun” by the Cherokee nation, this parkland lies in the mountains and valleys of southwestern North Carolina. It encompasses more than 530,000 acres of glorious wilderness waiting to be explored. From a scenic train ride to whitewater rafting, here are four fun things to do in the Nantahala National Forest.

Go Pitch a Tent

There’s nothing quite like sleeping under the stars at one of America’s best national parks. Nantahala offers a variety of recreational area campsites and cabins. Whether you enjoy the solitude of a backcountry campsite or the convenience of indoor plumbing for you and your family, pitch a tent or park an RV at one of many assigned spots.

Well-appointed Balsam Lake Lodge is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and sits near a fishing pond. Why not rough-it this year at Hurricane Creek Horse and Primitive Campground? Located in the midst of a multitude of trails, this site is set up for the equestrian camper with stalls, a vault toilet, and fire rings. Hop on the designated horse trails directly from this camp.

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