After a long drive from New Orleans, we didn't have much energy left in us to explore Knoxville. From the quick drive through downtown and people watching from our hotel patio, this rather small city is extremely clean, well-kept, and lively.
We made a quick stop here to cut our drive to New York City. Our choice to stay at The Tennessean Hotel was a perfect one. The hotel has been nominated by Travel & Leisure for the "2021 World's Best Award" and it's easy to understand why. In this boutique hotel, the staff immediately knows your name and greets you accordingly throughout your stay. The rooms have extra-large showers, probably the largest ones I have seen in my travels, along with other unique touches like ambient lighting, incredibly soft linens, enormously fluffy towels, and modern decor. The stellar service is what stands out most at this hotel though. The entire staff goes above and beyond to make sure each guest feels welcomed and appreciated.
When we walked into the restaurant we thought we stumbled upon the hotel's bar. Surprisingly, the swanky dining room is furnished with leather armchairs and elegant couches instead of conventional dining room furniture. The bartender whipped up a perfect old-fashioned that arrived at the table smoking, a beautiful presentation indeed! The menu is small but the flavors were big in the dishes we ordered. The kitchen even prepared a special dish for the vegetarians in our group. The Drawing Room is a great place to unwind, enjoy a cocktail, and nibble on some great food.
I wish we were able to see more of Knoxville because at a quick glimpse it looks like this city has a lot to offer. However, we have to move quickly to get back to NYC and the road is calling our name! Unfortunately, I don’t have much to recommend or share from our short stop here beyond where to lodge. I truly hope to have another opportunity to explore Knoxville in a future visit.
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