Knoxville: The Heart of East Tennessee

• HelloHowdy
  [haw-dee]
• GoodbyeSee ya
  [see yah]
• YesYup
  [yuhp]
• NoNah
  [nuh]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/Thank ya kindly
  [pleez/thank yuh kahynd-lee]
• Thank youThanks
  [thanks]
• Excuse me/SorryExcuse me/Pardon
  [ex-kyooz mee/pahr-dn]
• How are you?How y'all doin'?
  [haw yahl doo-in]
• Fine. And you?Doin' good. Y'all?
  [doo-in good. yahl]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [yah speak ing-glish]
• I don't understandI reckon I don't follow ya
  [I rek-uhn I don't fah-low yah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I see the menu, please
  [kan I see the men-yoo pleez]
• I don't eat meatI don't eat meat
  [I don't eat meet]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers]
• I would like to pay, pleaseCan I pay now, please
  [kan I pay now pleez]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Git!
  [git]
• Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [call the cops]
• Call a doctor!Call a doc!
  [call a doc]
• I'm lostI'm all turned around
  [I'm all turned around]
• I'm illI'm feelin' poorly
  [I'm feelin poorly]

• I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [I wanna buy]
• I'm just lookingJus' lookin'
  [jus look-in]
• How much is it?How much does it cost?
  [how much duz it cost]
• That's too expensiveThat's too steep
  [thats too steep]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya cut the price?
  [kan yah kut the price]

• What time is it?What's the time?
  [whats the time]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [its one]
• Half past (10)Half past ten
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• MorningMornin'
  [mornin]
• AfternoonAfternoon
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• EveningEvenin'
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• YesterdayYestiddy
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• TodayToday
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• TomorrowTomorry
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• Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [wheres the]
• What's the address?What's the address?
  [whats the address]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me (on the map)?
  [can yuh show me on the map]
• When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [whens the next bus]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [a ticket to]

Knoxville, Tennessee, was founded in 1791 and named after Henry Knox, the first Secretary of War. The city was established as the capital of the Southwest Territory, a precursor to the state of Tennessee. Early settlers were drawn to the area by the fertile land and strategic location along the Tennessee River.

During the American Civil War, Knoxville was a city divided. Its strategic location made it a site of significant military interest. The Battle of Fort Sanders in 1863 was a key engagement in the Knoxville Campaign, where Union forces successfully defended the city against Confederate troops. The city's allegiances were mixed, with both Union and Confederate sympathizers residing in the area.

Post-Civil War, Knoxville experienced rapid industrial growth. The arrival of the railroad in the 1850s had already begun to transform the city into a transportation hub. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Knoxville was a bustling center for manufacturing and trade, particularly known for its marble production, earning it the nickname 'The Marble City.'

The Great Depression had a profound impact on Knoxville, as it did on much of the United States. However, the city benefited from New Deal programs, including the establishment of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) in 1933. The TVA brought jobs and infrastructure improvements, particularly in electricity generation and flood control, which helped revitalize the region.

World War II brought further industrial growth to Knoxville, with the city playing a role in the war effort through manufacturing and logistics. In the post-war years, Knoxville continued to expand both economically and demographically. The University of Tennessee in Knoxville grew significantly during this period, further cementing the city's importance as an educational center.

One of the most significant events in Knoxville’s modern history was the 1982 World’s Fair. The event attracted over 11 million visitors from around the globe and featured pavilions from 22 countries. The Sunsphere, a 266-foot tall steel structure with a gold-colored glass sphere, was constructed as the fair’s symbol and remains a prominent landmark in the city today.

In recent decades, Knoxville has undergone a cultural renaissance. The revitalization of the downtown area has brought new life to the city, with a vibrant arts scene, historic preservation efforts, and a burgeoning food culture. The annual Dogwood Arts Festival and Big Ears Festival are just a few examples of events that celebrate Knoxville’s cultural diversity and creative spirit.

Knoxville is well-connected by air, road, and rail. The nearest major airport is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), located about 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville. Major airlines operate flights to and from this airport, connecting Knoxville to various cities across the United States. For road travel, Knoxville is accessible via Interstates 40 and 75, making it easy to reach by car or bus. Greyhound and Megabus offer bus services to Knoxville. There is also an Amtrak station in nearby Newbern, with connecting bus services to Knoxville.

Getting around Knoxville is convenient with several transportation options. Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) provides an extensive network of bus routes covering the city and surrounding areas. The downtown area is also serviced by free trolley routes. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available. For those who prefer biking, Knoxville offers a bike-share program called Pace, with numerous stations throughout the city. Renting a car is also an option for exploring the broader region at your own pace.

The official currency in Knoxville is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, so withdrawing cash is easy. Mobile payment methods like Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and Samsung Pay are increasingly accepted in many establishments. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors and markets that may not accept cards.

Knoxville is generally a safe city for tourists, but it is important to exercise standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Certain neighborhoods, such as parts of East Knoxville, have higher crime rates, and it is best to avoid these areas, especially after dark. Always stay aware of your surroundings and use well-lit, busy streets when walking at night.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. The University of Tennessee Medical Center and Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center are two major hospitals in Knoxville, providing comprehensive medical services. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, numerous pharmacies are available throughout the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress casually and comfortably, as Knoxville is a relaxed city. Avoid overly formal attire unless attending a specific event. Religion: Do respect local religious customs, especially if visiting churches. Public Transport: Do be considerate by offering seats to elderly and disabled passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transportation. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or 'hi.' A handshake is common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Southern cuisine and be open to food recommendations. Don't tip less than 15-20% in restaurants, as tipping is customary.

To experience Knoxville like a local, visit the Market Square for a mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment. Engage with locals at the Knoxville Farmers' Market, which offers fresh produce and local crafts. Attend a University of Tennessee Volunteers football game to experience the local sports culture. Take a stroll along the Tennessee River on the Neyland Greenway for scenic views. Finally, don't miss the chance to explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, located just an hour's drive from Knoxville.