Knoxville may not be the biggest or most progressive town in America, but it is one with TONS of character.
Growing up in Knoxville is the perfect mixture of small town charm and city life.
You know you grew up in Knoxville when...
You have bought tickets to a Tennessee game ENTIRELY to stand in the concourse.
I know personally, I can't remember a Tennessee game that I actually watched in high school. Sitting right outside of section U-V and causing a ruckus was a staple as a Knoxville kid!
On the subject of Neyland Stadium,
You have gone to Neyland Stadium or West Town Mall only to eat Petro's.
Chili is good, but Petro's is better. I don't know why Petro's is better, but it is. Add some black olives, sour cream, tomatoes and jalapenos, and we're talking business! Don't forget your orange spice sweet tea, y'all!
You spent lots of your time creeping around Turkey Creek and/or Regal Cinemas Pinnacle 18.
We were THOSE kids. We would loiter around the movie theater, terrorize Target and "late night" at Steak N' Shake.
(And by "late night", I mean 11 p.m. so we could get home before our curfew.)
Sundown in the city was your JAM, and when they cancelled it, you were heartbroken.
They always had the best Friday night scene. Oodles, Trio, or The Downtown Brewery, you can always find something AWESOME to eat while enjoying a high class entertainer.
Lakeside Tavern brunch is basically all you need for the rest of your life.
Can you get a breakfast AND lunch buffet in the same place WITH quality food anywhere else in Knoxville? NO! Lakeside is a Sunday morning in Knoxville staple.
Tying up at Prater Flats was a summer MUST!
Kenny Chesney, underage Bud Light and floating in a tube with your best friends is the only way to describe Prater Flats.
And last but not least,
Boomsday was the highlight of your year. May she #RestInPeace.
Boomsday was the one day of the year where you could let loose and have a great time with your friends. Funnel cakes and fireworks. Could a Knoxville girl ask for more?
Knoxville is such a great place to grow up. I am so thankful my parents settled there. I don't know what I would have done if I grew up somewhere else!
