Leaving Knoxville for college was one of the best decisions I have ever made, but to be fairly honest, coming back to Knoxville is one of my favorite things ever. Anyone who knows me at Auburn knows how obsessed I am with my hometown in East Tennessee. And anyone from Knoxville would agree. There's something so endearing about this Tennessee city, am I'm so grateful that it's the place I call home.
We have every season, every year. Knoxville is known for the Dogwood Arts Festival, an annual celebration of spring and the arts. We have beautiful winters with (some) snow and hot summers full of lake days and time spent by the pool. Even more beautiful is the fall, when all the leaves change and hikes in the Smokeys are a common activity for natives. The experience of every season is a privilege, and one that not many places in the US get to experience.
Knoxville is beautiful and fun. We have so many beautiful parks to run through and enjoy, and many different lakes to play in during the summertime. The downtown area is unique and beautiful, with old buildings and artsy restaurants, not to mention adorable shops to explore. Tupelo Honey Cafe in Market Square is the perfect place for brunch, and you can always find street musicians playing on the corners. There's always something fun to do in Knoxvegas.
We're home to the University of Tennessee. Though maybe not the most beautiful campus in the nation, UT is certainly home to the most passionate fan base. There is nothing better than a game day at UT (except for maybe a game day at Auburn, but I'm biased). Orange and white can be seen everywhere, and the connection that every fan feels to each other is undeniable when "Third Down for What" plays over the speakers every third down. Neyland Stadium is incredible, and every experience I have had at a UT football game has been memorable. I mean, who wouldn't root for UT? They try so hard and put so much heart out on the field. And, rumor has it, they might be pretty good these next few years. #brickbybrick
The community in Knox is undeniable. People who grow up in Knoxville seem to want to stay in Knoxville, and I believe this is because of the sense of community that people feel here. Knoxvillians carry a true sense of Southern hospitality and grace with them, and neighborly kindness is often shown to others. The community truly rallies around those who are hurting, and supports those who succeed. It's clear from simply the fact that people stick around Knoxville for a lifetime that everyone can discover a sense of belonging and home in Knox.
I love Knoxville, which I am sure you can tell if you read all of that. It's home to me, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to have grown up in such an amazing place. Even though I don't live in Foxy Knoxy anymore, I know that I have a great place to come home to.
