Look, KNOX Rocks

Knoxville, TN: too often overlooked. Let me lay down a few of the cool things I do know about the place.

-You want to know where the wigs are at? There not hidden inside the Sunsphere, that golden epcot-ical sphere you saw from Interstate 40. But there is a spot along Gay Street right next to Yee Haw Industries that had a pretty comprehensive wig selection last time I checked in there (3 years ago). Its the kind of funky dollar store where its worth your time to peruse the aisles and wipe away the dust to reveal some bygone merchandise from China. They were mostly ladies wigs as I remember in styles from the 80's. Sounds curious enough to investigate right? They also sell looseys at the counter.

-That spot is hit or miss I'll admit but you're bound to see something cool next door at Yee Haw. Plus around the corner from them is Market Square which keeps a good buzz going for a good many hours of the 24 that are available. I got breakfast there at 7 in the morning the other day after I'd spent the night drinking across the way at Preservation Pub the night before. The posters on the wall were funny and the scene smoky and when the itch passed through my body there was a wall around the side to go relieve my antisocial tendencies on. A number of plywood sheets are boarding up part of the perimeter of Market Square and nobody we'll stress you out if you want to spill your creed there with some permanent ink. That's cool and that's where these pics come from.
-Oh, I forgot to tell you that you can actually go inside the sunsphere and poke around yourself. I've been going to Knoxville all my life and only recently discovered the magical elevator at the base that'll take you up free of charge. The first 3 levels are accessable from the street and World's Fair Park (the original impetus for the 1982 architectural wonder) but when you hit the button for floor #4 you actually rise up 22 stories. Definitely a good view to get your bearings and scan the kingdom that is UT. The lookout is only one level but provides 360 degrees of urban critiquing pleasure. Apparently there are some law firms and other buisnesses above that in the rest of the thing, which would not be too terrible a work environment.

So there you go the next time you pass through on your way to Asheville or Virginia or wherever. You don't have to settle down in the damn place, but do snoop around and you will be rewarded.