I know what you’re probably thinking….how can I STILL be recapping my week long road trip? Well, the fact is, there was so much to see and do that I’ve had lots to share. Like my adventures in; Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park, The Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, TN, Nashville, Tennessee and the 2015 BlogPaws Conference. Well, today is the last adventure of my road trip, and it was one of my favorites! On the way home to Pennsylvania I stopped at the Knoxville Convention Center.
Being that it was a Sunday, the convention center was closed, but that didn’t stop me from exploring around.
Just outside the Knoxville Convention Center is the Sunsphere……the main purpose of my visit! The Sunsphere was constructed for the 1982 World’s Fair and served as the symbol to the Fair. It wasn’t until 2007 that it was renovated and reopened for the public.
Since there was no signs to say otherwise, and no one around to ask, I rode the elevator up the Sunsphere to the 4th floor observation deck to check out what all the fuss was about.
Not gonna lie, it was a long way down! I was more than happy not to get too close to the edge, just in case.
The 5th floor of the Sunsphere contains a restaurant and bar called the Icon Ultra Lounge. I didn’t attempt to go up there because the sign said reservations were needed – and I’m not even sure if they were open on a Sunday. And the 6th floor was for events.
Honestly I was thankful to have all 4 feet back on the ground, but there was a lot more to see in the World’s Fair Park, which had signs saying leashed pets were welcome as long as you picked up after them.
There was some beautiful waterways and according to their website it looks like they hold lots of fun events in the park.
Eventually I made my way to the Amphitheater, it was also constructed during the 1982 World’s Fair and was home to both country music and classical music concerts. The Sunsphere and the Tennessee Amphitheater are the only structures that remained after the World’s Fair. I would have put on my own show for everyone, only I forgot to pack my trick gear, and sadly I had no spectators.
Eventually I came across an outdoor fountain where lots of kids were enjoying it on a nice hot day. I wanted to join in too, but sadly it was one of the few areas off limits to dogs.
After exploring the World’s Fair Park it was time to get something to eat! So I found a pet friendly restaurant on the river, Calhoun’s!
Their deck overlooking the water was the perfect spot for a relaxing nap before my long long drive back to Pennsylvania.
And just as we were finishing up our dining experience, a big storm came rolling in. I have to say, the entire time I was gone I lucked out with all the weather. Every time I found something fun to do any storms seemed to clear and I had nice sunny days every time!
Eventually it was time for my fun to end and I headed towards home.
Even though my road trip adventures have come to an end, it’s always nice to be back in my home sweet home!
So what was your favorite part of my week-long road trip? Maybe it was the Bears in Shenandoah National Park, or the Elk in the Great Smoky Mountains, or perhaps my red carpet event in Nashville? What did you like best? 