Knoxville Conference & Exploration Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Orientation (Thursday, Nov 6)

Morning: Arrive at McGhee Tyson Airport and take a rideshare to your hotel in downtown Knoxville. Check‑in, drop off luggage, and freshen up.

Afternoon: Stroll to Market Square for a light lunch at a local café and enjoy the vibrant street art and boutique shops.

Evening: Dine at Calhoun's Steakhouse for classic Southern barbecue, then wander the nearby riverfront promenade for sunset views of the Tennessee River.

Day 2: Pursue Conference at Johnson University (Friday, Nov 7)

Morning: Grab a quick breakfast at the hotel, then head to Johnson University (15‑minute drive) for registration and the opening keynote.

Afternoon: Attend breakout sessions and network with fellow attendees at the university’s conference center. Take a brief coffee break at the campus café.

Evening: Return to downtown Knoxville for a relaxed dinner at Julius Caesar’s, followed by a casual walk through World's Fair Park to see the iconic Sunsphere illuminated at night.

Day 3: Nature & Culture (Saturday, Nov 8)

Morning: Enjoy a hearty breakfast, then explore the scenic trails of Ijams Nature Center, spotting local wildlife and waterfalls.

Afternoon: Visit the Knoxville Museum of Art to view regional exhibits, then have a late lunch at Sweet P's Barbecue in the Old City district.

Evening: Pack up, check out of the hotel, and head to the airport for your departure, reflecting on the conference insights and Knoxville’s charm.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Hotel (downtown) – 2 nights – $180/night = $360
• Rideshare (airport‑hotel‑university) – 3 trips – $25 each = $75
• Market Square lunch – 1 hour – $20
• Calhoun's Steakhouse dinner – 2 hours – $35
• Conference registration (Pursue event) – Full day – $150
• Julius Caesar’s dinner – 2 hours – $30
• World's Fair Park (lights) – 1 hour – Free
• Ijams Nature Center entry & parking – 3 hours – $10
• Knoxville Museum of Art admission – 2 hours – $12
• Sweet P's Barbecue lunch – 1 hour – $18
• Miscellaneous snacks & coffee – $25
• Total Estimated Cost: $795

Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a half‑day visit to the University of Tennessee Knoxville campus or a guided tour of the historic Old City. To shorten the trip, you could skip the nature hike at Ijams and replace it with a quick walk along the Knoxville Riverwalk, saving both time and transportation costs.