Returning to K-Town for the first time in 40 years - hoping for some local knowledge

[sami]

I haven't been back (for various reasons due to family and life) since I was a student in the early '80's, and I'm bringing my wife to the A&M game this weekend. Needless to say I am stoked beyond belief, looking forward to soaking in the whole experience. We are in an orange section for Checker Neyland and are ready to roll.

We're staying in Cedar Bluff and don't want to do the shuttle thing, instead wanting to drive in and park downtown. I have a list of the lots, are there any that are recommended, and how early should we get there on gameday to be sure to get a spot?

Any specific restaurant recommendations in Cedar Bluff or near the Strip? We'd love to have barbecue at least one night - is Calhoun's near Neyland the place, or are there better choices? My wife fell in love reading about the Downtown Grill and Brewery.

On gameday, I want to hang out at the Vol Navy and see the Vol Walk for sure. Anything else we should check out?

Thanks for any comments or suggestions!

 

[Vol in Buckeye Land]

I haven't been back (for various reasons due to family and life) since I was a student in the early '80's, and I'm bringing my wife to the A&M game this weekend. Needless to say I am stoked beyond belief, looking forward to soaking in the whole experience. We are in an orange section for Checker Neyland and are ready to roll.

We're staying in Cedar Bluff and don't want to do the shuttle thing, instead wanting to drive in and park downtown. I have a list of the lots, are there any that are recommended, and how early should we get there on gameday to be sure to get a spot?

Any specific restaurant recommendations in Cedar Bluff or near the Strip? We'd love to have barbecue at least one night - is Calhoun's near Neyland the place, or are there better choices? My wife fell in love reading about the Downtown Grill and Brewery.

On gameday, I want to hang out at the Vol Navy and see the Vol Walk for sure. Anything else we should check out?

Thanks for any comments or suggestions!

Calhoun’s on the River is pretty great, both for food and atmosphere.

 

[feathersax]

Have a great time. We stopped going to games soon after son graduated from UT-K in 2002. So many great memories from Cumberland Ave., which you probably recall. No more, my friend...it's become a mere apartment complex/traffic jam. Enjoy your visit back to Tennessee.

 

[sami]

Have a great time. We stopped going to games soon after son graduated from UT-K in 2002. So many great memories from Cumberland Ave., which you probably recall. No more, my friend...it's become a mere apartment complex/traffic jam. Enjoy your visit back to Tennessee.

Thanks very much! Yeah, that's what I expected. I'll always remember the Strip as it was in the '80's, saw a bunch of great bands in a dive called Hobo's.

 

[strkr]

I haven't been back (for various reasons due to family and life) since I was a student in the early '80's, and I'm bringing my wife to the A&M game this weekend. Needless to say I am stoked beyond belief, looking forward to soaking in the whole experience. We are in an orange section for Checker Neyland and are ready to roll.

We're staying in Cedar Bluff and don't want to do the shuttle thing, instead wanting to drive in and park downtown. I have a list of the lots, are there any that are recommended, and how early should we get there on gameday to be sure to get a spot?

Any specific restaurant recommendations in Cedar Bluff or near the Strip? We'd love to have barbecue at least one night - is Calhoun's near Neyland the place, or are there better choices? My wife fell in love reading about the Downtown Grill and Brewery.

On gameday, I want to hang out at the Vol Navy and see the Vol Walk for sure. Anything else we should check out?

Thanks for any comments or suggestions!

There is a Calhoun's out near Cedar Bluff area where you are staying. The environment will be totally different from when you attended in the 80's. Hope the vols can pull it out for you and the wife and you have a great time.

 

[MEDVOL]

I've always enjoyed parking behind the Riviera in the State Street garage. Walk into Market Square and hang out. Saturday farmer's market should still be going. Plenty of shops and restaurants. Walk down to Neyland. Stop at a few tailgates along the way, if you want. See the game. Walk to the Strip (you'll probably be disappointed in what it has become) or back up to Market Square/Gay St for dinner and drinks after the game. Could also mosey down to the Old City as its not too far from State St garage. You'll be blown away to see how far that area has come.

Note: its a lot of walking, with hills. But I've never really minded it and its not bad if you aren't in a hurry.

 

[sami]

I've always enjoyed parking behind the Riviera in the State Street garage. Walk into Market Square and hang out. Saturday farmer's market should still be going. Plenty of shops and restaurants. Walk down to Neyland. Stop at a few tailgates along the way, if you want. See the game. Walk to the Strip (you'll probably be disappointed in what it has become) or back up to Market Square/Gay St for dinner and drinks after the game. Could also mosey down to the Old City as its not too far from State St garage. You'll be blown away to see how far that area has come.

Note: its a lot of walking, with hills. But I've never really minded it and its not bad if you aren't in a hurry.

Thanks so much - I'm fully expecting it to be a different world from when I was there. Downtown sounds like a lot nicer than it was in my day. What time do you suggest arriving to be sure and get parking?

 

[sami]

There is a Calhoun's out near Cedar Bluff area where you are staying. The environment will be totally different from when you attended in the 80's. Hope the vols can pull it out for you and the wife and you have a great time.

Thanks very much, We are fired up.

 

[MEDVOL]

Thanks so much - I'm fully expecting it to be a different world from when I was there. Downtown sounds like a lot nicer than it was in my day. What time do you suggest arriving to be sure and get parking?

Well I'll tell ya I got a parking pass this year so haven't parked in State St this season yet. But I'm pretty much planning to do exactly what I told you to do this Saturday as we have dinner plans after the game. Last season against Bama was the last time we parked there and it was getting crowded around 1130a.

 

[AlwaysOrangeNeverBlue]

I haven't been back (for various reasons due to family and life) since I was a student in the early '80's, and I'm bringing my wife to the A&M game this weekend. Needless to say I am stoked beyond belief, looking forward to soaking in the whole experience. We are in an orange section for Checker Neyland and are ready to roll.

We're staying in Cedar Bluff and don't want to do the shuttle thing, instead wanting to drive in and park downtown. I have a list of the lots, are there any that are recommended, and how early should we get there on gameday to be sure to get a spot?

Any specific restaurant recommendations in Cedar Bluff or near the Strip? We'd love to have barbecue at least one night - is Calhoun's near Neyland the place, or are there better choices? My wife fell in love reading about the Downtown Grill and Brewery.

On gameday, I want to hang out at the Vol Navy and see the Vol Walk for sure. Anything else we should check out?

Thanks for any comments or suggestions!

Going to be an amazing weekend for you two and so excited for y’all! Sounds like you missed the 90s and, while I can only speak to the VHS version of 1985 Auburn my dad passed down to me, I think you’ll get a similar feel Saturday to that game.

Downtown Grill is a very solid choice. Make sure to walk around Market Square a little bit if you’re over there.

If you’re wanting to do Vol Navy and Vol Walk, best map that out time-wise. Vol Walk should be 1:15pm, I believe but should get there 15 early at least to see well.

Just to make sure you avoid any Gameday parking snafus, you mentioned have a list of the lots. If the list is of the UT lots, i.e. the UT parking map, then note those require passes. However, if you just park downtown and walk, there’s some lots there. Frankly, my back couldn’t handle that lol. So if you’re like me, I’d suggest looking in the Fort Sanders area for some pay-cash lots (there will be signs). But if you’re trying to get there early enough to do both Vol Walk and Vol Navy, try parking at the Ag Campus. They have a very reliable shuttle to and from!

Hope y’all have an incredible time. Don’t forget to yell your butts off lol. Go Big Orange!

 

[EconVol92]

The strip as you will remember it is gone. The campus is much nicer, but there are green spaces where roads were and buildings are gone. On the upside the downtown area near the sun sphere is much nicer than it was back in the 80's.

 

[Vol in Buckeye Land]

I've always enjoyed parking behind the Riviera in the State Street garage. Walk into Market Square and hang out. Saturday farmer's market should still be going. Plenty of shops and restaurants. Walk down to Neyland. Stop at a few tailgates along the way, if you want. See the game. Walk to the Strip (you'll probably be disappointed in what it has become) or back up to Market Square/Gay St for dinner and drinks after the game. Could also mosey down to the Old City as its not too far from State St garage. You'll be blown away to see how far that area has come.

Note: its a lot of walking, with hills. But I've never really minded it and its not bad if you aren't in a hurry.

Seconded on moseying down to the Old City. If OP has any affinity for Scottish culture, there’s a Scottish-style pub called the Jig and Reel that is excellent. Also Barley’s and there’s a great tamale place, Good Golly Tamale (if it’s still there).

 

[sami]

Going to be an amazing weekend for you two and so excited for y’all! Sounds like you missed the 90s and, while I can only speak to the VHS version of 1985 Auburn my dad passed down to me, I think you’ll get a similar feel Saturday to that game.

Downtown Grill is a very solid choice. Make sure to walk around Market Square a little bit if you’re over there.

If you’re wanting to do Vol Navy and Vol Walk, best map that out time-wise. Vol Walk should be 1:15pm, I believe but should get there 15 early at least to see well.

Just to make sure you avoid any Gameday parking snafus, you mentioned have a list of the lots. If the list is of the UT lots, i.e. the UT parking map, then note those require passes. However, if you just park downtown and walk, there’s some lots there. Frankly, my back couldn’t handle that lol. So if you’re like me, I’d suggest looking in the Fort Sanders area for some pay-cash lots (there will be signs). But if you’re trying to get there early enough to do both Vol Walk and Vol Navy, try parking at the Ag Campus. They have a very reliable shuttle to and from!

Hope y’all have an incredible time. Don’t forget to yell your butts off lol. Go Big Orange!

Thanks! I lived in Fort Sanders on Clinch St., a block from the Worlds Fair in '82. Can't wait to revisit that area.

 

[KriegerVOL]

If I was eating bbq in Knoxville I'd probably go to sweet p's, it's on jackson Avenue between the old sterchi building and the old city. Or (be a little easier) go to dead end bbq on Sutherland. Its towards bearden so it may be convenient on the way out. Archers is ok too, but it's out by the zoo.

Also, if I was eating bbq in east tennessee I usually wouldn't, since it's not middle or west. Not their fault they could never get it right in Knoxville.

 

[sami]

Seconded on moseying down to the Old City. If OP has any affinity for Scottish culture, there’s a Scottish-style pub called the Jig and Reel that is excellent. Also Barley’s and there’s a great tamale place, Good Golly Tamale (if it’s still there).

Thanks, it appears that Good Golly Tamale is still there. Jig and the Reel looks great.

 

[murfvol1]

I've always enjoyed parking behind the Riviera in the State Street garage. Walk into Market Square and hang out. Saturday farmer's market should still be going. Plenty of shops and restaurants. Walk down to Neyland. Stop at a few tailgates along the way, if you want. See the game. Walk to the Strip (you'll probably be disappointed in what it has become) or back up to Market Square/Gay St for dinner and drinks after the game. Could also mosey down to the Old City as its not too far from State St garage. You'll be blown away to see how far that area has come.

Note: its a lot of walking, with hills. But I've never really minded it and its not bad if you aren't in a hurry.

These are wise words from MEDVOL. The State Street garage is the best thing going if you're completely ambulatory.

Eat downtown after the game to let traffic subside, and/or hop on I-275 to I-640 to skirt the worst.

 

[OrangeInKy]

The strip as you will remember it is gone. The campus is much nicer, but there are green spaces where roads were and buildings are gone. On the upside the downtown area near the sun sphere is much nicer than it was back in the 80's.

Was just thinking about how crazy it would be come back after 40 years. Very cool you're able to get back here and I hope you both have a great time here. If you're hoping to hear Tall Paul at Darryl's or the Library, you will be disappointed.

 

[StarRaider]

Have a great time. We stopped going to games soon after son graduated from UT-K in 2002. So many great memories from Cumberland Ave., which you probably recall. No more, my friend...it's become a mere apartment complex/traffic jam. Enjoy your visit back to Tennessee.

yeah but there is a bridge over to the Ag campus!

 

[PEPPERJAX]

Thanks! I lived in Fort Sanders on Clinch St., a block from the Worlds Fair in '82. Can't wait to revisit that area.

The Krystal was replaced with a cell phone store.

 

[StarRaider]

Was just thinking about how crazy it would be come back after 40 years. Very cool you're able to get back here and I hope you both have a great time here. If you're hoping to hear Tall Paul at Darryl's or the Library, you will be disappointed.

 

[OrangeInKy]

View attachment 586314

Haha. Accurate.

 

[sami]

The Krystal was replaced with a cell phone store.

Damn, Krystal was a lock after bars at 2am.

 

[StarRaider]

Damn, Krystal was a lock after bars at 2am.

circa 1972 (American Pie was a hit) my sister's boyfriend had some change in these Coca Cola can banks. We were staying across the street from a Krystal... and he told us we could use any change we got out of his can banks and go to the Krystal. We emptied those cans dime by nickel by penny and kept making "Krystal Raids" all night long.

 

[Volador]

Sam & Andy's
Ruby Tuesdays
Paul's Market
Regis Steak House
The Last Lap
The Tap Room
Copper Cellar
The Torch
Roman Room
Gradys
Uncle Sams
Smoky Mtn Deli

These were just a few of my favs from 1975-1979. All are still there - or umm, gone, w exception of ONE!

 

[StarRaider]

Sam & Andy's
Ruby Tuesdays
Paul's Market
Regis Steak House
The Last Lap
The Tap Room
Copper Cellar
The Torch
Roman Room
Gradys
Uncle Sams
Smoky Mtn Deli

These were just a few of my favs from 1975-1979. All are still there - or umm, gone, w exception of ONE!

what no Gus's Good TIme Deli??????????? oh the HUMANITY

and The Maltese Falcon..... Friday after class two dolla hurricane pitchers..