Knoxville Families - things to do?

[MamaInMarch]

We are heading to the Pigeon Forge area at some point this year and will be making a detour to Knoxville to take the kids to the zoo. Is there anything else we should make sure to see while we are there? How about places to eat that are local and fabulous? I prefer no chain restaurants. Thanks!!

[larig]

DH who wen to UT said to go to Market Square Street area for food, or Gay street. Sometimes on the weekends they have bands there. It's his favorite part of knoxviile. We had the best chicken and waffles at cafe 4 (seriously, to die for--best when corn's in season). There is a riverboat/dinner cruise. He said avoid west Knoxville if you don't like chains.

Blount mansion--first governor of TN it's an old house with little old houses around it, it's right on the river.

Actually a close town is Oak Ridge (DH's hometown)--they have a children's museum, with a big train set-up.

(closer to pigeon forge) cherokee village-is a place he loved as a boy.
cades cove he says is one of the most beautiful place in the world, which is kind of southwest of Pigeon Forge.