✨ How to park at Lakeshore without a ticket and a $190 trip to total relaxation

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If you have kids (or are just a kid at heart), the calendar is working overtime for you.

We have princesses at the Zoo, Narnia-inspired dinners, and a new way to reach the sledding hills at Lakeshore. It is one of those weeks where the city feels like a giant playground if you know where to look.

We did the legwork to find the mulch trails and the best events so you can just show up and take the credit. Here is your guide to a legendary weekend!

🥗 Polished comfort and signature rattlesnake pasta?

Knoxville has looked to Aubrey’s since 1992 for a dining experience that feels both elevated and effortless. It serves as an ideal pregame landing spot, offering a spacious atmosphere where the service is as polished as the menu.

The Rattlesnake Pasta is a standout for its rich, spicy profile, while the Hawaiian glazed steak provides a savory depth. The house-made thick-cut chips remain a local essential for any weekend gathering.

🦖 Rolling hills and classic greenside gatherings

The expansive Holston Hills Country Club sits on a hill overlooking the Smoky Mountains, framing a landscape that feels steady and storied.

It is a place where the grass is meticulously kept and the history of the game is honored through the original 1927 design. Between rounds of golf, the social calendar stays busy with drop-in play dates and pizza parties.

Truly a welcoming corner of Knoxville for a morning on the terrace.

🚌 A First-Class Way to See the Smokies

The Gist: A new way to traverse our beautiful state has arrived just in time for winter getaways. The Vonlane luxury coach service now connects Nashville to Knoxville, trading the stress of the interstate for leather seats and quiet views of red barns and whitewashed churches. For about £95, travelers are treated to a concierge service that handles everything from plush blankets to warm towels and complimentary cookies while the misty blue ridges of the Smokies roll by.

Why It Matters: This new connection makes it easy to explore East Tennessee's mountain heritage and cozy boutiques without ever touching a steering wheel. The 22-seater coach departs from the Omni Nashville lobby daily at 9:45 am, arriving in Knoxville roughly three hours later.

❄️ New Sledding Path at Lakeshore Park

The Gist: Our favorite hill at Lakeshore Park remains open despite the hum of construction nearby. While the master plan brings new life to the grounds, fencing now blocks the old route from the upper lot. To reach the slopes, simply follow the new mulch trail. A temporary grass lot is available near the Lyons View entrance to help with the tight parking.

Why It Matters: Taking a moment to navigate these small changes keeps our long-standing winter traditions alive while the park evolves into an even better space for us to gather. Grab your sleds and head out between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Just be sure to stick to the designated lots to avoid towing.

Samson is a soulful seven-year-old red boar Dachshund.

Weighing a sturdy 15 pounds, this purebred gentleman is a retired breeder dog who is gracefully learning the ropes of life as a cherished companion.

He thrives in a quiet, ground-floor environment with a patient owner and a small canine sibling to show him the way. While he is unsure about cats and prefers a home without children, Samson is a polite, quiet walker who values routine.

His $400 adoption fee covers his care and microchip.

To learn more about this handsome boy,

🥣 Snow Day 2026 | The Mill & Mine | Knoxville | 01/30 | More 
Community benefit: live music, silent auctions, and an all-you-can-eat local soup contest.

🍫 ChocolateFest | The Standard | Knoxville | 01/30-01/31 | More 
Artisan tastings and sweet community celebration in a beautiful historic brick venue.

🛍️ Knoxville Flea Market | Expo Center | Knoxville | 01/30-02/01 | More
Carefully curated treasures and unique vintage finds for a morning of local discovery.

⚔️ The Chronicles of Narnia Experience | Ancient Lore Village | Knoxville | 01/31 | More
Epic outdoor cinema featuring Narnian-inspired cuisine and cozy seating under fairy lights.

👸 Princess Day | Zoo Knoxville | Knoxville | 02/01 | More 
Meet favorite Ice Princesses during a magical afternoon of themed family fun.

📖 Beginner Spanish | Cedar Bluff Branch Library | Knoxville | 02/02 | More 
Build foundational vocabulary and conversation skills with fun, interactive library lessons.

🎨 79th Annual Student Art Competition | Ewing Gallery of Art + Architecture | Knoxville | 02/04-02/06 | More 
A historic showcase of talented UT students in one of America's oldest competitions.

🎸 Waynestock Music Festival | Relix Variety Theatre | Knoxville | 01/29-01/31 | More
Soulful indie rock and local talent gathering for a meaningful cause.

🧘 Align & Renew Retreat | Ancient Lore Village | Knoxville | 01/30-01/31 | More
Restorative gathering focused on mindfulness, restoration, and intentional living.

⚡ Black Jacket Symphony: Pink Floyd | Civic Auditorium | Knoxville | 01/31 | More 
A meticulous, note-for-note recreation of a legendary psychedelic rock masterpiece.

🤘 Back N Black Tribute | Bijou Theatre | Knoxville | 01/31 | More 
High-voltage classic rock anthems delivered with stadium-level intensity.

🎨 Paint Your Pet | Hi-Wire Brewing | Knoxville | 02/01 | More 
Relaxed creative session focusing on pet portraits and local social connection.

💻 KTech CONNECT Expo | Bridgewater Place | Knoxville | 02/03 | More 
Professional networking and local innovation showcases for the city's tech leaders.

🎻 Concertmaster After Dark | Knoxville Museum of Art | Knoxville | 02/04-02/05 | More Sophisticated chamber music paired with gallery tours and evening cocktails.