Knoxville Dogwood Arts Festival Among the Best in Tennessee

RELOCATING TO TENNESSEE - START WITH KNOXVILLE

Springtime in Knoxville is one of the most beautiful places to experience the changing of the season with the upcoming Dogwood Arts Festival.  This month long event inspired by Knoxville’s catalyst Martha Ashe, fulfills a 55-year long tradition while captive stories of Elvis and Bob Hope performing as part of this eclectic April celebration still linger for those who have partaken of this amazing annual celebration over the years.  Once tainted as “the ugliest city in America” by New York author John Gunther who visited Knoxville in 1947, this “born again” revival of Spring has become a long standing tradition and has put Knoxville on the map of places to live and visit.

In the 1960’s and 1970’s, the Dogwood Arts Festival brought to Knoxville such international performers as Elvis Presley, Bob Hope, Jimmy Buffett, Whitney Houston, Liberace, and the Platters. Academy-Award-winning actress Ingrid Bergman came to Knoxville for the premier of her film A Walk in the Spring Rain, which was shot in the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This amazing waterfront retirement community is thriving with an abundant economy and no state income tax to burden residents who choose to call this magnificent place home.  With the abundance of culture and amicable entertainment venues, this city comes alive every year by hosting the Dogwood Arts Festival and the many events surrounding this spectacular rebirth of the season.  The lineup for this must attend venue includes the following:

April 1: Celebrating the artistic endeavors of Knox County school-aged students having diverse abilities.  Synergy: Student Art Exhibition - The Opening Reception and Awards Ceremony will be held at the Clayton Center for the Arts in the Denso Gallery.  All artists, their families, and friends are encouraged to attend this wonderful celebration of expression!

April 2-30: Knoxville’s next generation of artists is on display, featuring the work of gifted art students from area schools.  Synergy: East Tennessee Art Educator Exhibition - In its second year, this is an exhibit promoting the work of East Tennessee’s finest K-12 art teachers and current art interns/student teachers from public schools, private schools and academies.

Art in Public Places Knoxville - April 3, 2015-March 19, 2016: A world-class exhibition of large-scale outdoor sculptures enlivens downtown Knoxville and the McGhee Tyson Airport. Art comes in all shapes and sizes. “We invite you to experience some of the larger variety with Art in Public Places, an annual event featuring large-scale outdoor sculptures in Knoxville’s downtown public spaces and also at McGhee Tyson Airport. These larger scale pieces are thought provoking and awe-inspiring.”

Regional Fine Art Exhibition - April 3-25: Progressive emerging and professional regional artists exhibit their work in a variety of genres.

Dogwood Luncheon - April 8: An invitation-only event kicking off the opening of the Dogwood Trails and Open Gardens.

Dogwood Trails, Open Gardens, and Camera Sites - April 8-26: Explore more than 60 miles of trails, open gardens, camera sites, and historic homes as you enjoy a walk, bike, or drive.

Walking Trails - April 8-26: Focusing on the idea of stepping out into our community, the trails are at least one-mile in length and folks are encouraged to walk, run, or bike these trails.

Rhythm N’ Blooms - April 10-12: Set against the historic backdrop of Knoxville’s Old City, this three-day festival spotlights performances from the most exciting emerging acts in American roots music – encompassing blues, country, jazz, rock, indie, and everything in between. Pass required.

Chalk Walk - April 11: A day-long street painting festival that turns downtown Knoxville sidewalks into a vast canvas for the region’s most talented professional and student artists. Dogwood Arts brings this event to Knoxville once again to continue to educate visitors and artists, alike, of this lost art in hopes of keeping it alive for future generations. Bring the family and get some ideas for your child’s next driveway masterpiece! 

Dogwood Art DeTour - April 11-12: Artists studio trails take you behind the scenes of local artists’ creative processes and into their working studios

Dogwood Arts Festival on Market Square - April 17-19: Formerly known as Market Square Art Fair, several blocks of downtown Knoxville becomes a dynamic street festival encompassing high-quality visual, performing, culinary, and children’s arts.

Bikes & Blooms - April 25 & 26: A featured event of Outdoor KnoxFest, experience the Dogwood trails the lean, green way – on a bicycle by way of an organized or self-guided ride April 8-26, 2015.  New This Year! These rides will be divided into Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced tracks so as to accommodate all levels of riders.  Both are scenic 8-mile rides led by Tennessee Valley Bikes. Riders must wear helmets. Young riders must be skilled at on-road riding, suggested age 8 and up. No pre-registration required!

Southbound Bikes & Blooms Scenic Bike Ride - Saturday, April 25 at 3:00pm.  A truly captivating way to enjoy the beauty of the Dogwood Trails from the seat of a bicycle as you ride to the colorful gardens that frame Island Home Boulevard. Riders will enjoy river views and tranquil forests as they continue on the greenway to Ijams Nature Center before returning.

Northbound Bikes & Blooms Scenic Bike Ride - Sunday, April 26 at 3:00pm. Behold the colorful displays of our native dogwood trees that fringe our boulevards and gardens. Bikers will ride through downtown and loop through historic neighborhoods in North Knoxville.  “Experience the Dogwood Trails the lean, green way – take a walk, run, or bike ride and observe nature’s wonders up close.  A founding tradition of Dogwood Arts, the nationally-recognized “Dogwood Trails” are a must-see!”

To find out more about the festival, visit info@ dogwoodarts.com, call [865] 637.4561, or to make a donation online. The Dogwood Arts Festival positively impacts the economy by attracting cultural tourism to the area generating revenue throughout the city and the region.  Due to the influx of traffic for the event, downtown restaurants and retailers enjoy record sales during the Dogwood Arts event weekends and have willingly joined a volunteer task force of over 600 to plan and implement a successful Festival this season.

When considering relocation to Tennessee, folks seeking a waterfront retirement community with no state income tax should consider the following amazing properties found here.  As an added boost, Knoxville is ranked #2 by Forbes Magazine as one of the “The Most Affordable Cities” with living costs 11% below the national averages.  Here are 3 high quality gated communities to consider: 

Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, folks will find the Tellico Village situated on 16,000 acres of the pristine Tellico Lake.  With golf course and lakefront properties available, this community with rolling hills and historic forests makes the perfect retirement home.  With a “pay as you play” at one of the 3 private championship golf courses, this home front is comprised of 8 unique neighborhoods offering a wide array of property selections including; Chatuga, Chota, Coyatee, Kahite, Mialaquo, Tanasi, Tommotley and Toqua.  These Cherokee origin based regions, also offer a Lakefront Yacht Clubhouse with exquisite dining, 3 Golf Clubhouses complete with additional dining options, a 26,000 square foot Wellness Center, 10 tennis courts, 8 pickleball courts as well as a full service marina complete with boat slips for aquatic adventurers.  A new library and both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool make this destination a complete package for those seeking a plush and fulfilling lifestyle in this highly sought after region. 

Peaceful living with all the amenities of a true resort, Tellico Village is a must see when shopping for real estate in Knoxville.  Considered one of the “finest waterfront retirement communities”, Tellico Village has been named one of the “Best Places in the US for Boating” by Boating Life Magazine and with the Tellico Village Yacht Club on site, neighbors can socialize in the utmost of style.  With more than 60 active social clubs, meeting new friends is a way of life at Tellico Village.  Baby Boomers seeking the ultimate package should consider a visit to “one-of-a-kind” property locations.

Yet another spectacular gated community can be found at Rarity Bay in Vonore, Tennessee.  Facing the Great Smoky Mountains, this waterfront property is situated on 960 acres and is surrounded by 10 miles of shoreline on Tellico Lake.  This federally protected lake remains one of the least polluted bodies of water in the country and provides the perfect backdrop for building the ultimate retirement home.  With a long list of amenities, folks will never want to leave this dream destination by enjoying the golf, tennis, equestrian services, swimming facilities, dog park and the exquisite dining options Rarity Bay offers its residents.  Rarity Bay boasts a 24-hour manned gated entrance, and horse lovers will find the White Stables Equestrian Center can service their pristine 4-legged friends.  With abounding walking trails, fitness buffs can stay in shape while enjoying the incredible scenery this region offers as well as enjoy some amazing food choices at the Golf Clubhouse after a grueling day on the greens. 

Nearly 75% of the land surrounding Tellico Lake is undeveloped and the natural beauty of this area draws sophisticated Boomers to relocate here.  With the attractive economy and exciting cultural events offered in Knoxville, it’s no wonder active seniors are making Rarity Bay a priority in living choices.  Considered a friendly and highly social community, Rarity Bay has more than 50 active social clubs including the “Dinner for Eight” and “Rarity Bay Women’s Club” and keeps residents entertained year round.  Brand-name shopping, “award winning” medical care and exquisite dining venues complete the sophistication of residing in this beautiful mountain region.  For horse owners, horse camps, barrel races and horse shows take place throughout the year.  1,600 homes are planned with approximately 450 homes built to date. Lots for sale are available in the $30k's, Rarity Bay condos for sale can be found in the mid $100k's, villas in the mid $300k's and single family homes for sale at Rarity Bay start in the mid $500k's.

Another highly desirable location to find that perfect retirement home can be found at WindRiver in Lenior City, Tennessee.  This ideal location sits on 687 acres of rolling hills that lead to a private marina for residents as well as the first Audubon Signature Golf Course in Tennessee.  With a mission to uphold environmental stewardship and preserving the natural wildlife habitats, this gated community provides the perfect setting in a truly protected nature preserve. One of the newest waterfront retirement communities is WindRiver only 40 minutes from the vibrant happenings found in Knoxville.  With fine dining, shopping and access to the WindRiver Sports Club opening April 1st, boomers can enjoy the best things life has to offer and keep in tip top shape.  Lakeside activities include canoes, kayaks and paddleboats and are also a great way to enjoy the scenery and keep fit. 

There are some impeccable amenities currently available and with several new additions in the development stages, WindRiver upholds the standard in ultimate living.  With gourmet dining at Citico Restaurant, a private marina on Tellico Lake and access to The Lakeside Inn, WindRiver is developed along 5 miles of shoreline and is planned for 350 single family homes of which more than 200 are lakefront homes. Planned for the community are the TVA Lakeshore Trail System, Cosmo’s Bar & grill, Brightwater Park, an outdoor pavilion, fire pit and outdoor beach and swim area.  Approximately 30 homes are built to date. Home sites range in size from half an acre to 2+ acres and are priced from the lower $100k’s to the upper $600k’s.  All homes are custom designed and built by the some of the most reputable home builders in Eastern Tennessee. This gated community on Tellico Lake is already highly sophisticated, well-planned and exquisitely developed to provide the perfect home when seeking a retirement haven.

Another fun thing happening in Knoxville this year is the 3rd Annual Knoxville Film Festival premiering in September.  In December, “Bazillion Blooms” insures that hundreds of dogwood saplings are planted throughout the city and guarantees that the Dogwood Arts Festival is not forgotten.  Another cool happening is the “Rhythm n Blues Festival” slated for April 10th through April 12th.  This collection of musicians and artists brings yet another celebration of spirit to Knoxville.  With an elaborate array of performers, this event is yet another reason to explore this incredible City.  Here are some of the artists performing at this years’ event.

Rhythm n Blues Festival – April 10th through April 12th 

• The Decemberists Drive by Truckers The Dirty Guv’nahs
• Delta Spirit JD McPherson Langhorne Slim & The Law
• Midnight Merry-Go-Round: a tribute to Knoxville music hosted by Cruz Contreras
• Gospel Hour hosted by Jeff Barbra & Sarah Pirkle
• Jill Andrews - Cereus Bright Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys
• The Apache Relay - Gangstagrass Whiskey Shivers
• Kristina Train Sol Driven Train David Wax Museum
• Humming House Alanna Royale Carolina Story
• Count this Penny - The Suffers LiL’ iFFy’s Final Spell
• Strung Like a Horse Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes
• Subtle Clutch Andrew Leahey & The Homestead 6 String Drag
• Mike McGill & The Refills Briston Maroney Hudson K
• The Naughty Knots Amythyst Kiah Margo & The Pricetags
• The Wans Jessica Lee Wilkes William Wild
• Appalachian Hippie Poet Guthrie Brown & the Family Tree
• Clear Plastic Masks Bear Medicine *Repeat Repeat Skribe
• Feed the Birds Joseph LeMay Brad Austin
• thecitylights* Fox Trot and the Get Down Steven Wesley
• 3 Mile Smile Rabbit in the Rye Get Right Band

So a life filled with unforgettable sunsets in the Appalachian Valley is well within reach when shopping real estate in Eastern Tennessee.  There are plenty of waterfront retirement communities available when relocating to Tennessee.  With a booming economy, no state income tax, the Great Smoky Mountain Park and all the resources offered in the city of Knoxville, this is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy the finer things life has to offer.

Don't miss exploring Eastern Tennessee during the Dogwood Arts Festival.