Your one can't-miss attraction is the Knoxville Zoo, 3333 Woodbine Ave., off I-40, near Rutledge Pike, exit 392 (tel. 865/637-5331; www.knoxville-zoo.org). In particular, watch for the sweet-looking (but apparently ill-tempered) red pandas, and the otter exhibit, where you can see the otters swimming underwater. The zoo is justifiably popular, but unfortunately a little too close to the road; it's a little odd to watch a wrinkly baby rhino eating grass against a backdrop of whizzing cars. Admission is $17 adults, $13 seniors, and $6.95 children 4 and over. Parking is $4.
Fans of Roots will want to visit the larger-than-life-size Alex Haley statue at 1600 Dandridge Ave., in Morningside Park near downtown Knoxville. The writer was a native of Tennessee and adopted Knoxville as his home. The park is charming, and the seated figure provides a great photo op for those wanting to clamber into the storyteller's welcoming bronze lap.
If it's raining, head over to the Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World's Fair Park Dr. (tel. 865/525-6101; www.knoxart.org). The museum features about 12 exhibitions a year, as well as a permanent collection that focuses on postmodern works. Admission is $5 adults and seniors, and free for children 12 and under.
Or visit the new Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, 700 Hall of Fame Dr. (tel. 865/633-9000; www.wbhof.com), downtown; just look for the world's biggest basketball, an orange orb that stands 30 feet tall and weighs 10 tons. Admission is $7.95 adults, $5.95 seniors and children ages 6 to 15.
