Classes have ended, the cramming has concluded, and the stress inducing whirlwind that is exam week is finally behind us. Now all that stands in between you and a new semester is a month of relaxation, holiday festivities, and catching up with friends and family. But besides lying low, Christmas break can also be a prime opportunity to do things you’d never have time for amidst a crazy homework and extracurricular schedule. Things like weekend trips, daytrips, and road trips with your friends are ideal adventures to embark on over the holiday break. Here are 5 (of the many) cool places under 5 hours from Knoxville. So gas up your tank, call up your girlfriends, and hit the road. Don’t forget snacks and a new iPod playlist for the ride!
Atlanta GA 3.5 hours
At only 3 and a half hours from Knoxville and crammed with things to do, you may wonder why you haven’t taken a road trip to A-town before. As home of many rappers and hip hop artists, (T.I., Usher, and Ciara, just to name a few) Atlanta has a vibrant club scene, as well as a relaxed atmosphere to explore. From celebrity spottings and all night dancing at Opera Nightclub in Midtown, to the ritzy malls for Christmas shopping, this city is packed with activities. No New Year’s plans yet? Atlanta hosts the largest New Year’s Eve celebration in the Southeast with its renowned Peach Drop. Just like Times Square, but with a southern flare!
Opera Nightclub
Peach Drop
Asheville NC 2 hours
Two hours through winding Appalachian roads and you’ve reached Asheville, North Carolina. A destination for the rich and famous in the early 1900s, now Asheville is home to rich culture and famous (often snowcapped) Blue Ridge Mountains. If a road trip to Asheville is in the cards for you, be sure to tour the Biltmore Estate, the sprawling 8,000 acre former home of George Vanderbilt, which is dazzlingly decorated for the holidays until January 1st. And don’t miss the bohemian downtown area which is an eclectic blend of street musicians, artists, coffee shops and galleries.
Downtown
Biltmore
Chattanooga TN 1 hour 51 mins
Does the Chattanooga Choo Choo ring a bell? Many think Chattanooga is synonymous with trains resulting from the 1940s big band song written about a railroad line through the city. While that may be partially true, (you can sleep aboard a train car at the Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel!) there are loads of other aspects that make this an ideal road trip destination. You can see seven states from the panoramic view at Rock City, and the hiking trails on Lookout Mountain make Chattanooga a great place for the outdoorsy. If you’re traveling on a budget, or just want a traveling experience with a European flare, stay in Chattanooga’s first hostel, the Crash Pad, whose mission is to further establish Chattanooga as the ultimate outdoor destination.
Rock City
Crash Pad
Chattanooga Choo Choo
Louisville, KY 3 hrs 49 mins
Although the Kentucky Derby isn’t until spring, there’s a still ton to see in Louisville. Become worldlier on your road trip and visit Museum Row, which features everything from an International History Museum to the Louisville Sulgger Museum. Several parks in Louisville, such as Cherokee Park and Iroquois Park, were designed by the same architect who created NYC’s Central Park. As far as nightlife goes, an indie scene has emerged in the Highlands area of Louisville for road trippers who are into music and art (My Morning Jacket got their start here). So maybe you can’t wear a floppy hat and sundress like you could at the Derby, but why not come out of left field and take winter trip to Louisville?
Museum Row
Highlands
Nashville TN 2 hours 52 mins
Pumping out country music and Grammy winning stars, Nashville is arguably the most famous Tennessee town. And, as home to honky-tonk history and more than one professional sports team, there’s always something to do in Music City. Tour part of the Country Music Hall of Fame at RCA Studio B, or catch a Predators hockey game on December 26th and 28th. The football season may be over for us Vols, but our state’s pro team, the Tennessee Titans, will be playing on their home field in Nashville on Christmas Eve. How’s that for holiday spirit?
Predators
Titans
Studio B