The Hola Festival is held in Knoxville every September as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. The month-long celebration of all things Hispanic has been observed in the United States since 1968. This day-long event is a salute to the cultural diversity of East Tennessee. The Hola Festival's goal is to welcome visitors and familiarize them with new flavors of food as well as culturally diverse music, arts, crafts and much more. Hola means "hello" in Spanish, so come greet your new friends and have a great time!
The Beck Cultural Exchange Center documents the plights and contributions of African-Americans to the east Tennessee region. The exhibits are nothing short of dramatic, as each one takes a compelling look at individual accomplishments and accounts of persistence that led to change. These stories are told through the creative use of historical books, newspapers, recordings, films and various other artifacts.
History buffs and lovers of great architecture alike will truly enjoy a visit to the Ramsey House Plantation. The two-story Georgian-style home has the distinction of being the first stone house built in this region. The home was built for Colonel Francis Alexander Ramsey and his residence became the center of social, political and religious life in Knoxville at the turn of the 19th century. Visitors will marvel at the 18th century architectural design and vintage furnishings that adorn the house. There are also gardens and a museum on site as well.
The kids will love learning about flowers, plants and all the other natural wonders that inhabit the Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum. This 44-acre garden features an historic landscape that is adorned with foliage and plants that are not only indigenous to the area, but also combine to create a natural oasis that is as relaxing as it is beautiful. There is also a plant nursery on site that houses even more picturesque greenery.