Welcome to Tennessee! With so many diverse attractions just waiting to be explored, you and your family are in for the adventure of a lifetime. After you get settled into your new home, here are some fun ways to explore Tennessee鈥檚 local culture and find your own connection to the Volunteer State.

Engaging in the Local Arts Scene

You don鈥檛 have to be an artist to create one-of-a-kind fluid art masterpieces at . Fluid art is a fantastic way for newcomers to relax, meet people, and experience hands-on creativity in a semi-private, safe, and professional setting.

You can choose from a wide variety of fun and unique forms of art, including acrylic pour painting on canvas, resin beach scenes, resin tumblers, mosaic picture frames, charcuterie boards, wine glasses, and Patch Party.

Bring your family for an unforgettable bonding experience that will help build self-esteem, nurture positive behaviors, and relieve stress. Fluid art classes are fun for all ages and artistic abilities. No previous artistic experience is required, and instructors will walk you through every step of the process.

Fun Fact: HFA鈥檚 founder discovered a proprietary paint pouring technique by accident while experimenting with paints in her garage in Hawaii during COVID. Now, HFA boasts more than 50 locations nationwide.

Tennessee is also home to other interactive art experiences that foster community engagement, including , which feature more than 50 participating art galleries offering free admission. The Frist Art Museum in downtown Nashville also has an interactive exhibit for kids.

Another family-friendly attraction is Madame Tussauds in Nashville, where you can touch, see, feel, and photograph figures of your favorite musicians and step into immersive iconic scenes and musical performances.

Outdoor Adventures and Cultural Hotspots

Sometimes you need a break from city life, and Tennessee has more than its share of lush and lovely state parks your family can visit, along with unique cultural sites. You won鈥檛 want to miss these gems.

• is one of the state鈥檚 largest and most-visited state parks. Fall Creek Falls encompasses more than 29,800 acres, spreading across the eastern peak of the rugged Cumberland Plateau. It features one of the highest waterfalls in the United States and hiking trails of varying lengths to accommodate recreational and educational activities for all ages.
• Tennessee Whiskey Trail is a more grown-up destination, nestled in the heart of the Jack Daniel Distillery campus in Lynchburg, Tennessee. The more than 120-year-old welcome center serves as a gateway for more than 300,000 guests each year. You can immerse yourself in the deep-rooted traditions of whiskey making and indulge in a unique sensory experience as you traverse the trail.
• Local Festivals and Other Events abound in Tennessee, including the Tennessee State Fair (August 14-23), Nashville Oktoberfest (October 3-6), and Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration (August 20-30). These events are a wonderful way to mingle with other new residents and make new friends.

Fun Fact: If you are feeling adventurous, Tennessee has more caves than any other state, including Tuckaleechee Caverns, Forbidden Caverns, Dunbar Cave, Bell Witch Cave, and Ruby Falls.

Family-Friendly Activities & Community Involvement

You don鈥檛 necessarily have to travel far or spend a lot of money to go on a family adventure that everyone will enjoy. In Tennessee, the possibilities are as vast and varied as your individual interests.

Don鈥檛 let your adventure end with the 鈥渕ain event.鈥� Extend your day out by dining out or, weather permitting, enjoying a family picnic. You can use this time to bask in the afterglow of your shared experience and plan your next adventure.

If you have multiple kids of different ages, they may not all enjoy the same activities — and that鈥檚 okay! Challenge them to work together on a calendar of activities for each weekend (or each month) of the year, where they can take turns choosing their favorite activities.

You and your family will have plenty of time to explore the most talked-about sights in Tennessee, such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Forest, the Grand Ole Opry, Dollywood, and Graceland. But don鈥檛 forget to check out these other museums and outdoor markets:

• Franklin Main Street Festival (April 26-27) draws more than 120,000 visitors to historic downtown Franklin each year for a diverse array of arts and crafts vendors, outstanding entertainment, and delectable foods. Admission is free, so why not stop by there before or after your visit to Hawaii Fluid Art in Franklin?
• Adventure Science Center in Nashville is dedicated to delivering innovative, dynamic learning experiences that open your children’s minds to the wonders of science and technology. This 44,000 square foot facility features more than 175 hands-on exhibits and a state-of-the-art planetarium.
• Andrew Jackson鈥檚 Hermitage is the third most-visited presidential home in the nation. Here, your family can learn about 鈥淭he People鈥檚 President鈥� by touring more than 30 historic buildings, walking trails, beautiful gardens, and much more.

Fun Fact: Did you know Tennessee is also famous for its food? The Volunteer State is known as the barbecue capital, ham heaven, and catfish kingdom. It is also the birthplace of Mountain Dew. With more than 519 statewide festivals, you can find something for every palate.

Conclusion

Moving can be stressful for a family, but you have chosen an amazing state to call home. With an abundance of history, natural beauty, and cultural contributions, it is a state worth exploring and cherishing for generations to come.

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皇冠体育app Associates (REA) of Knoxville, Tennessee, is thrilled to announce the opening of its 18th office, led by Broker/Owner Sara Price: The Price Agency, 皇冠体育app. This new office is located in a historic, renovated home on East Broadway Avenue in Maryville.

The Price Agency, 皇冠体育app will serve as a hub for real estate professionals dedicated to delivering exceptional client care and community engagement. Sara Price, Broker/Owner, expressed her excitement for this new venture. 鈥淥pening my own real estate office has been a goal of mine for years. I鈥檓 excited to use this office as a way to pour into both the community and my agents.”

The opening of this office is also a milestone for 皇冠体育app Associates, underscoring its strong growth and mission to foster leadership across the region. Justin Bailey, CEO of REA, commented on Sara鈥檚 accomplishment. 鈥淚 could not be prouder of Sara and her agents. The way they care for their clients and community is remarkable, and I am so excited to see Sara continue to be a strong leader with her new office.”

joins a network of experienced, community-focused agents, allowing 皇冠体育app Associates to continue its mission of empowering both clients and agents. As 皇冠体育app expands its presence in East Tennessee, the company remains committed to fostering a supportive, growth-driven environment where agents can thrive, and communities can trust they are in good hands.

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皇冠体育app Associates is proud to announce that Daniel Park has been elected as the First Vice President for . This appointment is a testament to Daniel鈥檚 unwavering commitment, leadership, and dedication to the real estate community in East Tennessee. The First VP role will serve as the association President in 2027.

With over 10 years of experience in real estate and a聽Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership, Daniel Park has a wide array of industry聽knowledge and leadership skills. His deep understanding of market trends, coupled with a client-first approach, has earned him the trust and respect of both his peers and clients.

In his role as First Vice President, Daniel will work closely with the leadership team at East Tennessee REALTORS庐 to advocate for members and champion initiatives that promote professionalism, support education, and enhance the industry鈥檚 impact on the local community.聽 “My聽aim is to build on the work of past officers, improve our profession鈥檚 reputation, and lead with competence and character for our community,” stated Daniel Park.

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皇冠体育app and the East TN real estate community mourns the loss of Vance Burkey, a well-known leader and the founder of 皇冠体育app Associates. Burkey passed away in December of 2024 at the age of 89. Born in 1934, Vance dedicated his life to transforming the real estate industry through strong leadership, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to the success of his agents.

Vance’s journey in real estate began in a rapidly evolving era, where his entrepreneurial spirit and foresight set him apart. Recognizing the need for a model that empowered agents to thrive independently while maintaining a high standard of service, he established 皇冠体育app Associates (REA). His groundbreaking approach brought the first 100% real estate commission model to East Tennessee. Prior to affiliating with 皇冠体育app in 1977, Vance owned Burkey and Associates, an independent real estate firm.

Under his leadership, 皇冠体育app Associates grew to become a cornerstone of the real estate community, renowned for its culture of professionalism and integrity. In 1979, REA became the #1 firm in East TN under and has since held that position.

Outside of leading his firm, Burkey also developed many recognizable Knoxville buildings, including the Northshore Towers at the corner of Papermill Drive and N Northshore Drive, and the Land Oak office development next to Pellissippi Parkway.

Throughout his career, Vance received numerous accolades, including the 皇冠体育app International Legacy Award in 2022. He was a proud past-president of the East Tennessee REALTORS association. However, he was most proud of the relationships he built inside and outside of the real estate industry.

鈥淭here is so much to say about Vance Burkey,鈥� stated 皇冠体育app Associates鈥� CEO, Justin Bailey. 鈥淲hat I will remember most is how Vance made me feel. He made me feel like I was worth spending time with and slowing down for. His leadership style closely mirrored that – he always had time to care for people.鈥�

As we reflect on the legacy of Vance Burkey, we celebrate the incredible work and foundation that Burkey laid for all. His commitment to professionalism and ethics still resonates with so many to this day. 皇冠体育app Associates remains an industry-leader due to his vision and values, a lasting tribute to a man whose contributions will never be forgotten.

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Realty聽Executives Associates (REA) of Knoxville, Tennessee聽is thrilled to welcome Mike Howell, a known聽leader聽in the local real estate industry, along with his powerhouse team. With years of experience and a proven track record of success, Mike and his team bring unmatched expertise and a deep commitment to client satisfaction to REA.

聽“After being in real estate for over 18 years and retiring as a team leader and CEO of a competitor agency, my team and I were drawn to 皇冠体育app, the number one real estate company in Tennessee. Their strong culture, unwavering integrity, and philosophy of leaving no agent behind in education, along with their commitment to agent support and success, made them the perfect fit for us. We chose to align with a company that prioritizes the agent’s growth, knowing this empowers us to deliver exceptional service and results for our clients,” stated .

Mike Howell, along with his daughter Becca Johnson, are known for their dedication, market knowledge, and ability to achieve outstanding results for their clients. Their transition to聽Realty聽Executives聽is expected to further enhance the company’s strong presence in the local real estate market.

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In 2022, the state of Tennessee saw numerous opportunities for growth and development.聽 Recognizing this, Julia Hurley of the Just Homes Group with 皇冠体育app Associates decided to start a podcast called Connect the Knox.聽 Her goal was to connect Knoxville to the rest of the nation.

As a Realtor庐, Hurley has over eight years of experience and 800+ transactions under her belt. She believes that 鈥淎 home is not a home because of its room dimensions or the color of the walls. It is about how you feel when you walk through the front door, and the way you can instantly envision your life unfolding there. It鈥檚 more than just real estate. It is about your life and your dreams.鈥�  With this concept in mind, Hurley made it her mission to show the world why Knoxville is a place worth calling home.

Since its inception, the podcast has gained a large following with over 100,000 listeners on platforms such as Tik Tok and Spotify.  She continually works on growing and expanding the audience.

One of the unique aspects of Connect the Knox is the lineup of special guests which include MLB catcher Kole Cottam (a Knoxville resident), UTK Systems鈥� President, Randy Boyd, WWE wrestler and Knox County mayor, Kane, retired MLB catcher Zane Chavez (another Knoxville resident), and retired WWE superstar Ricky the Steamboat Dragon (also a Knoxville resident).

Hurley鈥檚 podcast showcases the best that Knoxville has to offer to both relocating individuals and current residents.  It is just one more innovation in Hurley鈥檚 existing arsenal of technology, market research, and business strategies. It is the vehicle to share information about the city she loves by casting a wide net. Being a hyper-local expert no longer has geographic bounds.

You can find the Connect the Knox podcast on any platform where podcasts are available.  Simply search for 鈥淐onnect the Knox鈥� to start listening and learning about all that Knoxville has to offer.

To learn more about Julia Hurley and the Just Homes Group from 皇冠体育app Associates, visit .

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皇冠体育app Associates has opened a downtown office that captures the edgy energy of Knoxville鈥檚 center city.

Realtors Emily Stevens and Bailey Rose are the founders/owners of 皇冠体育app Downtown, located at 323 Union Ave. Both are eager to connect with the downtown community.

鈥淲e鈥檝e got three huge windows, said Stevens. 鈥淲e鈥檙e going to showcase an artist each month and on First Friday, we鈥檒l host an open house with the artist.鈥� In September, for instance, they collaborated with the Knoxville History Center to display photos of Knoxville then and now.

Rose and Stevens use the space as a hybrid office for a business they own with Emilie Stooksbury 鈥� New2Knox.com and Moving2Knox.com.

鈥淲e love Knoxville and we want to help others love our city,鈥� said Rose. 鈥淲e do not say to new home buyers, 鈥楬ere鈥檚 your key; bye.鈥� We want to help new homeowners make friends and find their way around the city.鈥�

Their REA website separates listings by area and highlights the special nature of each neighborhood. 鈥淲hether you鈥檙e moving across the country or across the county, we can鈥檛 wait to help you fall more in love with this sweet Scruffy City 鈥� starting with a beautiful place to call home,鈥� said Stevens.

皇冠体育app Downtown is a 鈥減owered brand鈥� offered by REA. Experienced brokers operate their agency under the REA umbrella and gain the benefits of the national brand. 鈥淚 love it,鈥� said Rose. 鈥淭hey create so much community among powered brand owners.鈥�

鈥淲hen I first met with Bailey and Emily, it quickly became apparent there was a cultural match with 皇冠体育app and their philosophy of caring for agents well,鈥� said Justin Bailey, chief executive officer of REA.

鈥淲e have been looking at different parts of town to ensure our agents are equipped to service clients in each specific neighborhood. In that effort, we have always felt we were missing a presence downtown. Our agents were doing plenty of business there but we hadn鈥檛 figured out a way to provide them brick and mortar. When Emily and Bailey approached us, it was almost prophetic that they wanted to open a downtown location. The timing, mixed with how well they fit our culture, was just ideal.鈥�

The women understand being new to Knoxville. Bailey Rose moved here from Texas in 2019. Emily Stevens came to attend UT and never left. Emilie Stooksbury moved to Knoxville in 2014.

Since opening the downtown office in February 2022, REA Downtown has added four agents and is looking to add another 4-6 by year鈥檚 end, said Rose. Those new agents can live anywhere, by the way.

鈥淚 really believe in them,鈥� said Justin Bailey. 鈥淚 think their hearts are in a great place with their desire to be servant leaders in the community.鈥�

Contact them at 865-805-8222 or email bailey@readowntown.com

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Charitable giving has continued to rise among Realtor associations, according to a new report from the National Association of Realtors. The  鈥� CARE 鈥� offers insight into the monetary and volunteer contributions of NAR members, broker-owners and association executives or multiple listing service staff.

• 66% of Realtors volunteered every month
• 77% of broker-owners volunteered every month, and
• Realtors are most likely to have volunteered with food delivery for the elderly or food banks to help with Covid-19, and nearly half volunteer the same as before the onset of the pandemic.

Knoxville Area Association of Realtors (KAAR) volunteers stuffed more than 300 backpacks with $15,000 worth of school supplies for East Tennessee students who receive assistance through 鈥� Backpack Heroes program. The money was raised in the KAAR鈥檚  golf tournament. KAAR has supported the Backpack Heroes initiative for the past 12 years and donated nearly $200,000 of supplies.

Realtors  cleared over 18,000 pounds of trash and debris from 36 miles of waterways across the state.

In Springfield, Missouri, Realtor Linda Brown and her husband, David, opened , a 31-unit tiny-home community offering permanent housing and support services to individuals formerly homeless. It has grown to two with a third planned for 2024.

皇冠体育app Associates volunteered to improve the grounds at Lakeshore Park. Here are some photos:

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皇冠体育app International is excited to announce the 2020 recipients of the Realty Excellence鈸� Market Leader awards. Eleven 皇冠体育app brokerages were honored for their commitment to growth, expansion, and productivity in their local communities.聽

The annual Market Leader award is given to franchisees with 100+ agents, or 20-plus percent market share (based on transactions in the MLS). This year鈥檚 winners include:聽

2020 皇冠体育app Market Leaders

• 皇冠体育app Phoenix & Yuma- Jeff Hawke, Joel Moyes, Eden Sunshine
• 皇冠体育app Associates- Steve Fogarty, Justin Bailey, Pat McGill
• 皇冠体育app Arizona Territory- Jeff Murtaugh, John Dwyer, Mark Shinn
• 皇冠体育app Exceptional Realtors庐- Doug Radford, Kyle Poskitt
• 皇冠体育app Integrity- Dale Schaechterle
• 皇冠体育app of Kansas City- Steve and Nancy Summers
• 皇冠体育app Santa Clarita- Jim and Janus Tanner
• 皇冠体育app Home Towne- Frank Locricchio
• 皇冠体育app Edge- Bill and Susan Cole 
• 皇冠体育app Saskatoon- Wayne Zuk
• 皇冠体育app St. Louis- Chris Matoushek, Todd Matoushek

皇冠体育app International is proud to associate with brokers, teams and agents across the U.S. and Canada that have shown exemplary leadership, customer service, and commitment to excellence in their markets. Being named a market leader is a testament to the time and effort invested by each organization to ensure agents and home buyers and sellers receive top tier service.

鈥淥ur Market Leader award is given to those who have demonstrated that not only can they represent the 皇冠体育app brand, they attract the best of the best. Our Broker/Owners have achieved tremendous growth through entrepreneurship, a passion for real estate and go beyond to support their Executives.鈥� Patrick van den Bossche, President of 皇冠体育app International, said. 鈥淓ach brokerage recognized is a pleasure to have on our team and we are excited to see the further accomplishments they undoubtedly will achieve.鈥�

To contact any of these brokerages to learn more visit,

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皇冠体育app Associates, of Knoxville, TN, is proud to celebrate over 40 years of service and growth in 2021. Throughout the decades, 皇冠体育app Associates has solidified itself as the #1 brokerage of East Tennessee, through its dedication to global resources mixed with a local approach.

Founded in 1977 by R. Vance Burkey, the brokerage brought the 皇冠体育app industry鈥檚 original 100 percent commission model to Knoxville and has now grown to over 700 agents, 13 offices and over 50 employees. Burkey founded the company on the basis of putting agents and their clients first, innovating and cultivating a culture that prides itself on community and providing an unparalleled level of support to not only its agents, but clients as well.

鈥淲hen I first founded 皇冠体育app Associates in November 1977, I was convinced that Greater Knoxville could support a large residential real estate company.鈥� Burkey said. 鈥淚 heard about a real estate company in Phoenix, AZ who had over 1,000 agents, operated an office and rendered more to the agent. They were in the process of franchising, so I bought and established an office here. Our tagline at REA was 鈥榦nly the best can be Executives鈥� and the rest is history.”聽

Steve Fogarty, Realtor and Broker, became President of 皇冠体育app Associates in 2007. Through growth, the Associates brokerage has been able to extend its services to include: an elite commercial division, property management, national relocation, and an in-house marketing team providing a full-range of promotional and design services. In 2020, Justin Bailey, fourth generation Realtor and independent broker, became CEO of 皇冠体育app Associates, with the hopes of continuing the brokerage鈥檚 success and adding to its multitude of resources and support for various markets.聽

“For as long as I can remember, 皇冠体育app has been a steady presence in the Knoxville real estate market. Vance Burkey created an iconic company. From the micro-recessions of ’80 and ’90 to the Great Recession of 2008 to now the Pandemic of 2020, this firm has been a pillar of stability- then and now.鈥� Bailey, said. 鈥淓ven after 40 years of continued growth it almost feels like we’re just getting started. It is truly an honor to be able to play a small role in continuing the legacy of Vance Burkey and 皇冠体育app Associates.”

Along with many other accolades, Associates has been recognized as the 2020 CityView Best Real Estate Company, 2020 Knox News Favorite Real Estate Company and the overall 62nd largest real estate company in the U.S. by industry publication, RisMedia.

鈥淎ssociates has been a longstanding example of success in the industry and our network, through their progressive thinking, leadership skills, market expertise and commitment to their clients.鈥� Patrick van den Bossche, President of 皇冠体育app International, said. 鈥淲e are honored to have them as partners in the 皇冠体育app network with聽 their commitment of leadership and best of class performance.鈥�

For more information or to speak with the team at 皇冠体育app Associates, please visit /office/associates.

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