Nestled on the banks of the Tennessee River, Knoxville is the 3rd largest city in the state of Tennessee. Occupying a moderate 98 square miles of land at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains, and symbolised by its Sunsphere which towers over the city and acts as a remnant to its past, as host of the infamous 1982 Worlds Fair.
Knoxville Airport lies 12 miles south of the centre, and if you opt for car rental in Knoxville this should only be a 25 minute drive. Along with most things, Knoxville car hire is generally very reasonable too. However, to guarantee cheap car hire in Knoxville it is advisable to book in advance.
Knoxville is home to many great attractions, such as the majestic Smoky Mountains which is Americas most visited national park. If you take out car hire in Knoxville it is a 1 hour drive to the park's boundary. Also within driving distance is Knoxville Zoo & Zoological Gardens, although you could leave your rental car behind and visit Knoxville's attractions such as Market Square or the University of Tennessee Campus which dominates much of the riverside in central Knoxville.
The climate is similar to what you'd expect in the UK. Historically, temperatures don't usually fall much below freezing point in winter, and shouldn't get much higher than around 30c in the summer. Follow the same guidelines as at home, and if driving out and about in the winter carry warm clothes so you can wrap up warm in the event of a breakdown.
