A Peek at Cherokee Boulevard

Today was another warm, sunny day in Knoxville. We are just a few weeks from the Dogwood Arts Festival and so many trees and flowers are in bloom. I decided to head to Cherokee Boulevard for a run and a little preview of the spring floral treasures.

Inspired by Rainmaker's photos of the Cherry Blossoms in Washington, DC, I brought my camera to give you a peek at Cherokee Blvd. The Boulevard is the main street in an old Knoxville neighborhood (Sequoyah Hills). Unfortunately, many of the homes in this neighborhood do not meet the criteria of today's wealthy homeowner so one by one, the old homes are being purchased, destroyed and replaced with very large McNew homes. Many of the McNew homes are built with the neighborhood character in mind but the history is slowly disappearing. It is for this very reason that John's neighborhood is attempting a historic overlay on the oldest craftsman homes....but this is a whole 'nuther out of control story.

Anyway, back at the Boulevard, a trail (greenway) runs through the center in an area that once housed tracks for the local trolley cars. Ornate concrete seats, light fixtures, neighborhood markers and fountains are located along the 2.6 mile road. The Tennessee River is visible along the 1st 1.5 miles and the city of Knoxville has turned a portion of the river front property into parking and city parks. These public areas are loved and used by a lot of people.

An arch of fruit trees and Dogwoods line a portion of the trail. Note the concrete seat in the middle of the trail and neighborhood marker to the right. The trail and green area is maintained by the city.

The fountain marks the 1.5-mile point, better known as the turnaround for a 3-mile run. The next 1.1 mile is hills, beginning with a gradual hill just after the fountain and getting steeper.
A picture of the Tennessee River from the fountain area. Again, beautiful concrete seats grace the area.
Another picture of the trail. Just beyond the visible point in this photo is an Indian Mound. It provides a nice hill in the middle of the trail.

So this was my run today, the 3 mile piece....I turned around at the fountain. Time, I have no idea, I forgot to time but I hope you enjoyed the photos!