56th National Conference Special Events

Tour departs the Knoxville Convention Center at 8 am and returns to Knoxville at approximately 3 pm.

Experience the beauty and history of Cades Cove - Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, you’ll find Cades Cove. It’s an area lush with history, wildlife and some of the most beautiful views you’ll find in the park. An expert guide will take you on a memorable and educational experience perfect for a day tour.

Whether you’re a regular visitor to Cades Cove or this is your first time, there’s always something new to learn or see. Discover the history of the Cove and share in the personal stories of its people. You’ll also learn about the ecology, flora and wildlife of the region.

A tour through Cades Cove will offer you a rare chance to turn off your phone and reconnect with nature in one of the Smokies’ most popular spots. Take a journey into the past as you explore the lives of those who once lived in the Cove and witness its natural wonders in the flora and fauna that grow there.

Make sure you bring your camera!

Experience the Star of Knoxville and Enjoy an Authentic Tennessee Riverboat Cruise!

Thursday, June 25, 2020 – Dinner Cruise – Tickets: $55 each person
Time: Riverboat loads at 5:30 pm (Free Trolley takes you to the docks)
Address: 300 Neyland Dr, Knoxville, TN 37902

This authentic paddle wheeler is United States Coast Guard approved for 235 passengers. The main deck seats 144 passengers and is fully enclosed, air conditioned, and heated for year-round comfort. The vessel is equipped with two (2) bars, a dance floor, band stage, and is exquisitely decorated for the most elegant dinner and entertainment available. Relax on a 2 hour cruise while enjoying a dinner buffet.

THE HISTORIC TENNESSEE RIVER
The Tennessee River is one of the most beautiful rivers you will ever cruise. While cruising, you will enjoy one of the most breathtaking views in Knoxville. Not only will you see some of the history of the river, you will most certainly be relaxed by the river’s beauty.

TENNESSEE RIVERBOAT STAFF
The riverboat is licensed by the United States Coast Guard and conforms to the rigid requirements for passenger safety. All of our captains and deckhands are trained in firefighting, CPR and safety procedures. Our reservationist, sales staff, food and beverage staff and wait staff are fully trained in providing quality customer service. We take pride in providing friendly service and will ensure all your needs are met.

Biltmore Estate Bus Tour (includes Home, Gardens, and Winery) - Tuesday, June 30, 2020

Tickets: $109 each person (includes bus transportation to and from Knoxville Convention Center, Buffet Lunch, and admission to the Biltmore Estate). 

Time: 7:30 am – 6:30 pm
Tour departs the Knoxville Convention Center at 7:30 am and returns to Knoxville at approximately 6:30 pm.

Welcome to Biltmore Estate in Beautiful Asheville, NC
Completed in 1895, George Vanderbilt’s 250-room chateau is as impressive today as it was more than a century ago. Biltmore House is truly a wonder of architecture and hospitality. As our guest, you’re invited to enjoy a self-guided tour of the house, as well as the beautiful gardens and grounds surrounding it, which were designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.

Experience America’s Largest Home®, as magnificent today as it was more than a century ago. Your self-guided house visit spans three floors and the basement of the luxurious family home of George and Edith Vanderbilt. Explore the stories of the Vanderbilt family, their guests, and employees through displays of vintage clothing, accessories, art, furniture, and more.

Get a close look at original art by Pierre-Auguste Renoir and John Singer Sargent. Behold magnificent 16th century tapestries, a Library with 10,000 volumes, a Banquet Hall with a 70-foot ceiling, 65 fireplaces, an indoor pool, and a bowling alley. Almost all of the priceless objects you see throughout the house are from George and Edith Vanderbilt’s original collection.

Stroll acres of formal and informal gardens designed by America’s foremost landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted. From the beauty of the Italian Garden to the majesty of America’s first managed forest, Biltmore’s breathtaking landscapes and gardens serve as a living tribute to Olmsted’s genius.

Taste of the South Lunch Buffet at the Deerpark Restaurant
Included with your tour is lunch at the Deerpark Restaurant. You will enjoy mouth-watering southern cuisine served buffet-style in a peaceful setting with plenty of rustic charm and lovely views. Deerpark Restaurant received the 2018 Diner’s Choice Award for OpenTable’s Top 100 Best Brunch and Buffet.