The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum (KBGA) is located on 47 acres of former Howell Nurseries, featuring walking trails, display gardens, unique & historic horticulture and over two miles of distinctive stone walls and timeless buildings, just five minutes from downtown. KBGA is a privately owned and operated Garden supported through donations and membership. Thanks to our members and local supporters we are able to offer these beautiful Gardens to the public for free!

This quilt pattern, called "Tulips" was commissioned by Merikay Waldvogel, a nationally known expert on quilts and author of several books on quilts. This pattern is unique for the Knox County portion of the quilt trail, since it is an applique pattern. It was especially chosen for the Knoxville Botanical Garden and was painted by Karen Nolt, a local artist in 2009. Karen Nolt also painted the quilt squares located at James White Fort and Ramsey House.

While in the Knoxville area you can visit the historical James White Fort. James White was the founder of Knoxville. After fighting in the Revolutionary War he was given 1,000 acres and built his house. He then encased it to keep out wild animals. Which gave it a fort like appearance. Over the years he built the city of Knoxville.

The fort was restored and became open to the public in 1970. Not only is this a historic preservation site, but they also host heritage days, Christmas celebrations, haunted Halloween events, and much more. They are also a site for weddings and personal celebrations.

Jane and Rob Pierce had the pattern painted and installed on the fort.

It is listed as a Century Farm and has remained in the family since the original land grant.

Painted from a book title “People and their Quilts” by John Rice Irwin.

Campbell Quilt Barn was built between 1955 and 1957. It once was a barn on a tobacco and hay farm. It is a family barn on the patriarch side of the family. They picked the Whirling Star pattern because the patriarch felt that this pattern and color fit their barn the best.

Recall the bustling times of the Gilded Age under an ornate pressed tin ceiling supported by centuries old timbers or descend the grand staircase to discover a full-service shoe department on Gay Street in Downtown Knoxville.

Fashion Area - Carhartt, Northern Isles, Columbia, Tribal, Alps, Pendleton, Woolrich, Life is Good, Royal Robbins, Erika, Karen Neuberger PJs, Hatley sleepwear, Natural Life, Moose Creek, Flyshacker, Lemongrass, Carolyn Taylor, Rabbit Rabbit, 52 Weekends, Lee, LeModa sweaters, Key, and other traditional looks. Outdoor - Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, The North Face, Columbia, Deuter, MSR, Nalgene, Royal Robbins, Prana, Sherpani, SmartWool, Mountainsmith, Big Agnes, Camelbak, Jansport, Platypus, Kelty, Gregory, Primus, Petzl, Black Diamond, Ex Officio, Tilley, Eagle Creek, Smith and Native Sunglasses, Swiss Army. Shoes - Birkenstock, Chaco, Teva, Asolo, The North Face, Merrell, Garmont, Dansko, Naot, Columbia, Clarks, Lowa, Montrail, Keen, Dunham, Hi-Tec, New Balance, and socks from Smartwool, Thorlo, Fox River, Wigwam, Bridgedale, and Mast Store Outfitters. Mercantile (Hearth and Home) - Aladdin lamps, Burt's Bees, Lodge cast iron, Arias by QMT windchimes, Yardley, Rosebud Perfume Co., Fox Run Craftsmen, Nordic Ware, Watkins, W. S. Badger, rockers by Troutman, Fels Naptha Soap, Kirks Castile Soap, Octagon Soap, Hatteras Hammocks, Pimpernel, Anchor Hocking, and items like Cloverine Salve, No Kidding Goats Milk Soap, apple peeler/corer/slicers, speckled enamel ware, Amish rockers, bandanas, toys that are powered by imagination, cookbooks, table linens, brain teasers, candles, cast iron hooks, and more. Old-fashioned Candy - Mary Janes, Atomic Fireballs, Pop Rocks, Pixie Sticks, Peanutbutter Logs, Chick-O-Sticks, BB Bats, Zagnuts, Necco Wafers, Milk Duds, Candy Necklaces, Bit-O-Honey, Maple Nut Goodies, Rootbeer Barrels, Jawbreakers in all sizes, Rock Candy, Jordan Almonds, Cowtails, Peanut Brittle, Caramel Bullseyes, Sixlets, and more.

The SIWR is adjacent to the French Broad River and the presence of several wooded islands and small inlets. These aquatic and riparian habitats support an impressive diversity of wildlife species.

There are thirteen research projects currently taking place on SIWR in conjunction with such organizations as the University of Tennessee and the Tennessee Ornithological Society.