If you are looking for something unique to do in the Knoxville area, you need to take a ride aboard the Star of Knoxville! Owned and operated by the Tennessee Riverboat Company, the Star of Knoxville is a perfect way to spend the day in East Tennessee, offering comfort and entertainment as you leisurely float along the Historic Tennessee River.
The Star of Knoxville is an authentic, Mississippi-style paddlewheeler with a cable steering system – one of the few still operating today. Owners Tammy and Mike Cheek bought the boat in 1994 and quickly got to work refurbishing it. To this day, the Star of Knoxville remains family owned and operated. Tammy stays involved, but is quick to credit the staff and crew, including her children Bailee and Bradley, with its continued success. “I’m just the humble ship’s bartender now,” she said with a playful grin. While Bailee and Bradley handle the majority of the day to day operations, Tammy’s new position behind the ship’s bar allows her to connect with passengers between drinks and offer insights to the many points of interest along the river.
High above the food and entertainment sits the wheelhouse, where the Captain keeps a keen eye on the river. On my recent voyage, Captain Evan, a 26-year-old Tennessee native, was at the helm. But don’t let his age deceive you; Evan navigates the river with skills Mark Twain himself could be proud of. And you need to have an old soul to know this river, as there are multiple trials that require years of experience to navigate past. The main challenges are sailing under the pillars of the Henley Bridge, the Gay Street Bridge and the Knoxville CSX Railroad Bridge. However, the bridges aren’t Evan’s main concern. “It’s the wind,” he said. “And the shifting currents.” Weather is always a main concern when sailing down the Tennessee River, as my particular journey included heavy rain and dark clouds. However, even in inclimate weather, rest assured; my journey on the Star of Knoxville was a smooth and safe ride.
As previously mentioned, Tammy’s children run the day to day at the Tennessee Riverboat Company. Bailee in particular handles much of the events offered aboard. The main ones being lunch and dinner cruises. But they are also home to the “Blues Cruise” in partnership with the Smoky Mountain Blues Society (as previously covered by the Hollywood Press Corps: https://hollywoodpresscorps.com/east-tennessee-blues-the-story-of-the-smoky-mountain-blues-society/).
There are no limits to the fun offered aboard. “We celebrate every occasion,” Bailee said. “We do birthday parties, weddings, family reunions, date nights.” The Star of Knoxville is also a great venue to enjoy Tennessee football gamedays, as you will often see her among the “Vols Navy” which always line the banks of the Tennessee River during Saturday home games.
The Star of Knoxville is a staple in East Tennessee. If you would like to book a cruise or private event, visit their website https://www.tnriverboat.com or give them a call at 865-525-7827
