Things to Do in Farragut

At abc Art, brushes flick across canvas, a quiet swishing sound that serves as a backdrop for chattering students and clinking wine glasses. While pupils sip brought-in drinks, artists lead the class in painting images that have included cupcakes, landscapes, and abstract scenes. Tucked beneath arms, the paintings leave with proud students and are ideal for hanging over holes accidentally smashed in a refrigerator. The studio space also hosts private parties, which let guests bring in food and drinks to paint the evening away.

One runner tucks his laser gun under his arm as he ducks behind an obstacle. Just before he's out of sight, his sister shoots at him from afar, settling the score with her sibling without having to deflate the tires on his bicycle. Within Battlefield Knoxville’s 36,000-square-foot arena, up to 10 players, armed with a selection of futuristic and realistic weaponry, go toe to toe at once. During play, groups embody fantasy action scenarios during games of Capture the Flag, Base Assault, and Rescue the Hostage. The facility also includes a gaming center where players give their limbs a rest at 13 flat-screen gaming stations that offer group bouts on Xbox 360 and PlayStation3 consoles.

In 2003, longtime friends Joe Hornsby and Lisa Moore opened Liza Moz' Pottery Studio—the name adapted from a nicknamed bestowed on Lisa by her family. Lisa has since passed the business on to Joe solely, and creativity continues to flourish under his direction. Joe keeps the shop stocked with a variety of unfinished bisque ceramics cast into animal shapes, tiles, plates, and mugs, each available to be painted by visiting artists. After choosing a piece to work on, visitors may paint freehand or find inspiration by consulting the shop's library of stencil collections and idea books. Artists then sketch their designs and paint their pottery with a choice of more than 50 hues. The studio’s instructors also guide students through other artistic projects beyond ceramics, such as painting canvases, tiling mosaics, and making candles. Groups holding parties can bring their own snacks and drinks to the studio, and summer camp sessions guide children through creative projects with clay, glass, or paint.

The early 20th century holds a certain charm. Even while peering through the apothecary's questionable brown bottles or cringing at the sound of the dentist's foot-powered drill, it's hard not to look back with wonder on men in straw hats and women with lacy parasols hopping onto streetcars as they clambered down cobblestone roads. With permanent exhibits set up to re-create such scenes—including an urban streetscape display with an original streetcar—the East Tennessee Historical Society allows visitors to literally take a stroll through state history. Since 1834, the organization has collected stories and artifacts from Tennessee residents, preserving many tales and genealogical records in the Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection. The society shares its findings through publications and ongoing lectures, conferences, and interactive school programs.

Nothing But Bounce entertains children with an arsenal of inflatable playgrounds, including castles, animal-themed slides, and sports-themed games. The expansive indoor gymnasium and its friendly staff host fun frenzies year-round, from birthday parties to company picnics to family reunions. When weather permits, visitors can participate in outdoor recreational activities, which include cruising down a 45-degree slip 'n' slide and a 45-degree water slide. A three-way rock wall provides climbers with a variety of paths and holds guaranteed to keep children and their imaginary pet mountain goats busy.