Things to Do in Maryville

Water churns under the circular red paddles of a massive, wooden wheel, and, as dusk falls, the green shoreline slowly waves goodbye. Strings of bright holiday lights shimmer on two wooden decks, reflecting in the water’s darkening surface. The moon looks on.

On both evening and day cruises, Tennessee Riverboat Company’s captains steer the Star of Knoxville and its passengers past the river’s shoreline foliage. Buffet-style meals and an ever-changing lineup of live entertainment captivate guests without forcing them to bunk with prop comedians. Seasoned captains pilot their ships through calm waters, pointing out spots of interest while passengers lounge in air-conditioned or heated interiors. Participants may also take to the dance floor as decks fill with gospel or country tunes on themed music cruises, where performers encourage participation to help expose stowaway Dolly Partons.

Back in 1995, fresh out of college, Shannon Skidmore and his fiancée, Shannan, leased a small 20'x20' building, an old Chevrolet van, and 50 tubes, and took over Smoky Mountain River Rat from its previous owner. Over the next five years, the “Shannons” gradually made the business their own by buying their own property, with Shannon using his contractor license and expertise to erect a new, larger building in just six weeks. Smoky Mountain River Rat has expanded to 500 tubes, two vans, and 20 kayaks, and the business now also offers whitewater rafting on the nearby Pigeon River. Meanwhile, its shuttles transport families up and down the Little River for unlimited daily rides, with customers as young as 2 years old floating down 1.5 miles of tubing-friendly, meandering waters as they trade off verses of old sea chanteys.

Rent2Ride outfits trail-trekkers and waterborne adventurers with the roaring engines of Honda Rancher ATVs and sleek, speedy hulls of personal watercraft. Latter-day conquistadors saddle up to off-road vehicles decked out with low centers of gravity for easy control, and electric power steering for better traction over stubborn wheel ruts or up the neighbor's spiral staircase. Sea-Doo and Yamaha wave-runners zip and plow through crystal waters and choppy surf alike with ferocious horsepower and responsive handling. Rent2Ride can cart their motorcrafts to clients' locations for an additional fee.

As part of the National Premier Soccer League, both teams of the Knoxville Force showcase top amateur players from high school, college, and around the world as they prepare for professional careers. Since its founding in 2011, the Force organization has thrilled local soccer fans with teams built around some of the region's best athletes as well as imports from other national and international teams. Both the men's and women's teams scurry across the pitch at University of Tennessee's Regal Soccer Stadium, and each holds tryouts prior to each season to make sure top recruits aren't actually kids stacked on each other's shoulders, as those cleats would probably dig in pretty hard.

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.

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.