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The star of knoxville: a look inside.
When we sat down with Bailee Bridwell to learn more about The Star of Knoxvill e riverboat, we figured this thing you’re reading now would be about said boat. After all, it is one of only four authentic paddlewheel riverboats in the USA, right on the Tennessee River in good ole downtown Knoxville. Cool, right?
Very cool, yes. BUT y’all, > this family. They are precious. Settle in for the cutest story. (And then, once you’ve fallen in love with the Cheek/Bridwell fam, we promise we’ll tell you all about how you can bring your very own pizza and wine to deck of the boat. Cross our hearts.)
Let’s start with the parents. Bailee Bridwell’s father, Mike Cheek, started working on riverboats in Nashville at the geriatric age of fifteen years old. (We assume he liked it okay, because he’s now been in the riverboat business for a mere 43 years.) After spending a few summers as a deckhand, in walked a new boat photographer: Tammy.
Because this is the cutest story ever, Mike and Tammy obviously fell in love, got married, and started a little family. (*sob*🥺💛)
Awhile later, this little family moved to Knoxville from Nashville so Mike could be the General Manager of, you guessed it, the Star of Knoxville. Mike made the trip in 1988, but get this: When the owners decided to move the riverboat in 1994, Mike offered to buy her so she could stay in our sweet Knoxville. Tennessee. (We could hardly contain ourselves when we heard this tidbit of information. Is this not a Hallmark movie waiting to happen?? Romance, risk, rivers – this story has it all!)
Bailee and her brother were just babies when the Cheeks moved to the Scruffy City, so they basically grew up on The Star of Knoxville. They went on all the cruises. They knew all the crew. They even ended up being on the crew as teenagers. (As a little kid, the “Boomsday Cruise” was her favorite. The boat would be so close to the fireworks, they’d all end the night covered in ashes. KNOXVILLE FREAKING GOALS.)
After college, Bailee left for a few years to gain experience on other boats (one of the biggest riverboats in the country in Savannah, to be exact), and when she finally came back to Knoxville in 2019, her parents handed her the keys.
This family affair has come full circle now. Bailee’s dad, brother, and husband are all captains – but it gets even cuter. You know how Bailee and her brother grew up on the boat? Well, if you see a stroller in the corner or some precious babies being passed around by the crew, you’re more than likely on a cruise with Bailee’s own sweet twins who are all set to grow up on the same boat as their mom and uncle. Some members of the crew have literally seen two generations of kiddos grow up on the boat. (*pause to sob from cuteness*)
Image by @tennesseeriverboat
Taste coffees from around the world with Five & Hoek owner, Tyler, every first Friday of the month from 1-2 pm. Learn what you like about certain coffees, how coffees are selected & how quality is maintained from roast to roast & cup to cup.
Have you heard? KUB Fiber has landed in Knoxville! Serving both businesses and residential so you can enjoy the fastest WiFi from your favorite coffee shop or the comfort of your home! Click below to see if it is available at your address yet!
7 best spots to watch a ut football game, 24 hours in knoxville, tennessee, introvert’s guide to knoxville: outdoorsy edition.
As the nightlife columnist, I’ve experienced almost everything there is to do in downtown
Knoxville. The breweries? I’ve been there. The restaurants? I’ve tried them. The clubs? I
vaguely remember. But the Star of Knoxville Riverboat? Never tried it. That is, until this past weekend.
As a native Knoxvillian, I was already familiar with the riverboat. I often saw it floating slowly down the Tennessee River, glowing through the night sky as I watched it from the balcony of my apartment. It looked like one of those old-timey paddlewheelers romanticized in New Orleans or like a boat you would rent out for your friend’s wedding reception. The last thing on my mind was an affordable nightlife destination.
But over Memorial Day weekend, my idea of the boat changed significantly. On a Saturday evening, my partner and I boarded the boat for the first time. We had been wanting to go for a while, and we landed on the 6 p.m. sightseeing excursion. We boarded the vessel near Calhoun’s and were met by a mix of people waiting in line — younger couples like ourselves, older couples, families and friends — all anxiously awaiting an evening on the Tennessee River. As we prepared to board, we were instructed by an employee to get together for a photo behind a safety float bearing the boat’s name. It was sort of cheesy but also sort of cute — like something I would have done with my family on a cruise ship at 10 years old.
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The Star of Knoxville Riverboat is an authentic paddlewheeler with two levels, an enclosed main deck that seats 144 passengers and an open-air top deck. Because we had chosen to do the sightseeing trip, we were instructed to go upstairs. Although my view of the main deck was limited while passing through to the stairwell, I was able to get a peak at the beautiful place settings for dinner, the bar and a small stage for a band. The space looked like a great place to enjoy a romantic dinner date or celebrate a special occasion. And while I would definitely go back to try the food, it seems like the real fun (and the more affordable kind) was had by those of us on the top deck.
The top deck is nothing fancy, with chipped paint and fold-out tables like the kind often stored in a garage. The bathroom was simple and the bar was just that — a wooden countertop to set your drink. But while the boat could use a facelift, its imperfections somehow added to the charm. And an evening on the water can be as special as you want to make it.
Plus, the real treat is the views.
As the boat set sail, my partner and I explored the deck. As we walked along the railing from the bow to the stern with drinks in hand, we were able to gaze at the sights of downtown Knoxville — including a few notable spots like Neyland Stadium and the Sequoyah Hills historic homes. As a UT alum, I felt giddy showing off the university to the people I was with and thankful for the often underappreciated amenity of our downtown being right on the water.
The drinks were affordable, with each beer costing just $5 — from domestic favorites to a few local ales.
Once we got to the end of Sequoyah Hills, the boat turned and headed back toward downtown. It was exciting to see how happy everyone onboard seemed to be as the sights missed on the first half of the ride would now become visible on the way back.
NIGHTLIFE: Knoxville's alive with open bars and packed concerts. Will it last?
As the view of the city came into focus again, “Rocky Top” began playing from the speakers — prompting myself and others to stand up and dance. Embarrassingly enough, I was the only one to shout “woo.”
But that was OK because the space felt like a judgment-free zone. Everyone on board, no matter their walks of life, came together for the same thing: to have a good time and see some sights. Throughout the evening, an impressive playlist of feel-good tunes spanning decades set the mood. One couple even slow danced to “Tennessee Whiskey"' as the sun was going down.
As we approached the dock, I was a bit upset the two-hour adventure was coming to an end. But I walked away knowing we got our money’s worth. With $25 tickets and a
buy-four-get-one-free drink special, my partner and I were able to enjoy a unique Knoxville experience for around just about $35 per person. We are considering embarking again for a tour with friends or upgrading our tickets for a date night with dinner down below.
Seeing Knoxville from the river provided a different look at the city — one that I had never seen before and would not have been able to see anywhere else. Although the boat could have used a fresh coat of paint, the entire evening was picturesque enough. The riverboat has now become one of my favorite downtown activities.
Weddings onboard the “Star of Knoxville” riverboat are a most unique and distinctive choice for your wedding. We can provide complete arrangements for the most intimate of weddings to the most elaborate, accommodating anywhere from 2 to 110 for a ceremony and reception and up to 235 for a reception only. The vessel is equipped with two (2) bars, a dance floor, and band stage. The open air observation deck is ideal for an outdoor setting. Our main interior is fully air conditioned and heated, for a great dining and entertainment experience and is a perfect choice for the most important day of your life. From black tie events to very casual, the atmosphere is right for any occasion. The beautiful Tennessee River proves to be the most romantic, enchanting, and memorable atmosphere in East Tennessee. You and your guests will be mesmerized by scenery and fully entertained during any of our cruises.
Our wedding package below helps take care of many of your wedding needs. We have our own personal chef to take care of all of your catering needs. The only services we do not provide are photography, wedding cakes, and floral. Let our experienced staff help you plan the perfect wedding that your group will long remember. We are also the perfect facility for rehearsal dinners, bridesmaid luncheons, bridal showers, or bachelor/ bachelorette parties.
The Star Wedding Package is our most popular package available for ceremonies and receptions. Let us provide all the following services to help make the most important day in your life stress free!
1 hour dockside for boarding and ceremony
2 hour cruise on the Tennessee River for reception (additional time available)
A captain/crew member to perform the ceremony
DJ for ceremony music and reception entertainment
Use of Bridal Suite for 2 hours before boarding
Access to boat 2 hours for decorating before boarding
Cash bar and bartender
Archway for ceremony
All tables and chairs
Bride and Groom table
Registration table
Dinner Cruise certificate for 2 for Bride and Groom
Bottle of Champagne (non alcoholic available)
Our professional wedding planner services
1 wedding rehearsal
Decorations.
THE RIVERBOAT COMPANY AND ITS STAFF ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DECORATING, GIFTS, OR ANY FURTHER SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS UNLESS PURCHASED THROUGH THE RIVERBOAT COMPANY. PLEASE GIVE US THE NAME OF EACH DECORATOR SO THAT OUR STAFF WILL BE AWARE WHO IS ALLOWED ON THE BOAT EARLY.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL MATERIALS THAT ARE BROUGHT ON BOARD. IF ANY ITEMS ARE LEFT AFTER THE EVENT, WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR DAMAGED ITEMS. THE RIVERBOAT COMPANY STAFF IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR COLLECTING ITEMS OR BOXING THEM UP TO BE PICKED UP THE NEXT DAY.
THE RIVERBOAT COMPANY DOES NOT ALLOW CONFETTI OR RICE OF ANY KIND TO BE USED FOR THE CEREMONY OR THE RECEPTION AS IT CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO THE WILDLIFE ON THE RIVER. WE ALSO DO NOT ALLOW OPEN FLAMES ON THE RIVERBOATS AND THUS SUGGEST BRIDES TO USE LED LIGHTS INSTEAD. NO PAPER LANTERNS OR BALLOONS ARE ALLOWED ON THE OUTSIDE PATIO OR RAILINGS OF THE BOAT UNLESS SECURED TO THE BOAT ITSELF. WE DO NOT WANT ANYTHING TO FLY OFF OF THE BOAT INTO THE RIVER.
NO FOOD OR DRINK IS ALLOWED TO BE CARRIED ON OR OFF THE RIVERBOAT. WEDDING CAKES AND CUPCAKES ARE THE ONLY EXCEPTION TO THIS POLICY.
RESERVATIONS ARE ONLY CONFIRMED UPON RECEIPT OF DEPOSIT. DEPOSITS ARE NONREFUNDABLE. IF FOR SOME REASON YOU NEED TO CANCEL, PATRON FORFEITS ENTIRE DEPOSIT IN THE EVENT OF CANCELLATION. FINAL GUARANTEES AND PAYMENT ARE TO BE GIVEN NO LATER THAN 14 DAYS PRIOR TO THE EVENT. NO CANCELLATION FOR INCLEMENT WEATHER UNLESS THE CAPTAIN DETERMINES IT IS UNSAFE TO SAIL.
Experience Knoxville From the Water
1. Make your reservation via the button below
2. Specify which pickup spot works best for you
3. Meet at the designated spot at the designated time
4. Live it up on the waters of Knoxville with Volunteer Boat Rentals
We offer all UT and Pelissippi State students and faculty 25% off all rentals!
For Questions email: [email protected]
Call or Text: (903) 646-1536
Maloney Road Park – 3516 Ginn Dr, Knoxville, TN 37920
Riverside Landing Park – 1648 Riverside Dr, Knoxville, TN, 37915
2016 Sea Ray 220 Sundeck
Our flagship boat rental is perfect for water sports, a private lake party, waterfront dinner, or family day of fun on the waters of Knoxville, Tennessee.
Enjoy Knoxville with Volunteer Boat Rentals when you book our Sea Ray 220 Sundeck.
Bring up to 12 friends or family members for a day on the water.
Our boat rentals come with bluetooth audio, wake board, inner tubes, retractable Bimini tops, and even on-board coolers.
Volunteer Boat Rentals is a family owned and operated business here in Knoxville, TN. Our founder is a current University of Tennessee student and we love and support the Vols through the good times and bad. We’re committed to providing your party with a professional, experienced captain to safely lead you on a charter boat rental. We provide charter boat rentals on the Fort Lake Loudon and the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Volunteer Boat Rentals will give you the full lake experience without the hassle or maintenance of owning your own boat. All of charter captains are licensed Tennessee boaters with experience navigating the local waterways. Whether you throw a party on the lake, wakeboard and wake surf, or enjoy a sunset dinner at Calhoun’s on the River – you’ll be in goods hands with us.
Monday-sunday: 9am to 7pm.
Ski Boat Rentals | Price per Hour |
---|---|
One Hour Rental | $130.00 |
Two Hour Rental | $250.00 |
Three Hour Rental | $425.00 |
DON’T LOSE YOUR MONEY, INQUIRE ABOUT OUR SUBSCRIPTION PROGRAM
For any additional questions or comments, contact us now
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Relax on the Volunteer Princess as you view the colors of fall along the Tennessee River. Take a seat at your private table. Enjoy a one-and-a-half-hour cruise around Knoxville and indulge in a three-course meal featuring fresh ingredients. Visit our bar on the upper deck and sip on your favorite drink. We promise the best lunch cruise in Knoxville.
Boarding: 12:00 p.m. | Cruising: 12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
Dress Code: Smart casual attire. We recommend bringing along a light jacket or wrap as it may get breezy on board.
Weather Conditions: Cruise sails rain or shine!
Atmosphere: Drinks, dinner, and an unforgettable evening.
Searching for a unique date night? Celebrating something special? Or just want a night out on the water? Our Sunset Dinner Cruise is just for you!
Looking for a new Sunday brunch spot? Join us on the Volunteer Princess and enjoy brunch on the water!
Searching for a unique night out on the town? Try your hand at black jack or roulette!
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Enjoy the beauty of the Tennessee River on board the Star of Knoxville. This authentic paddlewheel riverboat is United States Coast Guard approved for 200 passengers. The main deck seats 110 passengers and is fully enclosed, air conditioned, and heated for year-round comfort. The ship boasts two complete bars, a spacious dance floor, a stage ...
Climb aboard the Volunteer Princess, and join us for a public cruise or private event along Knoxville, Tennessee's beautiful riverfront! Our luxury yacht is designed with you and your guests in mind, so you'll find both modern luxury and classic design as you cruise with us and celebrate events both large and small along the Tennessee River.
Enjoy the scenic Tennessee River aboard an authentic stern wheel riverboat which offers lunch, sightseeing, dinner, and party cruises. The Star of Knoxville is Knoxville's only authentic paddlewheel riverboat. We'll Show You Knoxville Like No One Else Can. Sightseeing, Lunch Cruises, Dinner Cruises, Private Charters, Football Charters, Weddings & Rehearsals, and much more. Year Round Cruises ...
Public Riverboat Cruises in Knoxville, TN. Experience an unparalleled view of Knoxville during our public cruises! Enjoy a delightful lunch, brunch, or dinner cruise. We offer a range of public cruises for your friends and family on Knoxville's only luxury yacht! From sunset dinner cruises to sailgates in Big Orange Country, Volunteer ...
183 reviews. #4 of 9 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Knoxville. Boat ToursNight ToursSightseeing Tours. Open now. 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Write a review. See all photos. About. The Star of Knoxville Riverboat is an authentic 325-passenger sternwheel riverboat offering sightseeing, lunch, dinner, entertainment and moonlight cruises along the Tennessee ...
10:00am - 4:00pm. Sunday. Closed. Contact Us. [email protected]. (865) 525-7827. 300 Neyland Dr. Knoxville, TN 37902. Join the Star Club. >> Click here to become a member of the Star Club!
Knoxville's riverboat, the Star of Knoxville, offers lunch and dinner cruises, party cruises, late night party cruises, and sightseeing cruises on the Tennessee River. Live music. Charters available. The Star of Knoxville is an authentic paddlewheeler with a capacity 325 passengers. The main deck seats 144 passengers and is fully enclosed, air ...
About the Yacht. The Volunteer Princess is the only modern and luxurious dining cruise vessel on the upper Tennessee River. Named after the University of Tennessee Volunteers, the Volunteer Princess is one of Knoxville's prime destinations offering unique public cruises and private events. The Volunteer Princess departs from Volunteer Landing ...
Specialties: Come aboard the "Star of Knoxville" for fun, excitement, festive entertainment, as well as fabulous food and drinks. This authentic Mississippi-style paddlewheeler comfortably carries 245 passengers down the Tennessee River on a cruise you won't soon forget. The beautifully appointed riverboat offers a climate-controlled main deck and an open-air upper deck for enjoying the ...
After college, Bailee left for a few years to gain experience on other boats (one of the biggest riverboats in the country in Savannah, to be exact), and when she finally came back to Knoxville in 2019, her parents handed her the keys. This family affair has come full circle now. Bailee's dad, brother, and husband are all captains - but it ...
Tennessee Riverboat, Knoxville, Tennessee. 9,974 likes · 52 talking about this · 14,980 were here. The "Star of Knoxville" is an authentic paddlewheel riverboat based in downtown Knoxville, TN/...
183 reviews. #4 of 9 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Knoxville. Boat ToursNight ToursSightseeing Tours. Open now. 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Write a review. See all photos. About. The Star of Knoxville Riverboat is an authentic 325-passenger sternwheel riverboat offering sightseeing, lunch, dinner, entertainment and moonlight cruises along the Tennessee ...
Closed now. 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Write a review. See all photos. About. The Star of Knoxville Riverboat is an authentic 325-passenger sternwheel riverboat offering sightseeing, lunch, dinner, entertainment and moonlight cruises along the Tennessee River. Knoxville, United States. Contact. Suggest edits to improve what we show.
The Star of Knoxville Riverboat is an authentic paddlewheeler with two levels, an enclosed main deck that seats 144 passengers and an open-air top deck. Because we had chosen to do the sightseeing ...
Weddings onboard the "Star of Knoxville" riverboat are a most unique and distinctive choice for your wedding. We can provide complete arrangements for the most intimate of weddings to the most elaborate, accommodating anywhere from 2 to 110 for a ceremony and reception and up to 235 for a reception only. The vessel is equipped with two (2 ...
Make your night extra special with our romance or celebration package! We promise the best dinner cruise in Knoxville. Schedule: Select evenings. More dates are available for groups of 20 or more. Call our office at 865-247-6584 for more information. Boarding: 6:00 p.m. | Cruising: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Dress Code: Smart casual attire.
4. Live it up on the waters of Knoxville with Volunteer Boat Rentals. We offer all UT and Pelissippi State students and faculty 25% off all rentals! For Questions email: [email protected]. Call or Text: (903) 646-1536.
Keep an eye out for local wildlife such as eagles, osprey, and more! Let our attentive crew pamper you as you cruise in comfort and style on the most elegant yacht in Knoxville, TN. Cruise Details: - 1.5 Hour Cruise. - Drinks and Appetizers will be available for purchase on board. Cost: - Adults: $25.00. - Children: $12.50.
Zillow has 26 photos of this $399,900 3 beds, 3 baths, 1,733 Square Feet single family home located at 2473 Raging River Dr, Knoxville, TN 37920 built in 2024. MLS #301883.
View the river from our covered patio style upper deck with refreshments available. These run concurrently with any of our scheduled public lunch or dinner cruises. ... 525-7827 Let us show you Knoxville like no one else can! Skip to main content Meetings Sports Commission Film Shop Blog Media About Meetings ...
Billy High discusses NFL interest in Vols, 'unique structure' of UT's staff at Knoxville QB Club See what Billy High, Tennessee's director of internal and advance scouting, told the Knoxville ...
Planning a special date night, entertaining friends and family, or just "because"?! Join us along the Tennessee River for dinner with a view. Wednesday - Sunday Menu: Beef tenderloin, baked chicken, herb- roasted potatoes, green beans, rolls & butter, garden salad, chef choice dessert and non-alcoholic beverages. Let us show you Knoxville like no one else can!
Enjoy a one-and-a-half-hour cruise around Knoxville and indulge in a three-course meal featuring fresh ingredients. Visit our bar on the upper deck and sip on your favorite drink. We promise the best lunch cruise in Knoxville. Boarding: 12:00 p.m. | Cruising: 12:30 - 2:00 p.m. Dress Code: Smart casual attire.
183 reviews. #4 of 9 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Knoxville. Boat ToursNight ToursSightseeing Tours. Closed now. 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM. Write a review. See all photos. About. The Star of Knoxville Riverboat is an authentic 325-passenger sternwheel riverboat offering sightseeing, lunch, dinner, entertainment and moonlight cruises along the Tennessee ...