I’ve lived in New York City all but 1 year of my nearly 60. But my late father, who met my Italian-American late mother in NY’s Central Park while on leave from the Navy, was from the Knoxville area. He was born in Maryville but grew up in Knoxville. Most of the relatives I knew lived in Knoxville. We used to go down every summer when I was a kid and spend two whole beautiful fun-filled months. Haven’t been back there since 1988.
When people ask me what nationality I am I say I'm half Italian, half Tennessean. :)
We’re transplants from SoCal. Made the move to Knoxville two years ago—best thing we ever did. Very happy to be here.