Formals, Formals, Formals

Alicia Purcell
Pi Beta Phi

The fall and winter formal season has come to an end. All of the sleepless nights over finding the perfect dress and perfect date are behind us. To commemorate these events that only Greeks can appreciate, I have composed a list of six venues in and around Knoxville to consider for next semester or next year’s formal.

1.       The Foundry

The Foundry is only a five minute drive from the Strip. It is tucked away next to World’s Fair Park right off of Henley Street. It is a cute little venue with classy country charm. The Foundry hosts Pi Beta Phi’s annual Parents’ Brunch, and Phi Mu had their Founders’ Day there last year. Katie Cawrse had this to say, “It is such a pretty venue!  The inside has a very well lit country feel about it that you would not guess to find from its outside appearance.  It was a great choice for the occasion." It could also easily be transformed into a formal venue and has a stage perfect for a band.

2.       Zoos

The Knoxville and Chattanooga Zoos have been popular formal locations in recent years. Zeta Tau Alpha had their fall formal at the Knoxville Zoo a few years ago and Kappa Sigma recently had theirs at the Chattanooga Zoo. Caroline Veazie said, "My favorite formal venue was my sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha's, location my fall semester freshman year. We had it at the Knoxville Zoo! I know that a few other chapters have done it there since then, but that was the first formal I ever went to and had an absolute blast! The carousel was awesome. Definitely a great place to consider when thinking about future formals!"

3.       Volunteer Princess

Fall semester of my freshman year, my sorority had our formal on the Volunteer Princess, a gorgeous yacht that sails the Tennessee River. I, unfortunately, was in Atlanta that weekend. I’ve heard nothing but good things about that night, and if I had one regret from freshman year, it would be skipping formal!

4.       Southbound in the Old City

Southbound is a popular place on weekends for those of you lucky enough to be 21. For the rest of us, it is also a popular concert venue, as well as a formal/date party/ mixer location. Dani Rosenberg of Kappa Delta said, “My favorite venue is Southbound in the Old City. It is very modern, and is so fun because of all the different rooms! It's a great place to have a band, dance, and socialize with your sorority sisters and friends.”

5.       The Orangery

The Orangery is one of the classiest places in Knoxville. As a Knoxville native, I grew up knowing the Orangery as the place a guy would take you to tell you he loved you, or your parents would take you for a special birthday dinner. Now that we’re older, the Orangery is a popular wedding reception hall, as well as Greek event venue. Pi Phi had our Founders’ Day there last spring, and it is a gorgeous venue. It has an opulent old Royal feel to it. Very, very classy.

6.       The Sunsphere

The Sunsphere is definitely the winner in my book. Delta Tau Delta had their formal there on Nov. 12. As one of the tallest structures in the city, it gives a gorgeous panoramic view of the skyline at night. It is popular among the Knoxville elite as a Sweet 16 venue and wedding reception hall. It will set you back a few thousand dollars for the night.

These are six of the most popular venues in and around Knoxville. Give your social chair some new ideas for next semester!

Alicia is a sophomore studying business. You may contact her at apurcel5@utk.edu.