Are you looking for an unforgettable place to hold your next family reunion? 

Then look no further than Knoxville and its vicinity.

Generations of Southerners have to come to the largest city in eastern Tennessee to gather together and catch up with their family members, all the while enjoying all that this exciting area has to offer.

Here are some helpful suggestions to get you started on a reunion holiday that your family will undoubtedly talk about and remember fondly for years to come. 

10 Tips to Plan a Family Reunion in Knoxville, Tennessee

 

Find a superb home base

You might even consider bringing it to a beautiful country getaway like Whitestone Inn, since our property becoming an increasing popular place to hold such multi-generational events like these.  Its natural beauty and tranquility provide a pleasant alternative to the city scene in Knoxville, but you’ll still get a convenient half-hour drive on I-40, getting the best of both worlds.

Enlist an onsite event planner for help

Wherever you plan to stay, ask if they have an onsite event planner who could provide much needed assistance in the often complicated logistics involved in organization a reunion.  At Whitestone, we’ve had plenty of experience with doing just that for many families and helping them to focus on the fun, rather than the stress.  So leave the hard stuff to us, and enjoy spending time with your loved ones.

Monitor those fees and extra expenses

Setting a budget will help keep things manageable.  Costs can run anywhere from $10 to $100 per person, depending on what you want include for the schedule of activities, places to rent and reserve, and souvenirs.  Ask family members how much they’re comfortable chipping in, and try to request a per person cost, instead of a per family.  Also consider have different costs for adults versus kids.

Get everyone’s input

You shouldn’t have to do everything yourself when it comes to planning the big event.  Involve a few other members to help out, preferably one from each family, to do some of the legwork.  If possible, get the kids to help out with the planning, because they’ll likely feel more connected to the reunion and even to family history and heritage.

Consider all-inclusive places

Sometimes it’s a hassle to have everyone stay at one place for accommodations, go somewhere else for meals, and yet another place to activities.  Why not have everyone stay at a place where just about everything is included, and what isn’t is just a short distance away?  Again, Whitestone Inn can provide all of those necessities and more.

Schedule plenty of activities and options

Knoxville certainly has plenty to keep family members busy and entertained, from theatrical entertainment at the Tennessee and Clarence Brown Theaters to a game at the University of Tennessee to touring the Ijams Nature Center.  You can find plenty of things to do on this Trip Advisor page, and be sure to give family member alternative activities, taking age and health into consideration.

Got kids? Just add water

One sure-fire way to keep the youngsters and the young-at-heart adults entertained for hours is to make certain you have a swimming pool and some aquatic fun around.  Again, our property can fulfill that need, with a location right on the shores of Watts Bar Lake, our private pond that’s suitable for fishing, and of course our own pool.

Balance out planned fun with downtime or free time

Having things to do for your family is an essential part of a successful reunion, but equally important is allowing everyone to have time to relax or explore on their own.  This is especially true if you are having a get-together spread out over several days.  Remember that allowing for this unstructured time will keep everyone relaxed and refreshed.

Enjoy a few meals out, or hire a caterer

Here’s another way you can have less anxiety by letting others prepare your family’s meals.  No doubt you’ll want to have a picnic or barbecue if the weather’s great, so if you’ve hired a planner, he or she can help you maximize your budget and find the best places to eat or caterers to cook. At Whitestone Inn, we can also provide a few delicious meals for your crowd.

Hire photography and/or video pros

There’s nothing like family photos taken by the relatives.  But just like any significant life event, you just might want to capture this special time with a professional photographer and perhaps a videographer.  Be sure to ask your planner for some advice here, or ask our staff for some local recommendations.

Plan your fantastic family reunion in Knoxville TN, and it’s a practically sure bet that everyone is sure to enjoy it!