Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge is a city in Tennessee. Oak Ridge was created as secret city during World War II as part of the Manhattan Project. In Oak Ridge, thousands worked in secrecy to enrich the uranium used in the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan. The city is no longer secret, but it has a rich history worth exploring, and a strong bent toward science and technology. Oak Ridge is Appalachia and the nuclear age rolled into one, a great city to check out.

By plane
The closest municipal airport is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), which is served by:
 * American Eagle, +1-800-433-7300.
 * Delta Air Lines, +1-800-221-1212.
 * United Express, +1-800-241-6522.

A taxi from the airport to Oak Ridge might cost $70. Renting a car is a better idea, particularly because Oak Ridge has little public transit.

By car
When Oak Ridge was first built by the U.S. government, there were only two entries and exits from the city due to the desired isolation of the secret Manhattan Project. In later years, several other entrances were built, but Oak Ridge is still fairly disconnected from surrounding towns.

By the Interstate, Southbound I-75 and westbound I-40 converge in the middle of Knoxville. Continuing on I-40, proceed west until the northbound Pellissippi Parkway exit. Pellissippi merges into Illinois Avenue, which leads into downtown Oak Ridge.

By bus

 * Greyhound, 100 East Magnolia Avenue,'+1-800-231-2222. A taxi from downtown Knoxville to Oak Ridge will also be expensive, about $70.

Get around
Oak Ridge was designed by the government, so the layout of the town is fairly simple, almost utilitarian - in some neighbourhoods, the streets are even in alphabetical order. Having a car is almost necessary, as the city is quite sparsely laid-out. There is virtually no public transportation.

Drink
Oak Ridge has been a dry town since consumption of alcoholic beverages was banned in 1946, shortly after becoming chartered. Therefore, one would not find any bars in this town.

Sleep
Most of the hotels in the area cater to scientists visiting Oak Ridge National Laboratory on their expense accounts, so rates are generally higher. There are few "no-frills" motels.

Go next

 * A half-hour drive will take you to downtown Knoxville.
 * An hour-and-a-half drive will take you to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.