There is a new fun way to explore downtown Knoxville with your children! The “Newts in Knoxville” scavenger hunt launches this summer on June 6th. Like the popular “Where’s Waldo?” and “Elf on the Shelf” hunts, you’ll find yourself crisscrossing downtown on a fun adventure. This time you’ll be hunting for newts.
Why this creature? The Downtown Knoxville Alliance explained that the newt was selected because more salamander species call the Southern Appalachian region home than anywhere else on Earth! Among them is the Eastern Newt, an amphibian that thrives in both water and on land. There are 12 newt-sized bronze sculptures hidden throughout downtown. Unlike the other hunts, “Newts in Knoxville” is a permanent exhibit. Plenty of time to find these little critters all over town! You can download a “Newts in Knoxville” passport here. You can also pick up a passport at the Visit Knoxville Visitors Center and Mast General Store on Gay Street. The passport includes clues to help you find these tiny creatures. (Here’s a hint–Most of the newts are hidden along Gay Street, throughout Market Square, Krutch Park and Strong Alley.) When you spot one, take a picture and be sure to share on social media with the tag #knoxnewts. You can even pick up some newt swag at Mast General Store to commemorate your fun!
