Colonel Sander's Diner and Museum is FINALLY reopened - Sunsphere and Knoxville World Fair Park 

I was 12 years old when my family went to the World's Fair in Knoxville. It was really an awesome experience. My Mother and I waited hours to get into the China pavilion. It was beautiful. I remember it being a giant fair with so many different cultures! It sparked my interest in exploring other parts of the world and understanding their lives and traditions. We do need the World's Fair to return.

Ahhhhhh, a Tennessee rocking chair. That's basically all i need now, since retirement on December 1 last year. Out of the office, on to the porch, rocking into a breeze. Good of you to show the James Potter cross: man, those things are huge!

This was a good one. My wife and I with some friends came down from northern Ohio to the World's Fair in '82. A lot of fun and went up in the Sunsphere. My wife is a big fan of Colonel Sander's chicken so whenever we go by Corbin we have to stop. Thanks for the fun here!

Idk why but I laughed when the elevator doors open and the guy with the sunglasses was there like a 1980s cool dude. 😂

Jacob the man that was responsible for the dragon Jimmy Cole unfortunately passed away last year 2022. He had redone the dragon before his passing. He did all the painting and fixed the ear. He was a pilot and had trouble with his small plane and crashed. Thanks for the video. You were just 10 minutes from me. 😳

I'm so happy to see KFC's home diner again. I lived in Corbin from 15 to 18 and had a summer job at that restaurant when I was 17. Almost 50 years ago! 😝 You are so much fun to watch, Jacob. Thank you for being a nomad! 😁

So sad. Jimmy Cole, one of the creators of the Caryville Dragon had just recently restored it when he died in a plane crash.

Thanks for the video. I went to the worlds fair with a friend. We parked outside of town and took a bus. Their were so many people, and the lines were so long that we didn't get to go up into the sphere. So I am glad you took us up in it. Brings back good memeries of a less stressful time. Stay safe my friend

Hey Jacob :) in Tucson we have the GEM show which is like a worlds fair. They not only have gems and fossils but collectibles from all over the world!! It runs from January 28th - February 12th. There are several tents set up all over the city but the best one is at Kino and i10 behind the hospital. It is massive, with 30+ tents and over 70 merchants from all over the world! Please check it out! It’s free to get in! The other ones around Tucson seem to charge for parking and the one at TCC charges admission plus parking, boo 😂 Let me know if you need more info! I can send you a vid I took there :)

17:28 That looked like an awkward elevator ride lol

As a major tour operator,I spent over 50 days living at the Holiday World’s Fair directly opposite the Sunsphere! Some idiot shot it several times in the first few weeks! The entrance to the World Fair was built right against the hotel’s walls so it was a very easy entrance! I loved the Fair- with all the bus groups leaving around 5 pm, the fairgrounds were very empty for the evening and easy to get into. Of course, my tour groups had king suites at the holiday Inn and stayed on the fairgrounds until closing. The Ruby Tuesday in the fair had singers that sang “Rocky Top” multiple times every day!

Driving down to Kissimmee from Michigan 2 times every year, we used to mark the Thunder Mountain Dragon as our halfway point. Don't have any idea if that is geographically accurate, but I have fond memories of looking for the dragon. I'm so glad you showcased it again after it's restoration! Seeing it in disrepair made me sad 😔.

I've lived in Knoxville for 35 years and still haven't been up in the Sunsphere. We were going to eat in the restaurant up there one time but it closed permanently before our reservation came up.

In 1940, while traveling for business, my grandfather stopped at Sanders Cafe, and met the Colonel. He spent the night at the hotel. He passed when I was very young, but my grandmother told me this story and said he always liked KFC, ever since then.

Good Morning Jacob. So glad to see you are not as stressed as you was..You had so much happen to you at one time I was worried.. I'm glad you are in Tennessee. That's my mom's home state... Thank you for sharing. Stay safe. Keeping you in my prayers 💕🙏💕

Jacob, I went to the Knoxville World's Fair in 1982. I was 16 years old. We had Dinner in a Restaurant that use to be in the SunSphere on the Top floor. The Gold color is Real Gold. We were at the fair for 2 days, and still didn't see every exhibit they had. They gave you a Passport booklet, and when you went to an exhibit, they would stamp your Passport with a stamp representing the Country you were at. One of the Coolest thing that I have ever done. Thanks for bringing back Awesome memories. Have a great time on your travels !!

11:14 Jacob, the piece you sing here is actually the Funeral March which was famously played at the graveside during Chopin's own burial, and it comes from his Piano Sonata No. 2. The music on the statue is the Dies Irae (Day of Wrath) theme which originated in the Mass for the Dead in Gregorian Chant but many composers feature in their compositions when they want to depict death or the impending doom of their own death. For example, Mozart puts it in his requiem. Rachmaninov used the theme in many of his pieces including the Isle of the Dead and Symphonic Dances. Just thought you might like to know!

After Trans World, you might want to go to Lake George, New York to the Lake George Winter Carnival, which is held on the four weekends of February. One of the events of the Lake George Winter Carnival is the Outhouse Race Competition, which will be held on the 4th and the 18th of February this year. The will also be contests for the best chili, wings, and clam chowder, not to mention a car race on Lake George (if the ice is thick enough).

I think it would be cool if you did the pacific coast hwy and the carefree hwy also 35 from beginning to end !! Start in Minnesota and end up in Texas that would be an awesome trip .

All of those tubs were sitting in the TN welcome center the last time I was through there back in September. I just thought they were getting Christmas decorations out way too early.

The World's Fair I went to in 1954 was in Flushing Long Island.

Thank you, Mr. Bagger, sir. You are you, ... and no matter where you go... there you are!

That's the 'Dies Irae' on the Rachmaninoff statue, not Chopin's Funeral March, which is what Jacob was humming.

I was there in 82' world's fair. I was 10. WOW feels like forever. I don't remember much! I have some photos!🌟👍😀

The next time you are in Gatlinburg, you might visit Howards Restaurant. The Howard family became one of KFC's first "recipe" franchisees, and Col. Sanders became a regular visitor and friend to the family. There are several photos of Sanders and the Howards in various parts of the Restaurant.

Have you ever checked out Claudia Sanders dinner house in Shelbyville KY? Its a restaurant named after his wife and he opened it but couldn't name it Kentucky Fried chicken because I believe he had already sold it to John Y Brown. I grew up in Shelbyville and we ate there from time to time but it is definitely worth stopping by. The house out front was actually his home for awhile. The restaurant burned down several years ago but was built back exactly the way it was.

Jacob... you kill me. 😂 keep doing what you do!

Glad you had a Great time in Corbins museum personally I've not been inside it since I was little but good to see you back on the road and not stressed and getting things back to normal.-Have a Great Day and have a safe trip.

You are awesome 😎

Wow I miss this place I was 9yrs old at the time my family traveled out to Knoxville Tennessee we stayed at my Aunt and Uncles Mansion. I was there in there 1982 Worlds Fair it was Enormous to me. We bought the Copper Sunsphere and the Pepsi Worlds fair Serving tray I still have that tray. So Thank you For taking me back to A Very Happy time in my Life. I Went to Silver dollar City Now Dollywood

I actually went to that world's fair in Vancouver. We were there for several days but I'm afraid I don't remember a lot of it anymore. There was a giant pyramid with a big Egyptian museum in it, and I remember the art installation with all the cars painted white. I got my picture taken in the lunar lander, because both my father and grandfather were engineers on Apollo. I also rode the big coaster there (I believe it was named the Mean Machine), and it was the first time I'd been on one with inversions. The rest of it is largely just a blur now.

I was at that Asheville/TN rest area in October. They have so many brochures they just let them sit there in bins.

Lol, this is so ironic that this was posted today😂 I was watching a live stream last night and the chat decided to role play pirates. Our ship sank so we repaired the Titanic and took it to KFC for lunch😹 Bwahaha😂 it was super hilarious and very creative! 😹🚢

My first job here in Gatlinburg TN, Howard's restaurant, the owner raised chickens for Col Sanders back in the day . They're pics of him and his store all over the walls ..Great job..We miss you here in Gatlinburg TN 🏞️🌅🦌🌄

Man, I want to go to Kentucky now just for the museum. Safe travels, Jacob!

my great uncle had a radio show in the 60s in the east coast of canada and he got to interview and meet colonel sanders when he came to visit the city it was super cool

No better person to showcase our great country and hopefully motivate many Americans to explore this great land of ours !

I grew up 5 minutes away from the Caryville exit with the dragon. I was a teenager when the world’s fair was in Knoxville and had a season pass. My friends and I spent lots of time there and had a blast!

Hi, The 1982 world's fair introduced new innovations such as touch-screen displays and shelf-stable milk. An arcade featured video games of the day including Pac-Man and Donkey Kong.

The WigSphere. LOL I Love it.

Lived in Knoxville TN for seven years, left right before the world's fair. The traffic was the pits because of all the construction gearing up for the fair. Glad I'm in Texas and away from the winter weather there 🥶❄️

"A lot of bad coleslaw going around." 😅🤣😂 So true !

Did you know in Quebec, Canada that KFC is called "PFK" because Quebec the language is French and the acronym is "Poulet frit Kentucky" (PFK).

Thank you for the video Very Interesting to see and hear about . Living vicariously through you,Jacob ! Thank You Stay Safe Blessings in your travels 🙏

A chef put out a cookbook of his version of restaurant foods. KFC is identical. The big ‘secret’ is to fry all chicken in lard. He nailed the 11 herbs and spices. Ron Douglas’ book is phenomenal

I'm originally from Knoxville. When I moved away I missed it so much I got the sunsphere tattooed on my arm. I also had a chance to get on the 6th and I believe 8th floor when I worked for a catering company. I don't know about the office space but the event space definitely has windows.

The fireworks place exploded and gave birth to a Dollar General.

Expo 86 in Vancouver was awesome. I was 8 and we went every day and my uncle was in the RCMP musical ride.

Pacman was one of the games at the 82 world fair that special tokens were made for.

Good Evening Jacob 🙋🏽.

We spend a lot of time in Pineville, KY just a few minutes from Corbin

your in my town looks like a good day just love them back roads videos

My home town areas have those Huge Crosses. Interstate 55 in Winona Mississippi , Interstate 55 in Batesville Mississippi, and US Hwy 49 North at Berry's Seafood in Florence Mississippi. The one in Batesville has a Giant Thorn Crown on it.

I remember when the cube was in the Holiday Inn. We used to meet there for church in the old convention center.

There was a Video Expo at the 1982 World's Fair at the Sunsphere, they had custom arcade tokens of Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and other characters. I'm betting that's the reason for the arcade 1up Pac-Man.

Come to Bristol! We have the Smithsonian Birthplace of Country Music Museum, a new casino, a historic downtown, lots of great food and interesting stores, etc.

My mom's dad knew colonial sander he use to have a booth at the Illinois state fair when he was just starting out itvwas next to my grandfather booth

The 11 herbs and spices are: Salt, thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt, black pepper, dried mustard, paprika, garlic salt, ground ginger and white pepper. ;)

The 11 herbs and spices in KFC Fried Chicken are salt, thyme, basil, oregano, celery salt black pepper,dried mustard, paprika, garlic salt, ground ginger, and white pepper

I love the cool elevator guy at 17:25. He looks like he's about to say something, but nope--just cool elevator guy.

You were in my hometown and I missed you. Dang.

Love TN, thanks.

Enjoy your video 's . ❤ There is a laugh 😃 in every one 🤣

Always nice to see you in the area! Not a bad lookin’ meal!

The weather is looking great have fun Jacob ☺️

There’s a big James Potter cross in my town. Richmond Indiana we also have a mummy at our museum

Great video Jacob and I ❤️ Tennessee and Kentucky. In 2020 my wife drove up to see the ark and on the way went to Corbin to visit the kfc museum but it was closed, we will have to make another trip.

love your travels......watching from England 🙂

Very nice presentation, Jake!

There is a cross like that one on I-57/ I-70 in Effingham, Illinois. Really cool attraction.

Knoxville is about to be my new home in a few months and I was just up in the Sunsphere 3 weeks ago. Pretty cool structure. Would be awesome if they brought a restaurant back up top. Was told they do have a radio station that still broadcasts from up there. Was very cold so didn't get to walk the park, but did stay warm in the convention center while we waited for our time slot and saw that giant Rubik's Cube.

17:04 Wow 5 from scandinavia, Sweden on the 🗺-map. 21:08 Funny that you Jacob making the sound😂😂🤣😂

Wished I d have known you were through Corbin and London again. Would love to meet you. Keep up the good work.

Expo 86 was in Canada.

Love your dance moves!! But I really enjoy your channel.

Another great episode. I feel like I've been on a road trip. Your videos are the epitome of "Americana".

Hey Jacob glad your back from your break please be safe on the road too prayers for you. I hope soon as you can come check us out in my hometown area and come check out the places I've mentioned also did you get that car cooler I recommend get one when you can. God bless and safe travels Jacob!!

Same saying at my workplace "Time to lean..time to clean"😁😏

❤❤❤ I think Sam the Snowman on Rudolph looks a lot like Colonel Sanders 😂Thank you for sharing!

It’s not the Funera March on that statue but a song called Dies Irae which is a requiem for the dead used in medieval Catholic Church for funerals

Enjoyed replay thanks for sharing your channel 😀 👍🏼

The WORLD'S FAIR IN KNOXVILLE, TN WAS OUR SENIOR TRIP AT NORTH HIGH SCHOOL 1982. I DIDNT GO. THAT COLONAL SANDERS MUSEUM WAS REALLY NOSTALGIC. THE KITCHEN LOOKED JUST LIKE IT DID WHEN HE COOKED THE CHICKEN IN 1938. HE WASN'T KNOWN YET. BUT HE HAD A GREAT RESTERAUNT!!! PLUS THE HOTEL.

Go to Ruby Falls! ...you probably have and have a video :) I just love that place.

KFC was our first fast food experience as kids-way before McDonalds-good memories of going there with our Mom-thanks, Jacob!

Awesome guy and Show

I went to Expo 74 Spokane that Worlds Fair inspired Knoxville

go to worlds fair park all the time crazy thing ive not been inside the sunsphere since the field trip we took in grade school to the worlds fair lol there use to be a Italian Restaurant in there and i think theres still a radio station

“You gentlemen gonna buy some wigs or ain’t ya?” 😅. Great vlog. I’m a fan of the Sun/Wigsphere. Always thought it was a unique looking tower. And despite the yellow tinge in the windows, the views are quite nice. Didn’t realize they were charging admission. Last time I visited was 2019 and 2011 before that and both times it was free. 🤷🏻‍♂️

Love your channel 🥰

Loved the Kentucky Fried Chicken tour. 🍗 I know what I'm having for dinner!

Next time you come near somerset ky we have 4 of those large crosses here in town not potter crosses but by some guy named sission.

I'm so fascinated by Word's Fairs, but it seems that little information is out there. I would love a series on them!!!

I've been on the cantina level while it was operational. Several restaurants have tried to make it there but none have lasted more than a year or so. Above the cantina is an office suite and above that is the windowless floor that was an originally an apartment. The last time the US hosted the World's Fair was in New Orleans in 1983. The fair has not been in North America because the US and Canada both withdrew from the organization that hosts it in the late 80's. One roadside stop you missed in Jellico is the site of the 1944 Troop train crash off US 25W. There's just a historical marker there now with a pull off to look around. It was the largest loss of life stateside during WWII with 30 men being killed and around 90 injured. The Sander's Cafe sits where US 25E and US 25W used to split. The routing of 25E has been changed twice since the restaurant was opened and now sits 1 mile north of the restaurant.

CB, the sweet lightning is Moonshine flavored Mt Dew.

Shows you big that cross is Wow 😳✝️

Cool journey

I was at fanboy expo about 5 years back a very crowded con. I walked to the sunsphere elevator, i went up look around came down. Had my friends come up and look. no crowd no waiting just go up look around and then come down no admission price.

There's Jacob doing that ol' soft shoe dance!

Very fun video🎊

I wish I knew when you were in my home state of Kentucky. I would love to meet! 🤠