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Posted by Madelyn Martin on May 4, 2012 at 10:28 AM under
• 1 commentIt is finally May! Which means it is time to celebrate birthdays at the Volunteer Princess! So since I have birthdays on my mind (because mine is only a week away), I decided to dedicate this entire blog to BIRTHDAYS!
Birthday Fun Facts:
- In the middle ages birthdays were only celebrated by nobility (so spend your day like royalty)
- August is the most common Birthday month, over 21 million Americans have birthdays in August
- May 21st is the least common birth date, which is good news for Nikki our Cruise Coordinator!!
- In the United States, 2 Billion Birthday Cards are given each year.
- The Warner Music Group collects approximately 2 million dollars in royalties for the ‘Happy Birthday Song’ every year.
Since Birthdays are a sign of Nobility, celebrate like a King or Queen and:
- Take the day off of work and treat yourself to a nice relaxing day, who really wants to spend their birthday at work anyways?
- Buy yourself that nice gift that you have always wanted
- Eat Cake! It is the one day of the year that you can have all the cake and ice cream that you want and not feel guilty about it! Check out this great website for some delicious Birthday cake recipe ideas.. http://allrecipes.com/recipes/desserts/cakes/birthday-cake/
- CELEBRATE! No birthday would be complete without a birthday celebration, so grab your friends and family and have a party or go out to eat!
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Posted by Maggie Nichols on December 5, 2011 at 9:16 AM under
• 0 commentsThe holiday season is full of delicious meals, festive
treats and decadent desserts. But by New Year’s, most have had their fill of
glazed ham and reindeer cookies. This season, experiment with holiday cocktails
(adults only)! Though eggnog is a classic winter staple, it’s not the only
drink that tastes like Christmas in a cup. Here are 15 holiday cocktail recipes
that will make you wish it was December all year long. Cheers!
Beverages perfect for
brunch: 
Jingle Juice
Jingle Juice, a delicious blend of juices and orange liquor,
is the perfect way to start your morning. Fix yourself one in the a.m. and
you’ll be jingling all day!
Spiced Caramel Apple Martini
Martinis for breakfast or lunch may seem odd, but this
recipe is light enough to accompany any morning or afternoon meal. The
combination of lemon juice and apple cider will keep you warm all day.
Blushing Mimosas
Mimosas, full of orange juice and pineapple juice, are a
traditional morning drink. This spin adds grenadine, which gives it a perfect holiday
glow.
Tasty cocktails for
appetizers 
Cranberry Ginger Fizz
This is a temptingly sweet, juicy drink that adds a punch to
any cocktail hour. It’s great for parties, too!
The Grinch
Don’t let the name fool you; this drink is anything but
grinchy. Melon flavored Midori makes a rich green drink with a splash of lemon
juice for a sour kick. Garnish it with a cherry or candy cane for a sweet touch.
Candy Cane Lane
A minty blend of peppermint schnapps and grenadine is an
ideal pre-dinner cocktail. This drink is named perfectly; properly made, it
looks just like a candy cane.
Gourmet dinner drinks 
Christmas Jones
The Christmas Jones pairs great with any entrée. A
lemon-lime soda turns into a tasty evening beverage with just vodka and fruit.
Top with a mint garnish and you have a lovely holiday drink.
Eggnog Martini
A clever spin-off of classic eggnog, this martini adds
sugar, cornstarch and a splash of pumpkin-pie spice. Warning: after trying,
you’ll never want plain eggnog again.
Christmas Champagne
A perfect solution for Christmas toasts, orange-flavored
vodka and a sugar cube turn regular champagne into a delicious holiday
cocktail.
Delicious treats for
dessert 
Godiva Chocolate Martini
Nothing could be more suited for a dessert cocktail than a
martini made with Godiva chocolate. This cocktail is the ideal balance of
chocolate and vodka without being too heavy. Enjoy!
Cake Batter Martini
Skip the cake and head straight for this martini. Made with
Pinnacle whipped cream vodka, crème de cacao and heavy cream, this drink tastes
just like a slice of cake. Don’t forget to coat the rim of the glass with
frosting and sprinkles!
Kringle Kocoa
Mix hot chocolate and Van Gogh Dutch Chocolate Vodka and
what do you get? A deliciously rich, chocolate cocktail. Garnish with
marshmallows on a skewer and you’ll feel like you’re sitting around a campfire.
Festive shooters for
late night fun 
Santa Shooter
A blend of mint and grenadine taste like a candy cane in a
shot. Serve your friends these before a night on the town and you’ll be as
jolly as Santa Claus himself.
Christmas Tree Jello Shot
Add vodka and bourbon to green Jello and red sugar for a
Christmas tree that’s good enough to drink.
Snowball
A winter wonderland in a shot glass! Mint, white chocolate
and a splash of brandy will have you ready to make snow angels in no time.
We hope you’ve found some drink recipes that are perfect for
meals, parties and after dark. Remember, if you plan to try any of our ideas,
arrange to have someone else drive. Here is a link for an awesome taxi service
in Knoxville: Knoxville World Class Taxi. Eat, drink and be merry this holiday season!
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Posted by Eileen Neuweg on November 22, 2011 at 12:05 PM under
• 0 commentsNovember is go green month, and here at Volunteer Princess Cruises, we strive to protect our environment as much as possible. While cruising on the Tennessee River, we come across wildlife ranging from geese to local fish. It is heartbreaking to see them swimming through filthy water. Here are some ways you can better the environment for the last few days of Go Green month AND the rest of your life! Keep in mind, you can use these tips when planning an event with us on the Volunteer Princess!
- Recycle vs. Trash: Knoxville is teamed with Waste Connections to ensure that Knoxville residents have the opportunity to recycle. One way to simplify your life is having both a trash can and a recycling bin in your kitchen, bath and other rooms in the house. Bottles and cans won't pile up on your counter tops.
- Skip the bottled water: Plastic bottles of water are popular when it comes to wedding favors. Unfortunately, plastic bottles take almost a thousand years to biodegrade. If it's in your budget, opt for a metal bottle; your guests would love this light weight and dishwasher safe bottle. Plus, it is a reminder of your special day for years to come.
- Buy non-toxic cleaning products: These will be helpful toward protecting the environment and keeping your home, office or boat smelling clean.
- Become a Paper Saver: The Volunteer Princess office strives to consume less paper. Any paper that is printed we will cut the unwritten space and use it as notepads and/or scratch paper. Once the paper is used, we recycle it. This past year, we've put more of our manifests and information on the computer to cut back on paper use. You can save paper when looking for your next event invitations- keep in mind using recycled paper.
- Go Organic: When planning an event, food and drinks are always a must. The Princess finds the best local food in the area to ensure that both taste and quality are exquisite. Buying organic meats, vegetables and even wines ensures that your food and drinks are healthy and taste better.
- Get involved with an organization: Give back to the community by cleaning up streets, parks and/or rivers. Here at the Volunteer Princess, we share offices with the Fort Loudon Lake Association. Their goal is to make the TN River and Fort Loudon Lake as clean as possible. We do our best to get involved with the many activities they plan. FLLA does great work for the Knoxville River system and deserves all support from local businesses and local patrons of the TN River. Fort Loudon Lake Association
Try to remember these key tips to keep our city a clean place to live, for both you and the local inhabitants here on the Tennessee River.
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Posted by Maggie Nichols on November 21, 2011 at 11:46 AM under
• 0 commentsDate night means different things to everybody. For some, it
may mean a night spent in sweatpants, eating popcorn and watching a movie on
the couch. For others, they may be cooking their significant other a delicious
gourmet meal. To us, date night means going out on the town and having an
enjoyable night together. Lucky for all you couples, Knoxville has never ending ways you can spend
your night out with your honey. 
Go see a play at one of the many great theatre houses here
in Knoxville.
From November 23 – December 18, A
Christmas Carol will be at the Clarence Brown Theatre located on UT
Knoxville’s campus. Visit the theatre web site for dates, times and ticket prices. The WordPlayers will perform Leaving Iowa, a comedy, from November
12-26. Check out http://wordplayers.org/current-season/mainstage-shows/leaving-iowa/
for more information. If you’re looking for powerful music to accompany your
show, head to the Tennessee Theater for a night of opera. Their website lists
upcoming shows, dates, show times and ticket prices. 
All aboard! The Three Rivers Rambler, a steam train here in Knoxville, offers public
train rides down the river. Enjoy a 90 minute ride while you and your
significant other take in the scenery. Celebrate the season with one of the
many Christmas train rides! Visit Three Rivers Rambler for the
train schedule and list of ticket prices.
Were you or your partner blessed with two left feet? How
about ballroom dancing lessons? Academy Ballroom offers fun, affordable classes
for couples. If your idea of fun is something other than a class, try the
Friday night dance parties! Anyone is welcome to come in and show off their
moves on the dance floor. Check out http://www.dancingknox.com/ for more
information.
Join us for a Starlight Cruise on the Volunteer Princess.
You and your prince or princess will spend two and a half hours cruising down
the Tennessee River under the night sky. Live
entertainment, delicious food and gorgeous scenery - what more could you ask
for? We have public dining cruises November through December. Visit our
website for more information. We are also hosting a Second Harvest of East TN Food
Drive. If any cruisers bring in two items Second Harvest needs, the cruise will
receive a free soft drink and refills! 
Lace up your skates and twirl over to the Ice Chalet off
Kingston Pike. The Ice Chalet has group lessons and private lessons for those
who need a little extra help. There are over 15 instructors, and each private
lesson is only $21. Check out the Chalet's site for a schedule of public skating sessions.
Take a cooking class. It may seem cheesy and a total
romantic comedy move, but learning something new with your partner is a great
way to bond. The classes at Glass Bazaar are taught by world-class instructors,
so you’re guaranteed to add a delicious recipe to your book. Visit Glass Bazaar to learn more and to make reservations. Bon appetite!
Remember that Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are only about a
30 minute drive from Knoxville.
If you’re looking for a little adventure, hop in the car and head northeast.
You’ll have plenty of date options when you get there!
Nights spent cuddling on the couch with your sweetie are
fun, but getting out every now and then never hurt anyone. Enjoy your night out
as a couple and remember, as long as you’re together, you’ll be having a great
time!
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Posted by Maggie Nichols on November 11, 2011 at 11:30 AM under
• 0 comments
The
frosty, glistening white months of the winter season provide great times to get
married. This time of year allows brides to be festively creative with their
special day. Here are some particular things to consider when planning your
winter wedding.
For
winter brides, the date is
especially important because many of your guests travel for the holidays. If
your wedding isn’t on Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Year’s Day, be cautious of
setting your date too close to the actual holiday. However, if you’re planning
a Christmas wedding, give your guests extra time to evaluate their holiday
plans. The beginning of December is usually a better time for guests as opposed
to the end. If you give your guests enough time to plan accordingly most will
be able to make it.
The venue throws brides a twist if cold
temperatures are likely. While you may want to hold your ceremony outdoors and
hope for a snowy evening under the twinkling stars, you should consider having an
indoor reception. It’s very difficult for your guests to enjoy your wedding when
they’re forming icicles. Look for banquet halls with adjacent gardens or large
outdoor areas. This way, you can have a starlight celebration outside and head
indoors for some fun in the heat. For example, the Volunteer Princess is an
ideal venue for winter weddings. You and your guests will be indoors (in the
heat) without having to comprise on scenery. Talk about a win/win situation!
Putting
creative touches on the menu gives
you the chance to showcase your style. A unique idea for winter weddings is a
hot chocolate bar. Set up hot chocolate dispensers at one end of the bar, and
have different toppings and garnishes next to it. Whipped cream, chocolate
sprinkles, marshmallows, cinnamon or cinnamon sticks are delicious ways to
dress up hot chocolate. 
Try serving warm cocktails, such as an apple cider
margarita [*see below for the recipe!]. Drinks such as this allow guests to
stay warm while enjoying the party. Also, consider having a soup bar. Soup is a
winter staple; it tastes great and will keep your guests warm inside! Be sure
to have several different kinds available and serve with crackers or toasted
bread. The
majority of your posed pictures are
probably going to be taken outside. With that being said, you should lay out a
plan for the different poses you will capture and who will be in each picture.
Because it will be cold outside, it will be much less painful for you and your
bridal party and are able to get out of the cold as quickly as possible.
Being
prepared for bad weather is crucial
for winter weddings. If a snowstorm were to happen during the ceremony or
reception, you need to have a plan of what your bridal party and guests will
do. Remember, safety first! If ice is likely to be a problem, valet parking is
a great solution. Your guests won’t have to walk far in the cold, and you won’t
have to have an emergency trip to the hospital because someone slipped on ice.
All
weddings cause stress for brides, but if you remember these winter points, you
should be in the clear. Have fun, take pictures and hope for snow (but not too
much…)
* Here is a great recipe for apple cider
margaritas from How Sweet Eats
1 ounce Grand Marnier
1 ounce gold tequila
5-6 ounces sweet apple cider
Orange segments and apple slices
Cinnamon, cane sugar and coarse sugar for the glass rim
Cinnamon sticks for garnish
Add a few spoonfuls of cane sugar, coarse
sugar and cinnamon to a plate. Run an orange segment around the edge of the
glass, then press into the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat the rim. Place a few
orange slices in the bottom of the glass, fill with ice and then add the Grand
Marnier, tequila and apple cider. Stir, then garnish with apple slices and
cinnamon sticks. Enjoy!
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Posted by Maggie Nichols on October 24, 2011 at 12:00 PM under
• 0 commentsFall is here and Halloween is just around the corner. If
you’ve grown tired of trick-or-treating and pumpkin carving, here are some more
exciting ways to celebrate Halloween in Knoxville.
Haunted Knoxville Ghost Tours: Knoxville
is home to several reportedly haunted locations. Take a ghost tour to have a
real paranormal investigator (not
an actor) guide you through Knoxville
to see the haunts for yourself. The walking tour lasts for approximately two
hours, spending around 15 minutes at each haunted spot. Reservations are
required, so visit Knox Ghost Tour for tour dates and times.
Scare in the Square:
If you’re looking for Halloween fun the whole family can enjoy, head to Market Square on
Friday, October 28 for Slamdot’s 3rd annual Scare in the Square. It
lasts from 5:30-9:00 p.m. and admission is free. There will be live music and
performances, costume and pumpkin carving contests, face painting and fortune
telling. An assortment of creepy critters from the Knoxville Zoo is scheduled
to make an appearance, as well. Food
will available from Bread of Heaven BBQ, Scooter Doo’s Hot Dogs and Rita’s
Italian Ice, so be sure to come hungry! For anyone with an abnormally large
sweet tooth, the candy crawl is going to hit the spot. For more information, check out
Scare in the Square.
Boo Cruise on the Volunteer Princess: If you are 21 or
older, join us for a Boo Cruise on October 31 from 9-11 p.m. Hosted by Star
102.1, it’s sure to be a fun-filled night with eerie surprises at every turn.
Guests should plan to arrive in costume and enjoy two hours of cruising down
the Tennessee River while snacking on
delicious food from Wild Wing Café. Please see Star 102.1 for a spooky night on the river!
Freaky Friday Fright Nite: Farragut will be hosting its 15th
annual Freaky Friday Fright Nite on Friday, October 28 from 5 – 7 p.m. Children ages 12 and under are invited to
Mayor Bob Leonard Park for trick-or-treating, cookie decorating and games.
Proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House, so you’ll be having fun for a good
cause. Don’t forget your costume! To learn more, visit Town of Farragut.
Dead Man’s Farm: Dead Man’s Farm is home to the only Haunted
House in Knoxville
that is proven “truly haunted.” You and
a group of 10-12 others will take a self-guided tour through a house of
werewolves, gypsies and any other haunts you could imagine. Children 12 and
under must have parental supervision. Chicken runs are available for those who
can’t handle the fear! Are you brave enough? Find out at Dead Man's Farm.
Oakes Farm: Oakes Farm offers the best of both worlds with a
corn maze and a Trail of Doom (the haunted version). Those looking for a
scare-free challenge should test their luck in the corn maze. The maze is an
intricate design that will test even the most logical minds. The goal is to
find each of the 12 hidden posts throughout the maze, and then find the exit.
Those who want a little fear with their fun should embark on the Trail of Doom.
The Trail of Doom is Knoxville’s
largest and longest running haunted attraction and uses special effects, actors
and props to frighten its visitors. For days and times of operation, visit Oakes Farm.
So whether you choose to take the kids to Bob
Leonard Park for trick-or-treating or try your luck on the Trail of Doom, your
Halloween should be one to remember. Take pictures, enjoy the beautiful weather
and eat enough candy to last you until next year!
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Posted by Meghan Slater on October 17, 2011 at 11:14 AM under
• 0 commentsThis blog has taken away my Monday blues, and hopefully,
will lift your ghoulish spirit for this season!
I love autumn and everything that comes with it: the smell
of hot tea and the warmth it brings, the colorful cardigans brought out from
storage, grandmother’s home cooking and the shades of the leaves (especially
around here at the Princess; it’s such a beautiful site).
But, especially, I love the treats!
Lately, I’ve had some free time on my hands to search for
the latest trends in Halloween treats. I’m going to try to push for Beverly (if you don't know her, see crew page; she's our great VP) to add these on
our Halloween Star 102.1 Boocruise menu.
Star 102.1 Boocruise
If not, I think I’ll just make the entire crew come in and
make them with me. Mauahaha. Just kidding…maybe.
These are a few great ideas you should try yourself!
Of course, I will start with a cake! This Chocolate Pumpkin Cake says “Big Orange” and adds a touch of mystery with the dark chocolate
glaze running over the sides.
Chocolate Pumpkin Cake
Rice Krispies treats never go out of style. The gooey,
melted marshmallows will always bring an air of your childhood back to you.
With these pumpkin twists, it’s a fun way to create an edible jack o’ lantern.
Pumpkin Rice Krispies
Easy-peasy, orange squeezy. No, this treat has nothing to do
with oranges, but it IS amazingly simply and I want one now. Oreos are dipped
in whatever chocolate your taste buds crave at the time, decorated with
Halloween candy.
Oreo Pops
Want to stay on the healthy side? Obviously, I
found an alternative for all of us watching our treat-eating this season…or
trying to watch. You can add anything you want in these mini lanterns, but
I suggest sticking with the fruit salad.
Alright, I know these aren’t technically labeled as a
Halloween treat, but you can decorate any kind of face on these cupcakes. Think
of it as a nice little monster. Be careful though, if I was making them, most
of the ingredients would be in my stomach by the time the cupcakes cool off!
Little Monster Cupcakes
If you don’t have time to bake and make, just go with a
simple candy dish as this one. It’s festive and easy (to eat).
Halloween Candy Jar
By no means are we saying you should try just these recipes.
There is a whole world of bloggers and food enthusiasts who create wonderful,
seasonal treats. If you have any ideas of what we should try on the yacht, by
all means, let us know!
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Posted by Maggie Nichols on October 14, 2011 at 11:09 AM under
• 0 commentsThrowing
a great party for all of your friends is fun and exciting. Making your party
one to remember can take some serious creativity; creativity, which, let’s be
honest, doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Here is how you can be sure to wow
your friends: put a unique spin on every aspect of the party.
Venue: Your
friends have been to your house plenty of times. Try somewhere new! Knoxville is an amazing
city that has many different places perfect for private parties. - Rent
out a section of your favorite restaurant
- Host your
party at an outdoor location, such as World’s Fair Park
- Take
your party to the water and host an event on the Volunteer Princess yacht
- Host
your part at a traditional Knoxville
landmark that doubles as an elegant and exciting party venue, for example, the
Sunsphere
Anything that is new to your friends is surely
going to be a good time.
Theme: A
great way to wow your friends is to host a themed party. Incorporate your theme
through entertainment, party activities, decorations, food, music, etc. Here
are great party theme: - Decades
- Hollywood or Las Vegas
- Luau
- Fiesta
- Black
Tie
- Under
the Sea
You
get the idea! If your group of friends has a favorite movie, try hosting a
party themed after the film. This is always a good call you can invite your
guests to show up in themed costumes!
Entertainment:
Having extra entertainment available is always a good idea. Hire a live band or
a DJ to get your party rockin’ and rolllin’. Other live acts can be a blast as
well; stand up comedians and magicians do private events for great prices. You
could also have party activities to keep your guests entertained: games, a
scavenger hunt, karaoke and contests are always a hit.
Food: The
food is one of the most important aspects of your party. There are many options
to offer: snacks, heavy hors d’oeuvres or a full course meal. The food is
another great way to incorporate your theme. If your budget allows it, have
your party catered. The food will be delicious and it will take a lot of work
off your shoulders. Don’t forget about dessert; instead of having a typical
cake, try a cupcake stand, fondue station or sundae bar!
Decorations: Theme!
Theme! Theme! No theme? Decorations can still liven up a party and make it a
really special event. Balloons, signs, pictures, streamers and other décor ensures
your guests are in party mode.
Don’t
forget the details! Often it’s the little aspects of a party that count.
Handing out party favors to your guests as they leave gives them a way to
remember your party. Sending home extra food always makes happy guests, too!
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Posted by Maggie Nichols on September 12, 2011 at 9:41 AM under
• 1 commentIn Tennessee,
college football is a way of life. It comes as no surprise that fans come from
all over the region just to tailgate before heading to Neyland Stadium!
Whether you’ve been to every home
football game since brith or you’re planning your first trip, here are five places
with the greatest atmosphere to tailgate in Knoxville.
The Strip
The Strip,
home to dozens of shops, restaurants and bars, is electric on game day. Cumberland Avenue
turns into a river of orange and white, and “Rocky Top” can be heard from every
passing vehicle. People tailgate at almost every establishment on The Strip;
inside, in the parking lot or even in the backyard! The Strip is a Vol fan’s
paradise and is a must-do for everyone in Knoxville
on game day.
The Vol Navy
Knoxville is
home to the SEC’s only tailgate on the water. Boats of all shapes and sizes
line the River Walk to form the Vol Navy. If
you own a boat, you should definitely dock it here for the weekend and enjoy
some floating tailgating fun. If you don’t have a boat of your own, make
friends with someone who does! (Just kidding…kind of).
Dead End BBQ
Dead End BBQ
has recently become a new hot spot for pre and post game tailgates. Located on Southerland Avenue,
Dead End has an outdoor patio that can be rented out by private parties. The
patio fits around 35 people and has a large flat screen TV, perfect for keeping
up with games all over the country. Inside there is the Midas party room that
can also be reserved for groups around 25. Dead End BBQ was voted Tennessee’s Best BBQ in
2010, so arrive hungry and be ready for a party!
Calhoun's on the River
Calhoun's on the River is a favorite of long-time Vol fans. Calhoun’s accommodates any size crowd: the
upstairs alone can sit up to 400 people! The scenery can’t be beat; Calhoun’s
offers a beautiful view of the Tennessee River.
If you’re looking for a classic venue to take your friends for game day fun,
look no further!
The Volunteer Princes Yacht
If just being on the water for the Vol
Navy or watching the river from the sidelines isn’t enough, try a “sailgate” with Volunteer Princess Cruises and spend a few hours cruising
down the Tennessee River. With a fully-stocked
cash bar and delicious hors d’oeuvres, the Volunteer Princess yacht is a great
place to host your party before the game. The entire boat is air-conditioned,
so no need to tailgate in the heat! Whether you want to join a public tailgate
or you want to host your own, VPC is always the best party on the water.
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Posted by Meghan Slater on August 19, 2011 at 11:20 AM under
• 0 commentsThere are so many details that go into party planning,
especially for birthdays. One of the biggest celebrations in a child’s life is
their Sweet 16. It is a milestone in a person’s life, symbolizing a step into
adulthood and freedom on the road. It’s a scary thought for the entire community, but it will happen. At
least you already know the date 16 years in advance, right?
Lately, I’ve been updating our Sweet 16 party themes. Themes are a great start to every event. They give basic outlines of the
night, but the challenge is not the theme. The challenge is the customization
of every individual's birthday because they, in fact, really are special. They have
friends and relatives wanting to celebrate their great day in a great way!
So customization, I’ve learned, is key to any party and
event. One girl may like pinks and purples, while another may like reds and
blues. One boy love chocolate and fruit and another is completely
allergic. This makes it fun for us at the Volunteer Princess to keep searching
for ideas and plans to give families a head start to their customizable
celebrations.
Here are our new Sweet 16 parties on the map:
- Fire and Ice
- Black and White Formal
- Vegas Vacation
How would you change up a few of our basic ideas to show
your own personality? It’s fun to think about. Get started!
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