Planning a trip to Knoxville? As someone who has grown up in this city, I’ll give you local insights on the 15 best things to do in Knoxville. From what areas to go, things to see, and places to eat/drink. I also provide some pro tips about some of the activities and places. This city has so much charm and southern hospitality – you won’t run out of things to do.
About
Knoxville is known for being in close proximity to The Smoky Mountains National Park, but there is so much nature within the city that you don’t have to leave.
It is also home to the flagship state university – The University of Tennessee and their SEC football team the Tennessee Volunteers. The city, as they say, bleeds orange.
Some History
Knoxville’s claim to fame was hosting the 1982 World’s Fair. A newspaper article came out questioning why a “scruffy” city like Knoxville would host such a prestigious event and Knoxvillians have taken what was supposed to be an insult with pride. They have reclaimed it and you will see scruffy city references all over Knoxville.
The city is also nicknamed Marble City for its high distribution of marble in the 1920’s. This is the reason for so many quarries in the area. Although it’s not actual marble, the “marble” here is crystalline limestone, which resembles marble and is abundant in the area. Some of Knoxville’s “marble” can be found in the Lincoln Memorial in D.C. as well as Grand Central Station in NYC.
1. South Knoxville
South Knoxville or SoKno is an up and coming area that feels true to the local vibe of Knoxville. It’s best known for Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness which has hundreds of miles of trails, greenways, bike paths, and more. Sevier Avenue is the road that hosts a majority of the local breweries, restaurants, and coffee shops that locals love. It is off to the side of downtown Knoxville. Right by the Tennessee River, it is a very calm area. Here are some places people love:
- Breweries: Alliance Brewery, South Side Garage, and HI-Wire Brewery
- Restaurants: Angry Dumplings, South Coast Pizza, The Landing House, and SoKno Tacos
- Coffee shops: Honeybee and CommonPlace
2. Ijams Nature Center and Quarry
Ijams connects with Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness. It is an environmental education center where you can hike, bike, swim, paddle, climb, exercise and play at.
The Quarry is across the street from Ijams and here you can rent paddle boards or kayaks and go around the water, you can also just jump straight in and swim. If you walk further back along the quarry you will find an outdoor gym where you can test your strength on some of the natural equipment. Also bring your own top rope / bouldering pad and go outdoor rock climbing or bouldering.
Pro tip: In the summer, parking can be very limited so carpool or get there early to beat the crowds and get a parking spot!
3. Market Square
Market Square is the heart of Knoxville. It has an abundance of restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Here you can find the Tennessee Theater, festivals, outdoor concerts, local breweries and more. On Saturdays in the summer they have a farmers market that has a wide variety of produce, crafts, and food from local vendors.
Pro tip: Cruz Farm is a local dairy farm that has an ice cream store right by Market Square that everyone loves.
4. Old City
Old City is walking distance from Market Square. This neighborhood is a bit more of an alternative vibe with still lots of great restaurants, shops, distilleries, and murals. It’s called Old City because the city kept a lot of the historic architecture, giving it the old timey feel.
5. Sunsphere and World’s Fair Park
As a symbol of the World’s Fair, Knoxville created the Sunsphere as a historical landmark of the event. It is a hexagonal steel structure with a glass ball on top. You can go up to the top and it serves as an observational deck to view the city. There is a restaurant up top and some people get married in it.
Right below the Sunsphere is Worlds Fair Park and you guessed it, it is where the World’s Fair was hosted.
6. Kerns Food Hall
Kerns used to be a production bakery that was running from 1931-1989. It became a Knoxville landmark, but was eventually out of production and abandoned for years before renovating into Kerns Food Hall. They kept a lot of the historical elements that made this building unique. Inside you will find plenty of local shops, restaurants, and places to drink. They also have an outdoor lawn where they have concerts and events.
7. Bike Third Creek Greenway
Third Creek Greenway is a 7+ mile greenway that starts in Bearden and goes through downtown, UT campus, and along the waterways. It is a popular trail that will give you a good view and taste of everything Knoxville has to offer.
8. Knoxville Art Museum
This FREE art museum is located downtown and focuses on historical and contemporary art with a focus on artists from regional Appalachia. It is a great way to spend a rainy or cold day!
9. Walk around the local parks
Of course you are ~ 45 mins from The Smoky Mountains National Park, but there are SO many local parks to hike and walk right in Knoxville. Some of my favorites include:
- Lakeshore Park: This used to be a mental health institute, but the city converted it into a park while preserving some of its history. It is a LARGE park with lots of hilly paths, play grounds, and sports fields.
- Concord Park Trails: Located in West Knoxville, this park has multiple different loop trails you can take. You’re alongside Sinking Creek and feel deep in the woods, when in reality you’re right by civilization.
- I.C. King Park: 8.25 miles of trails that make you feel like you’re hiking. The hilly terrain also attracts a lot of mountain bikers.
- Sequoyah Hills Park: Sequoyah Hills Park is close to downtown. It is a part of a neighborhood with beautiful and historic houses along the Tennessee River. Walking around the neighborhood and looking at all the unique houses is so fun.
10. Catch a show at Mill & Mine
Mill and Mine is a renovated brick concert and event venue in downtown Knoxville. It has a variety of local concerts, comedy shoes, and events. It has a cool vibe to spend the evening.
Marble City Market is right next door – this is another food hall hosting a variety of local restaurants to Knoxville.
11. Volunteer Landing Docks
Volunteer Landing is the perfect place to go on walk or jog along the Tennessee River. The 7 mile boardwalk gives great views to the multiple bridges in the city as well. During football season, it turns into the “Vol Navy” where football fans come tailgate, but in their boats.
12.Play disc golf at the multiple courses
Knoxville has no shortage of disc golf parks. With 16 different courses grab some discs and it’s a great way to spend an afternoon soaking up the sun.
Some of my favorites are Admiral Farragut Park and Clayton Disc Golf Course. Clayton’s is HUGE with 18 holes and it is mostly wooded – making it a nice way to be in nature.
13. Maple Hall Bowling
Right downtown on Gay Street is Maple Hall Bowling. It has an old time feel, that you can get a cocktail, food, and watch TV at. It’s a cozy way to spend an afternoon or evening with friends.
14. U.T. Botanical Gardens
The UT Botanical Gardens is a free way to enjoy and appreciate nature within downtown. It is maintained by the University and there is a lot of signage where you can learn about native plant species.
15. Search through McKays
McKays is a massive used book store – it also has used board games, records, video games, CD’s DVD’s, and more. It’s fun to go around to the different genres and see what you can find.
