Set in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Eastern Tennessee’s largest city is home to over 850,000 residents, the University of Tennessee and some pretty cool things to see!
Holding the most visited National Park’s closest airport, Knoxville can act as a starting base for many trips, but missing out on this eccentric southern city would be a crime. With a bustling food scene, passion for the outdoors and endless southern charm, here are some of the best things to do in the Knoxville area.
Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary
About an hour outside City Center, this abandoned penitentiary is straight out of a horror film. Nestled in a valley and surrounded by mountains, the first impression of the site is through an old guard tower, guarded by barbed wire fencing. The building was used as Tennessee’s maximum security prison for around 150 years before closing in 2009. Walking around the old jail was cool, but the scariest part were the signs warning of snakes living inside the crumbling walls. The self-guided tour visits rows of cells, the old dining room, an overgrown rec-room and even gives visitors a chance to experience ‘solitary confinement!’ Surprisingly, the brewery and cafe on site were pretty good too.
Sharp’s Ridge Trail
A 5.4 mile adventure, this trail winds around Sharp’s Ridge just north of downtown. It’s a pretty trek through the woods, providing views of Knoxville’s skyline framed by the Smoky Mountains in glimpses through leaves and on built out overlooks. There is a road that runs the length of the ridge, with parking available on each end of the trail. Much of the trail is shaded as it winds up and down the hill.
Market Square
The heart of the city, Market Square is lined by a number of boutique shops and cool restaurants. Stock & Barrel has the best (and most impressive) burgers you can find in the city, with the endless creative combinations of toppings. Mahalo Coffee Roasters brings a Hawaiian twist to your morning coffee, definitely try the Coconut Mocha. The Dolly Parton mural in the alley between the square and Gay Street is also worth a stop. Early summer nights bring firefly emulated lights above the square, where a bi-weekly farmer’s market is held (Wednesdays and Saturdays.)
World’s Fair Park
The Eiffel Tower is to Paris as the Sunspehere is to Knoxville. Standing 260 feet tall, it’d be hard to find something more distinctly Knoxville than the golden orb hovering above the fountains. The structure (like the Eiffel Tower) was built for the 1982 World’s Fair which, shockingly, was held in Knoxville. For $5, you can tour the observation deck, but you’re probably more likely to see Bigfoot than an “open” sign in the window! The park also has summer shows on an outdoor stage, the Knoxville Museum of Art and the city’s Convention Center.
Bordering the park is The Tennessean, {my opinionated} Knoxville’s star hotel. This luxuriously modern property “personalizes experiences to create a uniquely Eastern Tennessee experience.” The gorgeous hotel gets my recommendation as your ‘home base’ for East Tennessee’s metropolis.
Ijams Nature Center
This park has EVERYTHING! Pretty river views? Yes! Mountain views? Yep! A QUARRY to swim in? YES! Less than three miles from downtown, this urban escape proves Knoxville’s love of the outdoors. Divided by Island Home Pike (road), each half has a unique experience. The eastern side has a small nature center and trails that lead to the Tennessee River. Along the river, they converge onto a boardwalk that parallels the shore, until reaching a cave! The western side is more visited, with a turquoise filled Mead’s Quarry. The western trails snake around the quarry climbing a ridge and peaking at a stunning view of the water with the Smokies looming behind. The quarry waters are perfect for swimming, floating, or kayaking. The western trails continue past the quarry to an abandoned marble one and onward to a popular rock scrambling cliff, finishing in a nearby neighborhood.
Sequoyah Park
Sequoyah Hills is one of Knoxville’s poshest neighborhoods, which makes this classy riverside park right at home. This large green space is the perfect place for an evening walk along the river. The Cherokee Bluffs opposite the park are pretty cool too.
I will contest, this isn’t the greatest thing to do in Knoxville, but I had a very pleasant walk. Also a firefly landed on my finger… it was pretty cool!
Old City
OLD CITY! Out of ‘urban Knoxville’, this is my favorite neighborhood. Old City has retained much of the city’s past architecture and charm and is the hub Knox’s food scene. OliBea’s is probably the best breakfast you’ll find in the city, promising “a steaming cup of coffee and a smiling face to send you on off to work or play.” The shiny new Marble City Market has 12 vendors, all worth a visit. A Dopo Sourdough Pizza is commonly regarded as the city’s best pizza, but with a sourdough crust are we really surprised?
Oak Ridge
This city 20 miles west of Knoxville served as a “secret city” during the development of the nuclear bomb. It was home to 75,000 residents who helped keep the city hidden. Built by the government, everyone who lived here worked on the nuclear bomb in some way, shape or form. The city houses one of the three Manhattan Project National Historic Sites, the American Museum of Science and Energy, the Y-12 History Center and a ton of historical sites that helped build the bomb. I didn’t visit them, but the Cherokee Caverns are right on the outskirts of town.
Wild Love Bakehouse
On the outskirts of downtown, this is one of my favorite bakeries I have EVER been to! A popular place, they will often sell out – so go early! Ordering online is also available, so you can guarantee a pastry. My favorites were the chocolate chip cookie, the chocolate croissant, and the hand tarts (homemade PopTarts!) A large window peeks into the kitchen, where you can watch the pastries being made. Plan accordingly, the bakery is closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Gay Street
The “Main Street” of Knoxville, is home to a number of my favorite Knoxvillian things. Cruze Farms Dairy is THE BEST ICE CREAM EVER. I literally dream of their sweet cream swirled with Fruity Pebble ice cream. The Five Thirty Rooftop Lounge provides an elevated Knoxville experience. The murals lining the street are really cool photo opportunities. The easy access to the river is also nice for a waterside walk.
And there you have it! It won’t take much for the charm of this city to win you over. Make sure to make the short trek over the National Park while you’re in the area. Enjoy your Knoxville adventure!
Turquoise Skies 