Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, this vibrant city combines scenic natural surroundings with a rich and storied past. Its blend of outdoor adventure, culture, and Southern hospitality makes it an appealing destination for a wide range of travelers.
Knoxville has evolved significantly since the days of James White, growing into a modern and diverse city with plenty to explore. Visitors can sample flavorful Southern cuisine, discover local museums, or venture into the nearby mountains for outdoor recreation.
The city caters to couples, families, and food lovers alike, offering many affordable attractions and kid-friendly activities. After dark, downtown comes alive with restaurants, entertainment, and performances at venues such as the historic Tennessee Theatre.
East Tennessee History Center
Showcasing the rich history of the region, the East Tennessee History Center brings the events of yore to life. Through the array of exhibits and programs, you can take a journey back three centuries to the foundation years of Tennessee, learning about the key events that helped to shape the Volunteer State.
The history center has won several awards for the quality of its displays. Despite what has been a complex history, the East Tennessee History Center does a wonderful job of making the displays accessible for kids. With everyone engaged, it makes it so much easier to immerse yourself in the 300 years of history. If you’ve arrived in August, come by to experience the East Tennessee History Fair.
Tennessee Theatre
The historic Tennessee Theatre was immediately beloved by residents upon opening in 1928. A marvelous piece of Spanish-Moorish architecture features a beautiful facade and an intricate interior of ornate Czech chandeliers, a classic terrazzo floor and detailed drapes. The theatre was later added to the National Register of Historic Places while earning the title as the Official State Theatre of Tennessee.
Over the years, it lost some of its characteristic style, but was restored in 2005. Today, you can experience the Tennessee Theatre much as it was in the Roaring 20s. Settle in for a night of off-Broadway performances, vintage movies, and music ranging from classical to rock. Speaking of classical music, the theatre is the home of the Knoxville symphony Orchestra and the Knoxville Opera.
Old City
A historic district in Knoxville, the Old City, is one of the most interesting parts of town to explore on foot. During the day you can wander by beautiful architecture, especially at the juncture of Central Street and Jackson Avenue, to get a look into the city’s storied past and diverse culture.
At night, the cozy cafes and art galleries make way for a vibrant nightlife with an enviable selection of local restaurants to pick from, along with bars and a fantastic live music scene that lights up the Old City.
House Mountain State Natural Area
Just ten minutes from downtown Knoxville, residents and visitors don’t have to venture far from some hiking and time among nature. Featuring the tallest peak in Knox County, the natural area has many trails coursing through, some of which lead to wondrous views that will have you feeling a world away from civilization. The three main trails connect at various points, allowing you to easily explore the park.
The good news is that House Mountain, which gained its name by having two roof-like summits, is a year-round destination. There’s plenty of shade along the trails in the summer while the blooming wildflowers in the winter add further beauty to a captivating landscape.
James White Fort
Thanks to his efforts in the Revolutionary War, James White received a land grant of 1000 acres. He then embarked on an expedition to find the site that would eventually become the capital of the then Southwest Territory and later Knoxville itself. The two-story James White Fort was built in 1786. Almost two centuries later, it was reconstructed in downtown Knoxville and is open to visitors.
Today you can explore the historic building and discover what frontier life was all about through cooking, spinning, and blacksmithing. All around the fort are also exhibits explaining the development of Knoxville. Finally, the James White Fort features an open house at Christmas and a variety of ghost tours.
World’s Fair Park
In 1982, the old Knoxville fairgrounds played host to the World’s Fair. Since that day, the land has been known as World’s Fair Park and continues to be a wonderful place to bring your partner or spend the day as a family. The public park still features two structures from the famous fair, the Sunsphere and the Tennessee Amphitheater.
From the Sunsphere observation deck, you can take in the spectacular views of the nearby Great Smoky Mountains and the surging Tennessee River. From there you can embark on a stroll down the accessible walkways by gorgeous constructed lakes and flowing streams. Along with the Tennessee Amphitheater, several spacious lawns host a variety of concerts and theater shows.
Ijams Nature Center
For over a hundred years, residents of Knoxville have been exploring the sprawling wildlife sanctuary. The center was created by Harry Ijams, who had a vision for a bird refuge. Over time, it has developed and grown into a well-rounded reserve featuring an environmental learning center. Just three miles out of downtown Knoxville, you can explore the expansive Ijams Nature Center via a series of trails and boardwalks that showcase the beautiful environment.
Begin at the visitor center where you can grab a map and plan out your day. Aside from the ten miles of walking trails, you can venture out onto Mead’s Quarry Lake aboard a canoe or standup paddleboard. Or head up the cliff-side at one of the few natural rock climbing sites around Knoxville.
Market Square
In the 1860s, a part of Knoxville that would go on to be the cultural hub of the town opened. Market Square is a historic open-air center lined with restaurants, cafes, boutique shops and bars. Attracting a large number of residents and visitors alike, the square also purveys a sense of festivity. Market Square hosts a variety of events from concerts and movies, to live Shakespeare.
One of the top attractions in the square and at the forefront of the Nourish Knoxville project is the Market Square Farmers Market. The market helps to foster a mutually beneficial relationship between farmers, artisans and the Knoxville community. Here you can browse the many stalls selling seasonal produce, bakery treats and craftwork, with each item or food connected directly to the vendor.