Knoxville is East Tennessee’s gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains and a city with a deep musical, industrial, and civic history. Settled in 1786, it played roles in the Women’s Suffrage Movement, the Manhattan Project region, and Civil Rights sit‑ins. Today it’s a lively hub for Appalachian music, craft, and outdoor adventure, and an easy base for day trips to Oak Ridge, Loudon, and Roane.
What to do
– Sunsphere: The 1982 World’s Fair tower with a fourth‑floor observation deck offering 360‑degree views of Knoxville and the Smokies.
– Live music: Catch the Blue Plate Special, a free live‑recording bluegrass/Americana radio show at the Visit Knoxville visitors center that has showcased regional and national acts.
– East Tennessee Historical Society and Museum: Exhibits on local music, crafts, cuisine, and culture, including memorabilia like an early Dolly Parton ensemble and women’s suffrage pennants.
– Ijams Nature Center: A former quarry turned outdoor playground with hiking and biking trails, kayaking, a high ropes course, and seasonal swimming.
– Tennessee River and outdoor recreation: Kayaking, trails, and urban‑wilderness experiences throughout the city.
– Makers and studios: Visit spots like Pretentious Glass Company, an Old City glassblowing studio that doubles as a craft brewery serving beer in the glassware made on site.
– Market Square farmers market: A weekly gathering of local farmers and prepared‑food vendors—great for experiencing local produce and community life.
– Central Cinema: The city’s beloved arthouse theater for indie and classic films.
Day trips
– Oak Ridge (“Secret City”): History tied to the Manhattan Project and a family‑friendly science museum.
– Loudon: Picturesque downtown with antique shops and cafés along the Lakeway to the Smokies.
– Roane County: Historic frontier sites such as Fort Southwest Point.
Where to eat
Knoxville’s culinary scene draws on Appalachian traditions and a network of local provisioners, with chefs often trained by nearby Blackberry Farm. Options range from casual local favorites to James Beard–level dining.
– JC Holdway: A James Beard–winning, regionally focused farm‑to‑table restaurant. Consider the chef’s tasting menu or à la carte dishes such as Benton’s bacon bolognese, and explore a deep bourbon selection.
– Potchke Deli / Potchke Bagel: Eastern European deli classics—borscht, matzoh ball soup, babka—and a second location and bagel shop where hand‑rolled bagels are piled with house‑made pastrami.
– Lilou: From the team behind Brother Wolf, Lilou is a Belle Époque–inspired French bistro with croissants and crepes for breakfast and a robust wine list for evening sharing plates like escargot, duck confit, and curated cheeses by the maitre fromager.
– The Tomato Head: A longtime Market Square staple offering pizzas, salads, and sandwiches made with quality ingredients—family friendly and accommodating to various diets.
– Cruze Farm: A retro‑charm ice cream shop sourcing dairy directly from its namesake farm, serving rotating flavors, milkshakes, and floats.
– Tennessee Whiskey Trail: Knoxville hosts several stops on the trail for anyone interested in Tennessee whiskey.
Where to stay
Knoxville’s lodging is a mix of national chains and a growing boutique hotel scene that leans into local character.
– The Oliver Hotel: In Market Square, set in an 1876 bakery building, with an art‑filled lobby, local gift shop, coffee, on‑site restaurant Oliver Royale, and Peter Kern Library speakeasy for literary‑themed cocktails and VIP entry for guests.
– Hotel Cleo: A pied‑à‑terre–style boutique above Lilou with 16 residentially styled rooms, high ceilings, and Parisian apartment–inspired design.
– Graduate Knoxville: A school‑spirited hotel steeped in University of Tennessee culture—boat check‑in, Saloon 16 bar, Rocky Top touches throughout and family rooms with rustic bunk setups.
– RT Lodge (Maryville): About 30 minutes south near the airport, this historic home‑turned‑inn has mountain‑vibe rooms, complimentary breakfast, common spaces for games, and The Morningside Room bar.
Why go
Knoxville balances city life with easy access to the Smokies, offering music, history, outdoor recreation, farm‑to‑table dining, craft makers, and approachable boutique hotels. Whether you’re exploring Appalachian roots, paddling the Tennessee River, sampling local whiskey, or using the city as a base for nearby historic towns, Knoxville rewards repeat visits with new discoveries.
