A lively Southern city with a historic Old City district, active music scene, and strong sports culture. Gateway to the Smoky Mountains and home to the University of Tennessee.
Knoxville, situated in the Tennessee Valley, is a city where you can hike through an urban wilderness in the morning and attend a Broadway show in the evening. As the home of the University of Tennessee and a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville draws visitors with its lively Market Square, the iconic Sunsphere, and over 50 miles of trails within city limits.
Exploring Downtown Knoxville
Market Square forms the core of downtown Knoxville. Here, you can shop at local boutiques, dine at various eateries, or relax on a bench while watching street performers. A few blocks away stands the Tennessee Theatre, a 1920s movie palace now hosting concerts, shows, and classic film screenings.
University of Tennessee Campus
The University of Tennessee's main campus occupies a significant part of Knoxville. You can walk through the grounds, visit the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, or join over 100,000 fans at Neyland Stadium for a Volunteers football game.
Outdoor Activities in the Urban Wilderness
Knoxville's Urban Wilderness spans 1,000 acres south of the Tennessee River. It includes over 50 miles of multi-use trails connecting parks, historic sites, and recreational areas. You can hike, bike, climb, or paddle without leaving the city. At Ijams Nature Center, part of the Urban Wilderness, you'll find additional trails, a quarry for swimming, and programs about local ecology.
Knoxville's Food Scene
Knoxville's restaurants range from traditional Southern eateries to innovative farm-to-table establishments. For breakfast, try local favorites like biscuits and gravy. The city also has a growing craft beer scene. The Old City neighborhood is particularly active with its variety of dining options and nightlife.
Music and Festivals
Knoxville hosts several major festivals throughout the year. The Big Ears Festival in March brings experimental musicians from around the world. In June, the Knoxville Brewfest showcases local and regional craft breweries. Throughout the year, you can enjoy live music at various venues across the city.
Historical Sites
To learn about Knoxville's past, visit some of its preserved historical sites. Blount Mansion, built in the 1790s, was home to William Blount, a signer of the U.S. Constitution. The James White Fort is a reconstruction of the 1780s home of Knoxville's founder. These sites, along with Mabry-Hazen House and Crescent Bend, illustrate Knoxville's development from a frontier settlement to a modern city.
The Sunsphere and World's Fair Park
The Sunsphere, a 266-foot steel truss structure with a gold-colored glass sphere, is Knoxville's most recognizable landmark. Built for the 1982 World's Fair, it now has an observation deck with views of the city. The surrounding World's Fair Park hosts concerts and festivals. On hot summer days, children often play in the park's interactive fountains.
Getting Around Knoxville
While a car is useful for exploring the wider area, you can easily walk or bike around downtown Knoxville. The free Knoxville Trolley connects many downtown attractions and the University of Tennessee campus. For longer trips, Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) buses cover most of the city. If you plan day trips to nearby places like the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Oak Ridge, consider renting a car.
