Knoxville

Introduction

Nestled within the Appalachian Mountains along the banks of the Tennessee River, you will find Knoxville serving as the seat of Knox County. This prominent regional hub offers a gateway to the surrounding mountain landscape and sits in the heart of East Tennessee.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit by noting that Knoxville sits along the Tennessee River, located a short drive from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. You will find a vibrant atmosphere in the downtown area, where Gay Street and Market Square host active sidewalk cafes, theaters, and night clubs. The nearby University of Tennessee campus is within walking distance of the city center, separated only by World's Fair Park. While you explore, look for the Sunsphere on the skyline as a remnant of the 1982 World's Fair, and keep an eye out for "Big Orange" colors that represent the local collegiate athletic scene year-round.

To ensure a smooth trip, follow standard safety precautions such as locking your vehicle and keeping valuables out of sight. You should exercise extra caution when navigating low-income areas downtown or when parking in the Old City area near the mission district. Additionally, avoid the area around University and Fifth after dark.

Getting there

You can fly into the region at McGhee Tyson Airport, located a few miles south of downtown in nearby Blount County. The airport offers non-stop flights connecting you to numerous cities across the country, including destinations such as Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and New York.

If you prefer to travel by road, Interstate 75 and Interstate 40 converge in the middle of Knoxville via Interstate 275. For those traveling by bus, national service is available through Greyhound, while Megabus provides routes from cities like Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and Nashville. You can also reach the city by boat along the Tennessee River, which is navigable all the way to the Gulf of Mexico.

Getting around

While finding parking is generally easy throughout the city, you may find it more difficult to secure a spot downtown or near the University of Tennessee. While walking is convenient in the downtown area, most major roads elsewhere are not designed for pedestrians or cyclists. In the outer reaches of the city, where sidewalks are scarce and bus service is infrequent, traveling by car is your best option.

You can navigate the city using Knoxville Area Transit (KAT), which operates a fleet of buses—some powered by alternative fuels—equipped with bicycle racks. A modern terminal serves as the hub for these services, which include special routes for events and a downtown trolley that runs during business hours. For those preferring to cycle or walk, a growing system of paved greenways connects suburbs like Sequoyah Hills and Island Home to the downtown area. You can explore the leafy side streets of the pedestrian-friendly Sequoyah Hills neighborhood or utilize various dedicated paths, such as the Third Creek Greenway, the Jean Teague Greenway, and the Cavet Station Greenway.

Where to stay

Depending on your needs and budget, you can find various accommodations across the city. For a mid-range stay, you can choose between an extended-stay option featuring fully equipped kitchens and balcony views, or a location near the airport that offers an outdoor pool and breakfast. You might also prefer staying in the downtown area at a property providing convenient parking.

If you are looking for a more luxurious experience, you can find upscale options situated in the heart of the city. These locations offer amenities such as complimentary WiFi to enhance your stay while exploring the local area.

Food & drink

Explore a wide range of dining options in Knoxville by looking beyond the major chains to find local favorites. You can enjoy New York-style pizza and Italian offerings at Elidio's Pizza or visit M&M Catering for melt-in-your-mouth barbeque. For those seeking hearty fare, Jacob's Restaurant and Grill serves up fantastic burgers and deli sandwiches, while Litton's Restaurant offers robustly flavored patties and a variety of baked goods prepared fresh daily. If you prefer a more casual atmosphere with veggie-friendly salads, sandwiches, and pizza, Tomato Head is a local favorite.

For meat lovers, several establishments specialize in high-quality cuts:

• Aubrey's serves fresh seafood, steaks, and salads.
• Calhoun's offers ribs and operates a microbrewery at its locations.
• The Chop House provides a warm environment for steaks and chops.
• Connors Steak & Seafood features dry-aged steaks and fresh seafood.
• Ye Olde Steakhouse is one of the city's oldest and most popular spots for steak.

The local drink scene is diverse, with many options in the Market Square and Old City areas. You can find several styles of beer at Downtown Grill and Brewery, which features large copper brewing tanks and an upscale pub menu. For a unique experience, visit Fort Sanders Yacht Club to play old arcade games while enjoying a selection of beers. Other notable spots include Barley's Taproom and Pizzeria in the Old City for drafts and pizza, Preservation Pub in Market Square for live music and beer, or Union Jacks for a low-key pub scene.

What to see and do

Explore the historic charm of Market Square, a downtown area filled with unique shops, restaurants, and a fountain where you can relax. Nearby, the Old City offers a variety of bars and pubs, while Gay Street serves as the main thoroughfare featuring a movie theater and the Mast General Store. For those interested in architecture, the Tennessee Theatre showcases Moorish design on Gay Street, and the Fort Sanders neighborhood features a collection of Victorian-era houses.

Experience the local culture through various landmarks and activities:

• Visit World's Fair Park to see the modernistic 1 Sunsphere monument or explore the Knoxville Museum of Art.
• Learn about regional history at the Museum of East Tennessee History or visit the studio and gallery of artist Adelia Armstrong Lutz at Historic Westwood.
• Walk along the Tennessee River at Volunteer Landing, where you can enjoy large fountains or ride a coal-fired train to the river's headwaters.
• Explore nature at the University of Tennessee Botanical Gardens, the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, or the wildlife preserve at Ijams Nature Center.
• Take in the scenery of the Smoky Mountains, including the Cades Cove Loop Road, or visit the local zoo to see red pandas.

Three days in Knoxville

Day one, you can begin your journey in the heart of Knoxville. Explore the historic atmosphere of the Old City and wander through Market Square to experience the local character of this area.

Day two, head toward the scenic landscapes of East Tennessee. You can enjoy the natural beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or take in views near the Tennessee River.

Day three, you can visit the Sunsphere at World Fair Park or explore the vibrant surroundings of Gay Street before your departure from the region.