Nashville and Memphis may be the more famous cities of Tennessee; but visitors will find that its third-largest city, Knoxville, has much to offer. With its historic downtown, award-winning cuisine, and numerous outdoor activities, Knoxville has all the charm, warmth, and history Southern cities are known for. A visit will be well worth the trip–and without having to break the bank. Read on to start planning your visit.
Amazing Hotels
Knoxville boasts a below-national-average cost of living, making its hotel selection relatively affordable for who what to visit. With your dollar stretching farther, why not splurge? A new addition to the downtown scene is the Hotel Cleo, Knoxville Downtown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, developed in a charming, historic building built in 1898, pays homage to the city’s industrial history, with a chic Euro-New Orleans spirit reminiscent of the glitzy Gilded Age, paired with a delectable French restaurant, Lilou Brasserie. Also located in downtown is The Tennessean Hotel, a more contemporary, luxury option voted # 23 – Top 25 Hotel in the South by Condé Nast Traveler. From either spot, hit the town easily on foot to a multitude of walkable bars and restaurants.
For Hilton loyalists, you may opt for the Hilton Knoxville: its proximity to the highway is convenient for visitors to University of Tennessee, Neyland Stadium, and other nearby attractions. A quarter mile down the street, the Residence Inn Knoxville Downtown offers the same location perks with all the comforts you need for an extended stay. Their apartment-esque suites come with full kitchens and separate living areas, and the facilities include a 24-hour gym and daily complimentary breakfast. The hotel is also pet-friendly.
Finally, the artsy The Oliver Hotel exudes an endearing romantic-meets-art deco spirit, seemingly plucked straight from a Wes Anderson film. Behind the hotel lobby, enjoy a round of drinks at the bookishly debonair Peter Kern Library, the only speakeasy in Knoxville.
Charming Downtown
Ask locals to name Knoxville’s most noteworthy downtown landmark, and they’ll likely point to the Sunsphere, a 26-story golden orb built for the 1982 World’s Fair. Beneath it, the family-friendly World’s Fair Park hosts a variety of outdoor activities, from concerts and festivals to leisurely scenic walks.
Head further downtown into Market Square, the bustling city center dotted with restaurants, brewpubs, and boutiques. The square hosts seasonal activities year-round, from live performances in the warmer months to ice skating during the holidays. Look for the nearby Dolly Parton mural, honoring Tennessee’s beloved Queen of Country
Throughout downtown, shoppers can enjoy a variety of art galleries and artisanal shopping, from novelty olive oils to gear for your next UT football game.
Award-Winning Restaurants
Few cities can boast greater variety and quality to its cuisine than Knoxville. The worst part of your evening dinner plans? Choosing where to go!
Among its dining scene’s stellar cast are sumptuously French Lilou Brasserie, barbecue lovers’ Humble Hog, brunch darling STIR, Wild West saloon-style steak house Lonesome Dove, and Mediterranean Kefi. All are clustered within the walkable perimeter of downtown.
Outdoor Activities
All year round, Knoxville’s agreeable climate and stunning scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park attracts visitors from all over (insider’s tip: it’s one of the most sought-after areas for peak fall foliage). For a day trip outside the city, check out Dollywood for some theme park family fun. Hiking enthusiasts will enjoy the Smoky Mountains in Pigeon Forge, Dolly Parton’s hometown. Looking for a more lavish day trip? Spend it at Blackberry Farm, a resort offering fine dining, golfing, a spa, and an onsite farm.
In Short
While smaller and esoteric compared to the larger cities in Tennessee, don’t skip out on Knoxville. This mid-sized city has all the novelty, adventure, and accessibility for a worthwhile and memorable trip.
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