Discover Knoxville: Vibrant Downtown, Craft Beer, Outdoor Adventures & More
Knoxville, home to the University of Tennessee's iconic 102,455-seat Neyland Stadium, has long been a top road trip destination. Tennessee's third-largest city offers far more than its college town roots, with outdoor adventures, a thriving craft beer scene, and endless options for an unforgettable weekend getaway in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Situated on Tennessee's eastern edge at the intersection of I-40 and I-75, Knoxville is under four hours' drive from Atlanta, Nashville, Charlotte, Birmingham, Louisville, and Cincinnati.
Editor's note: Travelers can confidently visit Knoxville, following established COVID protocols.
Here's why Knoxville makes an ideal next getaway.
Vibrant Energy in Downtown Knoxville
Blending rich history with youthful vitality, Knoxville's walkable downtown boasts unique dining, boutique shops like Glitterville Studios (for distinctive ornaments and gifts) and Pretentious Glass Co., plus artisan spots such as RALA and Jack's. This creative hub has earned the nickname "The Maker City".
As a pet-friendly city, many shops and restaurants offer sidewalk dog bowls—bring your pet for the downtown mural walking tour. Catch regional artists at World's Fair Park during the Dogwood Arts Festival (April 23-25).
Explore Knoxville’s Historic Old City near the railroad tracks, once home to saloons and stockyards, now featuring shops, restaurants, coffee houses, art galleries, and breweries. Dine at Lonesome Dove for game-focused dishes like venison and quail, crafted by celebrity chef and UT alum Tim Love.
Near the Tennessee River, visit the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame honoring UT Lady Vols legend Pat Summitt and women's basketball pioneers.
Key museums include the East Tennessee History Center and Historic Homes of Knoxville (seven preserved sites, including James White's Fort, Knoxville's birthplace). The Knoxville Museum of Art showcases Richard Jolley's monumental Cycle of Life glass and steel installation.
A Food and Drink Paradise
Knoxville's "beercation" appeal shines through its Ale Trail, guiding visitors to over 25 breweries from a German castle to Pretentious Beer Co. Follow the Tennessee Whiskey Trail at Knox Whiskey Works and PostModern Spirits.
Food trucks line the Ale Trail, with dedicated food truck parks like Central Filling Station, Southside Garage, and 35 North offering diverse cuisines, outdoor seating, and live music.
At Graduate Knoxville Hotel's Saloon 16 Bar—partnered with UT icon Peyton Manning—try UT-inspired bites like Rocky Top Pork Rinds and Helton’s Chili.
Knoxville's food scene spans Southern classics to global flavors. Vegan spots like KoPita and Tomato Head neighbor Pan-Latin at Vida (with The Vault cocktail lounge) and Yassin’s Falafel House, named America’s "nicest place" by Reader’s Digest in 2018.
Adventure Awaits Minutes from Downtown
With the Tennessee River and surrounding mountains, lakes, and quarries, Knoxville excels for active travelers. The 1,000-acre Knoxville Urban Wilderness offers hiking, biking, climbing, paddling, and more across 50+ miles of trails linking Ijams Nature Center, Civil War sites, marble quarries, parks, and Baker Creek Preserve's double-black diamond bike trail.
At Navitat Knoxville (Ijams Nature Center), tackle canopy zipline trails from beginner to expert levels.
Five minutes away, the Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum features trails and gardens, including the evocative Secret Garden.
For day trips, Great Smoky Mountains National Park's Sugarlands Visitor Center is just 29 miles away.
Non-Stop Fun Day and Night
Historic Market Square kicks off evenings at Bernadette's Crystal Gardens for cocktails like Garnet and Amethyst. Next door, Preservation Pub offers live music across three floors nightly. Scruffy City Hall adds more stages and a rooftop bar.
On Gay Street, Five Thirty Lounge atop Hyatt Place Knoxville Downtown provides panoramic views (site of the SEC's founding as the Farragut Hotel). Nearby, Radius Rooftop Lounge at Embassy Suites overlooks the Sunsphere and mountains.
