things to do in knoxville

Knoxville, Tennessee, is a vibrant city with a rich history, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. Here are some things to do in Knoxville:

Outdoor Activities:

1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Explore the beautiful mountains, forests, and wildlife of this national park, just a short drive from Knoxville.
2. World’s Fair Park: Visit this 186-acre park, which features a lake, walking trails, and the Sunsphere, a 266-foot-tall observation tower.
3. Kayaking or Paddleboarding: Rent equipment and explore the Tennessee River or nearby lakes and streams.
4. Ijams Nature Center: Discover the natural beauty of Knoxville’s surroundings at this 275-acre nature preserve.

Cultural Attractions:

1. Knoxville Museum of Art: Explore the city’s art scene at this museum, which features a diverse collection of American art from the 19th century to the present.
2. Tennessee Theatre: Catch a performance at this historic theater, which hosts a variety of shows, including musicals, plays, and concerts.
3. Knoxville Symphony Orchestra: Enjoy classical music performances by this renowned orchestra.
4. Market Square: Visit this vibrant public square, which features shops, restaurants, and live music.

Food and Drink:

1. Old City: Explore the historic Old City, which features a variety of restaurants, bars, and breweries.
2. The Tomato Head: Enjoy Southern cuisine at this popular restaurant, which has been featured on Food Network’s "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives."
3. The Orangery: Savor French-inspired cuisine at this upscale restaurant.
4. Breweries: Knoxville is home to a number of craft breweries, including Knoxville Brewing Company, Smoky Mountain Brewery, and Tennessee Brewing Company.

Other Attractions:

1. James White’s Fort: Visit this historic fort, which showcases life in 18th-century Knoxville.
2. Knoxville Zoo: Explore the city’s zoo, which features a variety of animals, including tigers, monkeys, and penguins.
3. University of Tennessee: Take a tour of the University of Tennessee’s campus, which features a number of historic buildings and landmarks.
4. The Tennessee Theatre’s Ghost Tour: Explore the paranormal side of Knoxville’s history on this guided tour.

Events:

1. Knoxville Jazz Festival: Enjoy live jazz music at this annual festival, which takes place in May.
2. Knoxville Film Festival: Catch independent films and documentaries at this annual festival, which takes place in April.
3. Knoxville Pride Festival: Celebrate diversity and inclusivity at this annual festival, which takes place in June.
4. World’s Fair Park’s Concert Series: Enjoy live music performances at this outdoor concert series, which takes place throughout the summer.

These are just a few of the many things to do in Knoxville. The city has something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, culture, outdoor activities, or food and drink.