things to do in knoxville tn

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.
2. Tennessee Theatre: Catch a performance at this historic theater, which hosts concerts, plays, and musicals.
3. Knoxville Symphony Orchestra: Enjoy classical music at this renowned orchestra’s performances.
4. Market Square: Visit this vibrant public square, which features shops, restaurants, and live music.

Historic Sites:

1. James White’s Fort: Learn about Knoxville’s early history at this historic fort, which dates back to 1786.
2. Knoxville’s Old City: Explore the city’s historic district, which features charming shops, restaurants, and architecture.
3. The Tennessee Theatre’s Historic District: Take a self-guided tour of this historic district, which features beautiful architecture and historic landmarks.
4. The World’s Fair Park’s Historic Sites: Visit the park’s historic sites, including the Sunsphere and the Tennessee Theatre.

Food and Drink:

1. Old City: Visit this historic district for a variety of restaurants, bars, and breweries.
2. The Tomato Head: Enjoy Southern cuisine at this popular restaurant.
3. The Orangery: Savor French-inspired cuisine at this upscale restaurant.
4. Breweries: Knoxville is home to several craft breweries, including Knoxville Brewing Company and Smoky Mountain Brewery.

Other Attractions:

1. Knoxville Zoo: Visit the city’s zoo, which features a variety of animals and a petting zoo.
2. The Tennessee Theatre’s IMAX Theater: Catch a movie at this state-of-the-art theater.
3. The Knoxville Museum of Art’s Sculpture Garden: Explore the beautiful gardens and sculptures at this museum.
4. The World’s Fair Park’s Carousel: Ride this historic carousel, which features hand-carved horses and other animals.

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