Knoxville, TN Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + See, Where to Eat + Drink + Where to Stay
Located in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains — Knoxville offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. Visitors to Knoxville, Tennessee can explore the iconic Market Square, where they can enjoy a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. History buffs will appreciate attractions like the East Tennessee History Center and the Blount Mansion, offering insights into the region's past. Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of the nearby hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains or enjoy water activities along the Tennessee River. With its bustling arts scene, delicious cuisine, and friendly Southern hospitality, Knoxville is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the best of Tennessee.
Image: Knoxville, Tennessee
Why Visit Knoxville? Knoxville's charming atmosphere, coupled with its diverse range of attractions, makes it an ideal destination for travelers of all interests. Whether you're a foodie looking to sample Southern cuisine, a history buff eager to delve into the city's past, or a nature lover seeking outdoor adventures, Knoxville has something to offer everyone. From attending live music performances at the historic Tennessee Theatre to exploring the stunning grounds of Ijams Nature Center, visitors to Knoxville can create unforgettable memories in this dynamic city. With its convenient location, welcoming locals, and plethora of activities, Knoxville promises a fulfilling and enjoyable travel experience for all who visit.
Things to Do in Knoxville, TN
The Knoxville Riverfront provides a scenic setting for a riverboat cruise, leisurely stroll or bike ride along the Tennessee River. Outdoor concerts and festivals are often held in this picturesque area, providing entertainment for visitors of all ages. For a more active adventure, visitors can take advantage of the numerous hiking trails in the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding natural beauty. Whether you're interested in shopping, dining, history, or outdoor activities, downtown Knoxville has something for everyone to enjoy.
Image Courtesy: Visit Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee offers an abundance of outdoor recreational activities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The city is surrounded by the majestic Great Smoky Mountains, providing a stunning backdrop for various activities. Visitors can explore over 50 miles of trails in the Urban Wilderness, perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running.
Image Courtesy: Visit Knoxville
Additionally, the Tennessee River running through Knoxville offers opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. For those seeking more adrenaline-pumping adventures, Knoxville is known for its world-class rock climbing spots such as the Tennessee Wall and the Obed Wild and Scenic River.
Image Courtesy: Visit Knoxville
The city also boasts several parks for picnicking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting, including Ijams Nature Center and Seven Islands State Birding Park. With its diverse range of outdoor activities set against a picturesque natural landscape, Knoxville, Tennessee, is a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the great outdoors.
Knoxville, Tennessee is known for its diverse array of festivals and events throughout the year. One of the most popular events is the Big Ears Festival, a celebration of avant-garde music that draws musicians and fans from around the world. This four-day event features performances in various venues across the city, showcasing a mix of genres including jazz, experimental, and electronic music.
Image Courtesy: Visit Knoxville
Big Ears Festival also includes film screenings, workshops, and discussions with artists, making it a must-visit for music enthusiasts seeking a one-of-a-kind experience in Knoxville. Another highlight on Knoxville's event calendar is the Dogwood Arts Festival, a beloved springtime tradition that celebrates the region's natural beauty and artistic talent.
Image Courtesy: Visit Knoxville
This month-long festival features a variety of events, including art exhibitions, garden tours, live music performances, and culinary showcases. One of the festival's main attractions is the Dogwood Arts Chalk Walk, where local artists create intricate chalk drawings on the sidewalks of downtown Knoxville. With its colorful displays and festive atmosphere, the Dogwood Arts Festival captures the essence of Knoxville's vibrant arts and culture scene, attracting visitors of all ages to join in the celebration.
Where to Eat in Knoxville, TN
The ambiance at Point B in Knoxville is sophisticated yet inviting, with a stylish dining room and a cozy outdoor patio where you can enjoy your meal al fresco in season. The attentive staff provides top-notch service, ensuring that you will have a memorable experience from start to finish. Be prepared to sit back and relax.
Image: Point B in Knoxville, Tennessee
Favorite dishes at Point B include Shrimp Ceviche with sea salt wontons and tostadas; Point B Brunch Board with scrambled cage-free eggs, Applewood bacon, sausage or chorizo, waffles, potato hash, pancakes, bagels, and toast; Wild Mushroom Bruschetta; Sea Board with both raw and baked oysters, fried oysters, shrimp ceviche, chilled shrimp, crab rangoon dip, housemade sauces, hand-made tortillas, and fried wontons; Wild-Caught Salmon Salad with organic greens, avocado, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, pistachios, dried cranberries, housemade croutons, and a caper-dill vinaigrette; as well as Seasonal Sirloin with Mexican street corn and crushed potato.
Whether you're looking for a romantic dinner for two, a lively gathering with friends, Point B offers the ideal setting for any occasion. Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in delicious food and expertly crafted cocktails at Point B during your next visit to Knoxville, Tennessee. Hungry yet?
What to See in Knoxville, TN
Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee is a vibrant destination offering a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Knoxville's historic Market Square is another focal point of the city's cultural scene, offering a lively mix of art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and historic entertainment venues such as the Tennessee Theatre. Whether exploring historic landmarks or attending a contemporary art exhibition, Knoxville has something to offer for every art and culture enthusiast.
Image Courtesy: Visit Knoxville
For those interested in history and culture, the East Tennessee History Center is a must-visit. This museum showcases the rich heritage of the region through exhibits on topics such as the Civil War and Appalachian folklore. In addition to the cultural experiences downtown Knoxville has to offer, outdoor enthusiasts can also find plenty to do.
Image Courtesy: Visit Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee is a vibrant city bursting with arts and culture. Visitors to Knoxville can immerse themselves in the thriving arts scene that the city has to offer.
Image Courtesy: Visit Knoxville
From the historic Bijou Theatre, a beloved venue hosting a variety of live performances ranging from concerts to plays, to the Knoxville Museum of Art, where one can explore an impressive collection of local and regional art, Knoxville provides a rich cultural experience for art enthusiasts.
Where to Drink in Knoxville, TN
At Point B in Knoxville, Tennessee you can experience a unique combination of exceptional dining and a vibrant cocktail scene. The restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring modern American cuisine with a Southern twist, showcasing locally-sourced ingredients in each dish. Whether you're craving a perfectly seared steak or a flavorful vegetarian option, Point B's menu has something to satisfy every palate.
Image: Point B in Knoxville, Tennessee
The expert mixologists at Point B in Knoxville craft inventive cocktails using premium spirits and fresh ingredients, making it the perfect spot to unwind with a drink after a long day of exploring Knoxville.
For your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying two of their signature cocktails, the Point B Sidecar — concocted with Courvoisier VSOP cognac, Cointreau and fresh-squeezed lemon, as well as the Strawberry Old Fashioned with puréed organic strawberry, Four Roses bourbon and mint.
Where to Stay in Knoxville, TN
Located in the heart of Knoxville, Tennessee — Hotel Cleo is a luxurious hotel that promises a truly unforgettable stay. From the moment you step into the stylish lobby, you are greeted by a blend of modern design and Southern hospitality that sets the tone for your entire visit.
Image Courtesy: Hotel Cleo
Each room at Hotel Cleo is meticulously curated with upscale amenities, comfortable furnishings, and breathtaking views of the city skyline or nearby Smoky Mountains, ensuring a relaxing and indulgent experience for every guest.
One of the reasons to choose Hotel Cleo for your stay in Knoxville is its prime location within walking distance of the city's top attractions, including Market Square, World's Fair Park, and the University of Tennessee.
Image Courtesy: Hotel Cleo
Whether you're in town for business or pleasure, you'll appreciate the convenience of being close to the best shopping, dining, and entertainment options that Knoxville has to offer. After a day of exploring, you can unwind at the Hotel Cleo, making it the perfect choice for a luxurious and memorable stay in Knoxville, Tennessee. Book below to reserve your stay for the lowest price, guaranteed.
Note: This information was accurate when this article was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all details directly with any companies in question before planning your trip.
