30 Unique Things to do in Downtown Knoxville
You might not know that I grew up in Tennessee. I don’t spend a lot of time talking about it on my blog. Mostly because I started my blog after I moved to Seattle. But also because I’ve taken my hometown for granted.
Sure, Knoxville, Tennessee isn’t as glamorous as New York or London. It’s not even the most well-known city in Tennessee (Nashville and Memphis are fighting for that top spot). But, there are still plenty of hidden gems in Knoxville worth exploring.
I was recently back in Tennessee for a friend’s wedding and I spent a day in downtown Knoxville. I noticed so many local restaurants, boutiques, and art displays that I never really paid attention to when I lived there. Since there are now so many things to do in Downtown Knoxville, I decided to create a post with my 30 best ideas!
If you are heading to Downtown Knoxville here are a few things you might want to know right away:
- Downtown Knoxville is just about an hour away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Personally, I think this is a much better base for exploring the park than Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge.
- Many of the Downtown Knoxville parking garages are free on nights and weekends.
- Market Square is the main hub of activity in downtown. But the Old City and Gay Street are also filled with great bars and eateries!
If you are planning a trip to Tennessee, here are a few of my other posts you might want to check out:
Where to Eat in Knoxville, Tennessee
The 5 Best Cups of Coffee in Knoxville, Tennessee
How to Visit the Jack Daniel’s Distillery
25 Free & Cheap Things to do in Chattanooga
Alright, if you are ready to explore the Scruffy City, let’s dive into my list of the 30 best things to do in Downtown Knoxville!
1. Admire the Street Art in Strong Alley
I’m not going to lie, I was very surprised to see beautiful street art in Knoxville. I look for street art in every city I visit but I never expected to find some here! Walking through the alleys of Downtown Knoxville made me feel like I was exploring the lanes in Melbourne, Australia!
As you wander through Market Square, peek into the alleys to look for art. Strong Alley (between Wall and Union Street) has some of the best murals in downtown Knoxville.
2. Check out the Events in Market Square
This pedestrian-only area has been used for markets and public gatherings since 1854. Market Square was revamped in the 2000s and is now one of the best places to hang out in downtown Knoxville. Explore the shops and restaurants in the Square (we will talk about more of these later in the post) but be sure to check out the event’s calendar! There is always something going on in Market Square. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Chalk Walk– During the Dogwood Arts Festival, local artists create beautiful chalk masterpieces on the sidewalks around Market Square.
- Movies on Market Square– In the fall, Friday nights = free movies on a large screen in Market Square.
- Shakespeare on the Square– During the summer, a local theater company performs classic Shakespeare plays in the Square.
- Holidays on Ice– Christmas decorations & a large open-air skating rink are part of Market Square’s holiday traditions.
3. Buy Local Treats at the Market Square Farmer’s Market
If you are in Knoxville on a summer Saturday, head to the Market Square Farmer’s Market. This is one of the absolute best things to do in Downtown Knoxville! You can shop for seasonal produce, fresh baked goods, and artisan crafts. There are also a few vendors selling gorgeous cut-flower bouquets.
4. See the Tennessee Woman Suffrage Memorial
Tennessee played a major role in the woman suffrage movement. It was the last state to ratify the 19th amendment which ultimately gave women the right to vote. This statue was unveiled in 2006 and honors local women who helped push Tennessee lawmakers to ratify the 19th amendment. You will find the Memorial, which depicts Elizabeth Avery Meriwether, Lizzie Crozier French, and Anne Dallas Dudley, in the Middle of Market Square.
5. Get Brunch at the Oliver Royale
Knoxville’s food scene is surprisingly great. Market Square had a collection of some of the city’s best local spots. If you are looking for brunch, make a reservation at the Oliver Royale. This contemporary and chef-driven eatery is attached to The Oliver Hotel. Don’t skip the biscuit + jam starter! If you are here a bit later, the bar is also a great spot for a specialty cocktail.
6. Treat Yourself to Cruze Farms
Ask anyone in Knoxville about the city’s best ice cream and they will mention Cruze Farms. This local creamery used to only serve milk (don’t skip the coffee milk) and ice cream pints at the Market Square Farmers Market and in grocery stores. Now, you can visit their permanent location in downtown Knoxville.
7. Play Arcade Games & Eat Ramen
This unique combination makes for a perfect night out. Stop by Suttree’s for a comforting bowl of ramen before heading to the attached Harrogate’s Lounge for arcade games. You’ll find classics like Pac-Man, Galaga, and Skee Ball.
8. Learn about Local History
The East Tennessee Historical Society is a small but surprisingly great museum in downtown Knoxville. The museum focuses on preserving local artifacts and stories. Spend some time exploring the exhibits to learn more about the region’s rich history.
9. Take a Walk in Krutch Park
Ok, it won’t be a long walk but this small park is a nice place for a short stroll. The trails are lined with leafy trees and interesting sculptures. There are a few benches scattered around the park so this is also a nice place to sit and relax for a bit.
10. Go Bowling
Maple Hall isn’t your regular bowling alley. This trendy spot features exposed brick walls, leather couches, and a specialty cocktail bar. After 9 pm, this becomes a 21+ venue. They don’t offer reservations but come early to put your name on the list- the lanes fill up quickly (especially on the weekends).
11. Sip Specialty Coffee
Skip the Starbucks and enjoy some local coffee! My two favorites are K Brew and Coffee and Chocolate (I mean really, is there a better combination?). When you visit K Brew, be sure to check out their specials. They always seem to be creating a new latte, like their Coconut Cream Latte and their Harry Potter-inspired Butterbeer Latte.
12. Play the Piano
This simple and sweet project brings local artists and community musicians together. As you explore downtown Knoxville, you might notice a few colorful pianos. Local jazz pianist Brian Clay started the project after being inspired by a similar project in Atlanta. With the help of a few Knoxville-based artists, he brought the vision to life. Today, anyone is welcome to sit and play on these beautiful pianos.
13. Visit the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
Did you know Knoxville is home to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame? If you are familiar with women’s basketball this might not be a surprise to you. The University of Tennessee Lady Vols are known for being coached by Pat Summit. This legendary coach won eight NCAA championships and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama. The Hall of Fame honors female basketball stars at all levels.
14. Get Breakfast at Pete’s
Since 1986, Pete’s has been a popular neighborhood breakfast spot. Here you can enjoy homemade Southern classics like biscuit and gravy and home fries. Get here early on Saturdays (Pete’s is closed on Sundays) to avoid the wait!
15. Support Local Makers
One of my favorite things to do in downtown Knoxville is to browse the local shops. Rala is my absolute favorite. Here you can find beautiful art prints, cards, and t-shirts made by local artists. Nothing Too Fancy is another fun boutique. This shop is filled with soft graphic t-shirts featuring local neighborhoods, parks, restaurants, and more!
16. Climb to the top of the Sunsphere
Knoxville’s golden landmark was created for the 1982 World’s Fair (yes, Knoxville hosted a World’s Fair!) and still serves as a symbol of the city. You’ll find the eye-catching structure in World’s Fair Park, which is a nice place to relax or go for a run. You can also climb to the {FREE} Observation Deck inside the Sunsphere for a 360-degree view of World’s Fair Park and downtown Knoxville.
17. Buy Outdoor Gear at Mast General Store
Although Knoxville’s isn’t home to the original location, the Mast General Store is always a fun stop when you are downtown. This general store started in Valle Crucis in the 1880s. Interestingly, many of the items that stocked the shelves of the original Valle Crucis store came from Knoxville! Knoxville’s location opened in 2006 and is a great place to shop for outdoor gear, old-timey candy, and other items with a touch of country charm.
18. Enjoy a Sundae at The Phoenix Pharmacy
After stocking up at the Mast General Store, stop by The Phoenix Pharmacy for an old-school ice cream sundae. This authentic soda fountain serves delicious creations like the Great Smokey Mountain Sundae with a fudge-soaked brownie, Italian sponge cake, vanilla ice cream, caramel, whipped cream, brittle, and a cherry.
19. Admire Local Art
Near World’s Fair Park you can visit the Knoxville Museum of Art. This museum features pieces by East Tennessee artists. The museum is free to visit so step inside and check out the local art scene!
20. Devour the Pizza at Tomato Head
If you want local pizza, don’t miss The Tomato Head. You’ll find a location right in Market Square. They serve delicious pizzas, calzones, salads, and baked goods! Or, come here for a weekend brunch. Their Monkey Bread is hard to beat!
21. Take a Themed River Boat Cruise
For a different type of night out, take a cruise on the Tennessee River. The Star of Knoxville offers themed dinner cruises, including a Holiday Cruise and a Murder Mystery Cruise. This boat can also be rented and is a popular option for special events (I’ve been to a few parties on the boat)!
22. Visit the Birthplace of Knoxville
James White’s Fort is the restored 1786 residence of Knoxville’s founder. James White was granted the land following his service in the Revolutionary War. He named the city after Henry Knox, President Washington’s Secretary of War. Today you can take a guided tour of the historic fort to learn more about the beginnings of Knoxville.
23. Go to a Show
Downtown Knoxville is home to multiple theaters and concert halls. Two of the best are the historic Tennessee Teatre and the Bijou Theatre. Check out the event schedules for both before your trip! You can often see Broadway-style shows, live music, comedians, and old movies at these venues.
24. Hang out at Preservation Pub
Every time I go out in Market Square, I always end up at Preservation Pub. This multi-level bar +rooftop deck has plenty of space to enjoy a drink and hang out with friends. You’ll often hear live music if you go on a weekend. Check their event’s calendar before you go. Preservation Pub also offers yoga, poetry slams, and comedy nights.
25. Tour the Mabry-Hazen House
The historic Mabry-Hazen House, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, dates back to 1858. Inside the home, you can see a collection of more than 2,000 pieces of unique art and artifacts. Take a tour to learn about more than 130 years of Knoxville’s history.
26. See Knoxville’s Red Pandas
The Knoxville Zoo is known for its incredibly successful red panda breeding program. More of these endangered red pandas have been born in Knoxville than any other zoo in the world! After you see the adorable red pandas, stop by the other habitats that are home to gorillas, giraffes, zebras, tigers, and many other exotic creatures.
27. Take a Hike
Or go biking, kayaking, birding, or rock climbing. Ijams Nature Center is the perfect outdoor oasis in downtown Knoxville. This 315-acre natural area is the best park in Knoxville for adventuring. Take a hike one the 12-miles of trails that cross the nature center. Or, join a naturalist-led kayaking tour to learn about flora and fauna as you paddle.
28. Listen to the Blue Plate Special
Every Monday-Thursday at noon, stop by the Visitor’s Center to enjoy free live music. This concert is sponsored by WDVX and has featured some well-known artists (including The Avett Brothers and Old Crow Medicine Show) + many local talents throughout the years.
29. Go for a Run on Volunteer Landing
This waterfront park is one of my favorite places to run in downtown Knoxville. This park connects with both the James White Greenway and the Third Creek Greenway, which is convenient if you want to extend your run!
30. Enjoy an Evening of Art
Each first Friday of the month, enjoy an evening filled with local art and music. The First Friday events have been running in Knoxville for the past 14 years. Each month’s schedule is a bit different, but expect live music, gallery openings, and plenty of other unique entertainment.
Enjoy your time in downtown Knoxville! Did I leave something off my list? Let me know in the comments below.
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