Things to Do in Knoxville

Recommendations for places to see and activities to enjoy in Knoxville, TN

Knoxville is the third largest city in Tennessee after Nashville and Memphis. The residents of Knoxville and many tourists think Knoxville is the most desirable place to live, work, and enjoy life. In 1982, Knoxville hosted the World’s Fair, which helped to reinvigorate the city. The University of Tennessee’s main campus is in Knoxville. Knoxville is also one of the largest cities in the Appalachian region and is close to the incredible Smokey Mountains National Park. Knoxville is also near the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

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What notable locations should people see in Knoxville?

Residents and visitors can enjoy many venues, including the Bijou Theater, Candoro Marble Works, the Knoxville Museum, Zoo Knoxville, the Museum of East Tennessee History, Market Square, and World’s Fair Park. The park includes the Sunsphere, noted for its unique design and its place as the theme structure for the 1982 World’s Fair.

Some of the other notable attractions in Knoxville include:

Knoxville is in between the Great Smoky Mountains to the east and the Cumberland Plateau, which is to the west. The Tennessee River runs through the city at Fort Loudon Lake. Knoxville is divided into North, East, West, South, and Central Downtown Knoxville. The largest public company is the Tennessee Valley Authority. Major private companies include Pilot Flying J, the country’s largest truck stop chain, and H.T. Hackney Company, the country’s fourth largest grocery wholesaler.

Suggestions for visiting Knoxville

Road Trip, a travel guide, suggests that out-of-towners stay at the Holiday Inn Knoxville Downtown and spend a few hours at the Market Square Farmer’s Market. There’s entertainment at the Tennessee Theatre.

For a full menu of ideas for how to enjoy Knoxville, Visit Knoxville offers a host of suggestions about things to do, shopping, restaurants, current events, and outdoor attractions.

  • Things to do. This site links to suggestions about arts and culture, free activities, tours, history and heritage, neighborhoods, museums and galleries, nightlife, popular sports, and other activities and locations.
    • A few arts and culture activities include:
      • Beck Cultural Exchange Center
      • Blount Mansion, acclaimed as Knoxville’s only National Historic Landmark
      • Crescent Bend, containing collections of 18th century American and English furniture and decorative arts
      • Fountain City Art Center
      • Knoxville Museum of Art
    • Nightlife attractions include:
      • Bernadette’s Crystal Gardens
      • Bistro by the Tracks
      • Cotton Eyed Joe
      • Knox Box Karaoke
      • Tommy Trent’s Sports Saloon

A few parks and gardens to enjoy include:

  • Admiral Farragut Park
  • Babe Ruth Park
  • Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
  • Cumberland Trail System
  • Forks of the River WMA

One extremely popular attraction is the Sunsphere:

Built for the 1982 World’s Fair, the Sunsphere is a one-of-a-kind structure. The 4th Floor Observation Deck offers a breathtaking 360-degree view stretching from downtown to the Great Smoky Mountains including World’s Fair Park, the Tennessee River, and the University of Tennessee Campus. A 1982 World’s Fair timeline, gallery, memorabilia and gift shop await you!

Visit Knoxville also has a blog for current events and suggestions.

What arts and cultural sights does Knoxville offer?

Bluegrass and country music are immensely popular here in Knoxville. Some of the old stars include the Everly Brothers, Flatt and Scruggs, and Homer and Jethro. On the classical side, there’s the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and the Knoxville Opera. There are punk rock and hardcore bands. Every year, the locals and tourists can listen to avant-garde music at the Big Ears Musical Festival. During the year, there’s craft and art at the Dogwood Arts Festival, the Rossini Festival, and the Kuumba Festival. One of the popular attractions of Knoxville is the broad range of architectural styles.

Are there sports to enjoy in Knoxville?

The University of Tennessee Volunteers play football at Neyland Stadium and both the men’s and women’s teams play basketball at Thompson-Boling Arena. The women’s team was coached by the legendary Pat Summitt for 38 years.

Where can I go if want to be informed?

The Knoxville County Public Library system has one main location at Lawson McGhee Library and 17 branch libraries.

The main newspaper is the Knoxville News Sentinel.

Where can I enjoy nature in Knoxville?

Knoxville has all types of outdoor activities, including birding, canopy and zipline, cycling, hiking, paddling, rock climbing, and skate parks. There’s also golfing and campgrounds to enjoy. We discuss some of these outdoor sites in our Outdoor Activities In and Around Knoxville article.

Do you have a Knoxville lawyer near me?

Banks & Jones meets clients at our Knoxville office located at 2125 Middlebrook Pike. We visit clients at hospitals and other healthcare facilities when necessary. We consider other arrangements if you’re too ill or immobile to come to our office. Phone and video conversations are also an option.

We’ll calmly address your concerns, explain your rights, review your options, and pursue your claim for compensation or other legal issues.

Contact our respected Knoxville trial lawyers today

Whether you’re living, working, or visiting Knoxville, at some point you may need the services of an experienced lawyer. At Banks & Jones, our Knoxville lawyers handle many different types of cases, including personal injury cases, criminal defense, workers’ compensation, nursing home abuse, and other types of litigation. We’ve been helping victims of car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, and victims of many other types of accidents for more than 30 years. We’re skilled at trying cases in court and negotiating agreements with insurance companies, creditors, and other people and businesses.

To schedule a consultation with an experienced Knoxville trial attorney, call Banks & Jones today or fill out our contact form.

Knoxville Resources:

  1. Knoxville’s Top-Rated Hospitals: A guide to the city’s leading medical facilities.
  2. Navigating Knoxville: Transportation options and tips for getting around with ease.
  3. Outdoor Recreation in Knoxville: Exploring the city’s natural beauty and adventure opportunities.
  4. Legal Guidance for Visitors Injured in Knoxville: Important information and resources for those facing unexpected medical situations during their stay.