From Dawn To Dusk, Here's The Perfect Overnight Adventure In Knoxville, Tennessee
By Chris Dodge|Published August 18, 2023
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Chris Dodge
Author
My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
When it comes to urban adventures in Tennessee, one of my favorite things to do is park the car for the weekend and just travel everywhere on foot. It gives you a slower pace to enjoy the scenery and see things you typically wouldn’t if you were caught up in city traffic. Finding a home base for your travels is key, and I’ve found that The Tennessean is one of the best hotels in Knoxville, TN. With its stellar accommodations and central location, this hotel puts you within walking distance of the best attractions in Knoxville, Tennessee.
If you love these kinds of trips, then make sure you head on over to our list of great hotels in Tennessee for several other trip options.
The Tennessean sits right in the heart of Knoxville next to World's Fair Park and many other great attractions.
It is a fine luxury hotel that offers comfort and all of the modern conveniences we have come to love and expect. They have set high standards to give guests an authentic Tennessean experience. Small touches like a carpet that maps out the Tennessee River and a large mural of the state flower tell me that this place is undoubtedly proud to be in the Volunteer State. So for our trip, I would suggest staying at least two nights to make the most of a full day in Knoxville. Sleep in a large comfy bed and when you wake up, it's time to head on out for a little bit of exploration.
Just a short walk from the hotel brings you to one of the best spots in the city: Market Square.
This hip and trendy spot features open-air patio seating for many of the restaurants and unique shops. Your first stop should be a Tennessee classic: a coffee at the Frothy Monkey. Grab yourself a fine cup of coffee to go or sit and enjoy a breakfast sandwich at this excellent cafe. Visit the stores around and allow yourself to just wander from one shop to the next. I would suggest checking out the local artisan creations at Earth To Old City, which has lots of vendors and a whole host of unique finds.
When it comes time for lunch, nothing beats the mac and cheese at Cafe 4, located conveniently at Market Square.
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After you have had your fill of some of the best mac and cheese in the state, head back towards the hotel -- but make your way across the street to World's Fair Park.
This is an excellent place to learn some of the history of the 1982 World's Fair right here in Knoxville. There are plenty of monuments to see and plaques to read while you explore the park. If you have traveled anywhere near Knoxville before, then chances are you have seen the glistening "Sunsphere." This towering attraction is certainly eye-catching, but did you know that you can actually take a ride to the top? For a small fee, you can get a fantastic 360-degree view of the city's skyline from inside the sphere.
Bike secured, take the trip down to the Tennessee River. The Volunteer Landing is a great place to take a break and watch the flow of the river. Listen to the birds or the hum of city life and just relax. If you are up for a little bit of exploring, take your bike down the James White Greenway for a biking and pedestrian trail that follows the river.
All of that exercise can really work up a hearty appetite, so head on back to the hotel to experience some fine dining at The Drawing Room.
There are plenty of options on the lighter side, like a delicious charcuterie board -- but if you are *really* hungry, feast on the Black Angus Fillet or the Grilled Alaskan Halibut. Enjoy a nice meal, and when you are full, head up to your room to end the night.
Large beds with fluffy white sheets are an inviting site after a long day of adventuring, and these simple and sophisticated rooms have just what you need.
Enjoy views of the city lit up at night; many of the rooms also offer scenic overlooks of the World's Fair Park, too. Sleep soundly after a long day of urban fun.
Of course, if you want to make the most of your trip, forgo an early bedtime and head on over to the Old Gray Cemetery! This graveyard is one of the most beautiful resting places but it also is known for some dark history, so if you are brave enough stay out late and see if you can catch a glimpse of the horrifying ghost that roams the grounds. But you know what? Maybe an early bedtime sounds nice, after all…
The Tennessean is one of the best hotels in Knoxville, TN, and a great home base for a little urban exploration. Take advantage of the e-bike rentals or walk the streets on foot to see the city at a slower pace. Make sure to enjoy the river and all of the excellent foodie options there are out there in Knoxville. If this adventure is right up your alley, book a night stay at The Tennessean and enjoy our third largest city.
