The city of Knoxville, Tennessee has long been left off of state travel lists in deference to Nashville’s music scene and the grand reputations of Elvis and the Mississippi River. That is no more, folks. Upscale travel publications like Conde Nast Traveler, for example, have named Knoxville as a top travel destination (the ranking was in 2020), and it’s come as no surprise to those of us who live and work here! We know just how wonderful this small town masquerading as a big city actually is, and they’re bound to welcome tourists with a whole heap of southern charm. Some come along with us and learn the best of the best things to do in Knoxville, TN.

Knoxville is Tennessee's oft-forgotten eastside town.
Knox County Government - Flickr
Located at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains, it's a bustling metropolis that's managed to fund and operate a nationally renowned university, build a bustling economy and yet still retain a focus on southern hospitality and community.
Though the city of Knoxville has fewer than 200,000 folks living within city limits, its great metro area boasts over 800,000 folks.
Knox County Government - Flickr
As the third-largest city in Tennessee, it's become a true mecca for students and young professionals.
Make sure to head to Market Square for lunch and a bit of boutique shopping.
Deidre Woolard - Flickr
Here you can also learn a bit of local history at World's Fair Park. It's where the 1982 World's Fair was held, where Cherry Coke and shelf-stable milk were introduced to the world!
And don't forget about the beverage scene here!
Lysa Allman-Baldwin/OnlyInYourState
If you're like us and love visiting the best breweries, be sure to visit the Knox Brew Hub, a 100 percent local beer bar, market, event venue, and tour spot.

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Knoxville's vicinity to the Great Smoky Mountains is also a solid point for this east Tennessee town.
Tim Lumley - Flickr
It's easy to stay the night in Knoxville and simply pop over to this grand national park for a bit of hiking or a picnic.
All along the way there are places to pull over and take in the views.
Lysa Allman-Baldwin/OnlyInYourState
And be sure to take pictures of yourself and these beautiful landscapes to share with your friends and family!
Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are also close by.
David Wilson - Flickr
They are known for being true tourist attractions, and there's plenty of kitsch to go around on their wax museum and Ripley's studded Main Streets.
When Conde Nast Traveler predicted that Knoxville would be a top spot for tourists, it was in part due to the large influx in Google searches for hotels.
Visit Knox - Flickr
And that's because Knoxville is a perfectly situated city that offers a myriad of experiences that you won't know what to check out first!
Will you be wandering the streets of Knoxville any time soon?
David Wilson - Flickr
We can't wait to see you and share our little hidden gem that is now exposed to the world!

For more information, check out the Visit Knoxville website, as well as the Visit Knoxville Facebook page.

Have you ever been to this award-winning town? If so, what was your favorite part? Have you ever stayed at one of the best hotels in Knoxville, TN? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

You can indulge in Knoxville by way of some of the best darn cookies in the nation. Check it out!

If you’d like to explore hikes around Nashville, you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website.

Still in the mood for more Tennessee adventures? Take a look at this video:

 

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More to Explore

More Adventures in Tennessee

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | October 02, 2023

Where can we find state parks in Tennessee?

  • Paris Landing State Park in Buchanan sits on the banks of Kentucky Lake and is home to a wide array of wildlife.
  • Natchez Trace State Park in Wildersville has a beautiful lake as well as a beach area for sunbathing and swimming.
  • Reelfoot Lake State Park in Tiptonville has a lake by the same name which is the only naturally occurring lake in the state of Tennessee.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other spectacular state parks in Tennessee.

Where can we go swimming in Tennessee?

  • Cummins Falls in Cookeville has a swimming hole and a waterfall too.
  • Dollywood's Splash Country in Pigeon Forge is a fun waterpark with a “Rivers of East Tennessee” theme.
  • Nashville Shores Waterpark and Treetop Adventure Park on Percy Priest Lake also offers lake rental and lodging.

Read on to learn about some of the many other cool places to go swimming in Tennessee.

Where can we find river towns in Tennessee?

  • Chattanooga is one of the state’s favorite river towns, although it is really considered to be a “big city.”
  • Clifton is a charming little town set alongside the Tennessee River and a big draw for those desiring to get away from it all.
  • Tiptonville, located between the Mississippi River and Blue Basin has managed to maintain its small-town ambiance since its early founding.

Read on to learn more about some of the other beautiful river towns in Tennessee.

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