Things to do in Knoxville Tennessee
If you're considering relocating to Tennessee, Knoxville is found in one of the most beautiful parts of the country and there are a lot of fun and educational things to do around town. The Great Smoky Mountains are less than an hour's drive and is America's Most Visited National Park. The Tennessee River weaves through the city and connects to Tellico Lake, one of the best boating lakes in U.S. To help you learn more about the area, we've compiled a list of fun things to do in Knoxville Tennessee:
KNOXVILLE FOOD TOURS - Gay Street, Market Square, Old City, Knoxville, TN 37920 Phone: 865-201-7270
Join East Tennessee native Paula Johnson for a tasty tour of Knoxville’s best and most interesting places to eat. This expert in Knoxville history, haute cuisine, hole-in-the-wall eateries, and hidden culinary hot spots will delight and entertain you while you enjoy dishes you might never have chosen to try otherwise.
Hours of Operation: Hours vary, depending upon the tour you’re taking, but they are offered every weekend Fridy-Sunday.
KNOXVILLE GREENWAY SYSTEM
Greenways provide habitat for wildlife as well as safe places for hiking and bicycling. There are 86 miles of paved greenway and natural trails in and around Knoxville, and a few of these features are conveniently located right in the middle of the city.
- James White Greenway, enter at 1623 Riverside Drive
- Neyland Greenway, enter at 2401 and 2377 Neyland Drive
- Second Creek Greenway, enter at 1060 World's Fair Drive
KNOXVILLE MUSEUM OF ART - 1050 World's Fair Park, Knoxville, TN 37916 Phone: 865-525-6101
The art and artists of Eastern Tennessee are showcased here, and the museum provides educational programs as well as hosting events ranging from musical concerts to wine tastings.
Hours of Operation: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Sunday 1:00-5:00 p.m., closed on Mondays
KNOXVILLE WORLD’S FAIR PARK - 954 World's Fair Park Drive, Knoxville, TN 37916 Phone: 865-251-6861
Incorporating most major landmarks from the World’s Fair held in 1982, the park in downtown Knoxville is designed to support events of varying size and scope. Attractions here include:
- Amphitheater
- Exquisite Landscaping including a Great Lawn for Festivals and Concerts
- HGTV, Sergei Rachmaninoff, & Lawn and Water Walks
- Sunsphere with Dining
- Water Fountain Fun
Hours of Operation: The park itself is open from 6:00 a.m.-Midnight, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, although some of the attractions may have different hours.
KNOXVILLE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS - 350 Knoxville Zoo Drive, Knoxville, TN 37914 Phone: 865-637-5331
Learn about the wonders of the natural world, including the zoo's female Komodo dragon, Khaleesi. The Giraffe Encounter and Budgie Landing are open throughout the spring and summer months, and there are events & activities for all ages scheduled year-round.
Hours of Operation: 7 days a week, 365 days a year, 10:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
MARKET SQUARE in downtown Knoxville
Numerous restaurants, pubs and sports bars as well as boutiques and gift shops fill this quaint marketplace. During the warmer months they hold concerts here, and there is a Farmer's Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Some places you may want to visit include:
- The Oliver Hotel, 1 Market Square
- The Ziegler Building, 9 Market Square
- Stock & Barrel Restauraant, 35 Market Square
OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY - 1 Bethel Valley Rd., Oak Ridge, TN Phone: 865-574-7199
This is the largest US Department of Energy science and energy laboratory. Here they conduct research to discover solutions for both energy and security problems. This is the site of the Manhattan Project. Tours are open to U.S. citizens only.
Hours of Operation: Hours vary, depending upon the tour. Call ahead for details or reservations.
TENNESSEE THEATRE - 604 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 Phone: 865-684-1200
Nearly a century old, upon its opening this was called the South’s most beautiful theatre, and the exquisite interior is a museum-quality showpiece all on its own. This was one of the first public places in Knoxville to be air conditioned.
Hours of Operation: Hours vary according to show schedules. Check individual show information for curtain time.
TURKEY CREEK SHOPPING MALL - 11101 Parkside Dr, Knoxville, TN 37934 Phone:
Over 200 brand label stores and shops, delicious restaurants, hotels, and entertainment options await you. The shopping mall stretches for 3 miles and can be easily seen from Interstate 40. The mall has over 800,000 square feet of retail space to explore. If they don't have it, it probably doesn't exist.
Hours of Operation: 7 days a week, 10:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE - 2704 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37996 Phone: 865-974-1000
Whether you or a family member are considering enrollment or are just looking for something to do, the University of Tennessee has plenty to offer. Athletic events, jazz concerts, lectures and many more activities make this a great place to visit. Dress in orange!
Hours of Operation: Hours vary, depending upon the event you’re attending.
We sincerely hope that this list of fun things to do in the Knoxville TN area has proved helpful, and that you find Tennessee to be both friendly and interesting. Relocating to Tennessee for many is one of the happiest dreams come true. Please feel free to bookmark this page, so you’ll always have several great ideas handy when you're looking for something to do.
