What is There to Do in Knoxville? 8 Different Experiences to Explore!

Knoxville, the birthplace of country music, is a great destination for a weekend getaway. With its vibrant arts scene, delicious food, and beautiful surroundings, there are plenty of activities available that are perfect for all ages. From outdoor adventures to historical sights, here are 8 different experiences you can find in Knoxville.

1. Visit the Zoo

The Knoxville Zoo, which was recently voted Best Zoo in Tennessee by USA Today, is one of the top attractions for visitors in Knoxville. The zoo is home to nearly 1,000 animals from around the world including elephants, otters, giraffes, and more. The place is filled with interactive exhibits, behind-the-scenes tours, and daily shows that provide educational and entertaining experiences. Even better, the zoo is pet friendly – so you can bring your pup along to help explore all the charming creatures.

2. Explore Downtown

Knoxville’s downtown area is alive with unique shops, galleries, restaurants, and other attractions that are perfect for a day of exploration. Wander through the Market Square district to browse through dozens of local businesses and retailers. Or, take a walk down Gay Street to enjoy street performers and live music. There’s also the Old City district, where you can hop from bar to bar exploring the different types of cuisines and craft beers from around Knoxville. Plus, with nearby open fields and riverfront trails, there are plenty of scenic spots for photo ops and relaxation.

3. Sample Local Eats

Foodies will delight in the selection of dishes available in Knoxville. From down-home BBQ to upscale restaurants, the city’s restaurants serve up some of the most flavorful food in town. Try some authentic soul food at Yassin’s Falafel House for some falafel and shawarma wraps as well as diverse vegetarian and vegan options. Or load up on some carbs at Flour Parade Bakery with their freshly baked pastries and comforting coffee drinks. Of course, no trip to Knoxville is complete without a stop at Copper Cellar or Calhoun’s on the River for some classic southern cooking!

4. See a Show at the Tennessee Theatre

For an evening of entertainment head over to the Tennessee Theatre which is one of the premiere performing arts venues in Knoxville. The theatre is home to several large productions such as musicals and plays as well as concerts and family shows throughout the year. Special events like film festivals also take place here so make sure to check out their website for upcoming events that you may want to attend.

5. Enjoy a Unique Shopping Experience

Knoxville isn’t just home to many boutiques and vintage stores but also an unforgettable shopping experience at The Love Shack or Wye’s General Store. At The Love Shack, you can find art prints, unique clothing, handmade jewelry, and other collectibles that make perfect souvenirs. Meanwhile, Wye’s General Store has a lively atmosphere with its selection of antiques, local items, and country-chic decor.

6. Explore Forest Parks

As the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Knoxville offers plenty of opportunities for hiking and nature exploration. With dozens of miles of trails within minutes from downtown, you can choose from easy trails with creek crossings and serene parks for postcard-perfect views. Or take it up a notch by exploring the many amazing trails leading up to the Smokies – including the popular Alum Cave Bluffs Trail with its stunning views of Mount Le Conte – for an unforgettable hike.

7. Catch a UT Football Game

Head on over during fall to catch a game at Neyland Stadium to see the University of Tennessee Volunteers take on some of the toughest opponents in college football. You’ll be joining hundreds of thousands of fans in shouting chants and singing “Rocky Top” when their team takes the field – it’s an experience that you won’t soon forget.

8. Take a Bar Crawl

If you’re looking for an entertaining night out, then why not join Let’s Roam’s Wacky Knoxville Bar Crawl? This two-hour tour will take you and your friends through some of Knoxville’s best watering holes including Market Square Brewery, Turf Tavern, Honeybee Coffee Company Bar and more. Plus, this tour will give you the chance to enjoy some quirky drink specials and fun surprises! Book your tour today!

Knoxville is a great destination for exploring art, nature, food, culture and fun! With so many activities available in the city – whether it be shopping or exploring outdoors – anyone looking for an action-packed getaway will find what they’re looking for here in Knoxville. And with its unique offerings like visiting the zoo or taking a tour through downtown pubs, there’s plenty of experiences that can create lifelong memories – so start planning your trip today!