Knoxville: A Hidden Gem of America
Knoxville, TN is a city on the rise. Once famous for being the host of the 1982 World’s Fair, this vibrant destination choice is seen as a hidden gem due to the variety of activities, shops, hotels and cuisine options on offer. And due to the fact that the downtown area contains many of its enticing attractions, getting around on foot is a breeze. So, from taking in historical sites to watching sporting events at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a place with plenty of things to do!
History & Heritage
With it being the first capital of Tennessee and dating back over 225 years, it should come as no surprise that Knoxville possesses a rich heritage. Whether you want to explore historic homes or learn about Civil War sites, the area has an array of attractions that can let you discover this significant side of the city. One of the best starting points for this is the East Tennessee History Center. This museum is a great general guide about the region’s history, with an assortment of exhibits and activities available. Another Knoxville museum also worth checking out is the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, which houses diverse collections from archaeology to decorative arts. In terms of significant sites to visit, you can’t go wrong by travelling to Blount Mansion, James White Fort and the Historic Ramsey House. And the Sunsphere Tower – situated within the World’s Fair Park – is also a must-see when in the city.
Knoxville Highlights
Away from the historical attractions that populate the area, there’s also a large selection of things to do when in Knoxville. A popular pick with those travelling as a family is the Zoo Knoxville. As one of the premiere zoological experiences that the southeast has to supply, this zoo contains over 800 animals that are spread out across 53 acres – making it the largest year-round attraction in the city. The Ijams Nature Center is an area of stunning beauty that is ripe for exploring, as are the House Mountain State Park and UT Gardens. As for catching a show or convention, you have beautifully historic venues like the Tennessee Theatre and Bijou Theater, as well as the Knoxville Convention Center. And for all your shopping needs, the only place that needs to be visited is Knoxville’s Market Square. Complete with the acclaimed Farmers Market, this district has an eclectic choice of retailers to choose from.
Annual Festivities
From theatre performances to live music, sports shows to unique concerts, Knoxville is home to a wide variety of events throughout the year. This includes a healthy collection of festivals that take place on an annual basis. One of the biggest is June’s CMA Music Festival. Taking place over four days, this festival is known as the largest country music celebration in the world, and attracts over 400 artists and celebrities each year. The Italian Lights Festival in September is another popular occasion, where Italian traditions are celebrated with a mix of music, culture and cuisine. Being a staple of Nashville for over 35 years, the Indian Education Pow Wow & Fall Festival is an October tradition that gives you the chance to experience the spirit of American Indian culture. The city’s take on Oktoberfest is the ideal alternative if you don’t fancy a trip to Germany, while other annual events such as the American Artisan Festival and Nashville Film Festival are worth checking out if you’re in the area at the time.
Dining Delight
Thanks to its unique and deep culinary scene, you are certainly in for a treat when it comes to sampling the finest dining delights that are proposed by Knoxville. Due to the city having a primary focus on farm-to-table cuisine, getting some fresh and delicious meals is a simple affair – to the point where it seriously rivals any other destination in Tennessee. As for choice, you have essentially a limitless amount of places to suit all of your tastes and requirements. With over 1,000 eateries in total, the area has everything from exotic international flavours to traditional steakhouses. And with a multitude of restaurants situated in the downtown area alone – and, as a result, within comfortable walking distance to numerous hotel options – fulfilling your food needs is also made all the more easier. So regardless of what you hope to try or are craving, Knoxville will no doubt be serving it up at one of its many highly rated establishments!