Knoxville: a nature-loving-adventure-seeking-artsy-kinda-town

Photos by Steven Bearden & Bruce McCamish

Knoxville can’t be defined by just one thing. The town itself is a run-on sentence you simply can’t bring yourself to interrupt. A big city with hometown feels, Knoxville serves up endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, rich history, arts and culture – with an honest dose of southern hospitality. 

nature-loving

Knoxville is one of the region’s most accessible cities for authentic outdoor adventure. Consider exploring Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, a spectacular outdoor adventure area where you can hike, bike, climb, paddle, or just wander in the woods – all within the heart of the city. Over 60 miles of trails and greenways connect you to a beautiful nature center, pristine lakes, historic sites, dramatic quarries, adventure playgrounds, five city parks, and a 600-acre wildlife area. All this plus the headwaters of the Tennessee River, two botanical gardens, mountain peaks, a birding park, and more. No matter your interest, you won’t have to venture far to find a river for paddling, a forest for hiking, or a trail for watching native wildlife in any season.

adventure-seeking

What does adventure mean to you? It’s a question that only a visitor can answer for themselves, but luckily there are fun things to do with any definition. Maybe it means sampling new beer or whiskey on Knoxville’s Ale Trail or the Tennessee Whiskey Trail. Maybe it means wandering with no plan: finding a patio table to people watch in Market Square, exploring unique neighborhoods with fun names like Happy Holler, or letting your pup make new friends at the local dog park. Maybe it means seeing something only in Knoxville, like shooting hoops at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, catching a live radio show on the WDVX stage at the Visit Knoxville Visitors Center, and of course, the Sunsphere – the beloved icon of the city’s skyline that was built for the 1982 World’s Fair, offering a stunning 360-degree view of it all.

artsy-kinda-town

Knoxville is a city where the arts are deeply ingrained in its culture. From historic theaters and museums to public artand local markets, visitors can immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of artistic expression. Catch a show at the opulent Tennessee Theatre or the intimate Bijou Theatre. Learn about the rich history of artists from and inspired by East Tennessee at the Knoxville Museum of Art. Plan a visit around First Friday, a monthly event where galleries, studios, and shops stay open late, offering special exhibits, live music, and the opportunity to meet artists – you’ll quickly see why Knoxville is known as “The Maker City.”

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing couples getaway, an action-packed adventure with friends, or a family-friendly vacation, Knoxville has what you’re looking for… alongside a heaping helping of delightful surprises. Explore alleys of art, trails of serene beauty, and unexpectedly delicious flavors that will keep you coming back for more!