Knoxville: A Guide to Tennessee's Hidden Gem

Having visited the charming city of Knoxville, Tennessee numerous times, I have consistently been eager to discover more about the fantastic attractions that set this location apart. Below is an overview of the top attractions that every guest should explore while in Knoxville:

• Market Square : Explore the vibrant heart of downtown Knoxville, filled with local shops, restaurants and cultural events. There are concerts, festivals and other fun activities taking place here year-round.

• Farmer's Market: On Saturdays, May through November, you can check out a large farmers market, where everything is made, grown or raised within 150 miles of Knoxville. I greatly enjoy walking through and looking at all of the hand-crafted creations.

• Downtown Mural Walking Tour: From alleys to stairwells, local artists have painted a variety of murals to help tell a visual story of the city. Many of these are found in an alley at Market Square.

• Maple Hall: An 11 lane bowling alley located near Market Square. They offer a full-service bar and have a menu of made from scratch foods, using fresh, local ingredients. Maple Hall is one of my favorite places to spend time with friends while in Knoxville.

• Ice Crean Shops: Two of the best places to get some home-made ice cream are Cruze Farm and The Pharmacy. Both have locations downtown. Locals rave about each place. I have tried Cruze Farm and found it to be fantastic! The Pharmacy is next on my list.

• Dining Options: Knoxville offers such a wide variety of fantastic dining options. I almost feel like it would be hard to make a bad choice! Some of my favorites so far have been Lonesome Dove, Stir, Farmacy and Cafe-4. Calhoun's on the River and The French Market Creperie are on my list of places to try. Oh, and if after dinner you want to try some of the best cookies ever, go to Moonshine Mountain Cookie Company!

• University of Tennessee : Immerse yourself in the college spirit with a visit to the iconic university campus. My husband and I greatly enjoyed exploring the state botanical garden, also known as UT Gardens. It is free to the public and they periodically offer special learning events for both children and adults.

• Knoxville Zoo : Spend a day with your family enjoying wildlife from around the globe in this fantastic zoo. As always, plan ahead! To be more effecient, you can purchase tickets online, bring hats, sunglasses, sunblock and a wagon or stroller if you have young children. Be sure and stay hydrated while visiting the zoo during the summer months!

• Ijams Nature Center : Discover the natural beauty of Knoxville through hiking trails and outdoor activities. This place is on my list to visit the next time I am in Knoxville.

• World's Fair Park : Enjoy a leisurely stroll in this picturesque park that hosted the 1982 World's Fair. You can walk around and enjoy the scenery at the park, have a picnic, take in a festival and even visit the observation deck on the 4th floor of the Sunsphere.

• East Tennessee History Center : Delve into the rich history of the region through fascinating exhibitions and artifacts.

• McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture : Feed your curiosity with a visit to this intriguing museum.

• River Sports Outfitters : Dive into thrilling outdoor adventures with activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. This place sells all of the gear you could possibly want or need for almost any outdoor activity.

• Great Smoky Mountains National Park : Take about a 40 mile drive from Knoxville and witness the majestic beauty of one of America's most-visited national parks. While visiting the Smokey Mountains area, you should plan some time to explore Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg and Townsend.

In conclusion, Knoxville, Tennessee is a destination that truly offers something for everyone. Whether you are a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or culture connoisseur, this charming city is sure to captivate your heart and leave you with cherished memories that will last a lifetime. Set aside a long weekend to explore Knoxville's diverse attractions and create unforgettable memories in this charming city!

Safe and Happy Travels,

~Shannon