The best place to learn about the region’s history is at the East Tennessee Historical Society and Museum, which has exhibits on the music, crafts, cuisine, and culture. Among the highlights are an early ensemble worn by the aforementioned Parton, pennants from Tennessee’s women’s suffrage movement, and World’s Fair memorabilia.
The Great Smoky Mountains are a short drive away, but if you’re staying in the city, there are plenty of outdoor experiences, including kayaking the Tennessee River and hitting the trails at the Ijams Nature Center, a former quarry with hiking, biking, a high ropes course, and seasonal swimming.
Knoxville also has an incredible community of makers and artists. One of the most interesting examples is the Pretentious Glass Company, an Old City glassblowing studio and craft brewery that serves beer out of the glassware they make on-site.
For the real local experience, check out the weekly farmers market, where local farmers bring fresh produce and prepared foods. If it’s a rainy day visit, head to the Central Cinema, a beloved local arthouse movie theater.
Where to eat in Knoxville
The culinary scene of Knoxville pulls heavily from the Appalachian traditions of the region. The city is home to several award-winning restaurants, with a sort of pipeline for chefs who trained at Blackberry Farm, the acclaimed luxury resort in the nearby Smoky Mountains. Other restaurants focus on the many international cuisines now found in modern Tennessee. You’ll find a range of options from college student favorites to fine dining you’ll need a reservation for.
If you have plenty of time to plan your trip, make sure a reservation at JC Holdway is on your itinerary. The James Beard award winner is a pioneer of regional farm-to-table fare, working closely with provisioners from East Tennessee and beyond. Splurge on the chef’s tasting menu or order items à la carte, like the Benton’s bacon bolognese, and grab a cocktail that incorporates one of the abundant and hard-to-find bottles of bourbon on deck.
