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When in Knoxville, TN - Things to Do and Places to Go

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Whether you are visiting Knoxville, or planning on relocating to Knoxville, this list provides you with some of the most popular things to do and places to visit in this area.
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Outdoor Activities

Knoxville offers lots of outdoor activities--from bike trails and greenways to Farmer's Market and outdoor iceskating.  These are only a few of outdoor activities available for family fun.

 
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Market Square Farmers Market is located in downtown Knoxville, TN.  It is held every Wednesday and Saturday, May through mid-November.  Vendors provide fresh fruits & vegetables, eggs, honey, pasture-raised meats, flowers, jams & jellies, and much more.
Market Square Farmers' Market
 
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Knoxville's Holiday on Ice is located on Market Square in Downtown Knoxville.  It opens the day after Thanksgiving and runs through January 2, 2024.  It's definitely a must-do during the holiday season!
Knoxville's Holidays on Ice
 
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Knoxville offers lots of greenways with walking and biking trails. The USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships have taken place in Knoxville for the last couple of years.
Greenways & Trails - City of Knoxville
 
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There are many hiking trails to explore around Knoxville.  House Mountain is located in Corryton, TN, just 15 miles from Downtown Knoxville.  The steep slopes of House Mountain are offer scenic views, rock outcrops, and a variety of bird and plant life.
House Mountain
 
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There are seven large lakes and many rivers within driving distance from Knoxville.  These include Fort Loudoun Lake, Tellico Lake, Watts Bar Lake, Melton Hill Lake, Norris Lake, Cherokee Lake and Douglas Lake. These are great places to take a day trip for kayaking, boating, fishing, and more.
Lakes and Rivers | Things to do in Knoxville, TN

Well-Known Restaurants in Knoxville

Knoxville has several popular family-owned restaurants.  These are a few that have been recognized nationally.

 
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Southern Magazine recently ranked Ye Olde Steak House in Knoxville, TN in the top 30 most legendary steakhouses in the South (#13).
Ye Olde Steak House
 
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Pizza Palace is a landmark in Knoxville, TN. This family owned pizza restaurant has opened back in 1961 and has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives with host Guy Fieri.  It as call ahead ordering, drive-up ordering/dining, and a limited indoor dining.
Pizza Palace
 
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Calhoun's on the RIver is a popular bar-b-que restaurant located on the Tennessee River.  It offers awesome views of the river and Neyland Stadium--home of the Tennessee Volunteers.
Calhoun's On The River
 
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Litton's is a family-owned restaurant and has been around since 1946.  It not only offers delicious hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, and onion rings, but also has Knoxville's most popular homemade bakery items.  It has been mentioned in Southern LIving Magazine, USA Today, and more.
Litton's

Family-Friendly Grills & Breweries

Over the last several years, Knoxville has exploded with breweries and unique bars.  These a few that have become very popular with young and old alike.

 
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Yee Haw Brewing is a popular taproom which includes an in-house brewery, 62 taps, delicious food offerings, a jumbotron, and a beer garden featuring an outdoor bar, shaded outdoor space, firepits, and an outdoor amphitheater equipped for large concer...
Yee-Haw Brewing (Knoxville)
 
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SouthsSide Garage is a bar and food truck park located on Sevier Avenue--They offer a large selection of local craft beers.  The also offer a rotation of food trucks providing some of Knoxville's most delicious food.   SouthSide Garage is family friendly and offers a patio and patio games.
SouthSide Garage
 
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Downtown Grill and Brewery is located on historic Gay Street in the heart of Knoxville. The Brewery has a rich history with a beautiful interior and is located in the old Woodruff's building.  It is one of the most popular in downtown Knoxville
Downtown Grill & Brewery
 
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Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux offers scratch-made seafood dishes, burgers, salads and Cajon specialties.  They also offer extensive beer taps and cocktails.  Family-friendly.
Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux 413

Activities for Kids

Knoxville offers lots of activities for families with kids.  There are several outside activities for sunny days, as well as indoor activities for colder, rainy days.

 
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Zoo Knoxville  is one of the premiere zoological experiences in the southeast.  It offers acres of creative habitats for animal lovers of all ages to explore.
Zoo Knoxville
 
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The Muse Knoxville is a children’s Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, & Math (STEAM) museum.  It offers lots of hands-on activities, as well as Knoxville's only public access planetarium.
Muse Knoxville
 
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Fort Kid is was recently updated to include an accessible play surface, fort tower and slide, climbing and balancing poles, fully-accessible merry-go-round, toddler play area, new, full-accessible pathway, and new site grading and soil enhancements.
Fort Kid - City of Knoxville
 
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Safety City is a free 11-acre park which models a child-sized Knoxville.  Children can learn pedestrian safety, bicycle safety, and fire safety.   Safety City offers special events throughout the year, including Halloween and Christmas.
Safety City Knoxville

Museums

Knoxville has a variety of museums that showcase its history and arts scene.  There's something for everyone to enjoy and learn from in this is list of the best museums in and Knoxville.

 
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The Knoxville Museum of Art honors the diverse visual culture of East Tennessee, and showcases its ties to the global art scene.
Knoxville Museum of Art
 
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McClung Museum is free and open to the public.  Located on the UTK campus, it showcases collections in anthropology, archaeology, decorative arts, local history, and natural history.
McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture
 
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The Museum of East Tennessee History is located in the heart of downtown Knoxville and offers a great collection of Knoxville, Appalachian, and East Tennessee history.
Museum of East Tennessee History
 
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The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame honors the sport of women's basketball.  It is the only museum dedicated to all levels of women's basketball.  It also offers 3 different basketball courts to tryout your skills.
Women's Basketball Hall of Fame