Knoxville Hotels and City Guide

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The charming city of Knoxville is located in the valley between the Cumberland and Great Smoky Mountains, so you always have a fantastic view wherever you go. Knoxville is packed with fun things for you to do, whether you hike the mountains or stroll through the city. It’s filled with history as well as great walkways, fantastic restaurants, remarkable residences and a legendary football team. And again, you’ll be able to enjoy this all with the beautiful mountains as a backdrop.

For those who enjoy beautiful historic homes, Knoxville has a few for you to explore. The Mabry-Hazen House Museum and Civil War Bethel Cemetery is listed on the National Historic Register. It served as the headquarters for both Union and Confederate troops and more than 1,600 Civil War soldiers are buried in its cemetery. There are thousands of stunning memorabilia that covers over 150 years of Knoxville’s history. The Ramsey House Plantation is also on the National Historic Register and is a wonderful residence worth visiting. This stunning two-story home was built out of limestone and marble in 1797 for pioneer Col. Francis A. Ramsey. In fact, it was the first stone house in the region and therefore showcases 18th century architectural design and furnishings. Another one of Knoxville’s National Historic Landmarks is the Blount Mansion. Built in 1792, this amazing place was home to Gov. William Blount, signer of the U.S. Constitution.

The 1982 World's Fair held in Knoxville wouldn’t be considered a great success to most but the Sunsphere built for the fair showcases one of its finer accomplishments. This stunning 266 ft steel tower, with its five-story bronze globe that sits at the top, is a major drawing card to the World’s Fair Park to this day, especially with its observation deck that gives you the best view of the city and the Smoky Mountains in the distance. There’s also the delicious Candy Factory, craft shops, beautiful Victorian homes and Fort Kid, a fantastic kid’s playground. And if you enjoy art, you’ll be happy to know that the amazing Knoxville Museum of Art is also housed here.

Although visiting a university might not be on your top ten things to see when on vacation, the University of Tennessee makes going to school on your holidays an excellent idea. Home to the Volunteers, more affectionately known as the Vols, orange-clad fans cheer their football team on while they play at Neyland Stadium. It’s a definite must for all locals to attend and you’ll feel the energy of the fans and the team as they participate in one of America’s favorite past times. Not so into sports? The U of T is also home to the Frank H. McClung Museum, which houses an impressive collection on natural history, ranging from artifacts that date from prehistoric to the present.

One of the highlights Knoxville has to offer is its stunning Riverfront. Its an amazing walkway that goes for about a half mile along the Tennessee River and has restaurants, fountains and even a few swings dotted along the way. One of its biggest attractions is the Knoxville Star Riverboat and the Three Rivers Steam Train. And if you make your way to Volunteer Landing, you’ll enjoy concerts and other special events, including an amazing fireworks display on those festive days.

Grab your cowboy boots and saunter along the downtown walking tour called the Cradle of Country Music where you’ll see highlights from Dolly Parton, Hank Williams and The Everly Brothers, just to name a few. The Market Square in downtown Knoxville is the place to go for those who love to eat, shop and party. Enjoy fine dining, where your options include sushi, pizza, steak and pasta. The shopping here has a wide selection as well. You could purchase a handmade cigar, unique home decorations, the latest fashion trends or great art. The Market Square is also the place to be if you enjoy concerts and theatre. Whether its well-known groups, local talent or a Shakespearean play, you’ll definitely be entertained. Have a basketball fan traveling with you? Make your way to the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, also located in downtown Knoxville. You’ll know you’re at the right place when you see the 30 ft basketball on top of the glass staircase. Enjoy hands-on exhibits, the Hall of Fame, including inductee Pat Summitt and Cheryl Miller, and memorabilia from trophies to rulebooks. There’s also a wonderful park located in the center of downtown that has beautiful flowers, a pond and a bench for you to rest your weary feet.

Perhaps a park in Knoxville’s downtown doesn’t give you enough of a rustic feel. Located only forty miles away, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is an amazing display of nature. Stretching across 800 square miles, its one of the country’s most visited parks. The ever popular eleven mile loop showcases some of the best landscapes the park as to offer as well as historic buildings, which include a church that dates back to the 1800s and a corn mill. You might be lucky enough to see some of the wildlife that calls this park home.

Cheer on the Vols, explore the mountains, wander through historic residences or stroll along the Tennessee River. There’s so much to enjoy in Knoxville, you’ll probably have to come back a few times to experience it all.