Tennessee

Knoxville, Tennessee: Dining, Arts and Entertainment

States:
Tennessee

The beautiful thing about Tennessee is that there’s something for everyone here.

Whether you’re looking for adventure, culture or history, you’ll find it in this U.S. state. Nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, along the banks of the Tennessee River, Knoxville has a rich culture and a vibrant arts and entertainment scene all of its own.

Market Square: A Place to Stroll, Shop and Eat

Market Square is a lively rendezvous point and the beating heart of Knoxville. This pedestrian square is a mix of small fashionable boutiques, vintage shops and home and interior decorating stores. It has a charming village-like atmosphere while remaining trendy and dynamic. Once a trading place for local farmers, today there are art and music festivals here year-round, as well as a nice weekly market with local produce. Check out the cool shirts and sweatshirts at Nothing Too Fancy nearby.

When you come with your family, you’ll be surprised at the selection of restaurants. From burgers to organic fare, you’ll find a dish to suit every palate. Do not forget to taste local products and check out the outdoor Farmer's Market for a selection of fresh produce.

Market Square also has a splash park, open in the warmer summer months, open spaces and picnic tables to relax and play. Adjacent to Market Square is Krutch Park, where you and your children can enjoy pretty natural scenery and outdoor sculptures.

Locals and visitors exploring Market Square

Nelya Photography

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Downtown Knoxville

Experience

Knoxville, Tennessee: From the Urban to the Natural

Downtown on Gay Street

After Market Square, stroll down Gay Street, visit boutiques and enjoy excellent dining. One favorite boutique is Bliss, popular for fashionable shoes, furniture and home accessories. Gay Street is also known asKnoxville’s theater district, where you will find a number of beautiful historic venues like the magnificent Tennessee Theatre, the official State Theatre ofTennessee, and the Bijou Theatre, known for its intimate atmosphere and great acoustics. Dating to the 1790s, several buildings have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Throughout the year, many artists perform along Gay Street and it’s always worth a look.

For lunch, stop by Nama Sushi Bar and try the “Ex-Girlfriend” roll, a delicious eel, crab, shrimp and scallops combination that is a Knoxville favorite. After lunch, pop into the Mast General Store and The Art Market. The Art Market gallery showcases work of over 60 area painters, glass artists, printmakers, photographers and sculptors and is a great place to pick up gifts for friends and family back home. At the end of the day, enjoy a beer in one of the bars around Market Square.

Popular nightlife and entertainment options lining Gay Street

Bruce McCamish Photography

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Day to Night Dining and Fun

Not surprisingly, Knoxville is home to an eclectic collection of restaurants and bars. Dining options range from Spanish paella and delicious sushi to upscale farm-to-table cuisine and original cafeterias. Start the day with a hot chocolate from Coffee and Chocolate in front of Krutch Park. They even have chocolate and bacon truffles on the menu. For lunch, try a delicious gourmet mac 'n' cheese from Café 4. And for dinner, enjoy a succulent oven-baked pizza at The Tomato Head in Market Square. A draft beer from Schulz Bräu Brewing Company is always an excellent choice to end the night.

For nightlife, there are options for all tastes, including going to the theater, listening to live music, having a drink at a bar or enjoying a quiet romantic dinner. Knoxville is also home to renowned events throughout the year. Time a visit to include the Rhythm n' Blooms, Dogwood Arts and other special events that make it an exciting city. This is Knoxville: alive with activity, a perfect blend of Southern hospitality, culture, art and entertainment. All this and more makes the city a destination on your must-see list.