Boasting a laid-back vibe full of urban amenities, Knoxville is truly eastern Tennessee’s hidden gem. Mild weather, great nightlife, a variety of outdoor activities and manageable traffic all combine to make Knoxville a city worth visiting or even calling home.
Local experts love talking about the little things that make Knoxville great. They were eager to share some of the special spots that really give the city a sense of individuality. Have you discovered any of these Knoxville hidden gems yet?
1. East Knoxville
Source: facebook.com/CruzeFarmGirl
You can define so many neighborhoods throughout Knoxville by their best places to eat or drink. If you’re in East Knoxville, you should start date night at Barrelhouse by Gypsy Circus Cider or take the entire family out for a slice at Cruze Farm.
“We like to go to Barrelhouse by Gypsy Cider,” says Olivia Alfrey, Owner and Operator of June Bug Dog Supplies. “They have yummy food, beers, and ciders (including cider floats!) and to top it all off, your precious pup can join you outside on the patio.”
Cruze Farm is also dog-friendly, according to Alfrey. But the real draw is the salads, pizza and farm-fresh, soft-serve ice cream.
For Quinn, the Lead Photographer, at Winx Photo, Cruze Farm ice cream is also where it’s at when it comes to hidden gems in Knoxville. The best place to enjoy it though is, “at the JFG sign, overlooking the Tennessee River at sunset.” This is where you can get a, “perfect view of the Sunsphere and the way it sparkles with the last little bit of daylight!”
2. Sequoyah Hills Park
Situated in the Sequoyah Hills neighborhood, right alongside the Tennessee River, Sequoyah Hills Park opens up into over 84 acres. When you’re inside the park, you not only have fishing and access to water but there are also spots for picnicking, playing sports and hiking.
For the team at Rala, coming here means bringing Fido along for some pup-human play time.
3. Ijams Nature Center
Another popular outdoor spot is Ijams Nature Center. Ijams is an urban park in South Knoxville. It features ten miles of trails and bike and canoe rentals to aid your exploration of the wetlands and rock formations within the park.
For Summer Tannhauser of Waggy Tails Pet Sitting + Dog Walking, Ijams is the perfect place to spend the middle of the day, in conjunction with other South Knox favorites. After grabbing a donut and Cruze Farm coffee milk from The Donut Shop, she likes to, “enjoy a day of outdoor activities. Activities like stand-up paddle boarding at Ijams, mountain biking trails at Bakers Creek Preserve and maybe even a little geocaching in all the natural spaces and parks.”
She’ll wrap up the perfect day at South Coast Pizza and Hi-Wire Brewing.
4. Take advantage of what’s free
When it comes to Knoxville fun, Lisa Burnett of Nothing Too Fancy knows how to find those free hidden gems throughout the city. For her and her family, Ijams is a popular stop, along with Mead’s Quarry. Next stop would be the playground at Lakeshore Park before enjoying a home-packed picnic at Suttree’s Landing by the Tennessee River.
To round out a hot day she’d, “play in the fountains at World’s Fair Park or Market Square,” before finally spending a few bucks to kick off happy hour right.
5. Sutherland Avenue
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A special neighborhood within Knoxville, Sutherland Avenue has enough going on to keep you busy for an entire day.
“Grab a coffee at Golden Roast, and go for an easy run or bike ride on Third Creek Greenway,” suggests Julia Conner of The Long Run. It’s her favorite way to get started. Then, “head over to Gus’s Fried Chicken for a bite to eat. Do some shopping at Backroads Market and River Sports. Stop by Albright Grove Brewery for a great local beer or the Frog Juice Boochery right next door for some non-alcoholic local kombucha. Finish with dinner at Savelli’s Italian.”
You tired yet?
Seeking out the cool spots
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A variety of local experts were quick to list a few other “cool” spots throughout Knoxville in a variety of neighborhoods. They even showed enthusiasm for some that haven’t opened yet. For Kelsey Wood, of Wood Shutter Photography, she’s looking forward to the upcoming opening of Fable Hollow Coffee and Bookshoppe, a hidden gem in the making.
Other places to consider in some of the city’s favorite neighborhoods include the Wild Love Bakehouse in North Knoxville and Cultivate Coffee and Flowers in Fountain City.
If you’re looking for a list in West Knoxville:
If you’re traveling Downtown, and need some ideas:
The list could go on. It’s that easy to find a gem or two no matter where in Knoxville you find yourself.
Discovering Knoxville in every direction
Knoxville is not only a beautiful place aesthetically — thanks to the Smoky Mountains and Tennessee River — but a fun one as well. Even when you’re not hiking or boating, there are plenty of secrets to discover within The Marble City. Whether you’ve just moved in, or consider yourself a seasoned local, it’s time to get out and seek out those amazing hidden spots still waiting for you to find.
Source: rent.com