Feed The Animals At Zoo Knoxville
Many of you suggested we check out the Knoxville Zoo whilst in town, and our kids will never say no to feeding the giraffes.
It was great timing as well, as the Zoo was proudly showing off their cute baby gorillas!!! They are so funny and human-like, we could sit and watch them interact for hours.
And this Mumma was very protective of her little bubba.
We also got up close with a tiger and elephants, and there are also some fun play areas for the kids to enjoy too making it one of the most family-friendly attractions in Knoxville.
Details:
- 65 and up Military ID and Teachers : Free
- 65 and up: Free
If you like your kids to have engaged learning experiences, then the Muse is one of the best things to do in Knoxville with kids.
Sip On Cocktails At The Double S Wine Bar
Editor’s Note: Photo taken from the establishment’s official social account
Live Jazz Thursdays!!
Posted by The Double S Wine Bar on Friday, January 11, 2019
Dying to go to one of the hippest hangout spots in Knoxville? If you havenât heard of the Double S Wine Bar on Gay Street, youâre in for a tasty treat. This Napa Valley-inspired wine bar serves the most delicious desserts and gourmet cheese, besides fine wine, of course. The upscale but homey environment of the bar is one of the main reasons why locals frequent it so much. On Thursdays, thereâs live jazz, and Wednesdays are for Argentina Tango!
The Double S Wine Bar
Address: 129 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902, United States
Opening hours: Tue – Thu: 5pm – 10pm Fri – Sat: 5pm – 12am Sun: 12pm – 7pm
Fly High With The Navitat High Ropes Course
The Navitat Canopy Experience was Kalyras favorite activity in Knoxville and if it was up to her we would have stayed there all day AND night.
I must admit, it was hard to leave and I loved it too!
Weve done a few of these high ropes challenges amongst the tree canopy around the world and this one was definitely fun, and challenging. We only had time to complete 4 out of the 6 courses so theres a good reason to come back for more!
Navitat is part of the Ijams Nature Center and each course consists of 10 to 12 challenges, and each course is designed with varying degree of difficulty from beginner to advanced.
If you get freaked out about heights like me, dont worry, I felt incredibly safe and secure in their harnessing system which is the most intuitive and easy to use one Ive experienced.
And if you are like Kalyra and want to stay all day AND night, during spring and summer Navitat at Night is offered every Friday and Saturday night!
Definitely one of the most fun things to do in Knoxville with kids especially!
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Be A Baller At Maple Hall
Maple Hall is a proper old-school style bowling hall thats totally shiny and sleek. Based right next door to the Phoenix Pharmacy, its a boutique and cool bar/restaurant/bowling alley to visit after a day of exploring Knoxville.
Once there, grab yourself a lane, order some food and a few of their signature cocktails, too. Just try and knock over some of the pins! I was TERRIBLE!
Watch A Vols Game At Neyland Stadium

As you may have guessed, Im a big College sports fan, and every local we spoke to in Knoxville raved about the University of Tennessee Football games that are played at famed Neyland Stadium.
They certainly LOVE their football around here, which is another reason this is my kind of town!
You have to come back in the fall to a Vols game, they said. The whole town shuts down and the tailgating and atmosphere is off the charts.
I have now penciled in a Vols game and would love to see a big rivalry game against either Florida or Georgia off to check the schedule now!
For those who care, Peyton Manning played college here. As did Reggie White, two greats of the #NFL.
And in case you dont know, Neyland Stadium is the 5th largest stadium in the US with a capacity of 102,000 and me being me I just had to find a way inside.
Im not going to give away too much info on how we managed to make it inside, and we didnt do anything illegal, but where theres a will theres a way and we were able to sneak in for a quick pic thanks to someone in the know!
If you want to do an organized tour of Neyland Stadium, check out more info here.
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New & Noteworthy Places To Checkout
35 North a new food truck park in Farragut
Vida a new Pan Latin restaurant in downtown Knoxville
Five Thirty Lounge a glamorous indoor rooftop bar in downtown Knoxville
Q Korean Steakhouse a new Cedar Bluff dining experience
Aroma Indian Kitchen a new Indian restaurant in Cedar Bluff
Taqueria La Herradura Mexican formerly the double drivethru Chick-Fil-A is now a Mexican eatery
Navitat Canopy Adventures Ziplining
Lastly, hop on over to the Knoxville branch of Navitat Canopy Adventures, located inside the Ijams Nature Center. I recommend this for the end of the day because you can swing through the trees at night when the treetops are illuminated with LED lights!
It features several zipline courses for different levels, and each of them has nearly a dozen elements.
The zipline course is perfect for adventurous families looking for an outdoor activity that works for all ages. If you or anyone in your family is afraid of heights, they have courses where youre only ten feet or so from the ground.
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The Knoxville Visitor Center
Many visitor centers arent good for much more than some brochures and maybe a restaurant recommendation. However, Knoxvilles is a cut above the rest.
Its not only an excellent place for getting information on things like walking tours and festivals in the area, but its also stocked with local products, and it even has live music at noon throughout the week!
Eat And Shop At Knoxville Farmers Market
Almost everyone we talked to before visiting Knoxville suggested we had to visit the Knoxville Farmers Market, which came with high expectations.
If youve been following our travels over the years youd know that weve been to our fair share of Farmers Markets and I have no hesitation in saying that the Knoxville Farmers Market is one of the best weve been to!
We love open-air markets with an emphasis on local produce and community, and at this market, everything is grown or made by the vendor in the East Tennessee region.
We always do our best to shop local when traveling and if we lived in Knoxville wed definitely be here every Saturday!
There was such a great range of products on offer from delicious local food and coffee , to artisan crafts and much more.
With a vibrant community atmosphere, its a nice way to kick off your weekend and a fabulous kid friendly Knoxville attraction!
Details:Wednesdays 11:00 AM to 2:00 PMSaturdays 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
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Get Brunch At The Oliver Royale
Knoxvilles food scene is surprisingly great. Market Square had a collection of some of the citys best local spots. If you are looking for brunch, make a reservation at the Oliver Royale. This contemporary and chef-driven eatery is attached to The Oliver Hotel. Dont skip the biscuit + jam starter! If you are here a bit later, the bar is also a great spot for a specialty cocktail.
Relish A Sunset Paddle At Billy Lush Boards And Brew
If your partner is a watersport buff, Billy Lush Boards and Brew is where you should share your romantic moments whenever you are in Knoxville. Enjoying a convenient location, this comprehensive watersport company offers exciting watersport activities for you and your special one. From paddleboards to kayaks, canoes, and even Hydro-bikes, Billy Lush Boards and Brew offers you a marvelous chance to explore the Tennessee River, in a variety of ways. Besides the elating watersport adventures, you also get to enjoy an excellent array of craft beers at the new bar inside the shop.
Billy Lush Boards and Brew
Address: 900 Volunteer Landing Ln, Knoxville, TN 37915, United States
Nothing accentuates the feeling of creativity, quite like sharing an inspiring moment with your loved one. Knoxville Arts & Fine Crafts Center is the place you should consider visiting, especially if you and your significant other share a passion for visual art such as painting, glass blowing, or pottery making. Tucked away in Wright Place, this captivating art center offers you two love birds a chance to refine your skill together. Given the fact that this place also features a ballet class for young beginners, it makes a perfect spot for a fun-filled family weekend.
Knoxville Arts and Fine Craft Center
Address: 1127 N Broadway B, Knoxville, TN 37917, United States
Opening hours: Mon – Tue: 9am – 8pm Wed: 9am – 6pm Thu: 9am – 8pm Fri: 9am – 1pm Sat: 10am – 1pm
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Tips For Traveling To Knoxville
? Dont let the rain discourage you. Knoxvilles storms usually dont last that long. So you can bring an umbrella or rain jacket and power through them, or take a break at a cafe or art gallery. The forecast shouldnt dictate your itinerary.
Wake up early. Most tourist activities dont start until a little before noon, which means you can avoid the crowds by getting out of bed a little sooner. This is especially true in the parks, where you can go for a run or quick hike and have the trees and birds all to yourself.
? Be prepared for traffic on game day. Knoxville is all about University of Tennessee sports, and youll know its game day because everyone is sporting orange. Traffic and parking can be atrocious, so avoid the university area on these days if youre not going to a game yourself.
? Bring your dog. Knoxville is consistently rated as one of the best cities for dog owners, with seven dog parks and plenty of dog-friendly restaurants and bars.
? Dont miss First Friday! On the first Friday of every month, in addition to the usual art walk, youre bound to find fire twirlers, street musicians, and dancers showing off their skills on just about every street corner downtown. Its a party, and youll definitely want to be there!
Wander Through Market Square

Just a few minutes walk from the Tennessee Theatre is Market Square, which is a great little spot to grab a tipple, gorge on some wholesome local grub or to just visit some of the boutiques.
One of the things I loved about Knoxville was that its such a walking city. Its one of those places that you can literally wander around all day without ever having to get a car, uber or bus. Everything feels pretty close, with Market Square being a great spot to start.
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Spend Some Time On Market Square
There’s something for all palates: brunch at Ruby Sunshine, burgers at Stock & Barrel, Japanese at Kabuki, Chicken at Myrtle’s Chicken + Beer, Mexican at Soccer Taco, Pizza at The Tomato Head and more. Plus, Market Square is located in the heart of downtown, meaning you’re a short walk away from tons of activities.
Not finding what you want to eat on the Square? Gay Street and the Old City have plenty of yummy options too.
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Things To Do In Knoxville Tennessee: Knoxville Museum Of Art
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the Knoxville Museum of Art features the culture of the Southern Appalachians and celebrates the art and artists of East Tennessee. The building, clad in Tennessee marble, recently received a $6 million renovation that includes the Cycle of Life exhibit, the largest figural glass installation in the world.
Its permanent exhibits now showcase artwork from a century of East Tennessees most renowned artists and an intriguing collection from Americas most well known miniature diorama group. Alive After Five brings some of Tennessees most accomplished musical talents to provide a fun evening of dancing, food, and spirits.
1050 World’s Fair Park, Knoxville, Tennessee, Phone: 865-525-6101
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Check Out The Beautiful Campus & Gardens Of The University Of Tennessee
Since my boys are sadly approaching the age of college, we decided to head to the University of Tennessee for a quick tour. Even if you are not looking into colleges the campus is something to see. It is home to the fifth largest football stadium in the United States, which is an incredibly iconic field in terms of college football. The campus here is astounding as well. You have to check out the UT Gardens. You can walk their one-mile loop and see all kinds of plants and trees. Of course, admission is free which is always a bonus.
Stop by McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture
You can find this museum right on UTs campus. Their exhibits are really cool and will keep your kids engaged. You will learn about everything from Egypt to Nashvilles archeological history to Civil War history. This is a nice spot to escape the heat for a bit, especially because parking and admission are free.
Stroll Around The Historic Market Square
If you are looking for an affordable yet romantic activity to engage in with your partner and make a funfilled discovery of Knoxville, then consider taking her out for a rejuvenating stroll around one of Knoxvilles most iconic landmarks -the historic Market Square. A beautiful space nesting in the heart of Knoxville, this captivating place dates back to 1854, when it was first established as a marketplace. It gradually developing over the decades, to a multipurpose venue, hosting some of the most impressive festivals and cultural events Knoxville has ever seen. At this romantic place to visit in Knoxville, you get to feel the vibrant energy of the Southern hospitality as you get a chance to browse through several restaurants, bars, and even gift shops for antique souvenirs.
After a rejuvenating stroll around the historic Market Square, the next best thing to seal the deal is to enjoy a romantic dinner, and theres no better way to do this than a grand meal at award-winning The Melting Pot. A relaxing spot where you can woo the love of your life as you treat them to an incredible dining experience, this establishment turns every occasion from birthdays to anniversaries into a lavish affair. With a leisurely appeal and an inviting ambiance, its no wonder why many dating couples in Tennessee make their way here to enjoy a three- to five-course meal.
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Things To Do In Knoxville Tennessee: Clarence Brown Theatre
Enjoy a taste of Broadway at the Clarence Brown Theater, a gem on the UT Knoxville campus since 1970. The beautiful venue was made possible by the work of theater teacher Dr. Paul Soper in the 1940s and generous donations by legendary filmmaker Clarence Brown in the 1960s. As a cultural resource to the East Tennessee area, the theater thrives on community involvement and features educational programs and school performances as well as general auditions and volunteer opportunities.
Award-winning performances have earned the theatre national distinction. Housed in three impressive facilities, the theater offers visitors a rare Broadway experience in East Tennessee.
1714 Andy Holt Ave, Knoxville, Tennessee, Phone: 865-974-5161
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Sweet Treats In Knoxville
Knoxville Chocolate Company The Knoxville Chocolate Company is home to a variety of locally made sweet treats. The company began as Bradleys Chocolates in 1995 before their purchase of a local candy manufacturer and renaming as the Knoxville Chocolate Company.
Schakolad Chocolate Factory A chocolate expert, lovingly know as a Schakolatier, will escort you on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Factory. During the tour, visitors learn the history of chocolate, the health benefits and cool facts before molding and decorating their own. The tour ends with a full tasting menu of specialty chocolates.
Makers Donuts Makers Donuts features seasonal and local ingredients and is one of the top Knoxville, TN points of interest. They make unique batches of donuts each Wednesday Sunday morning. Check their Facebook page for their latest offerings.
Flavors may range from Devils Food Cake, Blueberry Bourbon to Milk & Cereal with Fruity Pebbles. Makers was created from the owners personal passion of finding the best local donut flavors wherever they traveled. After years of traveling, they decided to open their own best donut shop in Knoxville, TN.
Magpies Bakery Magpies Bakery is the can-do bakery, and they bakes pies, cheesecakes, cookies and banana puddings daily. They make everything from scratch with only the finest ingredients. Seasonally, they offer King Cakes, apple stack cakes and other delicious treats.
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