The city of Knoxville, Tennessee has long been left off of state travel lists in deference to Nashville’s music scene and the grand reputations of Elvis and the Mississippi River. That is no more, folks. Upscale travel publications like Conde Nast Traveler, for example, have named Knoxville as a top travel destination (the ranking was in 2020), and it’s come as no surprise to those of us who live and work here! We know just how wonderful this small town masquerading as a big city actually is, and they’re bound to welcome tourists with a whole heap of southern charm. Some come along with us and learn the best of the best things to do in Knoxville, TN.

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For more information, check out the Visit Knoxville website, as well as the Visit Knoxville Facebook page.

Have you ever been to this award-winning town? If so, what was your favorite part? Have you ever stayed at one of the best hotels in Knoxville, TN? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

You can indulge in Knoxville by way of some of the best darn cookies in the nation. Check it out!

If you’d like to explore hikes around Nashville, you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website.

Still in the mood for more Tennessee adventures? Take a look at this video:

 

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More to Explore

More Adventures in Tennessee

Where can we find state parks in Tennessee?

  • Paris Landing State Park in Buchanan sits on the banks of Kentucky Lake and is home to a wide array of wildlife.
  • Natchez Trace State Park in Wildersville has a beautiful lake as well as a beach area for sunbathing and swimming.
  • Reelfoot Lake State Park in Tiptonville has a lake by the same name which is the only naturally occurring lake in the state of Tennessee.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other spectacular state parks in Tennessee.

Where can we go swimming in Tennessee?

  • Cummins Falls in Cookeville has a swimming hole and a waterfall too.
  • Dollywood's Splash Country in Pigeon Forge is a fun waterpark with a “Rivers of East Tennessee” theme.
  • Nashville Shores Waterpark and Treetop Adventure Park on Percy Priest Lake also offers lake rental and lodging.

Read on to learn about some of the many other cool places to go swimming in Tennessee.

Where can we find river towns in Tennessee?

  • Chattanooga is one of the state’s favorite river towns, although it is really considered to be a “big city.”
  • Clifton is a charming little town set alongside the Tennessee River and a big draw for those desiring to get away from it all.
  • Tiptonville, located between the Mississippi River and Blue Basin has managed to maintain its small-town ambiance since its early founding.

Read on to learn more about some of the other beautiful river towns in Tennessee.