Tennessee is home to a number of quaint, small towns, and Knoxville is no exception. Located along the Tennessee River about 3 hours east of Nashville, Knoxville is the perfect destination for a 3-day trip. Though the town is relatively small with less than 200,000 residents, it has a lot to offer. History buffs, nature lovers, foodies, and everyone in between are sure to enjoy a trip to this beautiful Southeastern town. Here’s how to spend the perfect weekend in Knoxville, TN.
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How do I get to Knoxville?
Just outside of Knoxville is McGhee Tyson Airport, a small but conveniently located airport that makes it very easy to travel to the city. Knoxville is also a few hours’ drive from several major Southeast cities, such as Atlanta and Nashville, making it easy to drive into the city as well.
Knoxville offers a very efficient public transportation system that includes free trolley service throughout the downtown area.
If you choose to drive or rent a car in Knoxville, there are also many free parking options throughout the city. Some parts of Knoxville are walkable, but the city is a bit spread out, so it may be a challenge to only travel by foot.
Tip! If renting a car, check out the DiscoverCars Search Engine to find the best deal!
What is the best time to visit Knoxville?
Like many cities in the Southeast, Knoxville experiences very hot and humid summers, so spring and fall are generally the best times to visit.
Spring will provide you with mild, but still warm, temperatures that make it comfortable to walk around and explore. Fall, meanwhile, is an especially beautiful time to visit if you want to experience the foliage changing colors. Winter can be a good time to visit if you don’t mind lower temperatures and the possibility of rain or overcast skies.
Throughout the year, Knoxville hosts a number of outdoor events. Music festivals, art shows, and food tours are common summertime activities in Knoxville, and many continue into the fall as well.
Make sure to check the city’s calendar for upcoming events when planning your visit, as you’ll experience much larger crowds if your trip coincides with an event.
Where should I stay in Knoxville?
Downtown is the best area of Knoxville to stay in during your weekend in Knoxville, as many shopping, dining, and activity options are centrally located in this part of the city. Downtown is also the most convenient area to stay in if you plan to rely on the public transportation system or walking to navigate the city.
Marriott Knoxville Downtown is a great option if you’re looking for straightforward accommodations with a reasonable price tag. If you’d prefer something a little more upscale, The Tennesseean offers stylish rooms in a convenient location.
If you will have access to a car during your stay and don’t mind being a bit further from downtown, there are plenty of lodging options on the outskirts of Knoxville as well. These hotels will generally be more budget-friendly and are typically just a short drive into the city. Hilton Garden Inn and Courtyard Knoxville are two great budget-friendly options located just a few minutes west of the downtown area.
Sample 3-Day Knoxville Itinerary:
From unique museums to urban nature opportunities, this weekend in Knoxville has it all. Here’s exactly how to spend 3-days in Knoxville. Happy exploring!
Day 1 in Knoxville:
Morning
Begin your trip to Knoxville with a stroll through the beautiful World’s Fair Park. Knoxville hosted the World’s Fair in 1982, and the area has since been renovated to provide an outdoor space for locals and tourists to enjoy. Explore the park via a series of tree-lined walkways, and you’ll also spot a number of fountains throughout the park as well.
While World’s Fair Park is beautiful for a casual stroll, the park also hosts many outdoor events in the warmer months as well. World’s Fair Park is also home to the iconic Sunsphere where you can get great views of the city and river for $5 (children under 12 are free with a paying adult).
Afternoon
One great way to learn more about Knoxville’s rich history is by visiting the East Tennessee History Center. Knoxville is home to a number of awesome museums, but the East Tennessee History Center is one of the best if you want a comprehensive overview of the history of Knoxville. Located right downtown, this museum features a large number of exhibits that educate visitors on various facets of the city’s history.
Artifacts and interactive displays show what life was like when Knoxville was first established, and how the city and its culture have evolved in the years since. Tickets to the East Tennessee History Center are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors 55+, and free for children 16 and under.
Evening
Wrap up day one of your Knoxville trip by catching a show at the Tennessee Theatre. The Tennessee Theatre was first built in 1928 and is considered the official state theater of Tennessee. Throughout the theater’s almost 100-year history, the venue has hosted a wide variety of films, musicals, plays, and concerts.
The Tennessee Theatre is a beautiful building with a classic marquee out front that is great for photos. Whether you love music, comedy, or drama, the Tennessee Theatre offers a number of performances throughout the year for visitors to enjoy.
Day 2 in Knoxville:
Morning
For the second day of your Knoxville weekend getaway, head the famous Market Square Farmers’ Market. It provides an amazing opportunity to support small businesses and appreciate some of the local goods that Knoxville is known for.
You can find everything from fresh produce to baked goods and souvenirs at the Market Square Farmers’ Market, which takes place Wednesdays and Saturdays from May to November. The farmer’s market is also conveniently located in Market Square, so you can easily grab some breakfast before or after you do your shopping.
Afternoon
One of the best ways to spend an afternoon in Knoxville is by visiting the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum. The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum features 47 beautiful acres of walking trails where you can enjoy all the beautiful plants.
The gardens are also a great option to visit because they’re completely free and open every single day of the year from sunrise to sunset. The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum also hosts a number of workshops and classes related to agriculture throughout the year.
Evening
Spend your evening in Knoxville exploring the historic Old City. Old City is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Knoxville thanks to its laid-back, charming atmosphere. The streets are filled with shops, cafes, art galleries, and breweries/distilleries that offer something for everyone to enjoy.
Old City has a lot of great food options as well, making it a great place to wander around and explore for an evening. Later into the night, Old City also becomes a great spot to enjoy some of Knoxville’s best nightlife. Bars and music venues come to life as people gather for an evening of fun.
Day 3 in Knoxville:
Morning
End the last day of your Knoxville weekend getaway with a delicious breakfast at The French Market Creperie. Grab a famous crepe (sweet or breakfast), and get ready for a day full of adventures!
Afternoon
For your last afternoon in Knoxville, explore the city’s outdoorsy side by visiting Knoxville Urban Wilderness. Knoxville Urban Wilderness is a massive outdoor space where you can bike, hike, climb, and paddle.
The area offers 50 miles of trails for visitors to explore, as well as a 500-acre wildlife area where you can spot birds, deer, and even turkey! Knoxville Urban Wilderness Area is a super unique activity that’s also conveniently located in the heart of the city.
Evening
End your vacay with a visit back to Knoxville’s Market Square, a popular area for dining and shopping. Market Square is home to a lot of restaurants, bars, and musical venues, making it the perfect spot to spend an evening in Knoxville.
Market Square was first developed in the mid-1800s, making it a staple feature of the city of Knoxville. Although the square has changed a lot over the past two centuries, you can still get a sense of its rich history as you explore the streets, pop into shops, and enjoy a delicious meal.
Keep an eye out for some of the iconic murals that can be found throughout the square as well!
Other things to do in Knoxville:
With just three days in Knoxville, you likely will not have time to see it all. However, here are more of the best things to do in Knoxville in case you want to switch anything around!
- Visit the exceptional Zoo Knoxville (tickets are $24.95 for adults 13-64 and $19.95 for children 3-12 and seniors 65+)
- Learn more about Knoxville’s history by paying a visit to the historic Blount Mansion ($10 for adults, $5 for children, and $8 for seniors)
- Taste a sampling of beer at one of the city’s many craft breweries
- Take a self-guided tour (with a competitive scavenger hunt spin) of downtown Knoxville
Knoxville Restaurants Recommendations:
- Emilia – Situated in the heart of downtown Knoxville, Emilia takes a farm-to-table approach, focusing on Italian cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients.
- J.C. Holdway – Renowned Chef Joseph Lenn brings his culinary expertise to J.C. Holdway, showcasing wood-fired cooking techniques that highlight Southern flavors. The menu changes seasonally, featuring the freshest local produce, meats, and fish.
- A Dopo: A Dopo brings a unique take on pizza to Knoxville, focusing on sourdough crusts and high-quality, often locally sourced, ingredients.
Other tips to know before visiting Knoxville:
Many activities in Knoxville tend to get popular in the afternoon, especially on weekends. Consider getting an earlier start to your day if you want to avoid potentially large crowds.
3-day Knoxville Weekend Trip Itinerary Recap:
- Day 1: World’s Fair Park, East Tennesse History Museum, Tennesse Theatre
- Day 2: Crepes for Breakfast, Knoxville Botanical Garden, Old City
- Day 3: Market Square Farmer’s Market, Knoxville Urban Wilderness, Market Square
Keep Reading::: Extend your Southeast weekend with this waterfall road trip or spend a weekend in Charleston!
One Weekend In Knoxville Isn’t Enough
As you can see, there’s SO much to do in Knoxville that one weekend would never be enough to see it all. You can customize your 3-day Knoxville itinerary based on what interests you. No matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find plenty of entertaining activities to create your own fun-filled, jam-packed adventure weekend in Knoxville!
What else would you add to this “One Weekend in Knoxville” Itinerary?
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