Local Attractions

Restaurants, Shopping and Local Festivals:
Knoxville has many places to grab a nice dinner, shop, or just walk around and experience different cultures. Below is a list of places that are perfect for family and friends when they come to town!

Market Square:
Market Square is located in the center of downtown Knoxville, and has many dining options, along with shopping and other forms of entertainment. The city also holds many different cultural festivals here throughout the year! One of the biggest events held is a weekly farmers market that occurs on Saturday’s from May to November! There is also free parking on weekends in the Locust Street Parking Garage unless there is a special event!

South Gay Street:
South Gay Street is home to many different restaurants, shops, hotels, a movie theater, the Tennessee Theater, and a bowling alley! It is the perfect place for a night out with family and friends!

West Town Mall:
West Town Mall is a large indoor mall that is just about 20 minutes from campus.

Calhoun’s on the river:
Calhoun’s is a barbeque restaurant in Knoxville. There are several locations in the Knoxville area. However, the one located on the river is the most well known to University of Tennessee students. Peyton Manning has been known to make appearances here when he is in town!

Cruze Farms:
Cruze Farms is a local ice cream joint that is native to Knoxville! They have many treats including coffee, ice cream cones, milkshakes, and more!

Coffee Shops:
Below is a list of good local coffee shops for fun study spots, dates, or just a quick pick-me-up!

Outdoor Activities:
Listed below are some outdoor activities most UTK students like to experience before graduating and leaving! Each place is within an hour and a half away from campus!

Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge:
Several students enjoy taking day trips to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, as there are many different hiking opportunities, museums, shops, and restaurants to enjoy!

Dollywood:
As Tennessee's largest amusement park, Dollywood was founded by Dolly Parton and made for people of all ages. Everything from carnival classics to America's fastest wooden roller coaster, Dollywood has all day fun with less than an hour drive from campus. Coupled with its sister park, Dollywood's Splashcountry, an expansive waterpark, Dollywood is a great way to get away from the stresses of the college life!

Knoxville Zoo:
The Knoxville Zoo is just a 15-minute drive from campus and a great activity to enjoy with family and friends!

World’s Fair Park:
World’s Fair Park is in downtown Knoxville and within walking distance from the University! It is home of the infamous Sunsphere, which has free admission!

Ijams Nature Center:
Ijams is home to over 300 acres of beautiful landscapes and wildlife sanctuaries. With activities ranging from biking to paddling to rock climbing, Ijams is one of the most entertaining naturescapes within a twenty minute drive from campus one could ask for!

Fort Dickerson Park:

Fort Dickerson was used in the Civil War and has replica cannons atop of a mound that overlooks both the beautiful city skyline along with several spots to gaze down into an old water filled quarry. With multiple points to jump, the 200+ foot deep waters will make great swim spots when weather allows.

Meads Quarry:
Meads Quarry is a fun place to rent kayaks and have a day on the water with friends and family! At less than twenty minutes away from the UT campus, anyone can find joy in seeing natural and manmade rock formations leading to excellent lookout points to enjoy East TN landscapes.

Max Patch:
Max Patch is a mountain about an hour and a half from campus, depending on traffic. Many students campout here and take pictures of the beautiful views!

The Rock:
The Rock is a campus tradition, and it is located across the street from Stokely and the Student Health Center! Many students paint it during their time here at UT!

Neyland Stadium:
Neyland Stadium is the home to our football team and is a whole experience when compared to other college football stadiums! It is time to GET NEYLAND LOUD!

Thompson Boling Arena:
Thompson Boling Arena is home to our men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as our volleyball team! Tickets to all three sporting events are free to full-time students! It is also home to many concerts and events throughout the year!

References:
https://knoxvillemarketsquare.com/

https://www.visitknoxville.com/things-to-do/popular-spots/gay-street/

https://www.simon.com/mall/west-town-mall

https://calhouns.com/menus-and-locations/tennessee-river/

https://www.cruzefarm.com/ice-cream-menu

https://www.honeybeecoffeeco.com/

http://tgroast.com/

https://www.knoxvillebrew.com/

https://www.mypigeonforge.com/

https://www.gatlinburg.com/

https://www.dollywood.com/

https://www.zooknoxville.org/

https://worldsfairpark.org/

https://ijams.org/

https://www.visitknoxville.com/listings/meads-quarry-park/644/

https://ashevilletrails.com/appalachian-trail-north-carolina/max-patch/

https://news.utk.edu/2016/11/15/50-years-rock-serves-centerpiece-expression/

https://www.vividseats.com/venues/neyland-stadium-tickets.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Venues+DSA+PF&vkid=17325594&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5efNma2i5QIVAYbICh2OfAleEAAYASAAEgK-dvD_BwE

https://www.tbarena.com/

http://www.knoxvilletn.gov/cms/one.aspx?portalId=109562&pageId=209647