knoxville tennessee tour

The 10 Best Tours to Take in Knoxville, Tennessee

By: Author Laurin

Posted on Last updated: September 14, 2023

Categories Activities , Knoxville , Northeast Tennessee

Booking a tour from our list of best tours in Knoxville will have you exploring the city of Knoxville and beyond!

Tours can take away the stresses of decision-making on things to do while visiting a new city, giving you more time to explore.

Situated almost exactly halfway between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau, Knoxville has all the charm of a mountain town.

It’s also one of the largest urban hubs in Appalachia, drawing visitors with its scenery, abundance of restaurants, breweries and distilleries, shopping, live music, nightlife, hotels , and sports.

With so much to see and do indoors and out, one of the best ways to truly experience The Marble City is by booking some of the best tours in Knoxville .

Knoxville tours cover the gamut of interests, from moonshine and local craft beer to aerial helicopter tours and the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just an hour away.

Keep reading to see what tours are offered in and around Knoxville below!

Table of Contents

The 10 Best Tours in Knoxville, Tennessee

1. a taste of knoxville brew hop.

Knoxville is renowned for its craft beer scene , offering a vast variety of incredible settings to enjoy a brew. In fact, the city has its very own Knoxville Ale Trail , with more than 30 breweries!

This brew hop is unique among tours in Knoxville, allowing you to DIY your very own brewery crawl ! You can pick your starting and ending points, and spend however much time you’d like at each spot. Five local favorites including Printshop Beer Co. (try a sour!) and Elst Brewing Co. are included. 

Not only does this Knoxville tour offer a flexible schedule that you create yourself, but it also includes all five destinations at a fixed rate. In other words, hop on and off the bus visiting as many breweries as your heart desires, all for one flat rate!

Combined with free water and wi-fi on the bus, and free cancellation up until 24 hours before, it’s easy to see why this is rated as one of the best tours in Knoxville!

Book A Taste of Knoxville Brew Hop Tour Here 🍺

2. Knoxville Scavenger Hunt: Knoxville’s Perfect Blend

A real-life scavenger hunt is the perfect way to discover Knoxville’s rich history and cultural attractions.

This tour weaves through some of Knoxville’s most notable locations , all stitched together with super fun clues, riddles, and challenges. Interesting spots in the city, like Bijou Theater and Blount Mansion, are even more fun to explore when there’s a bit of adventure added!

Designed for a group of friends or family , the challenges range from taking silly pictures together to testing your knowledge with some tricky trivia.

Best of all, the scavenger hunt has a team-building energy and friendly competition element, perfect for bringing loved ones together — something not all tours in Knoxville can claim!

Everything is done through an app, so there’s no need to worry about scheduling an exact time. Simply check the forecast, wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and hit the streets!

This excursion involves walking but is also wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. 

Book the Knoxville Scavenger Hunt Here 🔎

3. Knoxville’s Country Music Heritage: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Nashville may be more closely associated with music, but Knoxville boasts its own vibrant heritage.

Performers like Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton have done noteworthy performances in Knoxville! To get an authentic taste of this rich history, embark on a self-guided walking tour through the heart of the city .

For just $6, this low-commitment activity vividly tells the remarkable stories of various venues and historic buildings in pleasant downtown Knoxville.

It touches on how the city contributed to country music, through home-grown talent and performers who accelerated their careers here.

This Knoxville tour lasts up to 1.5 hours and weaves through several downtown blocks. Make sure to wear appropriate, comfortable footwear and check the forecast.

Book the Country Music Heritage Tour Here 🤠

4. Knoxville Food Tours

We couldn’t talk about the best tours in Knoxville without including Knoxville Food Tours !

In just a few hours on this fun and flavorful experience, you’ll get a literal taste of The South.

The diverse sampling of Knoxville’s best restaurants includes Southern and Appalachian classics, plus some surprises.

This is a walking tour (about one mile total), so it also presents an excellent way to get the lay of the land of downtown Knoxville.

Local historian and author Paula Johnson leads the tours through Market Square and Gay Street. You’ll visit 4-6 establishments, depending on the time of year and itinerary.

Tours are held Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and last 2.5-3 hours.

Please note that alcoholic beverages are available but not included in the tour price. Be sure to bring some extra money to cover that, as well as gratuity for your guide! However, tips for individual restaurant servers are included.

Other Tours Near Knoxville (Within an Hour’s Drive)

5. sharing nature with children.

Traveling with little ones and not quite sure how best to dive into Knoxville’s beautiful natural surroundings? This immersive tour pairs families with experienced, child-oriented guides!

The activities are hands-on and intuitive, leading to smiles from the kiddos and adults alike.

From face-painting with rocks to learning about settler history and salamander hunting, participants consistently comment that these tours thoroughly entertain everyone .

4-hour tours start at a highly-rated cafe (perfect for an adult caffeine fix!) and continue on to Great Smoky Mountains National Park . The guide does an incredible job selecting a trail that feels like an adventure but is also approachable for all ages and experience levels.

Keep in mind that getting a bit muddy is part of the fun (one of the things that makes this one of the most memorable tours in Knoxville!), so bring a change of clothes.

Book the Sharing Nature with Children Tour Here 🌱

6. Family-Friendly Floating Tour at the Smokies

When the infamous East Tennessee heat sets in, it’s time to hit the river! This rafting tour, led by a knowledgeable guide, combines just enough adrenaline to get the heart pumping with some excellent calm swimming holes.

Safety is paramount, as this tour near Knoxville is specifically for families with children three and older , so you can rest assured the trip isn’t too intense. The rafts each accommodate up to eight people, so they’re large enough for the entire family.

In addition to expertly navigating through class I and II rapids (gentle), the tour stops at a small island with games, nature trails, and excellent spots to kick back and relax. The entire float spans six miles of the river, plenty to see amazing scenery but also very manageable!

Many participants note they love the guides, who add a personable twist that makes the experience even more entertaining.

The tour departs from a launch point along the Pigeon River, just under an hour’s drive from Knoxville . Rafts go out rain or shine, but if the forecast looks especially bad, you can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

Book this Floating Tour in the Smokies Here 🚣

7. Tickets to Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Show

Want to witness a truly unique cultural attraction? Book a ticket to watch a lively event filled with talented lumberjacks sawing, hacking, climbing, and even jousting in front of a live audience!

The family-friendly show features 13 individual events over 90 minutes. Audience interaction is strongly encouraged and oftentimes, kids get to join in on the fun!

The show is in Pigeon Forge , a charming town 40 minutes from Knoxville. It’s filled with excellent options for dining and drinking, so you can make a whole night of it and hit the town before or after.

Like many other tours in or near Knoxville, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand, so book your preferred date and time ASAP — tickets do often sell out.

Book Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Show Here 🪓

8. Ridge Runner Helicopter Tour

Most tours hit the road…but how about one that flies the skies? This helicopter flight soars over the treetops of the Smokies, offering excellent vistas and adrenaline-inducing fun .

Referred to as the “Ridge Runner,” this 15-minute flight traverses the Chilhowee mountain range and offers a birds-eye view of Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.

In addition to flying the helicopter, the pilot points out fascinating details about the region, both in historical and natural aspects.

Although many people think sunny weather is best, misty days offer an unforgettable experience! Similar to other Knoxville tours, free cancellation means rescheduling is easy when the forecast is grim!

Book the Ridge Runner Helicopter Tour Here 🚁

9. Pigeon Forge Wine and Moonshine Tour

Knoxville may be known for its craft beer scene, but outside the city, it’s all about moonshine !

The Brewery Hop organizers, one of the tours in Knoxville mentioned earlier, also offer this highly-rated excursion to Pigeon Forge.

The bus stops at two wineries and two distilleries (so it’s especially handy that transportation is taken care of!). Between all four tasting rooms, you’ll try red and white wines, plus nearly a dozen varieties of locally-produced moonshine. 

After sampling a variety of beverages, the tour even includes a behind-the-scenes look at production. So while the experience involves a fair amount of tipsy fun, it’s also culturally enriching!

In addition to the personable bar staff, you’ll have an outgoing driver/guide who gives background on each stop.

Book this Pigeon Forge Wine & Moonshine Tour Here 🍷

10. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Driving Tour

A trip to Knoxville simply isn’t complete without a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

In an expansive park with many sections, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to see first. Instead, book a self-guided tour with a pre-planned route to take care of the details!

This Knoxville “tour” is actually an app with an itinerary and accompanying audio narration for a relaxing drive.

It even downloads offline, so there’s no need to worry about cell signal! Simply drive to the starting point and hit play. Best of all, it’s only $15 per vehicle! 

The narration covers Cherokee history, with added immersion through animated clips in the app. It also includes wildlife descriptions and stops at some of the park’s most breathtaking sights.

Think of iconic Clingman’s Dome and Rainbow Falls. With a starting point less than an hour from Knoxville, this tour is a totally doable day trip!

Book the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tour Here 🚙

Which of these best tours in Knoxville intrigues you the most? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Featured Image Credit: Brew Bus Knoxville

Knoxville Walking Tours

Let me tell you a story...

• Misbehaving Women
• The Early Years
• Literary Heritage Tours
• Old Gray Cemetery Tour
• Black History – Leaders, Writers, and Artists
• Knoxville’s Musical History

Knoxville Botanical Garden

• The Gunslingers
• The Civil War in Knoxville

Shadow Side 2: Ghosts of the Old City

Shadow side ghost tour.

• Shadow Side 3: Side Street Shadows
• Holiday History Tour
• Laura’s Books

Guided Knoxville walking tours

Storyteller Laura Still helps you live the stories of pioneers, soldiers, outlaws, and even fictional characters who walked these streets before you.

Knoxville has a rich history full of colorful characters and famous, and infamous, figures whose lives have been the inspiration for books, movies, and works of art. Take a stroll through history in beautiful downtown Knoxville while listening to true tales of the heroes, heels, and hardened criminals that are part of the hidden lore of this unique East Tennessee town.

In Partnership with Jack Neely and the Knoxville History Project

A haunted history of knoxville, (865) 309-4522.

Choose Your Tour

Holiday history.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the holidays in downtown Knoxville while learning about local traditions and legendary celebrations. Longing for an old-fashioned Christmas feast? Bring on roasted leg of bear! Details & Tickets

Free Summer & Fall Tours

We're pleased to partner with Knox County Public Library to provide special downtown excursions exploring East Tennessee’s literary and artistic heritage on select Saturdays. Details & Tickets

More History Tours

New: misbehaving women.

The struggle for women’s right to vote spans over 70 years and culminates in the passage of the 19th Amendment on August 18, 1920. The national movement couldn’t succeed without work at the local level, and in Knoxville women have a proud heritage of misbehaving in the cause of justice. Meet the stalwarts of suffrage who began by refusing to lower their heads and accept the status quo and ended by changing history. Details & Tickets

Early Years

A great place to start. Step back over two centuries and visit Knoxville's founders as you listen to the stories of the settlement of White's Fort and establishment of the capital of the Southwest Territory at the headwaters of the Tennessee. Details & Tickets

Walk the streets of a city torn by divided loyalties and then get an overview of the fighting from Gallows Hill. Spies, bridge burners, miracle shots, betrayal, and battle. Details & Tickets

Black History

Leaders, Writers, and Artists Stroll the streets that inspired Knoxville’s Black artists, musicians, and writers: Charles Cansler, Cal Johnson, Howard Armstrong (Louie Bluie), Leola Manning, Beauford and Joseph Delaney, and author Nikki Giovanni. Details & Tickets

Ten years before statehood David Howell planted a garden, establishing a family business that would last over a hundred years. Travel from the frontier to today hearing the story of this historic property in sun and shadow. Proceeds help support the garden. Details & Tickets

Gunslingers

Family feuds and wanted outlaws. You'll relive the days when Knoxville was the wild west and Gay Street was the OK Corral. Family feuds, love triangles, post-war animosities, and duels in the street! Details & Tickets

Musical History

The Knoxville story has always been set to music, from the time when the poetic rhythms of the native Cherokee tribes still echoed in the hills and the ballads of the Scots-Irish settlers were sung around campfires on the riverbanks. Immigrants from all over the world brought new instruments and tunes to enliven the song and make Knoxville home to musicians of every genre. Details & Tickets

Old Gray Cemetery

Just north of downtown Knoxville, Old Gray Cemetery is a little-known historic jewel. Founded in 1850 as part of the rural park cemetery movement, it became a popular destination for carriage rides and picnics. 1860-1910, when most of the graves were dug, were some of the most violent decades of Knoxville’s history, as well as the heyday of the local marble industry, when the fashion for elaborate monuments and statuary was at its zenith. Details & Tickets

Literary Heritage

Home of Cormac McCarthy, Nikki Giovanni, James Agee, and more. You'll visit the scenes that inspired them and walk in the footsteps of their characters. Details & Tickets

Ghost Tours

Brave souls who enjoy a chill can join us for a trip into Knoxville's shadow side. The city's history of blood-stained streets echoing with gunfire is full of restless spirits. Visit their haunts and hear local legends of ghostly apparitions. Details & Tickets

Red Summer, drunken brawls, hot lead, and blood on the tracks. Knoxville's Old City used to be known as the bowery, where victims of murderous brawls, dealdly shoot-outs, and horrific train crashes haunt the old buildings and back alleys along with the ghost of a musician who hasn't quite faded away. Details & Tickets

New! - Side Street Shadows Ghost Tour

Hear more tales of ghostly history as you follow storyteller Laura Still on the Side Street Shadows tour. Find out who haunts the Farragut, how a gunfight on Cumberland nearly started a war, and where you might meet the courteous spirit of a scholar or the grumpy ghost of a violent rebel. Details & Tickets

© Copyright 2020 Knoxville Walking Tours · All Rights Reserved · (865)309-4522

Discover Knoxville's Charm on Foot

Embark on a journey through Knoxville’s vibrant history, EVERYTHING LOCAL & scenic beauty.

A Unique Blend of History and Secrecy

Immerse yourself in the intriguing tales of Knoxville's past, from the pivotal role in the Manhattan Project to the roots of Tennessee itself, all while indulging in the best local farmed coffee and ice cream.

Pouncy Tours offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the city's heart and soul, crossing the iconic Tennessee River, visiting renowned historic hotels, and enjoying the finest farm-to-table treats Knoxville has to offer.

• Stroll across the magnificent Tennessee River
• Uncover the biggest Coffee Secret in America
• Know WHY Knoxville was the "Scruffiest" city to host The World's Fair
• Learn WHY It is GREAT TO BE A TENNESSEE VOL!

We offer Lunch Cruises, Dinner Cruises, Private Charters, Specialty Cruises and Sightseeing tickets on the Star of Knoxville.

How to organize a Wedding Event on Cruise

Say “I Do” on the Water: Weddings are magical on the Star of Knoxville!

Our riverboat wedding packages provide a unique and captivating setting for your special day.  Our dedicated team ensures that every detail reflects your unique love story. Whether you choose a sunset ceremony or a moonlit affair, our wedding packages offer versatility, ensuring your special day is as magical as the love you share. Want an outdoor event?  Our top deck is perfect for your ceremony and our main cabin is fully air-conditioned and heated for the perfect experience any time of year.

Our dedicated team will help you plan every detail of your event, from flowers to decorations, to music and food, even length of your event – the entire boat is at your disposal!  From the most elegant affairs to a small intimate event, we’ve got you covered.

Reserve Your Spot on a Cruise Today

The historic tennessee river.

Our family shows you Knoxville like no one else can, and we treat you like no one else will!

Meet Your Tennessee Riverboat Crew

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Historic Downtown Knoxville Walking Tour Brochure

Presented by knox heritage.

A self-guided walking tour featuring 70 historic buildings throughout downtown Knoxville.

Check out the tour below or stop in at the Knoxville Visitors Center to pick up a brochure.

Knoxville   Travel Guide

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18 Best Things To Do in Knoxville

Updated Jul. 5, 2022

Even though Knoxville is the third-largest city in Tennessee (after Nashville and Memphis ), it maintains a small-town feel. Historic attractions, museums, theaters, parks and shopping are among the most popular activities, and because many of them

• All Things To Do

Knoxville's Market Square Knoxville's Market Square free

Since the 1860s, Market Square has been a community center of Knoxville, with shops, restaurants, cafes and bars drawing a large number of locals and visitors. Recent travelers said it's a lively and fun place to walk around, with plenty of places to eat or just hang out. From outdoor concerts and movies to Shakespeare on the Square and other live entertainment, the area is usually bustling. There are also two water play fountains, a magnet for kids in warm weather.

From May through November on Wednesday and Saturday, the open-air Market Square Farmers Market offers products grown or made by vendors in the East Tennessee region. Products, which vary by the seasons, include eggs, honey, herbs, pasture-raised meat, baked goods, coffee, crafts and much more.

World's Fair Park World's Fair Park free

Once the fairgrounds of Knoxville's 1982 World's Fair, today the space is a public park and home to the Sunsphere and the Tennessee Amphitheater, the two remaining structures from the exposition. Visitors and locals say the park is a great place to see a show, have a picnic or just take a walk.

The two-acre Festival Lawn accommodates a variety of events, from concerts to festivals, while the enormous Performance Lawn, another open area, provides a natural amphitheater-like setting, also perfect for concerts, festivals, parties and other events. The Splash Pads, a fun water feature, are usually available from mid-April to early October, but availability can depend on the weather conditions.

Ijams Nature Center Ijams Nature Center free

Spanning more than 300 acres in Tennessee's Knox County, this nature center offers plenty of rock climbing opportunities and more than 10 miles of trails to walk or hike. What's more, visitors can paddle on Mead's Quarry Lake via canoe, kayak and paddleboard. Start at the visitor center, where you can pick up a trail map, grab a snack and use the restroom. In addition, the exhibit hall at the center is home to a number of non-releasable animals, including a variety of owls and snakes. You can learn more about some of the animals who live in the ecosystems in the area and learn how to spot them throughout the nature center.

Recent visitors said the nature center is a great place to bring kids, but all ages will enjoy the beauty of the region. Patrons particularly enjoyed the River Boardwalk, which overlooks the Tennessee River.

Popular Tours

Knoxville River Cruise Aboard the Volunteer Princess

(4 reviews)

from $ 32.25

Downtown Knoxville Hidden Tour w/ Ice Cream, Coffee & Tennessee River Gems

(14 reviews)

from $ 79.99

Knoxville Ghosts Tour

(27 reviews)

from $ 30.00

Muse Knoxville Muse Knoxville

Muse Knoxville, the city's children's museum, offers a variety of exhibits that focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math). Along with a planetarium, the museum features interactive exhibits that teach kids about science of sound, the body's circulatory system and gardening, among other subjects.

Recent visitors said this is a great place for kids, with lots of hands-on activities and exhibits to keep them occupied for hours.

Zoo Knoxville Zoo Knoxville

More than 700 animals live at this 53-acre zoo, which is a delightful spot to take kids and animal lovers alike. A major highlight of the zoo is its red pandas; more than 100 red pandas have been born at the zoo, which is more than any other location in the world. Other popular activities at the zoo include feeding giraffes, riding the Zoo Choo Train and going on camel rides, all of which do have extra fees.

Recent zoogoers praise the staff and facility's cleanliness, saying the animals look well-cared for and happy.

James White's Fort James White's Fort

This museum is named after James White, the American pioneer and soldier who founded Knoxville. In 1783, he led an expedition into the upper Tennessee Valley and established what would become the future site of Knoxville. In 1790, the fort was chosen as the capital of the Southwest Territory. The very next year, White sold the land and donated lots to establish a permanent city.

Today, visitors can see the original 1786 home of White. In the main house, highlights include White's desk as well as a map of the original layout of Knoxville. Other spaces to see include the kitchen, the outhouse, the blacksmith shop and the weaving house. The fort is one of the most visited historical sites in Knoxville and recent visitors said it offers a fascinating and authentic glimpse into the past.

Knoxville Museum of Art Knoxville Museum of Art free

The Knoxville Museum of Art highlights the art and artists of East Tennessee with both permanent and temporary exhibits. "Higher Ground: A Century of the Visual Arts in East Tennessee" is the museum's permanent exhibit. It aims to highlight artists who spent the majority of their careers in the eastern Tennessee area and it features objects from the museum's own collection, along with works borrowed from public and private collections. Another popular permanent exhibit is the "Thorne Rooms," a set of intricate miniature dioramas created by Narcissa Niblack Thorne. Rooms depicted include a 19th-century Victorian parlor and a late 18th-century English dining room.

A major draw of the museum is the enormous sculpture called the "Cycle of Life: Within the Power of Dreams and the Wonder of Infinity" by Knoxville resident and internationally known artist Richard Jolley. The work is one of the largest figurative glass and steel sculptures in the world.

McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture free

Located on the campus of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, this museum offers exhibits on everything from the native peoples of Tennessee to "Monty," a 2,400-pound, 24-foot-long bronze skeleton of a hadrosaur (duck-billed dinosaur), which once roamed the coastal plains of Tennessee.

Recent travelers said the museum is small, but fascinating, and well worth visiting for its interesting exhibits, especially "Ancient Egypt: The Eternal Voice." This exhibit features a collection of objects, most manufactured more than 2,000 years ago, including everday items like shoes and hair combs to ceremonial pieces, such as a coffin and animal mummies.

Knoxville’s Country Music Heritage: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

from $ 7.99

Clear Creek Falls Hike

(8 reviews)

from $ 99.00

Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Knoxville's Perfect Blend

from $ 12.31

Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum free

This 47-acre property dates back to 1786 when it was a private family-owned horticultural business. In 2001, it was founded as the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum. Today, visitors will encounter eight display gardens, including a butterfly meadow, walking trails and 2 miles of distinctive stone walls.

Recent travelers said the garden is a tranquil and beautiful place to visit. Others praised the knowledgable staff.

Blount Mansion Blount Mansion

Built in 1792, Blount Mansion, designated a National Historic Landmark, was the home of the first and only governor of the Southwest Territory, William Blount. The building was also considered the territory's capitol. Blount was a signer of the U.S. Constitution and played an important role in Tennessee becoming America's 16th state.

The mansion is surprisingly interesting and fun to peruse, according to recent visitors, who also said the guides are knowledgeable and friendly. Unlike most homes built at the time, Blount's home was made of timber rather than of rough logs or hand-hewn beams. The original "mansion" was just a hall and parlor house with two rooms downstairs and a half-story loft for sleeping. Over time, two wings were added, enlarging the property. The detached kitchen is modeled after a common 18th-century kitchen and the Governor's Office was a typical law office of the 1790s.

UT Gardens, Knoxville UT Gardens, Knoxville free

The official botanical gardens of the state of Tennessee boasts more than 4,000 annuals, perennials, herbs, tropical plants, trees, shrubs, vegetables and ornamental grasses, and are part of the UT Institute of Agriculture. Scenic walking trails weave throughout the various gardens and greenhouses.

Recent visitors said the gardens are pretty, well-kept, and equipped with informative signage for the curious. Art exhibits, seasonal events, lectures, plant sales and more are offered at the gardens throughout the year.

Museum of East Tennessee History Museum of East Tennessee History

This downtown museum boasts more than 13,000 artifacts in its permanent collection. Items range from decorative arts to textiles (especially quilts) to Civil War relics from the Union and Confederate armies. One of the museum's main exhibits, "Voices of the Land: The People of East Tennessee," features interactive displays and first-person accounts from locals. There are also a variety of temporary exhibits.

Recent visitors called the museum a great place to learn about the region thanks to a range of informative exhibits.

Women's Basketball Hall of Fame Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, dedicated to all levels of women's basketball, is a great place to learn about the game's history and key players over the years. Spanning 35,000 square feet, the facility features the Hall of Honors, which displays the names of noted players inducted into the Hall of Fame. In addition, visitors can test their own basketball skills on three different courts and enjoy a fun photo area where they can pretend to be different players. What's more, the museum is home to the world's largest basketball, measuring 30 feet in height and weighing 10 tons.

Recent travelers said this is a must-visit for basketball fans, with great exhibits, and lots to see and learn.

Sunsphere Sunsphere free

Constructed for the 1982 World's Fair, the 266-foot-tall Sunsphere offers a great view of the city from its observation deck on the fourth floor. It's one of the last remaining relics of the 1982 World's Fair and features information and images about the historic event. What's more, it offers a 360-degree view of the original 1982 World's Fair site (now World's Fair Park), downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee River, the University of Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains. It's worth stopping in to take photos, according to visitors. However, a few complain that the venue could use some updating and cleaning.

The Sunsphere, located in World's Fair Park , is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and is free to visit. World's Fair Park is best accessed via the Knoxville Trolley's orange line. For more information, visit the observatory's official website .

Tennessee Theatre Tennessee Theatre

When the Tennessee Theatre opened in 1928, it was considered the "South's most beautiful theatre." Now on the National Register of Historic Places and honored as the Official State Theatre of Tennessee, the venue hosts classical music performances, vintage film screenings, dance performances and touring Broadway shows. Local organzations, such as the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and the Knoxville Opera, also regularly use the theater for shows. 

Recent theatergoers raved about the gorgeous architecture and history of the venue and say it is like stepping back in time. The building was designed by Chicago architectural firm Graven & Mayger and features globally inspired motifs. It boasts a Spanish-Moorish style interior with French-style chandeliers and Italian terrazzo flooring in the lobby. What's more, it was one of the first public places in Knoxville to have air conditioning.

House Mountain State Natural Area House Mountain State Natural Area free

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12509 Coral Reef Circle Circle,  Knoxville, TN 37922

Single Family

Jaime Blanton

Last updated:

September 14, 2024, 03:02 PM

About This Home

Discover the perfect blend of modern elegance and comfort in this beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home, located in the highly coveted Farragut area of Knoxville. Boasting a bright, open floor plan and chic design, this home features exquisite hardwood floors throughout, with luxury vinyl in the wet areas for a practical yet stylish touch. The centerpiece of the living area is an eye-catching, floor-to-ceiling tiled fireplace flanked by custom built-in shelves, creating a striking focal point and providing both style and function to the space. The heart of the home is the sleek, gourmet kitchen, featuring a gas stove and an impressive coffee/wine bar, complete with a plumbed Braun coffee maker and two refrigerated beverage centers—ideal for both everyday use and entertaining guests. A standout feature of this home is the large bonus room on the second floor, offering endless possibilities. Whether you envision it as a game room, home theater, gym, playroom, or even a home office, this versatile space can accommodate your needs. The bonus room also includes extra storage space to keep your belongings organized. The primary suite is a serene retreat, featuring a fully remodeled spa-like bathroom with a standalone jetted tub, perfect for unwinding after a long day. The attention to detail extends to the upgraded interior doors, adding a touch of sophistication to every room. Other upgrades include a 2023 gas water heater, an encapsulated crawl space with a sump pump, new garage doors, and professionally installed landscape lighting to highlight the beautiful exterior. With all these enhancements, this home is ready for its next chapter. Don't miss your chance to own this exquisite, move-in-ready home. Schedule your private showing today!

Built in 2005

Price Summary

$193 per Sq. Ft.

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Traditional

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3,178 Sq. Ft.

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2024 Official Knoxville Visitors Guide

In this one, unique location, mountains meet music… art meets adventure… culture meets cuisine… and no one meets a stranger. The 2024 guide features original content, beautiful photography and layouts, maps and neighborhood profiles – with an emphasis on pet-friendly places to go. Outdoor adventure, live music and local makers are also included along with Knoxville’s incredible dining and brewery scene... everything you need to know to start planning your visit.

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Want a hard copy to plan your perfect trip to Knoxville? Fill out the form below to request a FREE Official Knoxville Visitors Guide — your best resource for navigating Knoxville. Get maps, photos, event listings and details on the best hotels, restaurants, must-see attractions and more! We look forward to welcoming you! 

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The Best Cities for Murals in Tennessee: A Public Art Road Trip

Tennessee draws visitors for myriad reasons: music, food, nature, civil rights history and art (yes, art). And if you’re heading this way and love a good free road trip activity, you may be looking for the best mural cities in Tennessee. As a bona-fide mural chaser, traveler and a public art nonprofit president, I’m here to be your guide. After all, I want you to see the very best art my home state has to offer!

“Art of Harmony” mural by Ty Christian; beauty image mural in Tullahoma by Sophi Odling

My husband and I have been seeking out cities with great public art—think: Cincinnati , Austin , Lisbon , Oklahoma City , Portland—for more than two decades. And for seven years now, we’ve also been helping develop the face of public art in rural parts of Tennessee through our nonprofit work. Murals drive tourism, and they have the domino effect of attracting visitors, who then spend money at local businesses. It’s a win-win for everyone.

If you’re traveling to the Volunteer State and want to go on your own public art road trip, I’ve got some ideas for you. Starting from west to east, here are the best mural cities in Tennessee and what to see while you’re there.

Memphis, Tennessee

If you want the true pulse of Tennessee, start in Memphis. This city is the home to blues, jazz, gospel and a whole host of creatives during their thing. From Beale Street to the Mississippi River, Overton Park to Broad Avenue, Memphis has so many nooks and crannies to explore and murals to unearth. I have a full guide to the best murals in Memphis here , as well as other guides to planning a weekend in Memphis .

Memphis murals by Damon Lamarreed and Pugs Atomz, Dustin Spagnola, Qwynto, Alive Paint and Siphne A. Sylve, Sarah Painter and Cosby Hayes

Where to stay in Memphis: The Central Station Memphis

Waverly, Tennessee

The story of Waverly’s art scene is the result of one local entrepreneur’s love for train graffiti. He wondered, if given legal permission to paint, what these artists could be capable of if they weren’t trespassing or vandalizing. So he started the Walls Art Park in Waverly to allow creatives the space to do just that. The Walls Art Park first opened in 2018 with 14 walls scattered among three wooded acres; a year later, Klein added two acres, which allowed for even more walls once trees were cleared and trails added. Today, the park spans 80+ paintable surfaces, and Klein has plans to expand into the adjoining 10 acres with camping areas and other forms of three-dimensional art like sculptures and wood carving. Waverly is also home to Loretta Lynn’s Ranch and Johnsonville State Historic Park.

Where to stay in Waverly : vacation rentals in Waverly

Nashville, Tennessee

When it comes to sheer volume, Nashville’s murals are unmatched. Corporations like the Tennessee Titans have seen the value of public art, and several neighborhoods like the Nations have developed policies where new developments must sponsor art installations as a gift to the community. Some names to watch out for include local muralists Cymone Wilder, Mobe, Folek, Kim Radford and Whitney Herrington, as well as international names like Beau Stanton and Guido van Helton, who designed the famed Silo mural. And yes, there’s even a Kelsey Montague wings mural, much as I hate to even mention it. If you’re coming to Music City, the art scene is very spread out, so I made this mural guide to Nashville , which I update frequently, to make your experience a bit more seamless.

Nashville murals by Sarah Painter and Cymone Wilder, Jason Woodside, Thomas Halloran, Sentrock

Where to stay in Nashville: The Joseph or the Dream Nashville

Manchester, Tennessee

Manchester is where we first started our public art nonprofit —much to the chagrin of some of the older folks in town —and we were able to make an immediate impact by transforming the entrance to the downtown Manchester square almost overnight. In the years to come, we added pieces throughout the Manchester greenway, as well as one at exit 110 at Foothills Craft to raise awareness of suicide prevention . This mural happens to be on the way to Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park for those who are coming down to visit Manchester’s lovely state park and waterfalls.

Manchester murals by Tara Aversa, Matt Willey, Sarah Painter and Cosby Hayes, Ivan Roque

Where to stay in Manchester: Holiday Inn Express or a vacation rental in Murfreesboro

Tullahoma, Tennessee

Tullahoma is where I was born and raised and the place I chose to come back to as an adult. It’s also a town that is plagued by a state highway and a rail line running right through its core, disturbing the walkability of the downtown—but one that draws so many visitors thanks to the presence of Arnold Air Force Base, George Dickel (dba as Cascade Hollow Distilling Co.) and Jack Daniel’s Distillery . So we decided to make it our personal project by focusing on driving people to various downtown Tullahoma businesses with the draw of public murals. We have 18 murals in Tullahoma and counting, and for as long as we live here (and there are walls to paint), it will continue to be a passion of ours. If you’re coming to Coffee County, you can use this map to see all the murals in Tullahoma and Manchester .

Tullahoma murals by Kris Kanaly, Ty Christian, Nathan Brown, JUURI, Mobe, Daria Hammond

Where to stay in Tullahoma : Grand Lux Inn or a vacation rental on Tims Ford Lake

Chattanooga, Tennessee

A decade ago, Chattanooga’s art scene wouldn’t have made my list for best murals in Tennessee—too much art by committee, too little allowance for creative liberties—but the city has seen a serious renaissance in recent years. The addition of local artists like Nathan Brown making a splash with full-blown, block-long murals has made the Scenic City one I love driving through to look for new murals. Chattanooga, in general, is a great town to visit, with neighborhoods like St. Elmo and Northshore some of my favorites.

Chattanooga mural by Nathan Brown

Where to stay in Chattanooga: The Chattanoogan

Sweetwater, Tennessee

There aren’t enough powerful adjectives to describe just how much I love the town of Sweetwater. Four years ago, I only knew it by name, then we were awarded a National Endowment for the Arts grant to do an original piece in a town that had ties to the suffrage movement. Sweetwater was the unanimous pick. What we found in the coming months—and later, the years—was a town that supports its small businesses, one that is devoted to the visitor experience, and a city staff who truly cares about its community. Today, Sweetwater is well on its way to 10 murals in town thanks to the visionaries in charge, and we couldn’t be happier to be a part of that. But there’s plenty more to do beyond murals, too: There’s the Lost Sea Adventure, Tsali Notch Vineyard, Sweetwater Valley Farm and the sweetest Smokies-adjacent town Tellico Plains just down the road.

Sweetwater murals by Jenny Ustick, Kim Radford, Megan Lingerfelt, Whitney Herrington

Where to stay in Sweetwater : Remedies Inn right on Main Street

Knoxville, Tennessee

If I had to name the artiest town in Tennessee, I would respond with Knoxville , no contest. Large university towns often pump out some of the most creative endeavors, and UT’s The School of Art has helped pave the careers of many notable alumni like designer/illustrator Paris Woodhull , who has her own downtown storefront. But what I love most about Knoxville’s artistic fabric is the mindful placemaking: the ever-changing murals of Strong Alley, the inspiring sculptures in Krutch Park, the brand-new Knox Walls. If every city approached creativity the way Knoxville does, the world would be in great shape.

Knoxville murals by Megan Lingerfelt and Curtis Glover, Paris Woodhull

Where to stay in Knoxville: The Tennessean

Where to find other murals in Tennessee

We’ve installed many more murals in small towns that could eventually earn a spot on this best mural cities in Tennessee list with the addition of more original pieces in the future (and absolutely no wings ). Here’s a map of all of our DMA installations throughout the state.

More Tennessee travel inspiration

Planning a trip to Tennessee? Start here:

• The Ultimate Smoky Mountains Vacation in Sevierville
• The 15 Best Day Trips from Nashville
• 31 Things to Do in Memphis: as a First-Timer
• How to Spend a Day in Bell Buckle
• The Best Road Trips in Tennessee

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