Did you know that, because it was a significant marble distribution center in the early 1900s, Knoxville, Tennessee, was known as “The Marble City?” It’s true, and there are many other fun facts about this sweet southern city that you’ve probably never heard about!
If you’re planning a visit or move to Knoxville, the information below will be perfect! It’s a list of fun and exciting things to do here, brought to you by your friends at iStorage, the self-storage leaders. We’ve also included some info on the weather and where to store your stuff if you’re moving to Knoxville. Read on to get the scoop, and be prepared to have a great time when you arrive!
Exhilarating Outdoor Activities in Knoxville
Knoxville is well-known as an adventurer’s paradise; the activities below will prove it!
Navitat Knoxville
The forests around Knoxville are filled with exciting adventures, not the least of which is Navitat Knoxville, a zip-line adventure park with much more than just zip lines! With 6 adventure trails to choose from, you’ll find something for every family member to enjoy while you experience Knoxville’s great outdoors!
Ljams Nature Center
The name of this nonprofit environmental center says it all! From hiking and biking to canoeing, climbing, exercise trails, and water-based kids activities, you can experience all that Knoxville’s nature has to offer while having the time of your life at lJams Nature Center! Plus, it’s only 3 miles from Knoxville, making it a quick trip from wherever you’re staying in the city!
Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness
You’ve never experienced anything like this before! Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness connects quarries, playgrounds, lakes, parks, historic sites, and a 600-acre wildlife area via 60+ miles of trails! Everything, and we do mean everything, you need to have fun with your entire group can be found in this incredible outdoor adventure network! Biking, boating, swimming, climbing, and so much more are waiting for you!
World’s Fair Park
The World’s Fair was held in Knoxville in 1982, and since then, the World’s Fair Park erected for the event has been thrilling visitors with its many different amenities and attractions. From the Knox Asian Festival to Chief Joe Casey Memorial Run and live music events, there’s always something exciting going on! The Sunsphere Observation Deck gives fantastic views of the Smoky Mountains and has refreshing fountains throughout the park to cool off on hot Knoxville days!
Interesting Historical Sites in Knoxville
Knoxville is full of history and other interesting things to experience, as you’ll see in just a moment!
McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture
This fantastic museum in Knoxville is everything you would expect and much more! Monty, the dinosaur, is there to greet you at the front entrance, while inside are unique exhibits, Civil War displays, and much more about the great city of Knoxville and Tennessee too!
Tennessee Theatre
If Spanish Moor architecture excites you, the Tennessee Theatre will be a treat! It was erected in 1928 and still looks incredible today, with its original chandeliers, Asian textiles, and magnificent marble floors. Even better are the classic films they show and the live Broadway shows and concerts!
Honorable Mentions
- Knoxville Museum of Art
- James White Fort
- Mabry-Hazen House Museum
- The Muse Knoxville
- Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
- Knoxville Zoo
Shopping and Dining in Knoxville
Knoxville offers all sorts of delicious dining and superb shopping opportunities! If a great meal and a great deal are what you seek, the list below will point you in the right direction!
Market Square Farmer’s Market
In the heart of Downtown Knoxville, you’ll find the Knoxville Market Square Farmer’s Market every Wednesday and Saturday! Support all the local growers, farmers, and craftspeople while you sip, shop and munch on all the fantastic foods and artisan crafts they offer! (Please note that the Farmer’s Market is only open in the morning until 1 PM on both days, so get there early!)
Old City
In Downtown Knoxville, you’ll find one of the best places for dining and shopping, Old City! With quaint shops, wonderful eateries, and many joints with live music at night, the biggest problem will be choosing what to see and where to eat! Plus, the buildings and architecture in this part of town are gorgeous!
Top Restaurants in Knoxville, TN
- A Dopo Sourdough Pizza- Sourdough pizza and many other non-traditional treats!
- Awaken Coffee- Get your day going strong!
- Babalu- Latin-inspired Tapas and great cocktails!
- Bistro at the Bijou- Traditional American fare with flair.
- Balter Beerworks- Scratch-made food and phenomenal microbrews? Yes, please!
- Anaba Japanese Cuisine- Hands-down the best sushi in Knoxville.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is the weather in Knoxville?
A: The comfort index in Knoxville is 7.3 in summer and 6.1 in winter, which are both good if not great. Lots of sun, mild temperatures, and very little, if ever, snowfall.
Q: What is the best time of year to visit Knoxville?
A: May, September, and October are the three best months to visit Knoxville, with mild temps, less rain, and low humidity.
Q: Is Knoxville a family-friendly city?
A: Yes, there are many family-friendly activities in Knoxville. However, it must be mentioned that crime rates in the city are significantly higher than the U.S. average.
Q: How far is Knoxville from Nashville, TN?
A: It’s 180 miles (290 kilometers) from Knoxville to Nashville, TN, about a 3-hour drive.
Storage Options Available in Knoxville for Personal Belongings
Our 8 storage facilities in Knoxville offer the top features and benefits, including safe, secure storage units, month-to-month rental agreements, and convenient drive-up storage units. We also offer business storage, sell moving and packing supplies at most locations, and there’s no deposit needed to reserve a storage unit before you arrive.
In short, for all your storage needs in Knoxville, TN, you can count on iStorage! You can also use our storage unit size guide to help you choose the right size for your storage needs! Contact us with any questions and, above all, enjoy everything our sweet southern city offers!