The weather is warmer, the sun shines brighter, and when those lazy days by the pool get a little too boring, Knoxville has more than enough fun events to keep you entertained all summer! We have such a wide variety of customers, from visitors, to new residents to our long-time locals. Some of these you may have visited, but some may be new to you so enjoy!
Every city has things that you can only do in that town. You can only see the US Capitol in Washington DC. You can only try moose cheese from one farm in Sweden. And there are several things you can only experience in Knoxville! Knoxville is known for:
- It’s vibrant renovated downtown with Market Square
- Rich history and culture
- Live music and concert venues
- Outdoor adventure and a gateway to the Smoky Mountains
Explore these unique things to do that you can only experience in Knoxville:
- Sunsphere – The Sunsphere was built for the 1982 World’s Fair. Yep, little ol’ Knoxville!
- World’s Largest Rubiks Cube – It was a gift from the Hungarian government, it’s 10 feet tall and weighs 1,200 pounds! You can see it at the Knoxville Convention Center.
- Knoxville Zoo – Zoo Knoxville is an incredible facility dedicated to the conservation and protection of endangered species. They were the first to successfully breed an African elephant in the Western Hemisphere. Plus, more red pandas have been born in Knoxville than any other zoo in the world, leading them to be known as the “Red Panda Capital of the World”.
- Farragut Museum – For our Civil War history buffs: you’re gonna want to know about this museum inside the Farragut Town Hall. One of the highlights is the Admiral David Glasgow Farragut collection. He was born in this area on July 5, 1801, and was the first commissioned admiral of the United States Navy. He’s best known for saying, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” during the Battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil War.
- Pretentious Craft Co. – Glassblowing artist and owner Matthew Cummings noticed there was a lack of specialty beer glasses on the market. In the way there are wide-mouthed glasses for red wines and thin flutes for champagnes, why not individual glasses for ales or porters? He designed some prototypes for his friends who thought they were quite pretentious, and Pretentious Glass Co. took off. He followed this endeavor with his own brewing next door, and Pretentious Beer Co. was born. We’re pretty sure this is the ONLY place in the world where you can enjoy a hand-crafted beer in a hand-crafted glass and watch both made on site.
- Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame – The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame is the only facility of its kind dedicated to the sport of women’s basketball. You can learn all kinds of things about the history of the game, athletes inducted into the Hall of Fame, and of course about Pat Summitt. We here in Knoxville always “back Pat”, our Lady Vols basketball coach from 1974 to 2012, who accrued 1,098 career wins – the most in college basketball history upon her retirement.
- Sailgaiting at the University of Tennessee – Ahh, Fall, when the air turns crisp and football season begins. You’ve no doubt heard and hopefully have participated in a tailgate in your time, but have you ever gone sailgaiting? Knoxville is one of only two major US college football fields easily accessible via boat. Want to join in the fun? Learn how to watch a University of Tennessee football game here
- Yassin’s Falafel House – Yassin, a Syrian refugee, and his team was the winner of the Reader’s Digest Poll for Nicest Place in America of 2018. He is a major supporter of the community in Knoxville, and people of all walks of life have gathered together to enjoy his incredible food. He sees himself and his restaurants as a symbol of the American Dream, and they are a part of what makes Knoxville what it is.
- Paddle in a Quarry | Mead’s Quarry – Want to paddle in a former Tennessee Marble quarry? Nestled in Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, Mead’s Quarry at Ijams Nature Center is a peaceful respite from the heart of the city just a few miles away. Rent a kayak or SUP from River Sports Outfitters or Knoxville Adventure Collective and float on calm waters. Knoxville has been known as the Marble City. Rock quarried from this area has been used in buildings in Knoxville like the Knoxville Museum of Art, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., the Grand Central Station in New York City, and buildings in other locations.
- Kern’s Food Hall – For the foodies seeking an upscale and exciting dining experience, look no further than Kern’s Food Hall. Nestled in the heart of our vibrant city, this culinary haven is a true haven for those with discerning palates. From sizzling meats to aromatic spices and delicate pastries, every corner offers a new gastronomic adventure waiting to be explored.
Have fun this summer! And be sure to swing by and see us often. The Shoppes are changing constantly with new products, as well as quite a few new vendors. Enjoy all East Tennessee has to offer.
Bev