Summary
Hunker down! This is quite an extensive post and one that’s best paired with a cup of tea and biscuits (or perhaps a glass of wine) prior to diving in.
Ready? Let’s begin our exploration of Knoxville together.
Knoxville was the least sizable of the three cities we intended to explore in Tennessee, and frankly, I was uncertain about what to anticipate. While I was aware of certain attractions I aimed to visit, the general atmosphere of the city was unknown to me.
Allow me to be candid—Knoxville, though smaller, is a remarkably intriguing city that surprises with its array of activities and attractions despite its more compact size.
We began with a visit to the Knoxville Museum of Art—a compact yet well-curated space that provides expansive views of the city while presenting delightful art at every corner, including The Tennessean Hotel, our temporary residence in Knoxville!
The museum integrates seamlessly into the city’s fabric, as local families frequently visit for workshops, admire the art, and converse over their daily coffee in the café located upstairs.
The art showcased is notably diverse, featuring sculptures that are unique to this gallery. One prominent installation, which depicts the upper part of a man, is particularly striking as it shifts and transforms as one navigates around it—right down to the realistic fine hairs depicted.
…a splendid colorful mural located just a few blocks away that I wouldn’t have discovered had it not been for suggestions on Instagram! (Much appreciated!)
We then ventured into the city in search of a place to eat while sheltering from the rain, which commenced shortly after we left the mural site.
Fortunately, the rain ceased almost as quickly as it began, and by the time we parked, the clouds were already parting.
A noteworthy street worth exploring in the downtown area of Knoxville, particularly for aficionados of street art, is Strong Alley. It’s a less frequented path filled with more rugged and raw artistic expressions than other locations in the city.
I always appreciate an outdoor art gallery, therefore I had to take a quick wander down this alley before heading to the restaurant for lunch.
After enjoying a fulfilling meal at Stock and Barrel, featuring a hearty burger for Lloyd (paired with a milkshake) and chicken and waffles for myself, we decided to explore more of the area.
Throughout our day, we anticipated visiting historic landmarks, and one key location was the James White Fort, the foundational site of Knoxville’s history.
The entire city of Knoxville originated from this singular source—constructed by James White, the city’s inaugural settler, everything we witness today draws from this initial establishment.
Regrettably, our next intended visit was thwarted as it was closed that day. We thus redirected our journey to Mead’s Quarry Lake, where we could unwind and enjoy the sunset.
Initially, we intended to explore a walking path nearby, but once I laid eyes on the lake, I was content to remain there.
Reflecting on the day, I wish I had brought a floatation device along with a refreshing drink to fully embrace the relaxation by the water.
As the sky dimmed, we briefly dropped by the ‘Welcome to Knoxville’ mural before retreating to Maple Hall for an enjoyable meal and some bowling.
Admittedly, I had entirely forgotten how entertaining bowling can be (as well as the techniques involved). Every visit to a bowling alley has been enjoyable! Coupling that with a couple of refreshing Moscow Mules became a delightful way to conclude a leisurely day of exploration.
With satisfaction from a fun-filled day, we returned to the Tennessean for a restful night’s sleep!
The next morning, before departing the city, we made a stop at the Tennessee Theatre—a grand old movie palace that has since transformed into a vibrant working theatre.
Notably, the theatre was among the first buildings in Knoxville to offer air-conditioning. Over time, as the film industry evolved, the cinema transitioned until being restored to its former magnificence, still operational to this day!
It’s an impressive structure and truly an excellent way to wrap up our visit to Knoxville!
As we made our way back to the hotel, I realized just how walkable the city is!
Most places we visited yesterday (with the exception of the historic homes) are conveniently accessible on foot, indicating a vehicle is not essential to experience the city thoroughly!
And with that, we resumed our journey! The original intent was to return to Nashville, allowing us to check out some attractions we missed (which primarily revolved around culinary delights!), yet there was one location I felt compelled to visit before bidding Tennessee farewell!
More details to follow in the subsequent post!
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