In a time of social distancing, we are all looking for safe ways to connect – with our own communities and those we are visiting. Knoxville, Tennessee is uniquely situated to accommodate these concerns, balancing a thriving city culture and a responsible travel mindset.
With a delicious food and drink scene and a thriving arts culture, Knoxville has embraced a safety-oriented approach to welcoming visitors, providing ample opportunities for enjoyable and responsible experiences in The Maker City.
Al fresco dining in Appalachia
Knoxville has fostered an exciting culinary energy, and visitors can choose from a wide selection of local businesses that provide safe dining experiences.
Oli Bea, located in the Old City, offers a fresh take on breakfast focusing on local and sustainable ingredients. Owner Jeffrey DeAlejandro has crafted a simple, effective menu that showcases playful food combos, many of which are vegetarian and vegan friendly. Don’t miss the Cruze Farm Buttermilk Lemon pancakes, a tasty staple with a citrusy twist. Oli Bea provides dine-in, take-out, and patio dining options.
On Knoxville’s Market Square, the large covered patio of Café 4 makes for an ideal setting to enjoy a meal and take in the city scenes. Its menu features modern American dishes to cater to a wide range of tastes, and the restaurant’s bar offers a solid list of signature cocktails.
For a more contemporary take on local flavor, head to Central Filling Station – an open-air food truck park – to sample the best of Knoxville’s culinary scene on wheels. Check the daily lineup on its website and choose from trucks serving up ramen, barbecue, tacos, and more. On Wednesday nights, test your knowledge with trivia games.
Beer gardens of the Knoxville Ale Trail
Knoxville has seen a beer renaissance over the last ten years, with breweries defining a large part of the city’s food and drink scene. Each one brings its own flavor to Knoxville’s Ale Trail, and craft beer enthusiasts can grab an Ale Trail passport from any participating brewery to document their journey.
Schulz Bräu brings the famed suds of Germany to East Tennessee – their takes on Deutschland classics delight beer enthusiasts with malty, nuanced flavors, earning national and international awards. Schulz Bräu’s large Biergarten allows guests to enjoy their drinks with plenty of social distance; order a small, medium, or ambitiously large stein and a soft pretzel to savor the experience.
Housed in a former auto garage in the Knoxville neighborhood of Bearden, Abridged serves a diverse selection of beers alongside a well-conceived pub food menu. Grab a seat on the patio and relish the Fried Green Tomato BLT paired with the New England IPA Toppy Rock for a delightful interplay of bright and savory flavors.
Hops and Hollers’ astro-turfed patio serves as a perfect spot to enjoy a pint, the pleasant weather, and a rousing game of bocce ball. This friendly beer bar serves a variety of options from local and regional brewers, offering visitors a taste of what the area has to offer. Come on Thursday nights for trivia and special deals on pitchers.
Knoxville’s alternative art experiences
Knoxville’s creative energy isn’t limited to its restaurants, bars, and breweries – a thriving arts and maker community runs throughout the town as well.
Knoxville’s outdoor spaces are adorned with murals from local and visiting artists, depicting everything from Appalachian wildlife and Knoxville history to the region’s patron saint, Dolly Parton. Visit Knoxville has compiled an interactive map of the city’s outdoor art – design your own walking tour and check off your favorites.
Indoors, The Maker City has a sophisticated gallery scene, and these spaces are committed to safety. Don’t miss the Emporium Center for Arts and Culture, the University of Tennessee Downtown Gallery, and the Art Market Gallery, all located in Knoxville’s Art District.
While Knoxville’s famed Tennessee Theatre – the official State Theatre of Tennessee – has temporarily closed, the passionate team behind this institution has quickly adapted new ways for people to enjoy the remarkable space. Built in 1928, this ornate movie palace turned world-class performing arts center is now offering behind-the-scenes tours to small groups, providing an up-close look at one of the city’s most storied art venues. A Basic tour ($15) takes you through the theater’s history, while the Deluxe tour ($25) explores unique spaces including the projection booth, attic, and more.
Getting there & around
Knoxville is located less than four hours from several major cities including Nashville, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Lexington, making it an ideal hub for exploring southern Appalachia.
Once you’ve arrived, the city itself is accessible by car and bike – it’s home to 85 miles of paved, cycle-friendly greenways. Downtown and the Old City are walkable, and a free trolley allows for quick transportation around the city.
