Local's Guide to Knoxville // Things to Do
A comprehensive guide for scenic views and fun things to do in town
Fort Dickerson Quarry
Drive into the parking lot from the Chapman Highway entrance and enjoy the beautiful views of the quarry and picnic tables from the top of Fort Dickerson Park. Walk your dog around the trails that surround the park, or walk down to the water level and swim or bring a float in the summer!
** Always remember to lock your car with valuables out of sight. Exercise awareness of your surroundings always and bring friends/ your dog with you as opposed to travelling alone to this area as a safety measure. The park closes at dusk so make sure to leave before then!
Mead's Quarry + Ijams Nature Center (pet-friendly)
Walk around the many trails surrounding Mead's Quarry or adventure on the ropes and zipline course at Navitat Canopy Adventures at Ijams! In the summer months, you can rent paddle boards, canoes and kayaks to enjoy on the quarry as well as swim with your furry friends. Stop by The Outpost drink to grab an ice-cold canned drink to cool off by the water!
Knoxville Botanical Gardens + Arboretum
The beautiful botanical gardens are located 5 minutes from downtown and are free to explore on your own! This lush green space makes for the perfect spot for photos and even hosts weddings on some weekends. Pro tip + Covid tip: Make sure if you go on a Saturday, there is not a wedding on the property before you explore! Because of the pandemic, bathrooms and the visitor center are closed for the time being.
The history of KBGA dates back to the 1780s when the property was given as part of a land grant to David Wessel Howell for his "exemplary" service in the American Revolutionary War. The land was handed down through generations, changing from an orchard to a nursery through the years. The famous stonework on the property was designed and built in 1942 by Joe Howell, who studied landscape design at the University of Tennessee. The nursery was turned into a non-profit in 2002 so that everyone would be able to enjoy it!
Suttree Landing Park
Located alongside the Tennessee river and only a mile from downtown, Suttree Landing is the perfect place for a picnic, frisbee game, or hanging out with your kids at the playground. There is river accessibility to put in your paddleboards or kayaks as well as public restrooms located in the park! Pro tip: Dog owners are required to keep their pup on a leash while at the park per city ordinances!
Sequoyah Hills
Sequoyah Hills is a historic neighborhood located off of Kingston Pike about a mile from Neyland Drive. The neighborhood is known for its beautiful landscaping, scenic views, and architecturally designed homes; some of which dating back to the 1920s. Walk, run, or bike along the Boulevard, which runs parallel to the Tennessee River. There are two different parking lots to park your car and hang out at the park or explore the neighborhood. Pro tip: The Plaid Apron restaurant by Chef Drew McDonald is located within Sequoyah Hills and is a delicious spot for lunch Wednesday-Friday or brunch on the weekend!
Maple Hall
photo credit: R2R studio
Bowl, drink, and dine at this upscale bowling hall located in the middle of Gay Street downtown! Maple Hall is a great place to hang out with friends and family and is 21+ after 9pm (unless it is a child with a guardian). The upstairs of Maple Hall boasts a bar, games, and live music on some weekends! Pricing runs $25-35 per lane an hour (depending on the day and time you go, so come with a few friends and enjoy the night!