Most of the time when people visit Tennessee, Knoxville isn't the first city they travel to. And I get it — there's Nashville and Memphis, which are really great! But over in East Tennessee is another great city. It may not be as big or as bustlin’, but Knoxville is definitely worth visiting.
1. First off, Knoxville is just downright charming. There are old, historic buildings with a story to tell in every direction you look.
2. Many of these buildings are now home to incredible loft apartments, delicious restaurants, and cool bars.
3. The food in Knoxville is actually really well-rounded and impressive. Just last year, J.C. Holdway was named one of the best new restaurants in America by both Eater and Esquire!
4. And if you’re looking for cheap eats, there’s plenty of that around Knoxville as well.
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Shoutout to Yassin's Falafel House, where $7 gets me a falafel sandwich the length of my forearm.
5. Speaking of cheap, happy hour around here is amazing. Seriously, $1.50 beers and $3 glasses of wine (heavy pours!) aren't hard to find.
6. You’re in luck if you’re a beer drinker because it feels like there's a new brewery popping up in Knoxville every other week.
7. And if you’re not into beer that’s ok because there’s something for everyone. You can walk from a wine bar, to a whiskey distillery, to a cocktail lounge within like, 15 minutes.
8. Oh and before I forget, Knoxville has an abundance of A+ coffee shops, as well.
9. A visit to Knoxville isn't complete without stopping in Market Square. Besides food and drinks, there's also frequent events like jazz or movie nights, an ice skating rink in the winter, and a farmers' market in the warmer months.
10. WHO DOESN'T LOVE A FARMERS' MARKET?
11. And, if you don’t feel like walking to all these places you can always catch one of these adorable — and free! — trolleys to take you around.
12. This would be a terrible post about Knoxville if it didn't mention the Tennessee Volunteers. Seriously, this is a city with a lot of pride in its sports teams.
13. And a lot of pride in its VERY GOOD BOY of a mascot, Smokey!
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Even if you don't care for football, it's worth going to a game just to see Smokey. He runs up and down the end zone when UT scores a touchdown!
14. While we’re on the subject of good boys, Knoxville hosts a dog parade called Mardi Growl each year. Just sayin'!
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If that isn't enough to sell you on Knoxville, what is???
