Have you finally gotten time to set off on that long-overdue vacation? If yes, book your tickets and head to Knoxville now! The city in the eastern part of Tennessee perfectly combines mountain charm and city fun.

It’s surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and natural scenery and offers unique outdoor opportunities like boating, making it the perfect spot for nature lovers. Along with the scenic views, Knoxville has a rich history with many historic sites and museums that give insights into the town’s past.

But Knoxville isn’t just about nature and history. The city has many thrilling attractions that promise to captivate visitors of all ages and types. For instance, animal lovers can visit Zoo Knoxville to interact with exotic animals.

On the other hand, visitors looking for an adventurous experience can head to Navitat Knoxville. In addition, the city also offers unique dining options, from Southern staples to international cuisine, satisfying every visitor’s palate.

That said, if you’re wondering how to make your trip memorable, here are some things you must do.

1.    Get a Unique Dining Experience

Trust us, a trip to Knoxville isn’t complete without dining at the famous Elkmont Station. It’s truly the best restaurant in Knoxville for all the right reasons.

• It’s inspired by Elkmont’s history – a historic town in the Great Smoky Mountains. The restaurant’s atmosphere and decoration give the visitors a nostalgic appeal for the past, offering an exceptional dining experience.
• Visitors will feel like they’ve been transported to Elkmont town while enjoying a delicious meal. No matter where visitors decide to sit, indoors or outdoors, they’ll have a wonderful time.
• Talking about the food, the restaurant has a one-of-a-kind menu that combines the taste of the season and flavors of the Great Smoky Mountains.
• The menu consists of a variety of dishes, from salads to entrées. The Roasted Beet Salad and Roasted Carolina Trout are a must-try. So whether you’re craving Southern classics or seafood dishes, you can find it all at Elkmont Station.
• Visitors can also taste the restaurant’s special hand-crafted drinks. Some famous ones include Wonderland Cocktail and Elkmont Old Fashioned, providing you with a great experience.

2.    Discover World’s Fair Park

Undeniably, World’s Fair Park is one of the most intriguing parks in Tennessee. The park is perfect for every visitor, with so many fun activities and things to do.

Here are the highlights

• Sunsphere: The Sunsphere is one of the most popular attractions at the park. You can get on the elevator to witness the breathtaking views of the city.
• Water Fountain: The park also includes a water foundation where you and your group can enjoy the water.
• Amphitheater: The park includes the Tennessee Amphitheater – a fantastic performance venue. You can check the schedule to figure out the concerts that happen here.
• Picnic spots: It offers an excellent opportunity to relax and enjoy a picnic with your loved ones.
• Memorable pictures: With the park’s stunning scenery and views, you can take unique photos with your group.

3.    Head to Navitat

Are you searching for an outdoor attraction that promises to entertain your entire group? If yes, visit Navitat Knoxville – an outdoor adventure park.

Here’s what makes the adventure park unique:

• It’s located in a stunning environment, offering breathtaking scenery views. It also allows visitors to connect with nature while enjoying fun activities.
• The attraction includes many exciting activities like ziplining and treetop bridges, making it the perfect spot for adventure and outdoor lovers.
• One of the best parts about the attraction is that it’s perfect for visitors of all ages and types.
• It includes a tree-based adventurous activity that requires you to pass different challenges like swinging logs and bridges.
• Besides the thrill-seeking activities, the park also includes trails and walkways to take a stroll and enjoy the area’s beauty.

4.    Interact with Animals at Zoo Knoxville

Knoxville includes many thrilling attractions, and Zoo Knoxville makes its way to the list effortlessly. The attraction consists of around 850 animals from all over the world.

You can find them all here if you want to see elephants, red pandas, or reptiles.

• Visitors can check the Williams Family Giraffe Encounter if they’ve always wanted to interact with giraffes. They will be guided to stand out two levels high, meet the giraffes, and feed them.
• If you have children in your group, stopping by the Zoo Camp is a must. Your kids can enjoy exciting activities like interacting with different animals.
• Visitors can ride the Zoo Choo Train to relax and discover different zoo sections. The ride also lets them click memorable pictures as they pass animal exhibits.
• The attraction includes Gorilla Valley, where you can see the endangered gorillas. You can observe these creatures and get crucial insights about them.
• The attraction includes a particular area known as ‘Tennessee Treasures,’ which consists of animals and plants in the country, allowing you to learn about its wildlife.

5.    Visit the Market Square

If you’re looking for a vibrant spot in Knoxville with everything from shopping centers to delicious eateries, visit Market Square.

• It’s full of shops and boutiques, making it a dream come true for every shopping lover. If you want random souvenirs, head to Earth to Old City. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a spa treat, visit the Tree of Life Salon and Spa.
• Visitors can also have fun at the music performances hosted at Market Square.
• The Market Square offers many opportunities to sit back, relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
• It also hosts many festivals and events throughout the year. For instance, you can participate in the Chalk Walk in the spring.
• The event includes around 300 artists who use chalk to create unique pieces. During the summers, you can enjoy the Where’s Waldo Scavenger Hunt. In the fall season, Markt Square hosts Gamedays and many other events.
• You can also visit the Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. It includes fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, bread, eggs, and whatnot.

Final Thoughts

With so much to do and see, visitors might get confused about using their time wisely in Knoxville. But don’t worry; we’re here to help! Visitors can visit Elkmont Station for a delicious and unique dining experience.

In addition, they can head to Knoxville Museum of Art to see some fantastic art pieces. The Knoxville Market Square is also filled with shopping and entertainment opportunities, making it a must-visit.

Including these things in your vacation list can help you make the entire vacation a lot more memorable!