Crowne Plaza Knoxville Downtown University

South Knoxville is such a fun area of Knoxville to explore. If you head up to the Sunsphere and fix your gaze directly south across the Tennessee River, you’ll notice it looks a little undeveloped compared to the cool city that surrounds you. That, my friends, is what we call the “Urban Wilderness” – a 1,000 acre stretch of land that provides plenty of opportunity to hike, bike, rock climb, paddleboard, kayak, and more. Today we’d like to take you on a sample weekend excursion to South Knoxville aka SoKno. If you like the outdoors, beer, and chill vibes – this is the neighborhood in Knoxville for you!

Ijams Nature Center is part of the Knoxville Urban Wilderness, a recreational, cultural, and historic preservation initiative championed by Legacy Parks Foundation, incorporating 1,000-forested acres along downtown’s south waterfront. It creates an exceptional recreation and historic corridor inviting residents and visitors to experience the special character-defining assets of the city. With over 40 miles of multi-use trails, 10 parks, four civil war sites, incredible views, and unparalleled natural features, this unique area provides a premiere outdoor experience. Ross Marble Quarry was the first land donation to Legacy Parks Foundation. The 104 acres of abandoned quarry is now a beautiful addition to Ijams Nature Center, boasting miles of natural walking and biking trails and an abundance of wildlife

The Mabry-Hazen House Museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is located atop Mabry's Hill in Knoxville, Tennessee. Built in 1858, three generations of the same family resided in the Italianate-style home overlooking downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee River, and Great Smoky Mountains. Furnished and decorated in the style of several decades, Mabry-Hazen gives a rare view into 130 years of Knoxville history. The museum showcases one of the largest original family collections in America with over 2,500 original artifacts on display. Learn about the origins of Knoxville's iconic Market Square, the bitter divisions of the Civil War, the struggles and triumphs of Emancipation in Tennessee, the infamous 1882 Gunfight on Gay Street, the rise of Knoxville industry, the scandalous 1934 breach of promise and seduction trial, and much more through the rich, colorful lives of the Mabry and Hazen families

Circa-1792 Blount Mansion was home to U. S. Constitution signer William Blount, appointed by President George Washington to govern the Southwest Territory, which Blount shepherded into admission to the union as our nation’s sixteenth state, Tennessee. In addition to a family home, this fine wood frame dwelling also served as the territorial capital. Blount Mansion is Knoxville, Tennessee’s only National Historic Landmark and the city’s oldest operating museum, opening in 1926.

Happy Holler Historic District is a strip of early-1900s commercial buildings undergoing a renaissance, with quirky cafes and bakeries sitting alongside stores selling vintage clothing, vinyl, or antiques. A local landmark with its retro signage, The Original Freezo is a 1940s ice cream stand. Central Cinema shows arthouse and cult movies, and Knoxville Children's Theatre presents original and classic plays.

Explore Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN! Visit the Dollywood theme park for thrilling rides, family friendly shows, great food and more

This family-friendly adventure park in the woods offers various trails with zip lines & climbing.

The Bijou Theatre is one of East Tennessee’s oldest and most revered performance venues, opening in 1909, as part of the Lamar House Hotel, one of the oldest buildings in Knoxville. Praised by The New York Times as “one of the best sounding rooms in this country,” the Bijou offers a clear stage view and aural excellence from every seat. The building also houses the acclaimed Bistro Restaurant as well as the Theatre offices. Music, vaudeville, opera, comedy and more have all been performed on the historic stage throughout the years hosting, among others, Joan Baez, The Ramones, Public Enemy, Richard Thompson, Bob Weir, St. Vincent, The xx and comedian Aziz Ansari.