Best Arts and Culture Places in Knoxville

"The Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community is the largest group of independent artisans in the nation. Located 10 minutes away from Ripley’s Aquarium, this 8-mile loop off of the East Parkway is filled with shops, studios, and galleries that showcase the work of local artists. If you’re in search of handcrafted souvenirs, this is the place to find them!"

"The early settlers made quilts, baskets, candles and pottery. It was a humble way of life and a matter of existence. But it soon turned out to be a wonderful way to make profit and soon the seeds of the sown."

"With more than 100 shops and galleries, this 8-mile-long loop in Sevier County is a living tribute to Tennessee’s art."

"For something unique and cheap to do in Gatlinburg, you should visit the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum. You might be wondering how one of the museums in Gatlinburg is based on salt and pepper shakers. The owners of this museum didn’t own a pepper mill a long time ago, and they just kept collecting over time until the husband told his wife to do something with them."

"When it comes to museums, it doesn’t get much more unique than the Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg!. This museum features more than 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers from around the world and a massive pepper mill collection!. One of the main purposes of the museum is to show the changes in society that can be found represented in the shakers."

"561 Brookside Village Way, Gatlinburg | 865-430-5515 | Website. With over 20,000 shaker sets from around the world, this surprisingly fascinating and fun museum is the only one of its kind!. And for only $3, its worth a look-see."

"Another museum not to miss while in Knoxville is the Knoxville Museum of Art. One major draw of this art museum isn’t just its two permanent exhibits that are inspired by Southern Appalachia but the museum’s glass installation, which is the largest of its kind in the world. Knoxville Museum of Art isn’t just for art snobs either; families with young children will enjoy an afternoon here, as the museum has an interactive play area for young visitors."

"For 25 years, the Knoxville Museum of Art has done its best to promote local art from the state, focusing on Southern Appalachian culture and artists from the region. With no admission cost, it’s among the free things to do in Knoxville that is a great way to occupy yourself this weekend. The Museum of Art is housed in a beautiful building made from state-mined marble, racking up a $6 million renovation bill."

"The locally-quarried Tennessee pink marble building houses works from regional artists. Children can release their inner artist at the Creative Corner. Don't miss Knoxville-native Richard Jolley's "Cycle of Life: Within the Power of Dreams and the Wonder of Infinity," the largest assembled figurative glass-and-steel in the world."

"Strong Alley, known also as Graffiti Alley for reasons you’ll realize in a bit, is a haven for street art in Knoxville. If you love strong, unique art like that, this should be added to your list of things to see!. Located near Market Square, Strong Alley is absolutely packed with murals, tags, and other kinds of artwork that provide an avant-garde urban charm to the area."

"The area between Market Street and Gay Street was one of the more unseemly parts of Knoxville; however, it’s become the most photographed location in the city in recent years. Graffiti artists partner with local businesses to paint exquisite murals. Many are only up for a limited time, allowing more artists to have their work seen and gain recognition."

"The artistic gem of downtown, Strong Alley is filled with murals ranging from bold and colorful to weird and unique. Travel through the alley, located between Market Square and Gay Street to discover dozens of designs and backdrops. It transforms from bright and happy in the daytime to dark and mysterious at night, with equally stunning pictures."

"Boasting beautiful pieces from some of the area’s most esteemed artists, Master’s Editions on the Island brings fine art to Pigeon Forge. Top artists highlighted in this store include Jess Wathen, Abraham Hunter, and Rod Chase."

"Typically, I eschew franchise eateries in this column, in deference to purely local and regional endeavors. But I’m making an exception in this case, because I really, really like Bruster’s ice cream. In fact, The Spouse and I make it a regular stop (unfortunately for our waistlines) year ‘round, so I can attest to its irresistible attraction."

"1043 Old Cedar Bluff Road Knoxville, TN 37923 (865) 691-3327. 7670 S Northshore Drive Knoxville, TN 37919 (865) 951-2068. 906 East Emory Road Knoxville, TN 37938 (865) 938-9633"

"This extravagant house is sometimes called the Confederate Memorial Hall, and it’s one of the most visited historic sites in Knoxville. It was originally gifted as a wedding present to Congressman Robert Houston Armstrong and Louise Franklin. It also served as the Confederate army headquarters during the Siege of Knoxville; bullet holes in some of the walls are a vivid reminder of its wartime past."

"This water hike in the Smoky Mountains is only 1.1 miles roundtrip, making it the perfect nature walk for anyone!. The trail is marked, so it is easy to navigate the path. You’ll walk past streams and across a foot bridge."

"I have to give Tupelo Honey a provisional spot, because even though I've only been for lunch and dinner, their brunch menu lists a Field of Greens bowl with crispy Brussels sprouts (which seem to be trending), black eyed peas, wilted baby kale and arugula, and roasted red pepper sauce, served over farro."

"I should have specified that I wanted grilled chicken instead of fried which on the menu there were 2 choices but I wasn't asked which I preferred and also my fault that I didn't say my preference."

"Whilst in Market Square, grab a burger at The Stock & Barrel. Again this place came highly recommended by our readers and my turkey burger and duck confit fries were delish!"

"A post shared by Sora Amy Kim (@sorakim_az) on Nov 3, 2019 at 10:23pm PST. Place your reservations here and experience fine dining. Their staff are the most helpful you’ll ever meet."

"Great place to eat, reasonably priced for the large portions they provide. Pasta is amazing with all the herbs. Meal provided with amazing hot bread."

"You might be surprised to find an authentic Cajun restaurant in Wears Valley, but Pawpaw's Catfish Kitchen is a great place to sample the flavors of the bayou!. Located just off of Wears Valley road, this New Orleans inspired restaurant is open for lunch and dinner. Check out these Cajun classics at Pawpaw's:"

"Pawpaw’s Catfish Kitchen | Townsend – amazing catfish and good Cajun food as well! Elvira’s | Townsend – crepes and pancakes!"

"Couples can indulge in fine-dining while relaxing in a comfortable atmosphere at Copper Cellar West. For over 40 years, this West Knoxville restaurant has cooked tender steaks and exceptional seafood dishes. Couples can treat themselves on the weekend to the Copper Cellar West Award-Winning Sunday Brunch buffet which includes a bloody mary bar."