Historic Sites in Knoxville

"As the founder of Knoxville, James White’s name is all around the city: the James White Parkway, the James White Greenway, and the James White Memorial Civic Coliseum. His house is a simple log structure surrounded by a stockade fence, which he built in the 1780s. He then donated the land around his home to create the city Knoxville, which then became the capital of the Southwest Territory and later briefly the capital of the state of Tennessee."

"The founder of Knoxville was a man named James White, so it’s no surprise that one of the best options for Tennessee attractions is the James White Fort itself, especially if you’re looking for historical stuff to do. The James White Fort is essentially the former home of James White. White earned a large grant of land after the Revolutionary War, which he used to lead an expedition to find a fort site."

"History buffs visiting Knoxville should make a stop at James White’s Fort. This historic museum portrays how frontier life was like in the late 1700s. This historic home was the living quarters of Knoxville’s founder, James White."

"The Historic Ramsey House was built for one of the very first families to come to the city and settle. Colonel Francis Alexander Ramsey arrived as the house was finished in 1797 and his family was very much involved in the local community. Few other homes dating back to the 18th century are among the open tourist attractions in the region, so this is a real find."

"Along with James White’s Fort, the Ramsey House is one of the oldest buildings in Knoxville, dating back to the 1790s. The house is an excellent example of Late Georgian architecture, featuring significant ornamentation for the time period. Its owner, Francis Ramsey, was a surveyor and government official, and his son was one of the first mayors of Knoxville."

"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 Gay Street eatery has been around for almost a decade, serving up authentic, Italian-style gelato that’s made fresh onsite. The Grub Spouse and I dropped in for a dinner not long after they opened back in aught-nine, when we happily licked our way through cups of chocolate-peanut butter, Almond Joy and tiramisu. We have returned in the years since to dip our tiny gelato spoons into more flavors like cappuccino crunch, lemon basil, birthday cake and orange cream."

"Have you ever wondered what the difference is between ice cream and gelato?. We have the Italians to thank for gelato. It’s creamier, smoother and silkier than ice cream and uses more milk and less cream than is used to make ice cream."

"601 James Agee StUnderrepresented in many “Best of Knoxville” lists, it seems that only university students and Fort Sanders residents frequent this overlooked gem. While known for sushi, soups, Thai tea, and a BYOB policy (right next door there’s a convenience store living up to its designation), Chaiyo does perhaps its best work with the pad Thai. It’s sunk in a red-orange sauce and can be prepared, like much of the menu, to varying levels of spiciness."

"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."