Must See Sights and Landmarks in Knoxville Area

"In 1982, the city of Knoxville hosted the World’s Fair, sloganed Energy Turns The World. The organizers worked together with architects local to the area to create an impressive structure that would thematically bring the sun – the greatest source of energy – down to earth and into what we now call World’s Fair Park. The result of this project was The Sunsphere, a huge round object fitted with reflexive glass pane panels, layered with dusted gold, balanced on a tower of hexagonal shape."

"This Knoxville landmark was built for the 1982 World’s Fair. It became a local favorite and stands to this day. After the World’s Fair ended, the Sunsphere closed its doors and remained vacant until 2007."

"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."

"If you like basketball then you can’t miss the chance to pay homage to some of the basketball greats at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Here you will find memorabilia from 139 inductees into the hall of fame, and learn all about their backgrounds and contribution to the sport. There are also interactive displays here such as courts where you can try out your some of your own basketball skills."

"The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame pays tribute to women’s basketball and all the women who have pushed the game beyond its gender-specific popularity. See old photographs, club rings, historic stories and other iconic items of the game belonging to the women who shaped the game’s pro-feminism status. If you love basketball, history or simply want to see a one-of-a-kind, inspiring ...Read more"

"Take a break from shopping when you’re at The Island, and go for a ride on The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. The Ferris wheel rises 200 feet about the city, affording excellent views of the surrounding area. There are climate-controlled gondola cabins rather than seats, so you’ll be comfortable in any weather, and the wheel lights up at night."

"After a day of exploring, I started comparing Pigeon Forge to Niagara Falls, Canada, but a super hyped-up version. And just like Clifton Hill, it has a giant, climate-controlled ferris wheel. The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel is at the Island at Pigeon Forge and you can’t miss it."

"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."

"Head back in time to see the story of Knoxville firsthand at the beautiful Blount Mansion. The home belonged to William Blount, most well known for signing the U.S Constitution and for being the Governor of the Southwest Territory. The house dates from 1792 and William Blount’s presence here is actually the reason why Knoxville is the capitol of Tennessee."

"From the outside, the Blount Mansion doesn’t strike visitors as anything too remarkable. It looks very modern for a house built in the 1790s. It was the home of the Southwest territory’s only governor, William Blount, and served as its capitol building; Tennessee’s constitution was drafted there too."

"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."

"When you are ready for a treat, order a gourmet cookie from Moonshine Mountain. Yes, some of these thick, chewy cookies are baked with a splash of real Tennessee moonshine. They specialize in thick, rounded oatmeal-based cookies."

"While you’re at The Island in Pigeon Forge, there’s plenty of restaurants, attractions and family friendly things to do. The Island in Pigeon Forge opened in 2013, with the stunning 200-foot tall Great Smoky Mountain Wheel as the centerpiece. Since their opening day, the Island has expanded and is growing to be one of the largest attraction destinations in the Smokies."

"Another one of the best bakeries in Pigeon Forge is Byrd’s Famous Cookies. You can get so many different kinds of cookies. You can get classic chocolate chip, almond shortbread, or scotch oatmeal."

"If you’re up for a solid 12-mile (roundtrip) challenge, head to Sequoyah Park and back. Otherwise, enjoy the relative calm of the Tennessee at your own pace until you’re ready to shower up and ease into the evening with a hearty dinner before a night out on the town.7:00 pm"

"Here’s another place on the water, and it comes with some impressive views. This West Knoxville park is right on the water. It’s all about staying active at Sequoyah – they have an exercise area, and trails for running and biking."

"Another name in ice cream you’re sure to recognize is Marble Slab Creamery, with its authentic homemade ice cream and 75 flavors, with unlimited mix-ins. Every batch of ice cream is made in small batches using fresh dairy ingredients from local farms and flavor ingredients from across the globe. Choose from a nearly endless list of ice cream flavors, then watch as the ice cream is scooped onto a frozen “marble slab” where your choice of toppings is skillfully blended and piled onto a waffle cone."

"There are plenty of name brand ice cream shops in Pigeon Forge you can visit too. Marble Slab Creamery has an easy to find location on the Parkway right next to the Mellow Mushroom in town. So you could get some delicious pizza and enjoy dessert afterward right next door."

"If you have a picky bunch of coworkers to please, pick up a dozen from this Halls shop and you're sure to get an option for everyone. The donut shop closed "'permanently'" on Jan. 12."

"Edible cookie dough has exploded in popularity over the last couple of years, and with places such as Knox Dough offering up delectable bites of chocolatey goodness, it’s easy to see why. Another somewhat new innovation in the world of sweets?. Rolled ice cream, which is also on the menu at Knox Dough."