This Underrated Tennessee Destination Is The Most Fun Fall Getaway

Situated in East Tennessee, this place has long been known as a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Scenic drives lead to overlooks, mountain streams, and hundreds of miles of hiking trails, all within easy access of the city limits. The rolling landscape of forested foothills surrounding Knoxville gives it a tucked away quality, but those who are really acquainted with it know it’s always deserved wider recognition. Its position alongside the river made it an important center for travel and commerce in the 19th and 20th centuries. During that time, it also gained the name Marble City because it was a key spot for the distribution of that stone. But Marble City isn’t Knoxville’s only nickname.

Scruffy City is a moniker the place holds with equal parts pride and winking good humor. The history of that is actually linked to another of the town’s claims to fame: While they’re now remembered fondly, the proceedings were initially met with some skepticism. An article published in The Wall Street Journal referred to Knoxville as a “scruffy little city,” and some people questioned—rather loudly— its ability to pull off an event of that magnitude. The fair’s theme was “Energy Turns the World,” and undeterred by the doubters, the town welcomed about 11 million visitors to come celebrate innovation and technology. Scruffy, indeed. 

When you visit Knoxville, you’re always in for an amazing time. But in the fall, if you can catch the moment when the leaves on the trees begin to echo the orange of the stadium and the canopies along the streets burst into their autumn hues, you’ll find something truly special. Amid those seasonal wonders, the restaurants, galleries, shops, and studios—and the ingenious people behind them—continue to enrich the city’s landscape. Whether you come for a Saturday or spend a long weekend, it’s easy to marvel at the evidence of imagination in action around every corner—or to pick up a little bit of inspiration for yourself.

Explore Knoxville’s Art Scene

Spend An Afternoon At The Museum 

At the edge of World’s Fair Park sits the Knoxville Museum of Art, which showcases both permanent and traveling exhibitions and offers free admission. “Knoxville has always punched above its weight in terms of art and culture,” says Sarah Kaplan, the museum’s marketing manager. “The tagline of our visitor’s bureau calls Knoxville  ‘Nature-Loving-Adventure-Seeking-Artsy-Kinda-Town,’ and that’s exactly what we are.” Upon walking in, you’re greeted by “Higher Ground,” a collection dedicated to Knoxville-area artists. “This is our flagship exhibit,” Kaplan explains. “It began in 2006, when we started focusing on works from East Tennessee and Appalachia more generally. Now it features unsung heroes of the region in two newly renovated galleries.”

Browse And Shop For Work By Local Makers

At Maker Exchange, a multipurpose public space located by The Tennessean Hotel, Marriott Knoxville Downtown, and World’s Fair Exhibition Hall, bright colors and graphic patterns draw visitors inside. Sandwiched between terrazzo-motif floors and honeycomb-shaped lights are sofas, tables, and desks as well as The Curio, a 2,000-square-foot hub featuring long walls of cabinets that hold hundreds of pieces handcrafted by people from East Tennessee. The Exchange hosts workshops and classes, but it also attracts those wanting to buy ceramics, glass, sculptures, photography, leather goods, and woodwork. The Curio includes pieces by Andrea Larsen (a ceramist working out of Maryville, whose art takes inspiration from the patterns and designs of quilts) as well as works by Garrett Durland, (a potter in Oak Ridge who crafts ceramic vessels and objects with a 3D printer). The Curio also stocks one-of-a-kind jewelry by local silversmith Valerie Pearce. Her earrings, cuff bracelets, and necklaces are fabricated using a variety of techniques, including fold forming. 

Visit A Glass Blowing Studio (Then Grab a Beer Next Door)

On South Central Street, Pretentious Glass Co. (a studio with a tongue-in-cheek name) hosts workshops and demonstrations in its gallery. Their distinctive products include lowball tumblers, decanters, and pitchers as well as decor like holiday ornaments. However, the most popular pieces coming out of the studio are the handblown glasses, which you can find filled with craft pours next door at Pretentious Beer Co. Both businesses are by Matthew Cummings, a professional sculptor and entrepreneur who has dual passions for creating glass art and brewing. “In college, I begrudgingly took an elective course in glass,” Cummings says. “I had no interest whatsoever, but then I fell in love with the heat, the teamwork, and the mindfulness of it. You have to be in the moment. The material makes you surrender—it has so much personality and character. You don’t tell the glass what to do; you ask it nicely.” With his friends’ encouragement, he began making glassware suited for different styles of beer and dove into researching hops, malts, and yeasts, which is how Pretentious Beer Co. came about. 

Stroll Downtown Knoxville 

Head To World’s Fair Park

One of Knoxville’s main gathering places, this 15 acre park is home to one of the the Tennessee Amphitheater, one of the best spots in town to see a concert or a public festival (the city has a calendar full of them). You’ll also find splash pads and fountains here.

Check out Volunteer Landing

Running along the Tennessee River, this waterfront park is a breezy place to take a walk or run, go fishing, have a picnic, or take kids to play.

Enjoy the view from the Sunsphere

The Sunsphere, a shining, faceted golden orb that stands in World’s Fair Park, has an observation deck for great city views. It juts into the sky at a height of 266 feet and marks the location of the namesake World’s Fair, which the city hosted in 1982. 

Rest Your Feet At Charles Krutch Park

This small park is a pleasant place to sit where you’ll also find sculptures, picnic tables, a waterfall, and a stream. 

Cheer For The Vols

Just across the street from World’s Fair Park stands Neyland Stadium, the living room of The University of Tennessee Knoxville and home to the Volunteers (the “Vols,” if you’re family). It fills with the refrains of “Rocky Top” and the cheers of fans on game days, waves of them clad in the same bright orange hue.

In you're in town for a game, don't miss a meal at Ye Olde Steakhouse, a legendary gathering spot for fans.

Get Lost In Nature

Take A Hike At Ijams Nature Center 

Located along the Tennessee River just a few miles southeast of downtown, this urban nature preserve contains 14 miles of trails as well as opportunities for canoeing, biking, swimming, and climbing. In the fall, its 318 woodland acres light up with some of the most beautiful foliage in the area. 

Admire Blooms At Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum 

This 44-acre former plant nursery is now a public garden with many vantage points for taking in the autumn splendor. Admission is free, and it’s open daily from sunup to sundown. 

Shop At A Legendary General Store

Mast General Store, one of our Friendliest Places in the South, brings out the kid in every person who shops here. From the old-timey Candy Barrel filled with sweets, to shelves of pickles and preserves, to the welcoming staff, you could spend hours here.

Enjoy A Drink

Sip On A Classic At Peter Kern Library

The menu features drinks that are named after book and television characters and, depending on the season, might include the Becky Sharp, Jem Finch, or Holly Golightly. 

Pretend You're At The Beach At Tern Club 

Come here for tropical drinks like the Jitterbug Perfume (tequila, lime, and beet-ginger shrub) and Tradewinds (lemon, coconut, rum, and crème de apricot). For groups, they also offer communal drinks to serve the table.

Or In Italy At Brother Wolf 

This place gets its inspiration from Italian aperitivo bars with small bites like focaccia, arancini, and seasonal crostini. The cocktail menu features Negronis with local spins (like the Old City Negroni), while spritzes— Aperol and otherwise—are also well represented. 

Have A Memorable Meal 

Try A New Pizza At A Dopo 

Pop into this busy pizzeria, known for its Neapolitan style pies with a chewy sourdough crust and toppings like Calabrian chiles and ’nduja. 

Raise A Glass At Balter Beerworks 

Stop at this much-loved pub for great brews and dinner-worthy entrées like burgers, fish tacos, and shrimp and grits. 

Order Classic Or Creative Deli Favorites At Potchke 

The delicious options at this Jewish deli change seasonally, but you can expect dishes like matzo ball soup served three ways, a Reuben loaded with savory slow-cooked mushrooms, and the Bat Mitzvah Show Stopper sandwich, which includes challah, smoked trout salad, and Cheddar. 

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth At Wild Love Bakehouse 

A menu of meticulously crafted pastries and their creative teas and coffees have earned this cafe dedicated fans in Knoxville as well as national attention. 

Or With A Cone At Cruze Farm 

No matter the time of year, this local dairy with a downtown outpost serves ice-cream cones and shakes that will transport you right back to the best days of your childhood.