Knoxville, Tennessee, is a vibrant city with a rich history and a thriving arts and culture scene. It’s also home to some amazing hidden gems that are perfect for exploring in the warm summer months. If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, here are seven secret places to visit in Knoxville in July 2024:
Knoxville is a great city to visit any time of year, but July is a particularly special time to be there. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for exploring the city’s many outdoor attractions. There are also a number of festivals and events happening in July, so you’re sure to find something to keep you entertained.
If you’re planning a trip to Knoxville, be sure to add these seven secret places to your itinerary. You won’t be disappointed!
1. The World’s Fair Park
The World’s Fair Park is a 36-acre park that was built for the 1982 World’s Fair. The park is home to a variety of attractions, including the Sunsphere, the Knoxville Convention Center, and the Knoxville Museum of Art. The Sunsphere is a 216-foot-tall observation tower that offers panoramic views of the city. The Knoxville Convention Center is a state-of-the-art convention center that hosts a variety of events throughout the year. The Knoxville Museum of Art is home to a collection of over 8,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
Things to Do in the World’s Fair Park:
- Visit the Sunsphere
- Attend a concert or event at the Knoxville Convention Center
- View the art at the Knoxville Museum of Art
- Stroll through the gardens
- Have a picnic on the lawn
2. The Market Square
The Market Square is a historic public square that is located in the heart of downtown Knoxville. The square is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and bars. It is also the site of a number of events throughout the year, including the Knoxville Farmers’ Market, the Dogwood Arts Festival, and the Rhythm N’ Blooms Festival. The Knoxville Farmers’ Market is a weekly market that features fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods. The Dogwood Arts Festival is a two-week-long festival that celebrates the arrival of spring. The Rhythm N’ Blooms Festival is a three-day music festival that features a variety of local and national acts.
Things to Do in the Market Square:
- Shop for local produce and crafts at the Knoxville Farmers’ Market
- Attend a concert or event in the square
- Dine at one of the many restaurants
- People-watch from a bench
- Visit the nearby Knoxville Visitor Center
3. The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum
The Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum is a 1,000-acre park that is located on the banks of the Tennessee River. The garden is home to a variety of plants and flowers, including azaleas, rhododendrons, and magnolias. The arboretum has a collection of over 2,500 trees, including oaks, maples, and pines. The garden and arboretum are both open to the public and offer a variety of educational programs and events.
Things to Do at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum:
- Stroll through the gardens and arboretum
- Visit the butterfly garden
- Attend a concert or event
- Have a picnic on the lawn
- Go for a hike on the nature trails
4. The Ijams Nature Center
The Ijams Nature Center is a 318-acre park that is located on the banks of the Tennessee River. The park is home to a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and meadows. The nature center offers a variety of educational programs and activities, including guided hikes, nature walks, and kayaking. The park also has a number of hiking trails that are open to the public.
Things to Do at the Ijams Nature Center:
- Go for a hike on the nature trails
- Attend a guided hike or nature walk
- Rent a kayak and paddle down the Tennessee River
- Visit the nature center
- Have a picnic on the lawn
5. The Knoxville Zoo
The Knoxville Zoo is a 53-acre zoo that is home to over 1,000 animals from all over the world. The zoo is divided into a number of different habitats, including the African Savanna, the Asian Highlands, and the North American Forest. The zoo also has a variety of educational programs and activities, including animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, and educational classes. The zoo is open to the public and offers a variety of ticket options.
Things to Do at the Knoxville Zoo:
- Visit the animals in their natural habitats
- Attend an animal encounter
- Take a behind-the-scenes tour
- Attend an educational class
- Have a picnic on the lawn
6. The Historic Ramsey House
The Historic Ramsey House is a 19th-century mansion that was built by Revolutionary War hero Francis Alexander Ramsey. The house is now a museum that is open to the public. The museum offers guided tours of the house and grounds, and it also has a number of educational programs and events. The Historic Ramsey House is a great place to learn about the history of Knoxville and the Ramsey family.
Things to Do at the Historic Ramsey House:
- Take a guided tour of the house and grounds
- Attend an educational program or event
- Visit the museum shop
- Have a picnic on the lawn
- Go for a walk in the nearby park
7. The Blount Mansion
The Blount Mansion is a historic mansion that was built by William Blount, the first governor of Tennessee. The mansion is now a museum that is open to the public. The museum offers guided tours of the house and grounds, and it also has a number of educational programs and events. The Blount Mansion is a great place to learn about the history of Knoxville and the Blount family.
Things to Do at the Blount Mansion:
- Take a guided tour of the house and grounds
- Attend an educational program or event
- Visit the museum shop
- Have a picnic on the lawn
- Go for a walk in the nearby park
Culture
Knoxville is a city with a rich culture. The city is home to a number of museums, theaters, and art galleries. The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra is one of the oldest and most respected orchestras in the United States. The city also has a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Knoxville Film Festival, the Southern Lit Festival, and the Big Ears Festival.
Best Months to Visit
The best months to visit Knoxville are April, May, September, and October. The weather during these months is mild and pleasant, and there are a number of festivals and events happening throughout the city.
Nearby Transportation
The McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS) is the closest airport to Knoxville. The airport is located about 12 miles from the city center. There are a number of rental car companies at the airport, and there is also a public transportation system that connects the airport to the city center.
Local Food
Knoxville is home to a number of great restaurants that serve a variety of cuisines. Some of the most popular local dishes include barbecue, fried chicken, and biscuits. The city also has a number of breweries and distilleries, so you can sample some of the local craft beer and spirits.
Best Hotels
There are a number of great hotels in Knoxville. Some of the most popular hotels include the Hilton Knoxville, the Crowne Plaza Knoxville, and the Embassy Suites Knoxville. These hotels are all located in the city center and offer a variety of amenities, including swimming pools, fitness centers, and restaurants.
Conclusion
Knoxville is a great city to visit any time of year, but July is a particularly special time to be there. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for exploring the city’s many outdoor attractions. There are also a number of festivals and events happening in July, so you’re sure to come?
