The original homestead of Knoxville's founder, General James White, dating to 1786. A preserved piece of East Tennessee's earliest European settlement, the fort complex features log cabins, period demonstrations, and guided tours that bring Knoxville's origin story to life.
📍 DowntownThe only facility in the world dedicated solely to honoring the history and heroes of women's basketball. Located in Knoxville — home of the legendary Lady Vols — the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame features interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and the annual induction ceremony. A world-class destination right in our city.
📍 DowntownA Knoxville cultural institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating the history and contributions of African Americans in East Tennessee. The Beck Cultural Exchange Center houses an extensive archive of photographs, artifacts, and documents — a vital resource and gathering place for the community since 1975.
📍 Chilhowee ParkKnoxville's independent craft cidery, producing small-batch hard ciders from locally sourced apples and creative fruit blends. Gypsy Circus brings a playful, eclectic energy to Knoxville's craft beverage scene — a must for cider lovers and the gluten-free crowd alike.
📍 South KnoxvilleA community-rooted Knoxville craft brewery known for approachable, well-crafted ales and lagers served in a welcoming taproom. Saw Works is a neighborhood gathering place that takes its beer seriously without taking itself too seriously.
📍 North KnoxvilleKnoxville's German-style craft brewery, pouring traditional lagers, hefeweizens, and bocks in a warm, biergarten-inspired taproom in the Old City. Schulz Bräu is one of the few American breweries dedicated to authentic German brewing traditions — and one of Knoxville's best.
📍 Old CityA charming Gay Street café bringing authentic French crêpes to downtown Knoxville. The French Market Crêperie serves both sweet and savory crêpes made to order, along with coffee, sandwiches, and pastries — a little slice of Paris in the heart of downtown.
📍 DowntownA North Knoxville BBQ staple serving slow-smoked competition-style ribs, brisket, and pulled pork. Dead End BBQ earned its reputation on the competition circuit and brought that craft to a permanent home on Broadway, drawing loyal fans from across the city.
📍 North KnoxvilleA Fountain City institution since 1946, Litton's is famous for hand-formed burgers, fresh-cut fries, and old-fashioned milkshakes. Three generations of the Litton family have served North Knoxville — it's the kind of place that defines a neighborhood and never goes out of style.
📍 North KnoxvilleChef Joseph Lenn's flagship fine dining restaurant, widely regarded as one of the best in the Southeast. JC Holdway features wood-fired cooking, locally sourced ingredients, and a constantly evolving menu. Lenn is a multiple James Beard Award nominee and a driving force behind Knoxville's culinary renaissance.
📍 DowntownA Knoxville landmark on Market Square since 1990, The Tomato Head is known for creative pizzas, vegetarian-friendly sandwiches, and scratch-made everything. An anchor of downtown's food scene and a genuine community institution — locally owned and fiercely independent.
📍 DowntownKnoxville's beloved falafel restaurant, founded by Syrian refugee Yassin Terou. Named "America's Nicest Place" by Reader's Digest in 2017, Yassin's serves fresh, from-scratch Middle Eastern food in a spirit of radical welcome and community. One of Knoxville's most heartwarming success stories.
📍 DowntownA Knoxville-based web design and branding studio serving small businesses and nonprofits across East Tennessee. David Walker Designs builds custom WordPress websites, develops brand identities, and creates digital experiences that help independent businesses stand out online.
One of Knoxville's largest locally owned real estate agencies, serving buyers and sellers across the entire Knox County area. Realty Executives Associates combines the reach of a large firm with the personal service of an independent company.
📍 West KnoxvilleKnoxville's trusted independent bicycle shop, selling new bikes and handling repairs for everything from road racers to casual cruisers. Broadway Bicycles has kept Knoxville rolling since 1976 with honest service and a deep love of cycling.
📍 North KnoxvilleA beloved independent garden center and florist in the Bearden area offering seasonal plants, perennials, pottery, and gifts for the garden. Enchanted Garden has served Knoxville's green thumbs for decades with expert staff and a wide selection.
📍 BeardenA thoughtfully curated South Knoxville boutique offering women's clothing, accessories, and gifts from independent designers. Mulberry & Vine champions slow fashion and local community with a warm, neighborhood shop feel.
📍 South KnoxvilleA dedicated barre fitness studio in Bearden offering low-impact, high-result classes that blend ballet, Pilates, and yoga. Knox Barre is known for a supportive community and instructors who help every student reach their goals.
📍 BeardenMarket Square's craft beer bar and bottle shop celebrating Knoxville's thriving local brewery scene. Knox Brew Hub carries an ever-rotating selection of cans, bottles, and pints from Tennessee brewers alongside a knowledgeable, passionate staff.
📍 DowntownAn outdoor climbing area and bouldering facility nestled within Ijams Nature Center in South Knoxville. The Cove offers some of the best urban climbing in the Southeast, with routes for beginners and experienced climbers alike.
📍 South Knoxville