Things To Do

––– Attractions –––

Sunsphere

Built for the 1982 World’s Fair, the Sunsphere is a one-of-a-kind structure and stands as the icon of Knoxville. The Observation Level offers a breathtaking 360-degree view from 24-karat gold windows stretching from downtown to the Great Smoky Mountains including World’s Fair Park, the Tennessee River, University of Tennessee Campus, and the Cook-Roller Wedding! Adult tickets are $10

The University of Tennessee

Blake's alma mater and where he and Alissa met at the TRECS campus recreation center/pool. This university dates back to 1794 and is known for its record breaking sports teams/venues, bright orange colors, Smoky the Blue-tick Hound Dog, and The Rock (UT's 100 ton boulder that is painted daily by students with anything they want from art to political messages. Take a stroll along the pedestrian walkway and visit the many statues while here.

Market Square

Since the 1860s, Market Square has been one of Knoxville’s most popular places to shop, work, play, eat, drink and live. Here you'll find the heart of Knoxville's culinary scene as well as many nightlife destinations, including bars, clubs, bowling, and theaters.

Market Square Farmer's Market

Our favorite Saturday morning activity is to visit the expansive Farmer's Market to shop from the hundreds of local vendors. Everything at the Market Square Farmers Market is grown, raised, and/or made within a 150-mile radius of Knoxville. There is produce, crafts, baked goods, ice cream, and food trucks/stands all happening just a few hours before the wedding. There will be large crowds and less parking during the market

Knoxville Museum of Art

Located adjacent to our wedding location in World's Fair Park, the Knoxville Museum of Art offers free admission and an enriching visit to the area's best art.

Covenant Health Park - TN Smokies Baseball

Whether you are a baseball fan or a soccer fan, Knoxville's brand new dual stadium is located in the Old City brining minor league MLB and MLS games to the Scruffy City. Check out a game while you are in town!

Zoo Knoxville

During college, you could catch Blake here volunteering for the annual Boo at the Zoo event with CKI to give out candy in costume. Now you'll find over 1,500 animals across 200+ species including red pandas, giraffes, and gorillas to keep you entertained and educated. Located in Chilhowee Park and adjacent to the Muse Children's Museum, these anchors of East Knoxville have been entertaining guests since its days as a lakeside trolley amusement park and national exposition grounds.

––– Outdoor Trails –––

Mead's Quarry

Just five minutes from downtown Knoxville, Mead’s and Ross Marble Quarries at Ijams Nature Center offer a surprisingly magical escape that blends history, nature, and adventure. Once part of Knoxville’s 19th-century industry and nickname of “Marble City”, these quarries supplied stone for iconic buildings like the National Gallery of Art, The US Captiol, National Archives and dozens of state capitol buildings across the country. Mead's Quarry is 25-acre flooded quarry with rentable boats and surrounded by miles of hiking trails along the railroads, whereas the adjacent Ross Marble Quarry is a dry quarry. Here, you can hike into/through to see the marble cliffs full of dynamite holes that remain. These former quarries have been transformed into a stunning urban wilderness with crystal-clear quarry lakes, dramatic rock cliffs, unique landmarks like the “Keyhole,” and miles of scenic trails for walking or biking

Lakeshore Park

Knoxville's largest city park covers 185 acres of the former state mental hospital grounds. Here, you'll find the city's best playgrounds and walking trails that all overlook the adjacent river.

Urban Wilderness Gateway Park

Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness is a spectacular outdoor adventure area where you can hike, bike, climb, paddle, or just wander in the woods – all within the heart of the city. Over 60 miles of trails and greenways connect you to a beautiful nature center, pristine lakes, historic sites, dramatic quarries, adventure playgrounds, five city parks, and a 600-acre wildlife area. There’s an adventure for everyone!

Fort Dickerson Park & Augusta Quarry Lake

One of the best-preserved earthen forts from the Civil War era rests on a knob just across the river from downtown, providing a high vantage point to get a full view of the downtown skyline as well as the high peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains. The overlook peers across the placid turquoise waters that pool in the 350-foot deep Augusta Quarry. History buffs will enjoy wandering over to the historic Civil War fort to stroll around the interpretive trail. There are two shelters for enjoying a picnic after walking the interactive trail around the fort, which includes three authentic replica cannons. The 4 miles of multi-use natural trails wind through the woodlands from the top of the quarry cliffs to the pool below, then winds through the woods to the Earthen Fort area and back to the quarry overlook.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

America's most visited national park is a must if in the area with some time. With entrances near the Knoxville airport and in Gatlinburg, you will have options for getting in and out. Check out Blake's favorites Laurel Falls, Cades Cove, and Elkmont

––– Breweries –––

Barrelhouse by Gypsy Circus

Home to our Friday night "Scruffy City Welcome," Gypsy Circus originated in Blake's hometown and is Tennessee's first cidery. Check out their 60+ ciders, meads, barrel aged ciders, and local seltzers/beers along with a cider-influenced bbq menu of eats.

Yee-Haw Brewing (Knoxville)

Founded in Blake's hometown in 2015, Yee-Haw is one Knoxville's largest brewery with a massive outdoor entertainment yard area. Enjoy fire pits, cinema-sized LED screens, yard games, Prince's Nashville Hot Chicken (the originator of Nashville hot), and over 60 taps of local brews. It is sure to be a "hop"ping place

––– Restaurants & Dessert –––

Petros Love at First Bite - West Hills

Petro's originally debuted at the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville, TN. Originally served in a sliced open Fritos bag and piled high with chili and mounds of toppings, it was an instant hit with fair-goers. To tie in with the energy theme of the World’s Fair, the Petro was initially dubbed a “Petroleum Belly,” before being shortened to “Petro.”

Kern's Bakery & Food Hall

Dating back to 1931, Knoxville's largest bakery has transformed into the city's newest/largest food hall with enough things to satisfy anyone's taste, from small treats/drinks to full sit down dining and a brewery. Its worth a visit, whether on your own or Sunday for the send off breakfast

Marble City Market Food Hall & Bar

Knoxville's first food hall and in the Old City District of downtown, this location is walkable from all of downtown's best spots and has a revolving set of food vendors to explore, including a program to benefit refugees from abroad to start their own restaurant businesses bringing unique international flavors to the Scruffy City.

Denton's Burgers & Fun Foods

Since 1946 as one of Knoxville's oldest eateries, Denton's brought their signature food to the Tennessee Valley Fair. Here you will find Knoxville's best fair food served year round. Dive into classics like cheesesteaks, burgers, or one of their fresh dipped corn dogs. Afterwards for dessert, their funnel cakes, chocolate-covered cheesecake, deep-fried Oreos, and many other hard to find items. Finish off your meal with their famously refreshing Big Orange Drink, fresh-made smoothies, and lemonade. One of Blake's local favorites!

UT Creamery

UT's brand new dairy shop returns to Knoxville adjacent to campus after decades away. This student-ran operation uses university raised cattle to produce fresh ice cream. Enjoy local flavor twists served up by students in their classy parlor.

Cruze Farm Ice Cream

The Scruffy City's favorite ice cream shop has been coming up with creative soft serve offerings since it started as a dairy farm stand in the Farmer's Market. Now expect to see a long line down the block to be served by one of the pinstripe dairy girls.

Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar

One of Blake's top local food picks, Not Watson's gets its name from it's building – the former Watson's Department Store. Great twists on American classics can be found in this Market Square eatery.

Calhoun's On The River

Opened in 1988, this famous Knoxville eatery sits on the edge of the Tennessee River across from UT’s campus. Calhoun’s On the River is convenient to Neyland Stadium, Thompson-Boling Arena, and several downtown hotels. This location also offers a dock where guests can moor their boats, as well as outdoor and enclosed deck spaces with beautiful views of the river. The menu boasts their own local beer Smoky Mtn Brewing, bbq, seafood, and a variety of local favorites.

Downtown Grill & Brewery

The Scruffy City's original craft brewery and the restaurant that relaunched Gay Street as a place to eat, drink, and have fun. The menu is large and located next to lots of entertainment and nightlife.

Gus's Good Times Deli

Peyton Manning's favorite Knoxville hangout and the oldest restaurant at the UT Strip, this old school sandwich shop is known for its steamed sandwiches (a historic local style).

SoKno Taco Cantina

Located across the river and adjacent to the Knoxville Urban Wilderness, this taco shop is Blake's local favorite for Mexican style food.

Litton's

Knoxville's 80 year old legend has been ranked best burger and restaurant for many years. Sitting in the historic Fountain City neighborhood in North Know, this place is quieter and sits across from the duck pond fountain

-- Looking for more? --

Check out the Visitor's Bureau for recommendations, festivals, shopping, and more!