Things To Do

RESTAURANTS

Sweet P's Barbecue and Downtown Dive

Featured on the Travel Channel, Sweet P's has become ubiquitous with Knoxville dining. Bridesmaid Brittany recommends getting barbecue and their famous banana pudding. Bridesmaid Lindsay recommends that, after your meal at Sweet P's, you head next door to Knox Whiskey Works for cocktail flights and distillery tours.

Nama Sushi Bar - Downtown Knoxville

This is Zach and Ashley's favorite restaurant in Knoxville! Many date nights were enjoyed here. Now, every time Zach and Ashley are in town for half price night on Mondays and Thursdays, they always have to go. If you are looking for suggestions, Ashley's favorite roll is the Pizza roll, with crab, smoked salmon, avocado, and bonito flakes, while Zach recommends the Bahama Mama, with ebi shrimp, crab, cucumber, coconut milk, and Japanese chili pepper. Also, the crab asiago dish appetizer is not to be missed!

Yassin's Falafel House

Yassin's Falafel House won the title of Good Morning America's "Nicest Place in America," which is much deserved. The restaurant is run by Yassin, a Syrian refugee, and he focuses on making the Knoxville community a better place. Plus, the food is delicious! You cannot go wrong with either a falafel plate with baba ganoush and hummus or a gyro sandwich.

The Original Copper Cellar Restaurant

A favorite spot for Volunteer fans to congregate before and after football games, this restaurant at the heart of the University of Tennessee hosted Ashley and Zach for many $5 Burger Nights. Zach recommends the Kick-Back Burger, with jalapenos, pepperjack cheese, and kick-back sauce. Plus, come check out their beers, all brewed in Knoxville.

The Tomato Head

The Tomato Head's Market Square location is a quintessential Knoxville restaurant. With an expansive menu featuring everything from vegetarian options to creative pizzas and sandwiches, the Tomato Head is not to be missed! Ashley and her mom, Melissa, particularly enjoy sharing a Smoked Salmon and Pesto white pizza.

THINGS TO DO

World's Fair Park

World's Fair Park is a beautiful place to spend a sunny afternoon in Knoxville. Home to the 1988 World's Fair, this location boasts beautiful grounds, water features, and even the Sunsphere, where you can ride to the top and see breathtaking views of Knoxville. One of Zach and Ashley's first dates occurred at Volapalooza, held here in World's Fair Park!

Market Square

Since the 1860s, Market Square has been one of Knoxville’s most popular places to shop, work, play, eat, drink and live. Market Square is home to a large farmers market, outdoor concerts and movies, Shakespeare on the Square, and much more. The Square features two water play fountains for children (and adventurous adults!), and Cruze Farm Ice Cream is located mere blocks away for a sweet treat.

Knox Brew Tours

Explore four of Knoxville’s breweries and enjoy a wide variety of tastings while learning about the history of local breweries and the brewing process "from grain to glass." ***If you are interested, please RSVP! If there is enough interest, we may be able to arrange an exclusive private tour.***

Ijams Nature Center

Ijams is a wildlife sanctuary where everyone can learn about, enjoy, and connect with nature. Located only three miles away from downtown Knoxville, visitors of all ages and abilities can discover and explore 300 acres of protected wildlife habitat and natural areas, including 10 miles of trails, rock formations, ponds, lakes and stunning overlooks. Guests can also attend environmental education programs, hike, bike, paddle, climb, or simply enjoy the day.

Dollywood

Zach and Ashley grew up spending summer days at Dolly Parton’s theme park Dollywood! Zach is a fan of the rollercoasters, while Ashley prefers the water rides that leave her firmly on the ground.

Smoky Mountain Llama Treks

Smoky Mountain Llama Treks is a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you feeling more inspired and cheerful than when you arrived. Enjoy spectacular, scenic, Smoky Mountain trails accompanied by an experienced guide and friendly, fluffy, professionally trained llamas. Read all about Bridesmaid Brittany's experience at Smoky Mountain Llama Treks here! https://www.cabinsusa.com/smoky-mountains-blog/post/339/no-worries-no-probllamas-a-day-at-smoky-mountain-llama-treks.php

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. As America's most visited national park, it is world renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture. The Appalachian Trail passes through the center of the park on its route from Maine to Georgia. Visitors to the park can hike, bike, fish, picnic, enjoy scenic overlooks, and escape the hustle and bustle of city life.