There are so many reasons to visit Knoxville, Tennessee. For starters, there’s no shortage of fun and entertainment, attractions and festivals. In addition, the city is rich in heritage so there’s plenty to see and learn. 

Knoxville is the third largest city in Tennessee. It served as the state capital twice, from 1796 to 1812 and from 1817 to 1819. Knoxville earned the nickname “The Marble City” thanks to the active marble quarries of the early 20^th century that supplied the country with pink marble. It was even known as the “Underwear Capital of the World” because of the textile and clothing mills that once operated here.

A cool spot to visit is Morningside Park, where you can see Alex Haley Heritage Square. Morningside is famous for having a 13-foot-tall bronze statue of author and Pulitzer Prize-winner Haley– in fact, it’s the only statue of him in the country! Haley wrote the book Roots, in which he traced his origins back to Africa. The book was eventually made into an acclaimed television mini-series. The park also features a water fountain and green space. Another cool feature of the park is the playground, which was designed by children and built by Knoxville residents.

Knoxville knows how to party! There’s always a festival going on. Whether it’s the nation’s largest Labor Day weekend fireworks display at the Boomsday Festival, or the summertime Kuumba Festival celebrating African-American heritage, you’ll find something to enjoy! Coming up this winter is Christmas In the City, Knoxville’s most anticipated festival of the season. This festival includes plenty of lighted trees and decorations, plus events including the Christmas Candlelight Tours of 18^th century homes, the Nutcracker presented by the Appalachian Ballet, and the Fantasy of Trees. For more information on Christmas In the City, visit www.cityofknoxville.org/christmas/.

Knoxville is home to a variety of museums and attractions. The Daisy’s Place Girl Scout Museum presents 80 years of girl-scouting in Tennessee through memorabilia such as early Girl Scout uniforms, guide items, badges and one-of-a-kind Girl Scout dolls. Get a glimpse of the past at James White’s Fort, the home of Knoxville’s founder, which showcases original tools and artifacts from the 18^th century. The city also plays host to world-renowned performers, plus exhibitions from all over the world, at its performing arts venues. 

History buffs will enjoy Knoxville’s rich past. Explore places like Confederate Memorial Hall, used by Confederate War General James Longstreet as a headquarters during the siege of Knoxville, and the Marble Springs Farmstead, which was the original home of Governor John Sevier. A very cool place to visit in Knoxville is the Old City Historic District, a restored warehouse district that is home to unique shops, restaurants, antique shops, nightclubs and coffee houses. 

Knoxville has good times in store!