Your Downtown Knoxville Adventure Guide: A One-Day Itinerary

Get ready for an adventure that mixes city life with the great outdoors in Downtown Knoxville. We’ve planned a one-day itinerary filled with exciting activities, interesting cocktails, and must-try foods.

MORNING

Start your day with a camera in hand, because you're going mural hopping! Discover over 30 murals in Downtown Knoxville alleys and along historic building walls. We recommend exploring Strong Alley, one of the most photographed spots in Knoxville. The popular Dolly Parton mural is at the north end of alley, while the Downtown Knoxville seasonal mural is at the south end – and lots of art in between! Then around the corner, grab a lavender vanilla iced coffee and macaron from Coffee & Chocolate. After fueling up, head down to the STORIES mural at the Jackson Ave/Gay Street Stairwell to participate in a little scavenger hunt, and swing by #MollyKnox at Boyd's Jig & Reel. Many others will surprise you as you explore downtown on foot.

LUNCH

Hopefully discovering street art left you with a healthy appetite. It's a good thing you finished mural hopping in The Old City, because that brings us to Curious Dog, an adventure for your taste buds. Embellished in bicycles, guitars and brewery memorabilia, this local dive is a funky counter-service restaurant offering epicurean hot dogs and sandwiches, which they name after cities and celebrities. Adventurous toppings include house-made kimchi, grilled halloumi cheese, and wasabi peas. We recommend Knoxville favorites: the "Johnny Knoxville" and the "Boston."

AFTERNOON

It's time to spend some time on the water! Head to Volunteer Landing, part of Knoxville's Urban Wilderness, where you can bike, run, or walk next to the Tennessee River. You can also rent kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, bikes, and more at the Knoxville Adventure Collective, located at the Outdoor Knoxville Center. Overlook Neyland Stadium and Downtown Knoxville from the middle of the river!

DINNER

You’re in for a treat at Kaizen, where they strive to emulate Izakayas, Japanese-style pubs that are casual and communal. The bold flavors on the menu represent their own take on Japanese, Szechuan and Thai cuisine. Share plates of steamed buns, fried rice, noodle dishes, and lots of allergen-friendly entrees. Plus, they have adventurous daily specials like pork and kimchi okonomiyaki.

NIGHTCAP

For an adventurous drink, dessert, and overall unique experience, enjoy a nightcap at Lonesome Dove, a Western bistro owned by celebrity chef Tim Love. Their dinner menu is bold, featuring wild game like bison, elk, and even rabbit. Their craft cocktails and desserts are just as exciting. Order the Ancho Chile Chocolate Cake (that has just the right amount of kick!) and the "Willie," a smokey cocktail that arrives with billows of smoke from oak chips.

Up for the challenge? Take the plunge.

We know you'll #LoveDowntownKnox. Share your adventures!