Knox 5 Star Weekend

Has anyone read Five-Star Weekend by Elin Hilderbrand? Well, unfortunately, we’re not in Nantucket, but this is the Knoxville version! Refer to this list if you’re having friends or family come to visit and want to show them how fun your little home away from home really is!

Outdoors

The Quarry

“Meads Quarry or Fort Dickerson are the best places to be when it’s warm outside. It’s always so lively there, and everyone is just hanging out, playing music and swimming. Make sure you bring tubes though so you can just sit and float, lol. You can also cliff jump, but I can’t say I’ve ever done it.” – a Zeta

Hiking

"Okay, hear me out. I don’t exactly know where people go, even though I’m sure a quick Google search would be sufficient, but everyone’s pictures of the mountains and sunsets from their hikes or lookout spots are unreal, and I’m jealous. This would definitely be part of my Knoxville 5-star weekend.” – A Zeta

Sequoyah Park Picnic

“People usually just go on hot girl walks here, but this would be such a cute spot for a picnic with friends! With some fun drinks, comfy cute outfits, a charcuterie board, and a camera ;)” – A Zeta

Food

Frothy Monkey

“Please go there and try their hot sauce; it is SO good, and their whole grain bread is out of this world. ALSO!! They have a loft!! It’s a coffee shop downtown, right down the street from Cruze, and it’s actually so delish. The aesthetic in there is nature-calm, and the lofted area is great for working!! They’re also always open until like 9 pm, which is clutch.” – a Zeta

“Great place downtown for a Sunday brunch!” – a Zeta

“I love this restaurant because they have all-day unique breakfast options, the BEST coffee, or even little pick-me-up snacks!! It’s the perfect place to study or even just enjoy time with friends!” – a Zeta

Yee Haw

“This restaurant is so good if there’s ever a game on or you just want to eat a burger or some tendies! They have so much outdoor seating and an entire patio of turf with couches and tables that look out onto a big screen where they always play the games. This is great for parents or friends.” – a Zeta

Stir

“STIR gives the same nice sit-down feel but has a variety of different foods to try. I went here on my birthday, and it was the best destination!” – a Zeta

The Kennedy

“This is a go-to for any dress-up and look cute kind of dinners. The restaurant has such a pretty atmosphere and is right downtown.” – a Zeta

Kern’s Food Hall

“I love Kern’s because everyone gets to pick what they want! There’s such a diverse choice of food and a nice outdoor area with a huge screen to watch Vols games.” – a Zeta

Tomato Head

“Uhhmmm YUMM, this restaurant!! And it’s in Market Square… so it’s cute! And it’s lowkey affordable, so it’s a triple win. Love that place.” – a Zeta

A Dopo

“The best pizza ever!! It’s sourdough, so it’s a lot healthier for your gut too. Large parties get an all-you-can-eat option!” – a Zeta

Emilia’s

“Every time my parents come to visit, they want to go to Emilia’s because they have the most delicious pasta, and it’s beautiful inside. Plus, it’s a reason to hang out at Market Square!” – a Zeta

Chivos

“Chivos is so amazing if you’re looking for authentic Mexican food but a nice sit-down feel!” – a Zeta

Touristy

Tennessee Sign on Gay Street

“You just have to bring your friends downtown to take a picture in front of this sign when they visit. The sign is all lit up and truly makes for the most memorable pics.” – a Zeta

Sunsphere

“You can go up in it! I did that with my family over family weekend last semester, and it’s relatively cheap and cool to see the city from a new perspective!” – a Zeta

“Really weird fun fac, but my family ate it up: the Sunsphere is Knoxville’s version of the Eiffel Tower. It literally represents when we hosted the World’s Fair in 1982.” – a Zeta

Just for Fun!

Union Ave Bookstore

“This place is the cutest little bookstore just around the corner from Market Square, and it’s the perfect place to get new books or even a cute JellyCat!!” – a Zeta

Bowling at Maple Hall

“After going here for a sisterhood event, I’d recommend it to anyone!! It’s cool and vintage, and the food is delicious!” – a Zeta

Baseball Game at Lindsey Nelson

“If you’re a sports fan, this is a must!!” – a Zeta

Dollywood

“I mean, who doesn’t love Dollywood? If your friends are obsessed with Dolly Parton or just the idea of being in Tennessee, then why not? Just a fun thing to do if you really embrace everything at the park.” – a Zeta

Market Square Farmers Market

“I’ve been here a few times, and it’s just such a fun thing to do during a chill day if you just want to walk around and browse. It starts in the spring and is normally on Wednesdays and Saturdays.” – a Zeta