Knoxville is a jewel of a city, with so many glittering facets from the historic Market Square district to Zoo Knoxville to the 266-foot high Sunsphere. The Sunsphere is a glass-paneled ball filled with gold dust. Since there’s so much to see and do in the city, it’s the perfect daytrip destination, for families, couples, or singletons. This guide will make it so simple for you to enjoy the ultimate day out in Knoxville. However, you should stick around the city when the sun goes down because Knoxville is a lot of fun in the evening too.
Check Out Market Square District
Market Square Knoxville is one of the most popular locales for shopping, eating, and drinking. It’s a great place to hang out, and there are often outdoor films and concerts to attend in addition to Shakespeare on the Square. Situated only moments from the University of Tennessee campus, this Knoxville district is also close to Urban Wilderness, which stretches 1,000 acres and is home to 50 miles of bike trails, hiking trails, and walking paths.
Market Square is family-friendly and it is pet-friendly, too, thanks to its water play fountains (there are two) as well as its proximity to beautiful Krutch Park. There are great hotels and eateries in this part of the city, so keep that in mind if you’re deciding where to stay and where to eat. Market Square has been a hub for locals and tourists since 1854. Buildings around the square are exceptional examples of 20th-century commercial architecture.
See the Animals at Zoo Knoxville
Zoo Knoxville is right downtown, so it’s easy to find and is the perfect destination for parents and kids or for anyone who loves animals. This zoo is one of the city’s premier, top-rated attractions. When you visit, you’ll be able to see African elephants, Malayan tigers, North American black bears, and a host of other animals as well as birds, reptiles, and so much more.
If you’re a parent and you’re bringing the kids along, you’ll love the experiences that this zoo provides to children, such as animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours. The zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day year-round, except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Marvel at the Sunsphere
Some activities tend to cost money, but gazing at a beautiful example of human creativity and ingenuity such as the Sunsphere isn’t one of them. So, marveling at the Sunsphere will be a cost-effective way to enjoy a little novelty while in Knoxville. It won’t cost a penny to go to the Observation Deck of the Sunsphere, but the structure looks pretty dazzling from the street too.
This steel truss structure is very tall, and it’s topped with a golden glass ball that was the symbol of the World’s Fair in 1982. You’ll find the Sunsphere at 810 Clinch Ave.
When you visit all three attractions, you’ll have an amazing day in the city. This itinerary will provide a good balance of urban pleasures (Market Square), natural wonders, (Zoo Knoxville) and novelty (Sunsphere).
Image via pixabay.com
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