I was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. Three years ago I moved to Knoxville to attend college at the University of Tennessee. Knoxville was an entirely foreign place to me at the time and I didn’t fully appreciate the character and charm of the city. However, over the past few years I have found that Knoxville has far more to offer than I originally gave it credit for. There are dozens of amazing places in Knoxville that some people have not been made aware of! Now that I know of some “hidden,” and not so hidden, gems around the city, I want to share them all with you!
1. Gourmet Market
This may not be a “hidden” gem necessarily. However, for those of you who have not heard of Gourmet Market, or have yet to eat there, let me be the first to tell you that you have been missing out. Gourmet Market is a quaint restaurant right off of Kingston Pike. Visit them from breakfast, your taste buds will thank you. My breakfast item of choice, you might ask? The Nutella-stuffed French toast! It is every bit as delicious as it sounds. If you’re not in the mood to satisfy your sweet tooth, try the “Market Scrambler.” Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
2. The Public House
An urban style eatery and bar, Public House has a unique atmosphere and playful menu. Somewhat hidden on Magnolia Avenue, it is surprisingly easy to pass by Public House and not even realize it! Perhaps this is why I was unaware of it’s existence until about a month ago, but I’m thrilled that I know about it now! If their extensive beer, wine, and cocktail list isn’t enough to peak your interest, The Public House offers more than just drinks and traditional bar food. Some of its more unique menu items include Bloody Mary Salt Popcorn, the Pickle Dog, and Benton’s Bacon Pimento Cheese. Yes, that’s right, bacon AND cheese! It can’t get any better than that.
3. Sequoyah Park
Located in Sequoyah Hills, an upscale neighborhood with a mecca of running trails and perfect picnic spots, Sequoyah Park is the ideal place for a peaceful afternoon. If you love being surrounding by lush greenery while you go for a morning jog or enjoy bike rides by the riverfront, then there is no doubt in my mind that Sequoyah Park is the place for you. It is by far the most visually appealing park that I have seen in all of Knoxville. It has a family friendly atmosphere where you can feel safe while experiencing all the park has to offer.
4. Long’s Drug Store
Don’t be fooled by the name, Long’s may be a pharmacy, but it is also home to one of the best Milkshakes in town! Most Knoxville natives have always known about Long’s and their incredible burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Not to mention their remarkable prices. You can easily order lunch, a drink, and dessert for well UNDER $10! Long’s is the prefect place for any college student on a budget.
5. Ijams Nature Center
Knoxville is known for it’s beautiful scenery. Ijams Nature Center provides a taste of the best that the Knoxville outdoors has to offer! At Ijams you can experience everything from canoeing and paddle boarding to rock climbing and hiking. However, if you aren’t exactly “one with nature,” like myself, Ijams also hosts music events fully equipped with food trucks and ticket prices as low as $10! Not to mention, if you are of drinking age, Ijams has their very own beer garden for you to enjoy.
6. The Golden Roast Coffee House
The Golden Roast is located at the heart of UT’s campus and despite the fact that students pass it almost every day, very few actually frequent the establishment. I speak from personal experience when I say that Golden Roast makes the BEST coffee that I have ever tasted (and I don’t typically like coffee)! Golden Roast also boasts delightful pastries and delectable desserts. If you’re in need of a quiet place to study, look no further! The Golden Roast provides the prefect study space to curl up with a cup of highly caffeinated coffee and hit the books.
