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Travel and Outdoors

Multiple people are seated in naby blue chairs in a large terminal. On the wall behind them is a large, colorful mural with reds, oranges, yellows, pink, blues, and other colors smattered around in abstract patterns.
Travel and Outdoors
All aboard: How to ride Amtrak as a Knoxvillian
Taking the train isn’t just for commuters — it’s also a method of leisure travel that’s growing in popularity.
October 20, 2025 03:38 PM
 · 
Brianna Williams
Photo 1: A family of three enjoys a meal on a sunny outdoor patio. The adults smile and engage in conversation, while the child appears curious. Colorful smoothies and salads adorn the table. Photo 2: A joyful family of three plays on a sunny beach. The parents swing their smiling child between them. The background shows a lifeguard tower and blue ocean. Photo 3: Two people ride bicycles on a board walk on the beach on a sunny day.
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Discover an endless summer at Alabama’s Beaches
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Passengeres linged up to board an Allegiant Airlines flight
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✈️ Fly direct to Memphis from McGhee Tyson Airport
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Orange leaves on a tree and the Sunsphere atop a green pillar.
Culture

When to expect peak fall foliage in Knoxville
October is going to be a colorful month in the Knoxville area, and there are plenty of places to look at the leaves before they fall.
September 22, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
A jet sits on a runway at night at Knoxville Airport, with its tail facing the camera. The brightly lit terminal building is visible in the background.
Work
All you need to know about McGhee Tyson Airport
We’re here to make your flying process plane and simple.
September 12, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
A rotating gif featuring people on vacation at Alabama's Beaches, enjoying the white sand beaches, sunny weather, and fresh coastal restaurants of the Gulf Coast.
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Escape to Alabama’s Beaches for a sunny fall getaway
The season’s first crisp nights may be arriving in Knoxville, but the sun’s still shining on the Gulf Coast.
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Aerial view of a colorful, Mickey Mouse-shaped playground with yellow and black striped ground, surrounded by lush green grass and trees. Play structures are inside circular areas. The setting is calm, with a lake and hills in the background under a cloudy sky.
Play
The best parks in Knoxville for walks, picnics, and play
We’re highlighting over 15 of the best parks that Knoxville has to offer — complete with accessible playgrounds, water activities, and fun for the pups.
August 28, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
A cyclist in a blue jacket rides on a quiet country road past an old barn and lush greenery under a clear blue sky, evoking serenity and adventure.
Travel and Outdoors
Hit the road with Bike Tennessee
Grab your helmets — we’re taking an adventure on our bikes, thanks to some roadside assistance from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
August 19, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
Photo 1: A group of people stand smiling under colorful balloons, holding a sign that reads "Welcome Southwest TYS… The Wait Is Over!" Confetti adds a celebratory feel. Photo 2: A wooden bear figurine stands on a counter, holding a carved sign that reads "Southwest Bear Lines." The setting is indoors with a modern, neutral background. Photo 3: A man in a suit claps at a podium decorated with red, yellow, and blue balloons. "Southwest" is displayed on balloons and a screen behind him. Photo 4: A man in a blue blazer speaks to a group of reporters in front of cameras. Blue, red, and yellow balloons decorate the room, creating a festive atmosphere. Photo 5: A group of nine people stand together, smiling in a modern indoor space. Behind them, colorful balloons in red, blue, and yellow hang from the ceiling, adding a festive atmosphere. The people are dressed in varied professional attire, and the mood is celebratory.
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Southwest Airlines lands at McGhee Tyson Airport in March 2026
The addition of Southwest Airlines is one the Knoxville airport’s biggest expansions ever.
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A Southwest Airplane ascending into the sky. The body of the plane is blue with yellow, white, and red stripes on the back tail.
City
Southwest Airlines plans to come to McGhee Tyson Airport
The airline will start taking off in early 2026 and offer round-trip service to four destinations in the US.
August 14, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Aerial view of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee at sunset with the Sunsphere and city buildings in view.
Culture
Tips to save on Knoxville summer energy bills
Follow these tips to help save money and conserve energy on water, landscaping, electricity, and AC.
July 16, 2025
 · 
Staff
A crowd of people in a field next to a barn, surrounded by the Great Smoky Mountains + a hot air balloon with a rainbow color design floating in the air
Travel and Outdoors
Hit the road to the Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival
Float to the sky with us as this annual hot air balloon festival makes its return in nearby Townsend.
June 27, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
Outdoor market scene with white tents, vendors, and visitors on a grassy area. A golden sphere tower and city buildings in the background, under an overcast sky.
Play
15+ of the top free things to do in Knoxville
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in Knoxville, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
May 27, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
A young boy slides down an elevated wooden tunnel.
Play
Where to have fun with kids in Knoxville
We found the best kid-friendly activities in Knoxville, complete with art classes, animal encounters, and outdoor fun.
May 16, 2025
 · 
Shea Stapley
The a ferry installs a barge on the far riverbank beneath the green and steel Gay Street Bridge on a sunny day.
City
Updates on the Gay Street Bridge repair project
It looks like the bridge will reopen for foot traffic as early as this year.
May 16, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
A photo taken at night shows thousands of small, glowing yellow dots floating around trees, sticks, and bushes in the dark.
Travel and Outdoors
An oppoprtunity to view synchronous fireflies will open in May
Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s annual firefly viewing lottery will open to the public soon.
April 29, 2025
 · 
Brianna Williams
The side of a cliff juts out on the left side of the image, and below you can see a river flowing through a forest of green trees.
Play
Take a hike: A guide to trails around Knoxville
Looking for the perfect hike? This curated guide highlights tried-and-true trails in the area — plus everything you should know about them, from difficulty level to accessibility and beyond.
April 23, 2025
 · 
Brianna Williams
A group of runners pose in nature in front of a sign that reads "Sunflowers."
Culture
How to find a run or walk club in the Knoxville area
Get in your steps as you sprint or stroll with your new friends at these clubs around the Knoxville area.
April 15, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
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Aerial view of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee at sunset with the Sunsphere and city buildings in view.
City
Just how bad is the traffic in Knoxville?
Spoiler alert: Traffic isn’t great. We dove into the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s congestion data so you don’t have to.
October 27, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
The facade of Litton's Market, Restaurant, and Bakery. The building is brick with dark windows with blinds, and orange tables and chairs are sitting on the patio outside.
Travel back in time at Knoxville’s oldest restaurants
Step into another era by visiting these restaurants where time stands still.
October 23, 2025
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Knoxville Parks GIS Mapping.png

Knoxville GIS mapping decoded
Get to know your neighborhood through the geographical information systems that are mapping our area.
October 16, 2025
 · 
Sarah Andrews
A graphic that says "Their perfect gift is on this list. Our holiday gift guide just dropped." surrounded by images of gift tags.
Small Business
865today’s 2025 holiday gift guide: 90+ finds for everyone you love
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
October 14, 2025
 · 
Emily Shea-Owen
A crowd of people overlooking the gridiron in Neyland Stadium. From a distance, the audience is making white + orange checkers in the stands.
Events
Plan Ahead: Don’t miss these events happening in Knoxville
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
September 29, 2025
 · 
Brianna Williams
Five female dancers in colorful dresses and two male performers in black hats and suits.
Culture
The 25th HoLa Festival returns to Knoxville
The two-day event will feature food, vendors, music, fireworks, and entertainment at the Performance Lawn at World’s Fair Park.
September 24, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
Barrels adorned with vibrant sunflowers, daisies, and wildflowers, featuring a large mug of beer. The scene is bright and festive.
Culture
Prost to Schulz Bräu Brewing Co.'s Oktoberfest returning
It’s stein — this annual celebration is taking over this local German brewery.
September 17, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
Tramell Tillman in a white shirt and striped tie stands with arms outstretched in an episode of "Severance," holding a baton, in front of a marching band dressed in blue uniforms with “LUMON” written on them. The room is lit with a cool blue glow. The band members play drums in the background.
Culture
UT alumnus Tramell Tillman makes history at the 2025 Emmy Awards
The actor became the first Black man to win the Emmy for outstanding supporting actor in a drama for his role in the Apple TV+ show “Severance.”
September 15, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
RAL-FreePantry-Nov26
City
Stock up with one of Knoxville’s Little Free Pantries
You’ve probably heard of Little Free Libraries, but did you know the same system works for non-perishable food items + other necessities? Find a local library near you.
September 11, 2025
 · 
Haley Bartlett
Street view of a shaded sidewalk with storefronts featuring large windows, hanging Union Ave Books signs, and reflections of bicycles. A chalkboard sign sits on the walkway near two bikes parked at the curb. Trees line the street, and a few pedestrians are visible in the distance.
Culture
7 independent bookstores in Knoxville
Find your next great read at one of these stores in the Knoxville area that’s literally focused on literature.
September 8, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil