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Travel and Outdoors

A hummingbird with iridescent green and a bright red throat hovers mid-air near a vibrant red flower against a blurred green background.
Travel and Outdoors
When to spot hummingbirds across Knoxville
Birds like the ruby-throated hummingbird will be appearing in Knoxville this spring. Find out where you can spot them.
March 19, 2026 09:00 AM
 · 
Staff
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.
March 10, 2026
 · 
Shea Stapley
A person triumphantly holds a trophy overhead amid falling confetti at a lively event, with a cheering crowd under vibrant blue and purple lights.
Sports
Your guide to the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville
Watch the pros chase championship bass on the Tennessee River and check out free fan events across Knoxville.
March 6, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Several community members stand on a gravel path in front of a caboose with a mural of a woman on its side.
City
Work underway on SoKno Rail Trail and Art Walk
Walkers, bikers, and families can look forward to a scenic path featuring murals, sculptures, and preserved rail history.
March 3, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A wooden roller coaster with riders, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear blue sky.
Travel and Outdoors
Rides, eats, shows: What’s new at Dollywood in 2026
From adrenaline-pumping coasters to seasonal foods and immersive live shows, Dollywood is bringing fresh thrills and flavors this spring.
February 26, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
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.
February 24, 2026
 · 
Haley Bartlett
A cardinal perched on a seed feeder.
Travel and Outdoors
Knoxville bird watchers needed for The Great Backyard Bird Count
The annual Great Backyard Bird Count attracts more than 1 million people nationwide to help record the bird population.
February 6, 2026
 · 
Maria Adnado
Aerial view of downtown Knoxville, Tennessee at sunset with the Sunsphere and city buildings in view.
Culture

A Knoxvillian’s guide to New Year’s resolutions
Find the resources you need to stick to your resolutions in 2025.
January 2, 2026
 · 
London Gibson
An upclose view of common milkweed, which is both light and dark pink in color, with greenery out of focus in the background.
City
How to turn your Knoxville yard into a mini wildlife haven
A grassroots effort is helping Tennessee properties become part of a nationwide habitat network.
December 9, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
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
 · 
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.
Sponsored
Discover an endless summer at Alabama’s Beaches
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Passengeres linged up to board an Allegiant Airlines flight
Sponsored
✈️ 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.
Sponsored
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.
Sponsored by
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.
Sponsored
Southwest Airlines lands at McGhee Tyson Airport in March 2026
The addition of Southwest Airlines is one the Knoxville airport’s biggest expansions ever.
Sponsored by
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
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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A crowd of enthusiastic fans with painted faces holds up a "One Knoxville Sporting Club" banner.
Sports
One Knoxville SC kicks off 2026 season: What to know before the home opener
The defending USL League One champions return to Covenant Health Park on March 14. Here’s what to know about the schedule, new kits, themed matchdays, and how to attend.
March 10, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Orange bus with "Tennessee" in bold white letters above windows, parked on street. Bright, sunny background with trees and cars.
City
University of Tennessee receives $10 million for T bus fleet expansion, safety upgrades
The funding will add 10 hybrid buses, improve pedestrian safety, and reduce wait times on campus routes.
March 6, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A delicate floral teacup filled with tea sits on a saucer next to a tea strainer on a lace doily.
Events
3 ways to celebrate Women’s History Month in Knoxville
Attend a lecture, film screening, and tea gathering in honor of inspiring women in Knoxville.
March 5, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Kelsea Ballerini in a sparkling red jumpsuit plays guitar and sings on stage, surrounded by an enthusiastic crowd. Bright lights illuminate the performance.
Culture
15 celebrities with ties to Knoxville
From “Mad Men” to country radio, these famous faces were born, raised, or educated in the Scruffy City.
March 5, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Entrance of West Town Mall, featuring a modern facade with large glass windows and a prominent sign.
Business
6 new shops + restaurants coming soon to West Town Mall
Sneakerheads, bargain hunters, and foodies, get ready. These new arrivals will spice up your next mall trip.
February 27, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Two breakfast biscuit sandwiches on a plate, the left one stacked with eggs, cheese, and bacon + the right with a berry biscuit bun, eggs, and other toppings.
Live
Where to eat biscuits in Knoxville
Dig into K-Town’s must-try biscuit spots, from not-so-hidden gems to Instagram-worthy platters.
February 27, 2026
 · 
Madison McMillen
Spacious bookstore interior with tall wooden shelves filled with colorful books, viewed from a mezzanine. People browse below.
Business
End of an era: McKay’s closing after 40 years in Knoxville
The beloved secondhand bookstore on Papermill Place Way will close in May, though other Tennessee locations remain open.
February 26, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A historic, dark-brick mansion under a clear blue sky, with a path leading through well-kept green lawns surrounded by tall trees.
History
Historic Eugenia Williams House will open for tours this spring
Once home to Coca-Cola heiress Eugenia Williams, the 10,800-sqft riverfront estate will offer tours, cultural events, and walking trails across 24 acres.
February 24, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Red tray with two burgers and fries; one burger has lettuce and tomato. Fries on left are plain, and on right, topped with cheese and sauce. Cup with red drink on right.
Food
In-N-Out Burger confirms plans for first Knoxville location
East Tennessee fans, your In-N-Out cravings are about to be satisfied.
February 20, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A hand holds a vibrant cross-stitch depicting a witch and a haunted house against a blue, starry sky, bordered with green polka dots. Vinyl records form a colorful background.
Culture
Needlepoint is back: Here’s how to try it in Knoxville
Needlepoint is one of the biggest “analog hobby” trends. Here’s where to learn and meet other stitchers.
February 19, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal