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Travel and Outdoors

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 06, 2026 01:38 PM
 · 
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
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.
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
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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Street scene with historic buildings, including one with a large vertical "Tennessee" sign. Cars line the street under a partly cloudy sky.
Culture
Tennessee Theatre sets March opening for 612 Building
The newly renovated 612 Building will open this spring, adding performance space, amenities, and community gathering areas to downtown Knoxville.
January 29, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
two loaves of bread
Food
Join the sourdough revolution in Knoxville
Sourdough is reaching new heights in popularity, and we’re here to help you find the best loaves in Knoxville, or start making your own.
January 27, 2026
 · 
Patrick Sidwell
A low-angle view of the U.S. Bank building in downtown Knoxville, showing a mid-century office tower with reflective glass windows rising above street-level storefronts. The U.S. Bank sign is visible on the facade, with American flags and a blue, partly cloudy sky in the background.
Business
Condos planned for U.S. Bank building in downtown Knoxville
The U.S. Bank building on Market Street is getting a residential makeover, with roughly 50 condos planned for downtown Knoxville.
January 27, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
A white brick building sits on a sunny street corner with signs for Cumberland Avenue and South Gay Street. The Bijou Theatre marquee and vertical sign are visible on the front, advertising upcoming shows. A “detour” sign is placed at the corner due to a bridge closure ahead.
Play
25 concerts headed to Knoxville in 2026
From country superstars to chart-topping bands, there’s no shortage of concerts to see this year in Knoxville.
January 23, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
865today-Potchke-Deli-January-2026.jpg
Food
Dig into Knoxville’s 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists
Two local chefs are in the running for a James Beard Award nomination.
January 22, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
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.
Food
Travel back in time at Knoxville’s oldest restaurants
Step into another era by visiting these restaurants where time stands still.
January 20, 2026
 · 
Morgan O’Neal
Guy Fieri raises a glass at his restaurant in Harrahs Cherokee Casino
Culture
A guide to Knoxville restaurants featured on television
These local spots have caught the attention of the nation by appearing on shows like “Man v. Food” and “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” — but have you dined at them yet?
January 7, 2026
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
An interior view of the photo wall at Fly By Night bar in Knoxville
Culture
Where to find great mocktails in Knoxville
We don’t mess around when it comes to mocktails. If you’re looking for more than bubbly pineapple water, we’ve got you covered.
January 7, 2026
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Jauan Jennings playing football for the Tenneesee Volunteers
Culture
3 former Tennessee Volunteers to watch during the NFL playoffs
If you bleed orange, these former Tennessee Volunteers could be worth watching as the NFL playoffs unfold.
January 5, 2026
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto
Christmas Tree knoxville
City
Finished with your tree? Knoxville’s Christmas tree disposal guide
Saying goodbye to your Christmas tree in Knoxville is easy — and eco-friendly.
December 29, 2025
 · 
Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto