The places we actually go. No tourist traps — just honest recommendations from your hosts, Stephen & Grace.
From Michelin-recommended sandwiches to hearty farm breakfasts — here's where we eat.
A Knoxville gem hiding in plain sight. Jewish-style deli with incredible babkas, lox bialys, and creative sandwiches. The kind of place you'll think about weeks later.
Our go-to for tacos in downtown Knoxville. Solid margaritas, great bar scene, and a lively atmosphere. Right in the heart of the Gay Street strip.
Great food and a beautiful patio when the weather cooperates. Elevated American with a solid cocktail list. One of the nicer spots in Knoxville without feeling stuffy.
The best pizza in Knoxville, full stop. Made from scratch per order — worth the wait. Great tap list and live music on weekends.
Cozy, character-filled gastropub with a full coffee bar inside. Creative menu that works equally well for brunch or dinner, with a warm atmosphere and occasional live music. A local favorite that doesn't feel like it's trying too hard.
Hearty farm-style breakfast with the kind of portions that fuel a full day of hiking. Warm, Southern atmosphere and good food. Expect a wait on weekends — it's worth it.
Southern cooking done with real care and creativity, right on Market Square. The fried chicken is exceptional — honey-dusted with a dry rub that's hard to forget. Great for brunch or dinner, with a strong cocktail program and a warm, lively atmosphere.
A local dairy institution. All soft serve, made from their own farm's milk. The flavors rotate and they're always creative. Simple, local, and a great way to end an afternoon downtown.
Slow mornings deserve great coffee — and when you're ready for more, great brunch too.
Knoxville's beloved local coffee brand. Great espresso, excellent pastries, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps people coming back. The Kingston Pike location has the full menu.
A downtown Knoxville staple with a great weekend brunch and a solid craft beer lineup. Industrial-meets-welcoming atmosphere, a large patio, and a menu that hits the mark whether you're coming for eggs Benedict or staying for a few afternoon pints.
A creative, rustic breakfast spot in downtown Sevierville with Southern sweet and savory dishes done right. They roast their own coffee in-house, serve Benedicts on potato pancakes instead of English muffins, and the beignets alone are worth the drive. A great stop if you're heading toward the Smokies.
A serious specialty coffee roaster in the heart of Old City. Small, focused menu with house-made syrups that are unlike anything you'd find at a chain — and a staff that takes the craft seriously without being pretentious about it. Clean, relaxed space with great energy.
From craft beer gardens to Tennessee moonshine — this region drinks well.
The closest thing to a hidden treasure we can share. A local winery right down the road — and one of the best in East Tennessee.
Our local winery — and the one we point every guest toward first. Family owned, locally made wines, regular events, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere. This is where the locals go.
Authentic Tennessee spirits with free tastings — moonshine, whiskey, rum and more. Everything is made on-site and hand-labeled. The $5 moonshine cocktails are a great deal and a great time.
Massive outdoor patio, giant TVs, and a great tap list. The best spot in Knoxville for watching sports. Lively, casual, and exactly what a brewery should feel like.
A standout brewery in the Smokies corridor with great food to match. Creative craft beers, a welcoming atmosphere, and a menu that goes well beyond typical bar food. A nice alternative to the tourist-heavy Gatlinburg strip.
A self-guided (or guided tour) trail through several local wineries in the Sevierville and Pigeon Forge area, all offering free tastings. A fun way to spend a few hours exploring Tennessee wines without driving far into the mountains.
Knoxville's craft cocktail bar with a tiki soul — creative, well-balanced drinks that go well beyond the expected. A cool, relaxed atmosphere with a back patio and a bar staff that knows what they're doing. One of the most unique bar experiences in the city.
From easy walks to serious summit hikes — we've done them all. Listed from easiest to most challenging.
One of our favorite close-to-home spots. Paved paths, stunning views of the French Broad River, deer at nearly every visit, and a bridge that's worth the walk alone. No elevation to speak of — beautiful for any time of day.
A rewarding moderate hike with spectacular views of Knoxville and the Smokies from the summit. Rocky trails, well-marked paths, and not too long — a great first hike of the trip.
8 miles round trip along the Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap. The payoff at the end — rocky outcroppings with 360° Smoky Mountain views — is one of the best in the entire park. One of our personal favorites.
One of our absolute favorite areas in the Smokies. The 11-mile scenic loop through Cades Cove is the best place in the national park to spot bears — deer, open valley views, and wildlife around every bend. The Abrams Falls hike (5 miles round trip off the loop) ends at a stunning waterfall with natural swimming holes.
The highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains. The drive up is beautiful on its own — the final half-mile hike to the observation tower is steep and worth every step for the 360° views above the clouds.
One of the best hikes in the entire Smoky Mountains — and one of the most rewarding. Multiple trail options (Alum Cave recommended), summit lodge, jaw-dropping views. Best for experienced hikers prepared for a full day.
Beyond the trails — the places worth building a day around.
The heartbeat of downtown Knoxville. Surrounded by restaurants, boutique shops, and often hosting live music or events. A great starting point for an afternoon in the city — park once and explore on foot.
More than a theme park — it's a Tennessee institution. Incredible rides, genuine Appalachian craft culture, exceptional live shows, and food that surprises you. Worth a full day any time of year, but especially during the seasonal festivals.
A fun, walkable complex with shopping, dining, and attractions including the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. More of a tourist hub than our usual vibe, but enjoyable for an evening out — especially the wheel at dusk.
A beautiful, underrated nature preserve tucked into the south side of Knoxville. Miles of walking and hiking trails, a river boardwalk, wildlife exhibits, a swimming quarry in summer, and a zip line. A proper nature escape that most tourists never find.
One of the most beautiful college campuses in the South. Nestled along the Tennessee River with a mix of historic brick buildings, sweeping green spaces, and that unmistakable Volunteer orange energy. Worth a slow walk through even if you're not a football fan.
For evenings you want to remember. These are our top picks for a proper night out.
The finest dining experience in Knoxville — James Beard-nominated chef Joseph Lenn runs a menu built around locally sourced, wood-fired cooking. Exceptional service, a beautiful space, and food that holds its own against any major city. We've been and it delivers on every level.
A moody, speakeasy-style cocktail bar set inside a literal bank vault. Dark, intimate, beautiful — exactly the atmosphere you want for a proper date night. The cocktail menu is creative and the bartenders know what they're doing.
Rooftop views over all of downtown Knoxville, a pool, fire features, and a cocktail list worth exploring. Upscale atmosphere without being unapproachable. One of the most memorable settings for an evening in the city.
Not your classic pizza spot — and that's the point. Neapolitan-style sourdough pizzas with creative, thoughtful toppings and a proper wine list to match. A dining experience worth planning around.