The Tennessee Theater opened in 1928, and has been since called the “South’s most beautiful theater,” “Knoxville’s Grand Entertainment Palace,” and as “Movie Palace.” The theater, a single-screen movie theater for much of its existence, was renovated and reopened in 2005 as a world-class performing arts center, and regularly hosts dance performances, classical music concerts, musicals, contemporary concerts, vintage film screenings, and other private and public events. Listed in the National Register of Historic Places and honored as the Official State Theater of Tennessee, The Tennessee has a beautiful Spanish-Moorish style interior that incorporates elements from Czechoslovakia, Italy, and parts of Asia.
The Ijams Nature Center was developed and initiated by well known Knoxville bird expert Harry Ijams and his wife Alice Yoe Ijams who was popularly known as the 'First Lady of Knoxville Garden Clubs'. This nature center is a go to destination for locals as well as visitors who are looking for a day filled with adventure and exploring the wild. This place has an abundance of nature's goodness, bird watching opportunities-mainly owls, picnic spots, biking and walking trails as well.
In the heart of downtown Knoxville, you will find a beehive of activities centered around the Knoxville Market Square. Spread over 2 acres, this area is packed with enough facilities to ensure that there will not be a dull moment. If you love shopping, then here you will find a plethora of shops; from boutiques selling chic dresses, to stores that are stacked with Knoxville and Great Smoky Mountains memorabilia, there is no dearth of shopping options. Several restaurants and cafes are also located in the square. Additionally, the square is a venue for several prominent concerts and fairs in the region.
Overlooking the Lake Ottosee, The Muse Knoxville was previously known as the East Tennessee Discovery Center. This interactive museum is for kids of all ages and has exhibits on Life, Physical and Earth Sciences. The exhibitions are categorized under four themes: Light and Vision, Sound, Energy and Simple Machines and each of them is hands-on and full of fun. Check out the solar system in their AKIMA Planetarium or let toddlers and children up to five years old go crazy in KidSpace. Explore the engineer in you at BuildSpace or test your creative ideas in MakeSpace. Head to the QuietSpace if you want a break from all the activities. Discover the world of knowledge in an entertaining way at this delightful facility.
A tour of the Museum of East Tennessee History at the East Tennessee History Center is like taking a trip back through the history of the state. The museum's permanent exhibition explores the last 250 years in East Tennessee's history and demonstrates how this region has come to influence the culture of the state and country. Traveling exhibits focus on specific aspects of the region's history.
This picturesque part attracts a multitude of visitors from all over owing to its lush environs. Complete with a lake, lawns and an amphitheater, World's Fair Park is known to play host to a number of events and is also home to the dazzling Sunsphere.
This family-owned farm was first established in 1792 and has since developed quite a reputation for raising only the highest quality, organic, grass-fed angus beef and produce. The farm has stayed in the hands of the same family since its inception, each generation honoring the farm's legacy and upholding its dedication to the use of only natural methods to raise quality cattle. While the recent growth in demand for organic meat has certainly provided impetus to Strong Stock's operations, this farm has always prided itself in raising its cattle the natural way even before it was a popular choice.
Spanning over 400 acres, Seven Islands State Birding Park is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. Visitors can explore a network of well-maintained trails that wind through its natural beauty, providing ample opportunities to observe and photograph birds in their natural habitats. This park is frequented by myriad species of birds including yellow-breasted chats, common yellowthroats, purple martins, summer tanagers, and indigo buntings. Boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are also popular activities. Whether you're an avid birder or simply looking to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains, Seven Islands State Birding Park promises a memorable and rewarding experience.