My family has always loved visiting Asheville. It has a thriving and hip downtown. They have the beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway. And it would be silly not to mention all of the breweries. Here lately it seems that Knoxville is becoming the new Asheville.
Here are the reasons why I think Knoxville is the new Asheville
Knoxville Has TONS of New Breweries
There are currently 19 breweries in Knoxville. That is huge! Just a few years ago there were only 3 or 4. The brewing scene has really taken off in Knoxville. I’m always hearing about a new brewery in the works. It’s nice that there is a good variety in Knoxville without having to make the 2 hour drive to Asheville.
The Street Performer Scene Is Growing
Knoxville has always had its regular street performers. You can always count on seeing the man with the violin. But it’s not the same ol’ same ol’ anymore. Everytime I go downtown I see a new street performer. And some of them are really good! It definitely makes for good people watching.
More Hotels Are Popping Up
We used to just have the same few hotels downtown. In the past 5 years there have been at least 6 new hotels open up. These hotels range from budget hotels (budgetish for downtown) from around $125 per night and up. And there are new hotels in the works across the river.
The River Scene Is Growing
Speaking of the river, there are tons of great places around the river now. What used to be a sparse place to hang out is actually becoming really nice. Suttree Landing is a gorgeous new park that is host to some great festivals. And there are new restaurants, breweries and hotels popping up. It’s nice to see Knoxville is trying to model our other sister city, Chattanooga.
Knoxville Has a Food Truck Park
Looking for some good food and fun music. Hit up the Central Filling Station. Wednesday through Sunday you can find a fun crowd and different food trucks each night. Central Filling Station is a great place to spend a beautiful evening out. And it’s super kid friendly.
I still love to make a weekend trip to Asheville. But it’s nice to have a fun weekend at home. With all of the local events, restaurants and breweries we are never bored in Knoxville.
It looks like Knoxville is a happening place to visit. I know that these are all things we would do.
I am not really familiar with the area but it sounds like there is lots happening. 19 Breweries – my husband would love that!
Love new places to visit! Knoxville isn’t too far, so I’ll definitely add it to my list.
I haven’t made it to Asheville yet, but we LOVE Knoxville! Especially it’s proximity to great hiking!
I still need to visit Tennessee. Perhaps I should add Knoxville to my cities to visit looks. Definitely seems fun!
Sounds like a great place to visit!!
I haven’t been to Ashville or Knoxville … Now have to go and check them both out !
It’s been years since I’ve been to Knoxville but I’m glad to hear it’s becoming more like Asheville 🙂 I’ll have to schedule a visit soon.
I have never been to Knoxville or Asheville. Both sound like interesting places to explore. It would be neat to visit with the family.
A food truck park sounds amazing! I love exploring new up-and-coming cities! Thanks for the tips, I’ll be adding Knoxville to my list for next time!
-Jennifer
I live on the West Coast and I kid you not, my husband and I were JUST looking at property in Tennessee thinking that it may be a good place to relocate to. Now I know more areas to look for. Thank you for sharing 🙂
There are parts of Tennessee that are SUPER affordable. Especially if you are coming from West Coast prices.