For students who may be staying in Knoxville for spring break, now is a great time to explore what downtown Knoxville and East Tennessee have to offer!
With the weather getting warmer and the flowers beginning to bloom, many students may be ready to embrace the outdoors. For those who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, or climbing, Ijams Nature Center has many activities to offer. Students can enjoy the scenery while biking on a quarry-side trail or plan a date with friends at Navitat, their aerial adventure park. If you prefer staying somewhere closer to campus but still want to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, the UT Gardens is a great spot to plan a picnic or simply take a walk.
For those looking for an indoor activity, check out some of Knoxville’s museums, which showcase aspects of the city’s history and cater to a variety of interests. For those who are interested in history, the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture is a great place to visit. Aside from exhibitions, McClung also offers activities on certain days, such as Meditation at the Museum, Yoga at the Museum, and Monty’s Craft Circle. If you enjoy learning about both history and athletics, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame is an excellent choice. If you are interested in local art, consider taking advantage of the Knoxville Museum of Art, which also hosts many related activities and events, such as Soundscapes at the KMA, an event that includes food, live music, and art.
For more live music, check with venues like the Mill and Mine and the Pilot Light, which may be hosting local shows across varying genres. Beyond these options, you can also check with larger-scale venues such as the Knoxville Civic Auditorium, the Bijou Theatre, or Thompson Bowling Arena at Food City Center, to name a few, for current or upcoming performances. Watch Vol Connect for opportunities to purchase discounted student tickets to local events through the Center for Student Engagement.
Aside from Market Square, Gay Street, and the surrounding downtown area, which is home to many restaurants, cafes, and stores, there are so many different places in Knoxville to shop and visit. Explore the Old City to find vintage sweatshirts, perfect for layering for class. Scruffy’s Cafe is a fun destination for any cat lover who wants to have a quick snack and relax with cats. Knoxville is also home to Lost and Found Records and McKays, both of which are great options for those who are interested in physical media.
Take advantage of the nice, spring weather while shopping the farmers market in Market Square every Saturday morning or consider visiting Zoo Knoxville, another fun outdoor place which is home to over 1,500 animals spanning 200 species. UT students also get discounted tickets of $5 off the regular admission price at Zoo Knoxville.
If you are looking to take advantage of this time to explore outside of Knoxville, Pigeon Forge is less than an hour’s drive from campus and has so many different shops and places to visit, including Dollywood, which opens for the season on March 13. Students, faculty, and their families are also eligible for discounted tickets through the Division of Student Life!
Whether you are continuing classes or you are craving an adventure, Knoxville is home to a variety of attractions! Spring break is a great opportunity to not only connect with your friends but to connect with the community, as well.