Knoxville, Tennessee is a genuinely friendly, welcoming town. The hospitality is real here. You’ll find it in the coffee shops, on the trails and around every corner. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, rich history, arts and culture, or simply the best meal you’ve had in a really long time, you’ll find it here.
Any time is a great time to visit Knoxville but consider planning around Southern Skies Music & Whiskey Festival on Saturday, May 11! Curated by hometown favorites, the Dirty Guv’nahs, Southern Skies is an authentically Knoxville celebration of music and community. The 2024 event will feature Americana legends Old Crow Medicine Show alongside The Dirty Guv’nahs, Maggie Rose, Amythyst Kiah, Grace Bowers & the Hodge Podge, and Wyatt Ellis. The TN Whiskey Experience will feature food trucks, craft beer, wine, specialty cocktails, and more.
Where to Dine: Located on Historic Gay Street in Downtown Knoxville, Lilou is the newest addition to the city’s thriving culinary scene. This authentic French brasserie is operated by local hospitality couple Aaron Thompson and Jessica King, the duo behind the acclaimed Brother Wolf, an aperitivo bar, and Osteria Stella, an authentic, Northern Italian restaurant. Lilou’s kitchen is led by Chef Benjamin Tilatti, a native of southwest France, and his dishes represent contemporary interpretations of this classic yet dynamic cuisine. Lilou’s curated wine list of exclusively French bottles, spanning each of France’s 19 wine-producing regions and representing one of the largest in Tennessee. The stunning bar is a centerpiece of the space and offers cocktails celebrating French spirits, eaux de vie, absinthes, and vermouths.
Where to Stay: Above the restaurant, the new intimate and inviting Hotel Cleo is ideal for a romantic getaway, a gathering destination for friends, or the private HQ for your wedding or special event. No two rooms are alike, and no two guests have the same experience — its appeal lies in its boutique nature, intimate scale, and unique shared spaces on every floor.
For more information on all there is to see and do in Knoxville, check out visitknoxville.com