Cheap Flights To Knoxville
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When to Go
Airport Information
Weather
Things to Do
Local Attractions
Must See Sights
Insider Tips
Getting Around
Overview
Since 1791, Knoxville has been a major player in the South, initially as the capital of the Southwest Territory and later the state of Tennessee. In the 20th century, the opening of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority, hosting of the 1982 World’s Fair and the extraordinary growth of the University of Tennessee contributed to making Knoxville an influential, thriving city. With about 200,000 residents in the city and about 700,000 in the metro area, Knoxville offers visitors the conveniences of a metropolis and the rural charm of the nearby Smokies.
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When to Go
High Season
Most travelers prefer to see Knoxville in the summer months due to warm weather, outdoor festivals and the opening of campgrounds and secondary roads at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Peak season tends to run May through October.
Low Season
Cold typically arrives in mid-November, and hotel rates drastically drop at that time. Low season runs November through April. There is light traffic during winter sports months at nearby slopes.
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Airport Information
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
Distance: 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville
Drive time: 20 mins
McGhee Tyson Airport is the primary airport of East Tennessee. The airport hosts eight airlines making more than 120 daily arrivals and departures. Airlines offer non-stop service to 19 domestic destinations including Atlanta, Miami, New York and Washington D.C. The airport interior is pleasant and spacious, with gift shops, restaurants and a 115-foot indoor mountain stream.
Metered cabs to downtown hotels typically run $35-$40. There are walk-up shuttle counters and car rental agencies located near baggage claim, and public transit buses arrive and depart outside the arrivals area.
Alternative Airports
Nashville International Airport (BNA) - 152 miles from Knoxville
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Weather
Knoxville is in a temperate climate zone. Summers are green, warm and generally without uncomfortable heat, averaging 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter is brief and somewhat mild, with temperatures averaging 36 degrees. Snow falls across the eastern part of state but melts quickly, except in the mountains, which have enough snowfall for winter sports. Spring arrives early and stays for about four months.
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Things to Do
Art in Knoxville
To see emerging and atypical art, check out the specialty exhibitions at the spring Boomsday Festival. The Art in Public Places Knoxville Exhibition features large-scale outdoor sculptures throughout downtown Knoxville. The Regional Fine Arts Exhibit allows upcoming artists of many genres to display their work.
Cradle of Country Music Tour
The Cradle of Country Music Walking Tour begins at the East Tennessee History Center. The 19-stop self-guided tour commemorates country music performers and songwriters who have roots in Knoxville, including displays for Hank Williams, Dolly Parton and Roy Acuff. Brochures are distributed at the Knoxville Visitor Center and the East Tennessee History Center.
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Local Attractions
Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum
Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum is a 44-acre site and notable nursery just five minutes from downtown. The nursery business was originally established in 1786 and represents a significant role in local history. Admission is free and the facility is open to the public from sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year. Annually the site hosts a holiday open house that includes visits with Santa, nature-themed holiday craft-making and a tour the of the historic home and decorated gardens.
The Sunsphere
Constructed for the 1982 World's Fair, The Sunsphere is a 266-foot tall hexagonal steel truss structure, topped with a 75-foot tall gold-colored glass sphere. The structure’s window glass panels are layered in 24-karat gold dust and it is often used as a symbol for Knoxville. In 2007, the fair observation level was reopened to visitors. Upstairs are a restaurant and lounge.
Knoxville Museum of Art
The Knoxville Museum of Art is housed in a state-of-the-art, 53,200 square-foot facility clad in Tennessee marble. The museum’s collection of approximately 700 objects consists of 20th- and 21st-century multimedia works, sculpture and fine crafts. Visitors can take advantage of workshops, lectures, iPod audio tours, concerts, and children’s events. An Alive After Five concert series and frequent community events attract young and single adults.
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Must See Sights
Armstrong-Lockett House and W.P. Toms Memorial Gardens
The Armstrong-Lockett House and W.P. Toms Memorial Gardens, built by Drury Paine Armstrong, are quiet historic sites. Built in 1834, the home displays a collection of 18th century American and English furniture, decorative arts and English silver. Outside is a three-acre Italian terraced garden featuring five fountains overlooking the Tennessee River.
Market Square
Market Square is a popular place to visit for events, shopping and dining downtown. Concerts, local theater and visual arts are in abundant in this district. The Market Square Farmers' Market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday, running from May through mid-November.
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Insider Tips
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Getting Around
Getting around Knoxville is at once a charming tribute to the past with modern, customer-friendly innovations. Knoxville Trolley Lines, a free service, is a handy way to see downtown attractions. In addition to constant weekday service, a Late Line Trolley operates every 15 minutes on Friday and Saturday nights from 8 pm to 2 am, linking Knoxville’s historic Old City, the Knoxville Convention Center and other nightspots. Trolley maps are available at the downtown Knoxville Visitor Center. Trolleys also connect to the Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) bus line for attractions outside of the downtown area and throughout Knox County, including shopping destinations and parks.
For visitors who are driving, Knoxville is conveniently located at the junction of three major interstates: I-75, I-40 and I-81. In addition, the city is serviced by Greyhound Bus Lines, with the main bus terminal located at 100 East Magnolia Avenue.
These tips and more are obtainable from the team at the downtown Knoxville Visitor Center, located in a historic downtown building.
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Cheap Flights To Knoxville
OverviewWhen to Go
Airport Information
Weather
Things to Do
Local Attractions
Must See Sights
Insider Tips
Getting Around
Overview
Since 1791, Knoxville has been a major player in the South, initially as the capital of the Southwest Territory and later the state of Tennessee. In the 20th century, the opening of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority, hosting of the 1982 World’s Fair and the extraordinary growth of the University of Tennessee contributed to making Knoxville an influential, thriving city. With about 200,000 residents in the city and about 700,000 in the metro area, Knoxville offers visitors the conveniences of a metropolis and the rural charm of the nearby Smokies.
Back to top
When to Go
High Season
Most travelers prefer to see Knoxville in the summer months due to warm weather, outdoor festivals and the opening of campgrounds and secondary roads at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Peak season tends to run May through October.
Low Season
Cold typically arrives in mid-November, and hotel rates drastically drop at that time. Low season runs November through April. There is light traffic during winter sports months at nearby slopes.
Back to top
Airport Information
McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
Distance: 12 miles south of downtown Knoxville
Drive time: 20 mins
McGhee Tyson Airport is the primary airport of East Tennessee. The airport hosts eight airlines making more than 120 daily arrivals and departures. Airlines offer non-stop service to 19 domestic destinations including Atlanta, Miami, New York and Washington D.C. The airport interior is pleasant and spacious, with gift shops, restaurants and a 115-foot indoor mountain stream.
Metered cabs to downtown hotels typically run $35-$40. There are walk-up shuttle counters and car rental agencies located near baggage claim, and public transit buses arrive and depart outside the arrivals area.
Alternative Airports
Nashville International Airport (BNA) - 152 miles from Knoxville
Back to top
Weather
Knoxville is in a temperate climate zone. Summers are green, warm and generally without uncomfortable heat, averaging 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Winter is brief and somewhat mild, with temperatures averaging 36 degrees. Snow falls across the eastern part of state but melts quickly, except in the mountains, which have enough snowfall for winter sports. Spring arrives early and stays for about four months.
Back to top
Things to Do
Art in Knoxville
To see emerging and atypical art, check out the specialty exhibitions at the spring Boomsday Festival. The Art in Public Places Knoxville Exhibition features large-scale outdoor sculptures throughout downtown Knoxville. The Regional Fine Arts Exhibit allows upcoming artists of many genres to display their work.
Cradle of Country Music Tour
The Cradle of Country Music Walking Tour begins at the East Tennessee History Center. The 19-stop self-guided tour commemorates country music performers and songwriters who have roots in Knoxville, including displays for Hank Williams, Dolly Parton and Roy Acuff. Brochures are distributed at the Knoxville Visitor Center and the East Tennessee History Center.
Back to top
Local Attractions
Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum
Knoxville Botanical Gardens and Arboretum is a 44-acre site and notable nursery just five minutes from downtown. The nursery business was originally established in 1786 and represents a significant role in local history. Admission is free and the facility is open to the public from sunrise to sunset, 365 days a year. Annually the site hosts a holiday open house that includes visits with Santa, nature-themed holiday craft-making and a tour the of the historic home and decorated gardens.
The Sunsphere
Constructed for the 1982 World's Fair, The Sunsphere is a 266-foot tall hexagonal steel truss structure, topped with a 75-foot tall gold-colored glass sphere. The structure’s window glass panels are layered in 24-karat gold dust and it is often used as a symbol for Knoxville. In 2007, the fair observation level was reopened to visitors. Upstairs are a restaurant and lounge.
Knoxville Museum of Art
The Knoxville Museum of Art is housed in a state-of-the-art, 53,200 square-foot facility clad in Tennessee marble. The museum’s collection of approximately 700 objects consists of 20th- and 21st-century multimedia works, sculpture and fine crafts. Visitors can take advantage of workshops, lectures, iPod audio tours, concerts, and children’s events. An Alive After Five concert series and frequent community events attract young and single adults.
Back to top
Must See Sights
Armstrong-Lockett House and W.P. Toms Memorial Gardens
The Armstrong-Lockett House and W.P. Toms Memorial Gardens, built by Drury Paine Armstrong, are quiet historic sites. Built in 1834, the home displays a collection of 18th century American and English furniture, decorative arts and English silver. Outside is a three-acre Italian terraced garden featuring five fountains overlooking the Tennessee River.
Market Square
Market Square is a popular place to visit for events, shopping and dining downtown. Concerts, local theater and visual arts are in abundant in this district. The Market Square Farmers' Market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday, running from May through mid-November.
Back to top
Insider Tips
- With 13 courses in town and another 26 less than an hour away, Knoxville’s golf courses are a golf insider’s treat. The city's mild climate enables year-round play, and the city has hosted tournaments including the Nationwide Tour's Knoxville Open and the Tennessee State Amateur. One of the best public courses is Three Ridges, which boasts big bent greens and gently sloping Bermuda fairways.
- If visiting during the autumn or winter, catch a Knoxville Ice Bears game. The Southern Professional Hockey League team plays home games at James White Civic Coliseum. Home crowds are enthusiastic and ticket prices are reasonable.
- Knoxville is a good bet for those who like festivals. Founded in 1960 and held downtown, the month-long Dogwood Arts Festival is a springtime celebration with a "blue jean to black tie" theme exploring dance, film, literary arts and theatre. Music lovers enjoy the free Sundown in the City series April through June in the Market Square District. Knoxville is home to the nation’s largest Labor Day weekend fireworks show, while during the holidays the Christmas in the City festival attracts many visitors.
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Getting Around
Getting around Knoxville is at once a charming tribute to the past with modern, customer-friendly innovations. Knoxville Trolley Lines, a free service, is a handy way to see downtown attractions. In addition to constant weekday service, a Late Line Trolley operates every 15 minutes on Friday and Saturday nights from 8 pm to 2 am, linking Knoxville’s historic Old City, the Knoxville Convention Center and other nightspots. Trolley maps are available at the downtown Knoxville Visitor Center. Trolleys also connect to the Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) bus line for attractions outside of the downtown area and throughout Knox County, including shopping destinations and parks.
For visitors who are driving, Knoxville is conveniently located at the junction of three major interstates: I-75, I-40 and I-81. In addition, the city is serviced by Greyhound Bus Lines, with the main bus terminal located at 100 East Magnolia Avenue.
These tips and more are obtainable from the team at the downtown Knoxville Visitor Center, located in a historic downtown building.
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