The Sunsphere
Kristen Combs
Author
Kristen Combs

Kristen Combs is the Director of Communications & Social Strategies for Visit Knoxville. With an extensive knowledge of Knoxville as a tourist destination, Kristen is also the author of 100 Things to Do in Knoxville Before You Die, published by Reedy Press and available in the Visitors Center Gift Shop. Find Kristen on Instagram at @100thingsknoxville.

Coffee in Knoxville

Visiting a new city means new coffee shops to explore – but with so many options, how to decide? We guarantee you can’t go wrong with any of Knoxville’s shops, but you might be looking in a certain part of town (did you land here with a classic Google search of "Coffee near me"? Welcome!), a…

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Discover Tennessee Trails in Knoxville

🚗 Three Trails, One City: "Discover Tennessee Trails and Byways" by starting in Knoxville Knoxville is a destination in its own right, but it's also a trailhead to three of Tennessee’s most fascinating driving experiences. The Rocky Top Trail, White Lightning Trail, and Top Secret Trail all pass…

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Knoxville's Best Views: A Photographer's Guide to Knoxville

Knoxville is photographer‑friendly terrain : a city where historic architecture, riverfront beauty, and rolling hills combine into postcard‑worthy vantage points. Whether you’re chasing sunrise panoramas, golden‑hour silhouettes, or dynamic urban shots, there’s no shortage of spots that make your…

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A Visitors Guide to the Civil War in Knoxville

Knoxville might not be the first place coming to mind when thinking of the Civil War. Gettysburg, Antietam, Shiloh, Vicksburg, and so many more sites loom large in our memory. But Knoxville has its own story. It was a divided city, in a divided state, in a divided country. Streets, buildings, and…

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Top Places for Pie in Knoxville

There’s something about pie that just feels right in Knoxville. Maybe it’s the Southern roots, maybe it’s the scratch-made traditions, or maybe it’s just that a good slice pairs perfectly with a slow afternoon. Either way, National Pie Day is the perfect excuse to explore the city one forkful at a…

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Get Your Steps in with a Walking Tour of Knoxville

A Walk Through History: Exploring Downtown Knoxville, the Birthplace of Tennessee There’s something special about discovering a city on foot—especially one as rich in history and character as Knoxville. Tucked into East Tennessee, this vibrant downtown blends centuries-old stories with a modern…

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Best Local Places in Knoxville to Find Vintage Items

Everything old is new again! We’ve got another round up and this time it’s all things vintage. “Vintage” can be hard to define, but most would agree that an item would have to be at least 20 years old, but not quite 100 years old (that would move it into ‘antique’ territory). Some might argue that…

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Top 10 Places to Find Antiques in Knoxville

To antique hunters, Knoxville is like grandma's attic, where bounty awaits in every corner just waiting to be rediscovered. Whether you are a hardcore collector of 18th-century mahogany or a weekend warrior looking for that perfect mid-century lamp, the antique shops in Knoxville offer a curated…

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10 Romantic Things to Do in Knoxville, TN

The "dinner and a movie" routine is a classic for a reason, but sometimes your love life needs a bit more flavor. From the historic, moody corners of the Old City to the peak of House Mountain, here is your ultimate guide to the most romantic things to do in Knoxville. What are the best date…

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Knoxville Area Lakes

While we’re famous for our mountains, the Knoxville area lakes are our true liquid gold, offering over 500,000 acres of interconnected waterways. Whether you want to "sailgate" with thousands of fans or find a silent cove where the only sound is your paddle hitting the water, making Knoxville your…

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