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.

Christmas at the Historic House Museums of Knoxville

Knoxville is very proud of its seven Historic House Museums, and they all have many opportunities to learn about life in this region from various eras. The holiday season is especially festive with open houses and other events. Let’s get to it to see what each of these homes have to offer during the…

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Soul, Southern, and Meat (& Three!)

Southern cuisine overlaps a lot with soul food, but often leans more into hearty brunch, Lowcountry influences, coastal touches, as well as “meat‑and‑three”‑style lunch/dinner places. This article from Delish further describes the difference between the two. On top of that, a “Meat‑and‑three”…

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Knoxville Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving 2025

Not everyone wants to spend Thanksgiving in the kitchen minding green bean casseroles and basting turkeys. Lucky for you, a number of local restaurants are ready to feed you and your family. From pick-up full menus to buffets and sit-down meals, Knoxville is full of Thanksgiving options and we’ve…

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2025 Guide to Christmas in Knoxville

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, after football season…and after dogwood season…and…well anytime is a wonderful time in Knoxville but we admit the winter holiday season is particularly delightful. We’ve rounded up our favorite activities to enjoy your favorite traditions and make new…

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Gluten-Free Restaurants in Knoxville

For some, eating gluten free is a fad or a way to control their diet, but for those who have Celiac’s or actual gluten sensitivity it is absolutely necessary. Today we’ve rounded up some gluten free favorites in Knoxville – not an exhaustive list but this will get you started to some good eats all…

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Guide to Knoxville's International Cuisine

Knoxville is firmly planted in the south, and you might think all we have is southern specialties. While we do have quite a bit of that, Knoxville has a way more diverse food scene than you might think. Here’s a roundup of the deliciousness this city has to offer! Looking for European flair? We’ve…

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National BBQ Day – A Round-up of Barbecue in Knoxville

In addition to July 4 th being America’s Independence Day, it is also National Barbecue Day. Or National BBQ Day depending on what calendar you find. (Wondering when to use barbecue and when to use barbeque (BBQ)? Read the difference here.) But enough semantics, we want the ‘cue - and frankly we're…

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Gameday Eats

When UT home games roll around, Knoxville comes alive — streets humming, tailgates fired up, and bars/restaurants leaning into specials, big screens, party menus, and a fan energy you can’t fake. Read on for just a FEW local places worth checking out on gameday (or before/after)! The Local Smokey…

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