Knoxville is known for its spirit and vibrancy, but the city can be experienced as a perfect, peaceful getaway. We invite you to experience Knoxville with all your senses to explore the tranquil outdoors, relax with a leisurely cup of tea, and unwind for a vacation that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
A Cup of Tea to Start:
Similar to coffee, tea can be served caffeinated or decaffeinated, allowing a boost of energy, or a more peaceful beverage. Knoxville has several places to start your day. Choose between Hummingbird Apothecary or Tonya Rea’s Teas and Remedies to explore the quiet atmosphere and taste-test tea options. Hummingbird Apothecary's south location is conveniently located near Knoxville's Urban Wilderness, giving easy access to the outdoors. Tonya Rea’s Teas and Remedies in North Knoxville offers custom blends of high-quality tea that shows the care put into each cup.
Whether you are looking to wake up before the sun or watch as the sun rests after a long day, High Ground Park and River Bluff Wildlife Area offer tranquil scenery overlooking the Tennessee River. Both parks are part of Knoxville's Urban Wilderness in South Knoxville, and two of the more "hidden" options within the system. High Ground Park, historically known as Fort Higley, showcases some preserved Civil War history of Knoxville with markers along a mostly-paved path that leads to a round of red Adirondack chairs. The entrance to the River Bluff Wildlife Area is at small gravel lot just down from High Ground Park - blink and you might miss it! River Bluff Wildlife Area feels even more remote, with natural-surface trails that lead to an overlook of the Tennessee River. You'll be surprised that you're in the middle of the city when you're in this particular park!
If you are looking for an easy outdoor experience, Knoxville’s Botanical Garden & Aboretum and UT Gardens are the places for you. Knoxville’s Botanical Garden houses beautiful gardens and flowers in addition to stonewalls and timeless buildings. Sneak off into the Secret Garden to take a quiet, shaded rest from the trails. Keep an eye on their calendar; you might find offerings like sound bath meditation. Whereas these gardens have a wide variety of trees due to being a former nursey, UT Gardens by contrast has a more landscaped feel with flowers and plants along a natural surface walking trail. The trail here connects to the paved Greenway system.
Another peaceful escape in Knox County is the Seven Islands State Birding Park. This attraction is the only state park in Knox County and the only birding park in Tennessee. While the park is a popular attraction, the wide variety of trails and lookouts provide a sense of seclusion. Make this experience your own by choosing the direction and level of difficulty you want to take: one leads to an overlook that opens up to rolling mountains; another trail allows for a walk with the sounds of the flowing French Broad River (which eventually connects to the Holston River just east of downtown Knoxville to form the Tennessee River). No matter the time of year you choose to visit, you're sure to see a vast variety of birds here - in cooler months possibly even bald eagles nesting near the river!
In addition to the above outdoor options (and so many more - that was just a taste!), there are many peaceful ways to spend some time indoors in Knoxville as well. The Knoxville Museum of Art is perfect for those who are interested in art and design, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in sculpture, paintings, and more. Stepping into the KMA feels like slipping into a world that you can create yourself with just your imagination. Finish your visit with a stop outside to see the outdoor sculpture gardens, overlooking downtown Knoxville and World’s Fair Park, for an up-close yet removed view of the city.
When it comes to live performance arts and theatre, you may think of the boisterous and vibrant musical attractions drawing in crowds of people. While the Tennessee Theatre offers this magical experience, it also allows for transportation into a world of art and history that those seeking a peaceful experience may enjoy. Consider taking a deluxe tour led by a guide, showcasing an in-depth discovery of Tennessee’s rich history and comprehensive renovation and its past, present, and future.
There's a reason they call it "retail therapy!" Shopping is a must-add to any itinerary, and vintage and antique hunting is a perfect “hack” to the hustle and bustle of a typical shopping site. The Bearden neighborhood in particular has several shops, including Four Seasons Vintage, Bearden Antique Mall, or Nostalgia. Bask in the soft lighting, the scent of old books, and the sights of yesteryear will take you back to a slow pace of discovery.
Find Your Bliss:
From an outdoor oasis to other quiet attractions, Knoxville offers a tranquil vacation perfect for anyone seeking some peace of mind. Plan your visit today to experience it for yourself!
This post was originally written by Abby Taylor, 2025 Visit Knoxville Spring Marketing Intern
Author
Visit Knoxville
Visit Knoxville is the official Convention and Visitors Bureau for Knoxville and Knox County. It’s our priority and privilege to promote Knoxville as a nature-loving-adventure-seeking-artsy-kinda-town! If you're seeing this, that means a VK team member, past or present, or maybe even an intern, wrote this post.
