After Knoxville won its 1982 World’s fair bid, the Wall Street Journal infamously called this a “scruffy little city.” Knoxville paid the slight no mind. Fast forward to today, and the city’s scene is far from scruffy. Just a few hours’ drive east of Nashville, the home of the Tennessee Volunteers now has dozens of restaurants — most locally owned — within a square mile of downtown and scores of breweries throughout the city. Want to understand why the unofficial motto of this Tennessee town is “Knox Rox”? Start with these places, from a soul food restaurant showcasing family recipes to a saloon from UT football legend Peyton Manning to a brewery that makes its own glassware.
For a potential 24-hour itinerary, check out How to Eat and Drink Your Way Through Knoxville, Tennessee, in One Day.
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