A College Kid’s Guide to Knoxville
It didn’t take long for Knoxville to become home sweet home to me—after almost three years of living in East Tennessee, I would say I am qualified to talk about everything Knoxville has to offer. I’m Noa, a Junior at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. I always knew I wanted to go to a school in the SEC, but I never imagined myself staying in-state. It wasn’t until my junior year of high school when my mom made me visit Tennessee, her alma mater, and long story short, I was hooked. What I love most about Knoxville is that it’s both a college town and a small city with tons to offer. I have met the most incredible people, have had some incredible experiences, and it will be so hard to say goodbye next spring. I know how intimidating a new place can be, which is why I have compiled a list of my favorite places to go and things to do in and around Knoxville. Between fitness, food and drinks, and shopping, this city has it all.
Where to Eat: Downtown Knoxville has incredible restaurants everywhere you turn. Finding a reasonably-priced sushi restaurant was a challenge, and it took me almost two years to discover Anaba. Now one of my favorite dinner spots, Anaba has a vast menu filled with unique sushi rolls and traditional Japanese dishes. If I’m feeling health-conscious, KoPita is my go-to. This vegan Israeli restaurant has tons of healthy options all made with fresh ingredients; my favorites are the falafel bowl and roasted cauliflower. The best place to indulge in bar food is Half Barrel. If you go to Tennessee, you probably know Half Barrel as the bar that is packed every weekend, without fail. Half Barrel is my favorite place to grab a burger, especially on game day. Make sure to get an order of their notorious cheese bings, too—they always hit the spot. Some honorable mentions close to campus are Sunspot, Copper Cellar, and Victor’s Taco Shop. If your parents are in town, check out Emilia’s, Café 4, or Oliver Royale for a more upscale dining experience.
Where to Find a Good Cup of Coffee: The coffee game in Knoxville is next level. There are cute coffee shops on every city block, but Remedy Coffee is my all-time favorite. It has quickly become a second home to me, as a college student struggling to meet deadlines. Just past the Old City, Remedy is a great spot with tons of study space. Right next door is the beloved Paysans, which has the best bagels in all of Tennessee. Some of my other favorite coffee spots are K Brew, Mahalo, and The Golden Roast, which is only a one-minute walk from the library.
Where to Further Your Fitness Journey: I quickly learned that in college, working out and keeping your mind and body healthy is the only way to survive. Freshman year was filled with going out, late-night eats, and sleeping in, all of which were detrimental to both my physical and mental health. Lucky for me, Knoxville is filled with plenty of gyms, fitness studios, and nutrition shops. Some popular choices are Cyclebar, OrangeTheory Fitness, Neighborhood Barre, and Dance2Fit. Dance2Fit is a favorite amongst college students because it only costs $5 for a 90-minute workout class. Another spot college students love is Rocky Top Nutrition, where you can grab a healthy shake or energizing tea pre or post-workout.
Where to Go On The Weekend: It’s never a dull weekend in Knoxville. If you love the outdoors, Gatlinburg and the Smoky Mountains only an hour away. There are tons of hiking trails and quarries close to campus, too. Shop around Market Square and on Gay Street, both of which are downtown. Asheville and Nashville are both a short drive from Knoxville, perfect for a weekend getaway with friends. If you are over 21, there are some fabulous rooftop bars downtown and adorable breweries where you can try local ales and ciders.
