Here’s why CNN Travel named Knoxville one of America's best towns to visit in 2024
The Scruffy City is a cool place to be, but don’t just take our word for it. CNN said the same thing when choosing Knoxville as one of best towns to visit in the United States.
CNN Travel's inaugural “America’s Best Towns to Visit” highlights 10 smaller cities across the country that should be at the top of everyone’s summer travel list. Landing at No. 9, Knoxville made the list because of its friendly down-to-earth vibe, great live music, food, scenery and outdoor activities.
How did Knoxville become so cool? By doing its own thing, CNN Travel said.
“Did you know this eastern Tennessee city also offers a burgeoning music scene (watch out Nashville and Memphis!), delightful classic theaters and delicious eats? And there’s a 1,500-acre Urban Wilderness for easy access to outdoor adventure,” Katy Koontz wrote for CNN Travel.
What makes Knoxville cool to visit?
The draw to Knoxville goes beyond the Sunsphere, which helps create a distinctive skyline in Knoxville ? or the sea of orange and white during University of Tennessee game days, the CNN Travel article noted.
The following businesses and amenities were among the highlights featured in the CNN piece:
Particular attention was placed on Knoxville’s growing music scene, including the popular Big Ears Festival. People come from all over the U.S. and overseas to attend Big Ears, which offers performances of diverse genres in multiple downtown venues, including big theaters and hole-in-the-wall bars.
Knoxville recommendations by CNN Travel
CNN Travel noted these places as essential for anyone visiting Knoxville:
Eat: At Osteria Stella, a hip Italian eatery from Knoxville dining royalty
Drink: At Brother Wolf, a sophisticated Italian-themed aperitivo bar
Stay: At The Tennessean, a luxury hotel in an ultra-modern setting
Play: In Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness for outdoor adventures in the city’s green heart
America’s Best Towns to Visit 2024 by CNN Travel
Richmond, Virginia
Providence, Rhode Island
Tacoma, Washington
Portland, Maine
San Luis Obispo, California
Flagstaff, Arizona
Macon, Georgia
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Knoxville, Tennessee
Duluth, Minnesota
CNN Travel chose the 10 cities after evaluating nominations by a network of contributors. CNN said cities were evaluated based on their attractions, food and beverage offerings, nightlife and cultural scene, sense of identity, lodging options, proximity to other interesting spots, and wow factor.
Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email [email protected]. On X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: CNN names Knoxville one of America's best towns to visit in 2024