I’m Lindsay, and I live in Knoxville, TN – well, Maryville, pronounced mur-vull, a smaller town between Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. I’ve been alcohol-free since June 2021, and I’m just now breaking out into the world of mocktails, NA beers, sober safe spaces, and socializing sober. Thankfully, being sober in Knoxville comes with an amazingly supportive sober community – complete with a sober bar, designated sober safe space coffee shop, and recovery-centric weekly yoga classes. When I started running the @soberinknoxville Instagram page, I didn’t know it would bring me in contact with the kind of community I have now. Our monthly meetups are consistent and invaluable – to my sobriety.
It’s the perfect day for the perfect sober day!
Packaging up the perfect sober day in Knoxville, TN, means options and adventures. This scruffy little city offers a variety of atmospheres and experiences sure to please any personality. Below are a few suggestions for an entire Friday in Knoxville–there is so much to do, and it’ll be such a blast you might stay all weekend!
Attention early risers!
For early risers (or simply breakfast lovers!), heading to Pete’s in downtown Knoxville is the perfect way to start the morning. Pete’s is a staple and a wonderful place to grab a simple, scrumptious breakfast to fuel the rest of the fun-filled day to come. Are you looking for more food options? Holly’s Gourmet Market is another fabulous option and is also a little shop, super cute and tasty!
Next, head across the bridge into South Knoxville and check out South Press Coffee! This quirky lil shop is filled with eclectic and whimsical art, books, and not to mention delish beverages. They frequently host events or food trucks, so be sure to check out what is happening for your trip! Maybe you’ll swing by a second time!
Get outside!
A short skip away is Ijams Nature Center, one the many areas known as Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness and absolutely worth the visit. Like water sports? Go to Mead’s Quarry to paddle board and kayak, or just splash around! More of a hiker? Ijams offers multiple hiking and walking trails. Heather Hutcheson with the Sober Yoga Hiking Club can give a suggestion or help pick the level that sounds right for you–the Riverwalk is an absolute must. More interested in learning? Ijams is an educational facility as well! Check out the Nature Center and discover the earthly wonders of East Tennessee!
Rainy Day Options: Check out the Knoxville Museum of Art or go to the McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture on the University of Tennessee’s campus. Both offer rotating exhibits throughout the year so there’s always something neat to see! Not to mention they’re both free!
Getting hungry?
Sample many tastes of Knoxville at one of the Food Truck Parks! Knoxville is certainly a foodie city and the trucks reflect that passion for various cuisines. Cuban, Vietnamese, Pizza Cones, Grilled Cheese, and even Ramen trucks–little restaurants on wheels all congregated together for our enjoyment in one location. Need to satisfy that sweet tooth, too? One go-to spot is Cruze Farm on Gay Street downtown. Take a stroll down the art alley behind whilst enjoying a locally crafted ice cream cone! More of a cookie monster? Ham ‘N Goodys lemon cookies are *chefs kiss* exceptional.
Rainy day option: Brown Bag is a healthy, super tasty, and affordable lunch spot. There are two locations in Knoxville and it’s a meal you won’t soon forget.
Check out the views!
After lunch, take a stroll around World’s Fair Park and visit the iconic Sunsphere! The 4th floor observation deck gives a premium view of all Knoxville’s beauty including the Great Smoky Mountains and the Tennessee River. Learn about the history of Knoxville and the 1982 World’s Fair for which the Sunsphere was created. In Knoxville there is always an event or festival happening and World’s Fair Park often plays host. You might stumble upon something unexpectedly fun!
Rainy day option: Maple Hall is a downstairs bowling alley featuring 11 lanes on Gay Street. It’s a blast and a vibe offering a few mocktails including Mood Ring Lite and The Lebowski.
Get your nosh on!
Today’s activities certainly call for you to get more grub. Downtown Knoxville offers many fabulous restaurants, all worthy of trying! However, there are a few places a bit off the beaten path that will tickle the taste buds. If a yummy burger makes your mouth water, The Burgers is 100% the place to be. If a pizza pie is more on your mind, give Hard Knox Pizza a gander. Want truly authentic Mexican food? Go to El Girasol for a meal like no other. If thai is calling you, head to Jai Dee Thai Kitchen and enjoy a belly warming meal. No matter the craving, Knoxville’s got you covered.
Nourish the mind and the body!
Now the body is nourished, it’s time to nourish the soul and there is no better way to do that than attending Sober Yoga with Heather at Renegade Yoga. Class runs from 7 until 8 p.m. on Friday nights. This practice is welcome to all levels and is pay what you can. It’s a great way to unwind after a jam-packed day as well as put some positive karma into the universe. Feeling zen with new friends, finish off the fun-filled day by hopping on over to Frog Juice Boocherie for mocktails! Opened in June 2022 by Frog Juice Kombucha’s CEO, Frog Greishaw. This is yet another venue frequently hosting sober events such as comedy nights, sound baths, craft parties and so much more. After a ‘booch, go relax, get a good night sleep, and go adventure again tomorrow!
Feel Zen with New Friends!
Feeling Zen with new friends, finish off the fun-filled day by hopping on over to Frog Juice Boocherie for mocktails! Opened in June 2022 by Frog Juice Kombucha’s CEO, Frog Greishaw. This is yet another venue frequently hosting sober events such as comedy nights, sound baths, craft parties and so much more. After a ‘booch, go relax, get a good night sleep, and go adventure again tomorrow!
Special thanks to Lindsay Elsten and Rachelle Blake for contributing this article. Follow along @soberinknoxville on IG.
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