Knoxville bucket list: 23 things you have to do in Scruffy City

Ryan Wilusz | Knoxville

Show Caption Hide Caption Urban life writer Ryan Wilusz attempts the Knoxville Bucket List in 12 hours Knoxville New Sentinel urban life writer Ryan Wilusz attempts the Knoxville Bucket List in 12 hours.

Having recently moved to Tennessee to join the News Sentinel, I've often found myself searching Google for "things to do in Knoxville."

With the simple click of a mouse, pages of options show up each time. But what are the things you absolutely HAVE to do?

With the help of some seasoned Knoxvillians around the newsroom, I have comprised the ultimate Knoxville bucket list featuring places to eat, sights to see, games to play and more.

Tag us on social media with a photo and #KnoxBucketList to share your journey as you mark items off the list below.

Get a view of the city from the Sunsphere

Even those who have never lived in Knoxville know about the Sunsphere. The Scruffy City landmark has been featured in an episode of "The Simpsons" and can easily be spotted by those simply passing through on the interstate. But have you been to the top? The observation deck on the fourth floor is free all week from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., while the upper floors have rental space for special events.

Address: 810 Clinch Ave.

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Master the Dolly Parton pinball machine

Beer, food and games collide at Harrogate's Lounge inside Suttree's High Gravity Tavern. While there are a variety of arcade games to choose from, nothing says "Tennessee" like a Dolly Parton pinball machine. Get the high score and reward yourself with some of Suttree's comforting ramen. OK, who am I kidding? You deserve the ramen no matter how you do.

Address: 409 S. Gay St.

Visit: Suttree's High Gravity Tavern

Try a beer from every brewery

There are more than 12 breweries in Knoxville, each offering their own unique takes on a variety of beers. Each taproom also is unique in the environment it provides. Step inside the castle at Schulz Brau Brewing Company for a German drinking experience or head down to the Old City and enjoy a drink from Pretentious Beer Co., which serves each beer in a hand-blown glass.

Officially craft: Make sure your craft beer is really a craft beer with Brewer's Association seal

Nightlife: Printshop Brewing Co. presses forward with craft beers and a community focus

Enjoy a steamed sandwich from Nixon's

If you truly want to eat like a local, visit one of the four Nixon's Deli locations in Knoxville for a fresh steamed sandwich. The Knoxville-based chain has been serving up sandwiches since the 1970s and remains family-owned.

Addresses: 508 Merchants Drive, 5716 Kingston Pike, 220 N Peters Road, 7419 Middlebrook Pike

If you're still hungry: 5 great Knoxville delis for sandwiches and more

Listen to some tunes at the Blue Plate Special

There are many places in Knoxville you can see live music. But the great thing about WDVX's Blue Plate Special is that it happens six days each week inside the Knoxville Visitors Center, and it is absolutely free.

The Avett Brothers, Sturgill Simpson, Chris Stapleton and String Cheese Incident are among that acts that have graced the Blue Plate Special stage. Who knows who might play next?

Address: 301 S. Gay St.

Grab a slice at Pizza Palace

Selecting food for this list was a tough challenge. After all, everyone's taste buds are different. But Pizza Palace earned this spot not only for its delicious pies, but for having been in Knoxville for more than 50 years. The restaurant also was featured on one of the very first "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" episodes.

Address: 3132 Magnolia Ave.

Attempt the Rocky Top Ice Cream Challenge

A normal serving size of regular store-bought ice cream is around a half cup. But who pays attention to serving sizes? It's All So Yummy Cafe sure doesn't.

The Rocky Top Ice Cream Challenge costs $50 and includes 16 scoops of ice cream, three brownies, three bananas and a multitude of toppings. Eat it all in one hour and you get the ice cream for free, a T-shirt and your name on the wall.

Address: 124 S. Peters Road

Take a dip in a quarry

It's easy to classify Knoxville as "urban." After all, we have a transit system, a thriving downtown and a notable skyline. But Knoxville also offers some great opportunities to connect with nature.

Among those opportunities are Fort Dickerson Quarry and Mead's Quarry. While paddleboarding and kayaking are popular options at both locations, hop in the water for a swim to mark this item off your list.

Mead's Quarry: 3518 Island Home Pike

Fort Dickerson Quarry: 3000 Fort Dickerson Road

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Browse the stores on Central

The Happy Holler neighborhood is one of the most unusual places in town with a variety of unique businesses scattered on North Central Street.

Among those businesses is Mid Mod Collective, where you can find mid-century modern, Danish modern and industrial furniture. The store connects to the Book Eddy, which offers rare books and vinyl.

While you're in the area, be sure to grab one of the best cappuccinos in town just next door at Wild Love Bakehouse and explore all Happy Holler has to offer.

Mid Mod Collective: 1617 N. Central St.

Wild Love Bakehouse: 1625 N. Central St.

Coming soon to Central: Corner Lounge returning to original corner

Witness a Mighty Musical Monday

Catching a performance at the Tennessee Theatre should be a bucket list item of its own, but hearing the Mighty Wurlitzer organ is one of the coolest experiences the theater offers.

According to the theater's website, the "golden-voiced" organ cost roughly $50,000 in 1928. It can be heard at the theater's free monthly organ concert, Mighty Musical Monday, which features collaborations between talented local musicians.

Address: 604 S Gay St.

Snap a photo at the Old Gray Cemetery

The Old Gray Cemetery is on the National Register of Historic Places and for good reason. The cemetery was founded in 1850 and boasts beautiful Victorian architecture.

The architecture is so beautiful that anyone can seem like a professional photographer with a simple click of a camera. Try your hand at capturing your own artsy photos of unmarked graves, tall trees and massive mausoleums.

Address: 543 N. Broadway

Play wall Scrabble at Maple Hall

As the old saying goes, "bigger is better." At least that's the case at the Maple Hall bowling alley, where you can play the classic board game Scrabble on a large magnetic wall. And while you're there, why not bowl a game?

You should also check out other larger-than-life monuments in Knoxville: a Rubik's cube at the Holiday Inn in downtown Knoxville and a basketball at the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.

Address: 414 S. Gay St.

More: Maple Hall brings bowling downtown today

Channel your inner child at Fort Kid

Just because you grow up doesn't mean you have to quit playing. The Fort Kid playground in downtown Knoxville is a wooden wonder that also offers a great view of the Sunsphere. Slides, rides and swings can be found throughout the elaborate structure, which was built by volunteers during Knoxville's 1991 Bicentennial Celebration.

Address: 1049 Worlds Fair Park Drive

Savor a rooftop drink

Knoxville has its fair share of places to grab a brew with view. Sunspot, Preservation Pub and Scruffy City Hall all offer places to enjoy a drink above the street.

The latter two are located in Market Square and soon will be joined by Bernadette's Crystal Barrooms. The three-story crystal-themed bar will have a roof connecting to Preservation Pub and 30,000 pounds of crystals used as decorations throughout.

Sunspot: 2200 Cumberland Ave.

Preservation Pub: 28 Market Square

Scruffy City Hall: 32 Market Square

Coming soon to Market Square: Tommy Trent's sports bar to open for UT football season

Pack a picnic for the botanical gardens

Visiting the Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum can be a daylong activity with all the beautiful sights to see, and walking around the 47 acres of trails and gardens is bound to make you both tired and hungry.

Be sure to pack a snack and a blanket for a peaceful picnic with good friends, or come alone to escape the bustling city in soothing solidarity.

Address: 2743 Wimpole Ave.

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Tailgate with the Vol Navy

One of the most beloved UT traditions is the Vol Navy, which takes tailgating to a whole new level. Before a home football game, stop along the Tennessee River near Neyland Stadium to hang out with hardcore fans on their Volunteer vessels.

Around 200 boats dock before each game to take part in the tradition, which started back in 1962 when "Voice of the Vols" George Mooney boated to the stadium to avoid gameday traffic.

More: Vol Navy rises early for game day

Give the ropes course a try

Knoxville has many trails you can bike, walk or run. But if that's not enough outdoor recreation for you, check out the ropes course and zip lines at Navitat Knoxville.

The tree-based adventure center even offers a chance to climb and swing under the stars with "Navitat at Night." Stop in during open hours or plan a group outing with friends.

Address: 2915 Island Home Ave

Feed the giraffes at Zoo Knoxville

With a general admission ticket to Zoo Knoxville, you can see a variety of animals from all over the world. But for just $5 more, you can get up close and personal with the giraffes.

The price includes a chance to get eye level with the long-necked creatures to serve them a tasty treat.

Address: 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive

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Skate in Market Square

For around one month each year, Market Square transforms into a winter wonderland for Holidays on Ice. The tradition turns the middle of the square into an ice skating rink you can enjoy under both the sun and the moon.

Roughly 160,000 pounds of ice is used to make this happen. But if you're like me, you'll need your own ice to calm the swelling once you're done slipping and sliding. Good luck!

Have a drink at The Peter Kern Library

Shhh — don't tell anyone I told you, but Knoxville has one of the coolest speakeasies around. OK, it's not really a secret anymore, but that doesn't make it any less cool.

The Peter Kern Library at The Oliver Hotel is the definition of cozy. Bookshelves, booths and a fireplace simulation complement the bar, which offers up crafty cocktails named after famous literary characters. Just enter through the alley and find yourself a menu likely hidden inside an old book.

Address: 407 Union Ave.

View the fireworks from World's Fair Park

The Festival on the Fourth happens only once a year, and it shouldn't be missed. Not only do dazzling fireworks light up the Knoxville sky, but a free performance by the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra also is included in the free festival.

Address: 525 Henley St.

Festival on the 4th: Hundreds gather for fireworks, festivities at World's Fair Park

Explore the trails at Ijams Nature Center

With a slew of trails stretching across the 300 acres of Ijams Nature Center, this bucket list item is intentionally vague. Choose what trails you want to explore before marking it off your list.

Walking along the river, through the woodlands or among giant rock structures are just a few options. But if you're up for a real challenge, hike all of the trails within the nature center — a total of roughly 12 miles.

Address: 2915 Island Home Ave.

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Catch a sunset at River Bluff

Sure, it's been called scruffy, but Knoxville truly is a pretty place no matter the time of day. However, nothing beats a city sunset. Why hike a mountain to watch the sun sink beneath the horizon? Catch perhaps the best view of the sun and the skyline at the River Bluff Wildlife Area overlook in South Knoxville.

Address: 1000 Cherokee Trail

5 more to try nearby:

Snack and sip at a Tennessee Smokies game

Baseball games are fun on their own. But in order to get a true ballpark experience, be sure to save a few bucks for a hot dog and beer at Smokies Stadium in Kodak.

Take advantage of the 50-cent hot dog nights and Thirsty Thursdays, when you can buy beer for as cheap as $1 as you watch the Chicago Cubs' Double-A affiliate in action.

Address: 3540 Line Drive, Kodak

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Soar high with What's Up Ballooning

So you probably thought the Sunsphere was high in the sky, but What's Up Ballooning goes even further. The New Market-based ballooning company brings guests level with the birds inside a hot air balloon.

The entire experience lasts up to four hours, with roughly one hour spent in the air. You and five guests can enjoy a private flight, or hop aboard a shared flight for $250 per person.

Address: 3120 Blueberry Drive, New Market

Related: Inaugural balloon fest 'blows up' Townsend

Step back in time for a drive-in movie

Motor down to Maryville for a flashback if you're in your 60s — time travel if you're any younger. Drive-in movie theaters are hard to find these days, but one exists in Knoxville's backyard.

But just because Parkway Drive-In capitalizes on nostalgia doesn't mean it offers stale entertainment. Pull into your spot, turn off your lights and turn on your radio to catch some of the newest movies to hit the big screen.

Address: 2909 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Maryville

Drive the Cherohala Skyway as the leaves turn

Eastern Tennessee is beautiful throughout the year, but there's something special about the fantastic foliage that comes in fall. And for more than 40 miles, that foliage is on full display each year on the Cherohala Skyway.

So if you have the time and gas to spare, travel the entire National Scenic Bypass through the Cherokee National Forest and into North Carolina to mark this item off your list.

Address: 225 Cherohala Skyway, Tellico Plains

Hike to the top of House Mountain

If you've completed this entire list, you're probably exhausted. But if you want your breath taken away even more, head to House Mountain for the most breathtaking views around.

The 3.7-mile loop will take you to the highest peak in Knox County. Be sure to pack some water and a snack because this hike can be a workout. But it's nothing the average hiker can't handle and something everyone should experience.

Address: 9843 Hogskin Road, Corryton

Tag us on social media with a photo and #KnoxBucketList to share your journey as you mark items off the list.

Download your own Knoxville Bucket List poster here.

Reach Ryan Wilusz at Ryan.Wilusz@knoxnews.com or 865-342-6321 and on Twitter @Ryan_Wilusz.