It’s been over a year since I’ve shared a blog post, but I’m back… and better than ever. So far, 2022 has been the year of weekend trips and exploring the Southeast, so I’m excited to share plenty of travel content if you’re looking for fun road trips!
One of my best friends Greer lives in Knoxville, Tennessee, so spending the weekend in Knoxville is one of my favorite road trip destinations. The city is just a few hours from Birmingham + full of exciting things to do. It’s totally walkable + covered with beautiful murals everywhere you look. Dive into my recommendations for a weekend in Knoxville, Tennessee, including what to wear, do and eat.
WHAT TO WEAR
First of all, I’m a big believer that you can always wear whatever you want—after all, confidence is the best accessory. However, I always love getting outfit inspiration from my locations!
Greer is one of the most stylish people I know, and I was definitely inspired by the outfits I saw around me in Knoxville. Lots of pattern mixing, secondhand and thrifted goods, and colorful accessories.
The biggest musts are comfortable walking shoes + sunglasses you love because you’ll want to walk everywhere.
Get the look: striped denim shorts (sold out for now, but worth checking back!) | similar OTBTs
WHAT TO DO
Farmers’ + Vintage Markets
On Saturday morning, Greer and I checked out the Market Square Farmers’ Market, a multi-street market with produce and makers. I picked up a few goods, including a gorgeous ceramic spoon rest.
We also headed to Retrospect Vintage Store, where multiple booths were set up selling secondhand + vintage goods. I grabbed the CUTEST quilted jacket and a few pairs of sunnies.
My weekend in Knoxville happened to line up with 40th anniversary of the World’s Fair taking place in Knoxville, so Greer and I enjoyed a day in the World’s Fair Park, which included plenty of food trucks and booths. Picked up my first (of soon-to-be-many) pair of That Clay Girl Co. earrings!
Shopping
A few of my favorite local shops + makers to check out:
- Honeymouth: a leather goods store with handmade goods, pieces from local makers + a collection of secondhand goods
- That Clay Girl Co: the cutest handmade polymer clay earrings—I picked up one pair while in Knoxville and Greer gifted me a pair for my birthday!
- Earth to Old City: quite a few knick-knacks and jewels—a fun place to get unique gifts for friends
- Retrospect Vintage Store: a vintage store where I picked up a few pieces that I’ve been wearing on repeat
WHAT TO EAT + DRINK
Old City Java
If I am in a city for three days, I will try to visit at least four coffee shops. I’ve been to a few in Knoxville, and on this trip, I got to check out one I’ve never visited before: Old City Java. If you go and the strawberry galette is available, you must get it. The pastry was crispy and sweet, and the jammy strawberries were the perfect fresh balance. It’s been a few weeks and I’m still dreaming of that galette!
Fin-Two Japanese Ale House
I’ve been to Knoxville a few times now, and I’ve enjoyed Fin-Two ramen every single time. I really enjoy getting ramen every time I’m in different cities because Birmingham doesn’t have way too many options, and this Knoxville spot never disappoints. There are only three ramen dishes on the menu, and I get the Tori Shio, which has braised chicken, roasted corn, radishes, soft-boiled eggs and more. It’s always enough for two meals!
Enjoy Latin Food
When Greer and I were in the World’s Fair Park, we both got empanadas from Enjoy Latin Food, and I genuinely miss them. They came with a creamy, salty dipping sauce that I’m still thinking about. I know Birmingham has to have some fantastic empanadas, so they’re on my must-try list.
The Phoenix Pharmacy and Fountain
Soda fountains are one of my favorite things EVER. I am a girlie who loves to have a fun drink at all times. We stopped in The Phoenix Pharmacy and Fountain and I ordered the strawberry vanilla soda. I truly wish we had a soda fountain like this in Birmingham… or if we do, I need to know about it!
I promise this won’t be the only post I share for a year. 2022 is the year of Sunny Side Cecilia, so be sure to follow along for updates!
