A lakeside view of a forested hillside with trees in autumn colors and a house on the hilltop, reflected in the water.

A ZenHead’s Guide to Knoxville

Welcome to Knoxville! If you’re visiting Zenheads from afar, we wanted to share a few of our favorite local spots in and around the city. Whether you’re here for the day or staying awhile, here’s our guide to exploring, eating, and unwinding in Knox.

Let’s Get Oriented

Knoxville is a booming University town in East Tennessee that sits at the foot of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It has a small town vibe with big city amenities and tons of outdoor attractions to enjoy and explore nature.

ZenHeads Massage Studio is located in West Knoxville, just outside of the town of Farragut, and about 20 minutes from downtown Knox. To keep things simple, we’ll use the studio as the reference point in this guide.

Shelves with skincare products, brushes, and accessories in a spa or skincare clinic.

For A Day Trip

ZenHeads is just a couple of hours from hubs like Atlanta, Nashville, and Asheville. Here are our favorite places to grab a bite on your way in or out.

Good Eats

Local favorites less than 10 minutes from ZenHeads Massage Studio.

A plate with three small sandwiches with sliced bread, green leafy vegetables, and red sauce or spread, placed on a decorated tray.

Potchke Bagel

Jewish Deli | 4.0 mi

An offshoot of Michelin-recommended Potchke Deli, this beloved sandwich shop has hand-rolled bagels and schmear.

Alyssa’s order: The Rafaella

Yassin’s Falafel

Mediterranean | 3.0 Mi

A community favorite! Yassin’s Falafel House earned the title “Nicest Place in America” from reader’s digest.

Alyssa’s order: Half chicken, half seasoned veggies plate

A glass of beer with foam on top sitting on an outdoor metal table, with umbrellas and picnic tables in the background.

Abridged Beer Co. HQ

Americana | 2.6 Mi

Founded by a couple of UT Alums and known for its creative, high-quality craft beers and upscale pub fare.

Alyssa’s order: Ole’ Smoky Burger

Interior of a modern coffee shop with a large black and white mural of a smiling woman on the wall behind the counter. Customers are ordering at the counter, which displays baked goods and a sign advertising seasonal latte flavors. The ceiling has exposed ductwork and hanging light fixtures.

honeybee Coffee

Coffee & Tea | 1.0 Mi

Airstream coffee trailer turned Knoxville staple. Sustainably sourced and locally roasted.

Alyssa’s Order: A cappuccino or a matcha latte… whole milk :)

Autumn landscape with trees in fall colors along a riverbank, with a house partially visible among the trees.

For A Long Weekend

If you’re staying a bit longer, here are some must-see spots and ways to make the most of your time around Knoxville.

Places to Stay

For the best vibes and easy access to the city, we suggest staying near downtown Knoxville.

Street view of tall modern building with glass windows, corner location, in an urban area at dusk, with street lamps and surrounding buildings.

Embassy Suites

Downtown knox | 15 Mi

Right outside of Market Square, the Downtown Embassy suites houses local favorites like Radius rooftop bar, Ham n’ Goody’s, KoPita, KBrew Coffee, and Wake Foot Sanctury (we’ll get to this in a moment!)

Vertical street view of buildings with a sign for The Olver Hotel on a black pole, and a storefront with a sign for Tupelo Honey, showing brick and white buildings with multiple windows.

the Oliver Hotel

Downtown Knox | 14 Mi

A boutique, luxury hotel with lush rooms, an upscale restaurant and secret speakeasy on site. Located in the heart of downtown Knoxvile.

A picturesque, fantasy-style house with multiple stone chimneys, wooden balconies, and curved, mushroom-like roof sections illuminated by exterior lights at dusk, surrounded by a landscaped garden with flowering bushes and a stone-paved pathway.

Ancient Lore Village

South Knox | 23 Mi Away

A fantasy-themed village and event venue in Knoxville, TN, offering luxury accommodations, and enchanting amenities.

A bedroom with a four-poster bed, two bedside lamps, a black wardrobe, and a chandelier, with sunlight streaming through white curtains.

Hotel Cleo

Downtown Knox | 14 Mi

A sixteen-room pied-à-terre and a true Knoxville gem. Each room is unique, blending old-world charm with modern comforts, and downstairs you can grab a drink or a bite at one of the city’s favorite spots.

Keep the Zen Going

Our favorite places to down-regulate in Knoxville.

Person sitting in a chair with feet submerged in a copper tub filled with milky water and flower petals.

Wake Foot Sanctuary

Downtown knox | 15 Mi

Get luxury foot soaks and targeted massage in Downtown Knox! Alyssa started here right out of massage school, and the vibes are immaculate.

Paid parking in State Street Garage or Market Square Garage.

Wooden staircase leading into a rocky cave area near a lake, surrounded by green trees and foliage.

IJams Nature Center

South Knox | 18 Mi

Spend some time with nature and explore over 318 acres of forests, meadows, wetlands, and creeks surrounding downtown Knoxville.

Free admission and $5 parking available on site.

Knoxville Botanical Garden

East Knox | 17 Mi

Take a walk around this public garden located on 44 acres of the former Howell Nurseries.

Free admission and free parking available on site.

Interior of a spacious modern building lobby with high ceilings, large windows, and artwork on the walls. Several people are seated and standing, engaged in conversation, with sunlight casting shadows on the floor.

Knoxville Museum of Art

Downtown Knox | 14 Mi

Browse this eclectic art museum nestled in Downtown Knox, specializing in historical and contemporary art pieces from the East Tennessee region.

Free admission and free limited parking available on site. Metered street parking also available. Avoid this one on UTK Football game days!

Other Eats around Town

Knoxville restaurants that locals love to brag on.

A table with various foods including a large stacked sandwich, a glass of pink beverage, a plate with fried food, a salad, a slice of cake, and a small dish with dip, set against a pink wall and a glass block window.

Potchke Deli

Jewish Deli | 14 Mi Away

A pop-up turned Knoxville staple and Michelin recommended restaurant! Open for breakfast and lunch.

Alyssa’s order: Mushroom Melt with a Celery Soda

A two-story brick building with large windows on both floors, housing a warmly lit restaurant or cafe with outdoor tables and chairs on the sidewalk, and a street sign indicating the intersection of Union Ave S and another street.

J.C. Holdway

Southern | 14 Mi

Michelin recommended and recently named one of NYT 50 Best Restaurants in America! Fine dining southern cuisine.

Alyssa’s order: Literally I would gratefully eat anything they put in front of me (plus the house ginger beer)

Empty restaurant with wooden tables, white chairs, a black chalkboard wall with menu drawings, and large windows with blinds.

Adopo

Stone-Fired Pizza | 14 Mi

A dinner only, wood-fired pizzeria that specializes in sourdough, Neapolitan-ish pizzas, small-batch gelato, Italian wine and local beer.

Alyssa’s order: Pizzicletta, house chianti, pistachio gelato

Reservations recommended.

Empty restaurant with wooden tables, black and white chairs, black tiled walls, arched accents, colorful wallpaper, and spherical hanging lights.

Kaizen

Japanese | 14 Mi

Popular izakaya-style restaurant serving steamed buns, Asian dishes & draft beer in a chill space with a covered patio.

Alyssa’s order: Lemongrass chicken noodle, bang bang shrimp bun

People enjoying a meal with two bowls of soup, salads, a beer, and a fried chicken drumstick on a plate

Sticky Rice Cafe

Laotian | 6.2 mi

Family-run eatery showcasing traditional Lao & Thai dishes & bubble tea. Much loved by the Knoxville gluten free community!

Alyssa’s order: Yellow curry plate

Brick bakery building with the sign 'KERN'S BAKERY' on top, three arched doors, stairs leading up to the entrances, and lit outdoor lamps, framed by tree branches and leaves at the top.

Kern’s Food Hall

This and That | 15 Mi

Shopping, eating, and entertainment, all in one place! Featuring a blend of cuisines and pop up restaurants rom Ghanaian to poke bowls to Cuban and an outdoor play and seating area for live music.

Alyssa’s order: Chicken Tandoor Bowl with Mint Sauce from Ooh La La Indian Kitchen

Further Afield

Attractions nearby to spend all day.

A landscape with a wide field in the foreground, a line of trees, and a mountain range in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

Cades Cove

NAtional Park | 49 Mi

Cades Cove is a scenic 6,800-acre valley in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, best known for its 11-mile loop road, historic cabins and churches, and excellent wildlife viewing. Drive the loop, rent bikes, camp, or hit nearby hiking trails.

A view of an amusement park with roller coasters and trees under a blue sky.

dollywood

Theme Park | 23 Mi

Dollywood is the ultimate Tennessee theme park experience, packed with roller coasters, live shows, and Southern charm. Spend the day exploring, snacking, and soaking in the Smoky Mountain vibes.

View of a mountain town with colorful buildings and a forested hillside in the background, and communication towers on the hills.

Downtown Gatlinburg

A Lil Bit of Everything | 26 Mi

A charming mountain town right at the doorstep of the Great Smoky Mountains. Packed with shops, restaurants, and attractions, it’s the perfect spot to stroll, eat, and take in those iconic mountain views.

A person sitting on a large rock overlooking a vast, colorful forest in fall with a distant view of a valley and skyline under a partly cloudy sky.

House Mountain

Hiking & Views | 14 Mi

Hike easy-to-moderate trails, take in sweeping views of Knoxville and the surrounding mountains, or pause and soak up the serenity. Great for sunrise, sunset, or any quiet moment in nature.

A person receiving acupuncture treatment on the back of their neck, with acupuncture needles inserted, while lying on a treatment table.

For The ZenHead

Now that you’ve got the lay of the land, let’s help you relax! If you’re torn between services, here’s what we recommend.

WHAT TO BOOK

Services we recommend if you’re traveling alone or with a friend.

A hand with green painted nails holding thin rings, letting sand slip through the fingers.

THE ZENHEAD

FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS

Try every single tool and enhancement in our tool library with this 60 minute, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink appointment. Perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to leave anything on the table.

A person receiving a massage with their head turned to the side, lying on a massage table, with a massage therapist applying pressure on their shoulders.

COUPLES Signature ASMR MASSAGE

FOR TWO TRAVELLERS

This side-by-side service includes our signature blend of tool-assisted touch and flowing Swedish massage. Perfect for those who want a little bit of classic massage, and a little bit of what makes ZenHeads… ZenHeads!

Ready to Get Started?

We hope this guide helps take the stress out of trip planning!

Our online scheduler allows you to book an appointment up to 90 days in advance. If you’re planning a trip further out than that, just shoot us an email and we’ll help you get on the books. Otherwise, click below to book your ZenHeads appointment and start relaxing with us.

Book Now