Sounds of Knoxville Walking Tour
Sounds of Knoxville Walking Tour
Estimated Time
Distance
Works Offline
Tours & Maps Included
Tour Highlights
- 319 North Gay Street
Start at the old WIVK studio where Kitty Wells, Molly O'Day, and a 10-year-old Dolly Parton sang on the radio.
- The Old City
Stand where a young Garth Brooks played a smoky nightclub in 1989, just before he became the best-selling solo artist in U.S. history.
- The Midday Merry-Go-Round
See where WNOX's famous lunchtime radio show helped launch Roy Acuff, Chet Atkins, and Kitty Wells.
- Visit Knoxville Visitors Center
Catch the free WDVX Blue Plate Special, a live lunchtime radio show, and hear the story of songwriter Arthur Q. Smith.
- Strong Alley
Take a selfie with Dolly Parton in Knoxville's colorful mural alley.
- Market Square
Hear how a record store speaker blasting Elvis Presley's first single helped launch the King's career.
- Tennessee Woman Suffrage Memorial
Learn how Tennessee cast the deciding vote that gave American women the right to vote in 1920.
- The Holston
See the bank tower whose WROL studios recorded bluegrass pioneers Flatt & Scruggs.
- Tennessee Theatre & Bijou Theatre
Admire two historic theaters where Roy Acuff, Dizzy Gillespie, and John Philip Sousa all took the stage.
- Andrew Johnson Hotel
End where Roy Acuff climbed the stairs to play on the radio, and where Hank Williams spent his final night in Knoxville.
Is This Tour Right for You?
Perfect if you:
Love history and fascinating stories
What To explore at your own pace
prefer a private experience
What to avoid expensive group tours
Maybe not if you:
Don't have a phone
Like to follow the tour guide
Don't like stories
Don't like to go at your own pace
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does the Knoxville walking tour take?
The walk takes about an hour. Plan extra time if you want to explore Market Square, Strong Alley, or the Visitors Center.
- Does the tour work without cell service?
Yes. Download the tour before you go, and it runs completely offline using your phone's GPS.
- Can I pause the tour or explore at my own pace?
Yes. This is a fully self-guided tour—pause anytime to shop, grab a bite, or take mural photos, and press play when you're ready to continue.
- Are there admission fees at any of the stops?
No. Every stop is free to see from the outside. The WDVX Blue Plate Special and the Knox County Archives are free, and shows at the theaters and music venues are ticketed separately.
- Do I need to know a lot about music to enjoy the tour?
Not at all. Greg explains who each artist was and why they mattered, so it's fun for casual fans and music lovers alike.
- Which famous musicians are on this tour?
Dolly Parton, Kitty Wells, Roy Acuff, Chet Atkins, Garth Brooks, Elvis Presley, Flatt & Scruggs, the Everly Brothers, and Hank Williams, among others.
- Is this tour appropriate for kids?
Yes. It's a family-friendly music and history walk, and kids love the murals in Strong Alley and the fountain at Krutch Park.
- Is the walk easy?
Yes. The route follows downtown sidewalks, though you'll cross a few busy streets, so take your time at crossings.
- When is the best time to take the tour?
Daytime is best. Around lunchtime, you can catch the free WDVX Blue Plate Special at the Visitors Center.
- Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at 319 North Gay Street and ends across from the Andrew Johnson Hotel on South Gay Street.
Why You'll Love ThisTour
Do It Anytime
Start when you’re ready.
Pause Anytime
Take a break and pick up right where you left off.
Professional Narration
Engaging stories from expert guides.
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