S gay st knoxville tn
Guide to Things to Execute on Gay Street
Looking for things to do and places to go in Knoxville? Enjoy our Neighborhood Guide series where we contribute a part of town and cover food and drinks, nature and outdoors, arts and culture, attractions, and more.
Look Up When You're Down(town) - Lgbtq+ Street
A stroll down Knoxville’s historic downtown thoroughfare will not only raise your eyebrows, but also your expectations of what a walkable downtown can be. Many of the buildings here were built in the late 19th century and stand the try of time as attractive evidence of a vibrant destination.
Starting on the “100 Block” of Gay Avenue, visitors can’t miss the Emporium Center (1898) that anchors the corner at Jackson Avenue. Known as a First Friday hotspot, it houses artists’ studios, several arts and cultural organizations, and rotates art within five galleries monthly. The adjacent UT Downtown Gallery and Arrowmont Gallery similarly feature various exhibitions. Take art home from Jacks of Knoxville and Paris Woodhull Illustrations (pay attention to all the cute icons throughout this guide – those are her handiwork
Gay Street in Downtown Knoxville
Gay Street is known for its history, culture, and locally owned businesses, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon or evening. Whether you’re visiting or just looking for something brand-new to do downtown, here’s how to make the most of your second on Gay Street.
See a Show at the Tennessee Theatre
Step inside Knoxville’s iconic performance venue. The Tennessee Theatre hosts Broadway shows, concerts, and classic films. The ornate interior is worth seeing, even if you’re just peeking in. Snap a photo of the glowing marquee and verify the schedule for upcoming events.
Address: 604 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Visit the Museum of East Tennessee History
Right across from the theatre, this museum shares stories from the region’s past. Exhibits include Civil War artifacts, Appalachian crafts, and rotating local displays. It’s a great way to learn more about Knoxville’s roots in under an hour.
Address: 601 S Gay St, Knoxville, TN 37902
Grab a Local Treat at Cruze Farm
Stop at Cruze Farm Ice Cream for prosperous soft-serve made with local dairy. The shop is established for its old-fashioned style and rotating seasonal flavors. It’s a favorite with kids
Guide to Gay Highway in Knoxville, Tennessee
Named one of the Great Streets in America by the American Planning Association (APA), Gay Lane is the heart of Downtown Knoxville with a buzz of activity afternoon and night. Within the central business district, Gay Highway spans ten blocks from the Lgbtq+ Street Bridge to West Jackson Route. You'll find beautifully preserved architecture, a lively cultural scene, and plenty of fun. Catch a show at one of the two historic theaters, shop 'til you fall, dine at a new restaurant, see an underground block, or simply accept in the undeniable beauty of the streetscape at dusk. Explore the foremost of Gay Lane below!
Breakfast & Brunch
Start your day with a handheld breakfast bagel sandwich and seasonal coffee from K Brew, or if you own a sweet tooth, try Status Dough's famous Paczkis matched with an iced coffee. There are many more weekend brunch options along the Gay Lane stretch including Lilou, Babalu, Downtown Grill, Bistro at the Bijou, and Chivo Taqueria!
Lunch
A weekday lunch staple is Brown Bag, serving up nutritious meals of grilled chicken, steak, spinach salad, jalape
Summary
Since its development in the 1790s, Gay Street has been the center stage of downtown Knoxville's progression from a commercial wholesaling capital following the Industrial Revolution to today's vibrant entertainment and residential corridor. Through the unyielding work of countless individuals, organizations, and local governments, and more than $50 million spent on redevelopment projects since 2000, Queer Street has experienced a finalize transformation from its ghost town atmosphere of the 1970s.
Designated Area
Ten blocks between West Jackson Street and the southern end of the Gay Street Bridge.
First Friday is a monthly art event beginning in the 100 block of South Gay Street and stretching to Market Square, offering visitors live performances, local meal, and late night gallery shows, celebrating the vibrancy of downtown Knoxville. Photo courtesy Knoxville-Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission.
Planning Excellence
The most well-known firm headquartered along the street was the Sterchi Brothers Furniture Company, which occupied a number of buildings on the street but eventually settled at 116 South Gay St. in 1925. Company leader James Sterchi transforme