Knoxville’s Country Music Heritage: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Knoxville , United States

Knoxville’s Country Music Heritage: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Active

(2 reviews)

1h - 1h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Experience Knoxville in a new way on a self-guided audio tour that looks at the city’s deep and dynamic heritage in the development of American country music.

Discover new stories about the talented musicians and songwriters who were born here or used the city as a springboard to fame, in Nashville and beyond. Some just came to play, while others left their mark in memorable ways. We’ll meet the truly famous, like Dolly Parton, Hank Williams, and Elvis Presley, but also the more obscure performers and songwriters such as Charlie Oaks and Arthur Q. Smith. Along the way, you'll hear interesting facts and tales from Knoxville’s history and culture along the way, too.

Whether you’re a visitor or a resident curious about local history, which often connects to national history, this tour is the perfect primer to Knoxville’s Country Music roots. This walking tour can be enjoyed on location or even virtually at home with our Continuous Play function which disables the GPS playback.

Available options

Knoxville’s Country Music Heritage: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

What's included

Lifetime access to this tour in English

Access to our App for Android and iOS

Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Detailed itinerary

The tour briefly stops outside Mill and Mine. You'll learn about some of the building's history and hear about the famous musicians that have played there.

You'll stop briefly in front of the Melting Pot restaurant. You'll hear a bit about what the venue past as a nightclub.

On this tour, you'll walk past Lonesome Dove and hear about the venue's past as a jazz club.

You'll pass by Boyd's Jig and Reel restaurant and club. While you walk, you'll hear about its history and its connection to "Stick" McGhee.

You'll walk past the Knoxville Visitors Center and learn about how the main public room doubles as a radio studio for public radio station WDVX.

Stop 6 Pass by

You'll briefly stop outside of Market Square. There you'll hear about the square's history, its connection to live music and specific musicians.

Stop 7 Pass by

You'll walk past the Tennessee Theatre and learn about its history. The theater has hosted some of country music's greats, from Steve Earle to Merle Haggard to the Everly Brothers.

You'll stop outside of Bijou Theatre to hear about its history. It is Tennessee's oldest secular auditorium and has hosted a wide variety of entertainers.

What's not included

Smartphone and headphones

Food and drink

Transportation

Available languages

Audio guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The tour starts outside the former WIVK Radio Station. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace.

Important notes

VOICEMAP CODE
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Please check your email at the address you provided when you made this booking. VoiceMap has sent you an eight character code you'll need to redeem your tour.

This code can be used by every member of your party. If you've booked for three people, for example, three people can download this tour using the same code.

DOWNLOAD INSTRUCTIONS
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Once you've received your code, please follow these steps:

1. Install the VoiceMap Audio Tours mobile app
2. Create an account
3. Select Tour Codes from the menu, then select Enter Codes
4. Enter your code then select Download Now

PLEASE NOTE
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• You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It’s best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point.
• This tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next.
• When the download completes, you’ll see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point.
• Remember to bring your own headphones, unless you have booked a driving tour.

SUPPORT
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For technical support and other queries, please email support@voicemap.me

About Knoxville

Knoxville, nestled in the heart of Tennessee, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and stunning natural surroundings. From the Great Smoky Mountains to the Tennessee River, Knoxville offers a blend of outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and Southern hospitality.

Top Attractions

Market Square

Market Square is the heart of downtown Knoxville, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and street performances. It's a hub of activity and a great place to experience the city's vibrant culture.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 hours Free

University of Tennessee Campus

The University of Tennessee campus is a beautiful and historic site, featuring iconic landmarks like Neyland Stadium and the Torchbearer statue. It's a great place to explore and learn about the university's rich history.

Educational/Cultural 1-2 hours Free

Ijams Nature Center

Ijams Nature Center offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and kayaking. The center is located along the Tennessee River and features beautiful trails and scenic views.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some activities may have fees)

Knoxville Museum of Art

The Knoxville Museum of Art showcases a diverse collection of art, including works by local and regional artists. The museum's unique architecture and beautiful gardens make it a must-visit for art lovers.

Museum 1-2 hours Free (donations appreciated)

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States. The park offers stunning mountain views, waterfalls, and a variety of outdoor activities.

Nature Full day Free (some activities may have fees)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hot Chicken

A spicy fried chicken dish, typically served with pickles and white bread.

Lunch/Dinner Contains gluten and allergens (soy, wheat).

Biscuits and Gravy

Fluffy biscuits topped with savory sausage gravy.

Breakfast Contains gluten and dairy. Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Fried Catfish

Crispy fried catfish, often served with hushpuppies and coleslaw.

Lunch/Dinner Contains gluten and allergens (fish, wheat).

Popular Activities

Hiking Kayaking Zip-lining Spa treatments Scenic drives Picnicking Museum visits Live music

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather, ideal for outdoor activities and festivals. The fall foliage in the surrounding mountains is particularly stunning.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Time Zone (ET)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Knoxville is generally safe, but visitors should take common precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious when using ATMs, especially at night
• Use licensed taxis or rideshare services

Getting there

By air

McGhee Tyson Airport • 12 miles from downtown

By bus

Knoxville Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

KAT offers a reliable and affordable bus service. Fares are reasonable, and schedules are available online.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown Old City South Knoxville

Day trips

Gatlinburg

30 miles • Full day

Gatlinburg is a charming mountain town located near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, shopping, and dining options.

Pigeon Forge

25 miles • Full day

Pigeon Forge is a popular tourist destination known for its entertainment venues, shopping, and dining options. It's a great place to experience the local culture and have fun.

Chattanooga

115 miles • Full day

Chattanooga is a vibrant city located along the Tennessee River. It offers a variety of cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and dining options.

Festivals

Big Ears Music Festival • March Dogwood Arts Festival • April Knoxville Pride Festival • June

Pro tips

Visit the Tennessee Theatre for a historic and unique entertainment experience
Explore the local food scene by visiting farmers' markets and trying Southern specialties
Take a day trip to Great Smoky Mountains National Park for stunning scenery and outdoor activities
Check out local events and festivals for a taste of the city's vibrant culture
Use public transportation or rent a bike to explore the city in an eco-friendly way