THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover Knoxville’s history and cuisine on a guided walking tour led by local expert Paula Johnson. Savor signature Southern dishes as you stroll vibrant neighborhoods.
Discover Knoxville’s history and cuisine on a guided walking tour led by local expert Paula Johnson. Savor signature Southern dishes as you stroll vibrant neighborhoods.
Book with Knoxville Food Tours
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Knoxville Food Tours · Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville, Tennessee, sits at the crossroads of Southern charm and Appalachian grit, a city where revitalized neighborhoods and historic streets invite visitors to uncover its unique spirit. Knoxville Food Tours offers a dynamic way to experience the city’s culture not through traditional trails or overlooks, but through its vibrant culinary landscape and rich local stories. This award-winning food tour fuses history, community, and cuisine into a flavorful journey lasting a few hours on foot, led by the celebrated local historian Paula Johnson.
The tour moves through some of Knoxville’s most lively neighborhoods—Market Square, Gay Street, and the Old City. These areas reveal the city’s layered history, from early industry to modern arts districts. Guests taste their way through a curated selection of iconic and emerging restaurants featuring Southern and Appalachian dishes made with local ingredients. This walkable route, approximately one mile, pairs guided narratives that highlight Knoxville’s architectural gems and cultural milestones alongside generous tastings that often amount to a full meal.
Knoxville Food Tours stands out in the outdoor recreation landscape as an immersive urban adventure blending culture with casual walking. It connects visitors physically with Knoxville’s evolving downtown fabric while engaging the palate with bold, regional flavors. Offering add-ons like craft beer, Tennessee whiskey, or bourbon pairings and exclusive discounts at local shops, this experience enriches a visitor’s connection to the community beyond just a meal.
For those seeking a different kind of outdoor activity—one that indulges curiosity and appetite simultaneously—Knoxville Food Tours offers a memorable way to feel the city’s heartbeat. Whether you’re drawn by history, food, or the chance to move through a city on foot with expert storytelling, this tour brings Knoxville’s streets to life in every bite and step.
The tour lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours and covers about one mile on foot.
No, alcoholic beverages like craft beer or whiskey must be purchased separately at participating venues.
Please contact Knoxville Food Tours directly to discuss accommodations for children and any dietary needs.
Tours visit downtown neighborhoods including Market Square, Gay Street, and the Old City.
Tickets are non-refundable, but you can reschedule up to 24 hours before the tour date by contacting the company.
The tours are led by local historian and author Paula Johnson, adding rich context to the culinary experience.
Knoxville Food Tours showcases Knoxville, Tennessee’s culinary and cultural highlights through guided tasting experiences. The company offers two distinct routes: the signature Knoxville Food Tours, an award-winning city tasting led by local historian Paula Johnson, and the Jonesborough Food Tours, a guided exploration of Tennessee’s oldest town focused on Appalachian flavors and local history. Each tour pairs curated tastings with contextual storytelling, neighborhood exploration, and connections to independent shops and artisans. Tours are designed for guests who want informed, walkable experiences. The Knoxville Food Tours itinerary features historic sites, flavorful tastings at iconic restaurants, and exclusive perks at local shops. The Jonesborough Food Tours combines artisan shopping, storytelling events, hidden garden visits, live performances, and the option to enjoy a cozy bed-and-breakfast stay as part of the experience. Both trips emphasize regional ingredients and the stories behind them. Guides include local experts such as Paula Johnson, whose background in local history adds depth to tastings and neighborhood narratives. Knoxville Food Tours works directly with restaurants and shops in Knoxville and Jonesborough to arrange tastings and guest benefits. The company’s public reputation highlights an award-winning Knoxville Food Tours offering dependable logistics, approachable pacing, and a focus on community connections. For travelers seeking a concise, informative culinary introduction to East Tennessee, Knoxville Food Tours provides accessible, small-group outings that combine food, history, and local culture in two well-defined destinations. Tours operate in Knoxville and Jonesborough and highlight local restaurants, artisans, and cultural venues. Reservations and schedules are listed by Knoxville Food Tours.
Book with Knoxville Food Tours