Rocky Top Rendezvous: Surviving UT Parents Weekend
Parents Weekend at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is a great chance to see your child in a new environment, celebrate student life, and to experience the unique charm of Rocky Top. But, navigating the bustling campus and the surrounding city can be a bit overwhelming for first timers. Fear not, Vol parents! This guide will help you survive and thrive during your Knoxville adventure.
Where to Stay in Knoxville: Book Early for the Best Spots
Book Accommodations Early: I cannot stress this enough. Knoxville fills up fast during Parents Weekend and frankly, during all home football game weekends. Secure your lodging well in advance. Consider these options:
My favorite hotel near campus: The Cumberland House Hotel, a boutique Hilton hotel, is walkable from campus (a 10-15 minute walk from Neyland Stadium) with a professional, warm, and accommodating staff. Their bartender makes a mean Old Fashioned, and the rooms are consistently spotless and quiet. While it’s missing some of the luxury hotel bells and whistles, I highly recommend this hotel for location, experience, and service.
Downtown Hotels: The Tennessean Hotel, the Embassy Suites, and The Oliver Hotel all offer stylish accommodations with easy access to campus and nightlife.
Airbnbs: Explore charming neighborhoods like Fourth and Gill or Old North Knoxville for a more local experience.
Hotels near Turkey Creek: If you are looking for more reasonable hotel rates, try those around the Turkey Creek or Papermill areas. They are only a 15-20 minute drive from campus and offer lots of surrounding restaurants and shopping.
Dining in Knoxville: Where to Eat During Parents Weekend
Make Restaurant Reservations: Knoxville's culinary scene is booming. Book tables at popular spots to avoid long waits.
Check the Schedule: Familiarize yourself with the official Parents Weekend schedule to plan your activities but don’t feel like you have to attend every single one. Let your student help decide what to attend. Your student will likely want some time to show you their campus favorites, so make time for that, too.
Wear Orange: Show your Vol spirit! Pack plenty of orange attire.
Knoxville Restaurant Recommendations: Tried-and-True Favorites
Knoxville offers a diverse range of dining experiences. Here are some of my top picks:
A Dopo: (My Favorite) One of the country’s top rated pizzerias for a reason, A Dopo is simply outstanding. They offer wood-fired sourdough pizzas made with locally-grown ingredients. And pro tip: don’t miss the gelato. Also, you’ll need reservations. Start looking now.
Kefi: An Old City Knoxville gem, Kefi offers some of the most delicious Greek food on the planet. The environment is lively and elegant, and the cocktails are hand-crafted. This place is very popular, so you’ll need reservations here, too.
The Kennedy: Another of our favorites in a historic downtown building is The Kennedy. The vibe is cool, and the variety of food served makes it an ideal choice for families. Homemade pizzas, elevated bar food, delicious salads and sandwiches, and chef-driven entrees offer something for everyone. Try the creamy onion dip - a fun throwback - and the Wagyu burger. Their cocktail program is also one of Knoxville’s best. Reservations are highly suggested, but grabbing seats at the bar is an option.
Chesapeake’s Downtown: We always choose Chesapeake’s for Sunday brunch. The oysters are clean and crisp, and the crab fingers are a must-order. The brunch menu is full of all of your favorites - omelets, waffles, Eggs Benedict, etc. - plus a wide array of fresh seafood dishes. Plus, they offer a fully stocked Bloody Mary bar for those who need a little hair of the dog after a Vols win.
Things to Do in Knoxville Beyond the UT Campus: Exploring Knoxville's Hidden Gems
Beyond the campus, Knoxville offers a wealth of really fun places to visit:
Market Square: A historic pedestrian mall with shops, restaurants, and live music.
World's Fair Park: Site of the 1982 World's Fair, featuring the iconic Sunsphere and beautiful green spaces.
The Knoxville Museum of Art: Explore regional and contemporary art.
Old City: Enjoy the nightlife of Knoxville with many bars and restaurants.
Take a walk on the Riverfront: Knoxville has done a great job of developing the riverfront area with walking paths, and parks.
How to Maximize Time with Your UT Student
Here are some tips for making the most out of the time with your student while visiting campus:
Campus Tours: Revisit your student's favorite spots on campus.
Attend a Sporting Event: Immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere of a Vol game. Neyland Stadium is an electric environment, so get in and enjoy a game with 100,000+ other Vols fans.
Simply Spend Quality Time: Relax, chat, and enjoy each other's company. Kids are sometimes anxious when parents show up. Don’t hold unreasonable expectations for the weekend. Just offer your student some time to unwind with you.
Tour Potential Lodging for the Following Academic Year: If your student currently lives on campus but is planning to move off-campus the following academic year, spend some time during Parents Weekend touring apartments. Securing off-campus housing in Knoxville can be a bit like the Hunger Games, so the earlier you and your student can find accommodations, the better. As an example, we actually signed my son’s lease for Fall 2025 during Parents Weekend in the fall of 2024. It’s just better to be educated on what’s available, so have your student start to explore potential options before you arrive. This includes starting to research pricing and agreeing on budgets.
Final Tips for a Smooth Parents Weekend at UT
My final tips for a smooth parents weekend are:
Wear Comfortable Shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking. Trust me - no cowgirl boots or heels.
Check the Weather: Knoxville weather can be unpredictable so pack accordingly.
Allow for Traffic: Parents Weekend brings increased traffic, so plan extra travel time.
Take lots of pictures whether your student wants to or not! These memories are priceless.
Enjoy Your Time on Rocky Top
Parents Weekend at UT is a fantastic opportunity to connect with your student and experience the vibrant culture of Knoxville. By planning ahead and embracing the Vol spirit, you'll create lasting memories on Rocky Top. Enjoy your time, and GO VOLS!