Out-of-town student guide to off campus resources

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A guide for students new to Knoxville of fun places that are under 5 miles from campus.

For another look at the locations listed on this page, check out this interactive map. Each featured spot is marked on the map so you can see just how close each is to campus. 

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Gourmet’s Market & Cafe

5107 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919

[phone]

Distance from campus: 3.3 miles

http://gourmetsmarketandcafe.com

Looking for a great place to eat Sunday brunch? Or just in the mood to have a breakfast other than Starbucks in the UC? Gourmet’s Market & Cafe is a locally owned restaurant that is run by the Nelson family, who opened their doors 36 years ago. They opened the restaurant in hopes of creating a casual environment for people to gather and have meaningful conversations while enjoying a snack or meal. 

In October 2015, the Knoxville Mercury released the results of a reader’s poll that awarded Gourmet’s Market with Top Chef, Top Runner-Up Appetizer and Top Runner-Up Breakfast, along with many more. While Gourmet’s Market closes at 3pm every day, it is well worth the short drive down Kingston Pike for a quality and affordable meal. 

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Soccer Taco 

6701 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919

Distance from campus: 4.9 miles

http://soccertaco.com

For students who do not want to deal with the constant crowd at El Mezcal, Soccer Taco on Kingston Pike is a great place to hang with friends and enjoy quality Mexican food. Soccer Taco is also located in Market Square in downtown Knoxville. This location, however, provides a laid back atmosphere with the open seating and televisions lining the walls. Opened in 2005, Soccer Taco has become one of Knoxville’s favorite restaurants to visit. According to Metro Pulse’s “Best of Knoxville” awards in 2014, Soccer Taco was awarded Best Mexican, Best Nachos and Best Margaritas. 

If you want to watch sports, especially soccer, the bar provides great service with a guaranteed view of the television at any seat (if you are of age, of course). Soccer Taco has prices that are in line with a college student’s budget and is a great destination for students any day of the week. 

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Market Square

Downtown Knoxville

Distance from campus: 0.7 miles

http://www.downtownknoxville.org/market-square/

With a variety of shops and restaurants to choose from, Market Square is a popular destination for students looking to escape the constant undergraduate crowd on campus. When students from the University of Tennessee were asked if they were more likely to visit Turkey Creek mall or Market Square, 81% reported Market Square. According to Zomato.com (formerly urbanspoon), Stock & Barrel is the most popular restaurant in Market Square, followed by Tomato Head and Tupelo Honey.  

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Lox Salon

103 W Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902

[phone]

Distance from campus: 1.2 miles

http://loxsalon.com

According to a poll conducted on Twitter, about 77% of students at the University of Tennessee have not heard of Lox Salon. Most students, however, wait until they head home during a break to get a haircut. Lox Salon is an affordable salon that caters to students’ budgets. With the $5 student discount, women’s haircuts start at $28 and men’s haircuts start at $20. Lox is a full service salon that also offers hair coloring, facials, waxing, nails, makeup and more! Located in Old City, Lox Salon is a convenient and affordable place for students to find quality hair care. 

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IJAMS Nature Center and Quarry 

2915 Island Home Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37920

[phone]

Distance from campus: 3.7 miles

http://ijams.org/things-to-do-and-see/canoe/

According to a poll on Twitter, students at UT say they are more likely to find themselves at the Knoxville Zoo than IJAMS Nature Center. After speaking with several students about this topic, I came to the realization that students were more likely to answer the Knoxville Zoo because they did not know about IJAMS or the services they offer. 

Students are able to enjoy a beautiful, nature-filled adventure without having to travel all the way to Gatlinburg to the mountains. IJAMS Quarry offers over an hour of kayak rental for only $12! 

If you are looking for a nature experience without getting in the water, IJAMS also has over 300 acres with “protected wildlife habitat and natural areas.” You can ride a bike on the greenway, have a picnic on the lawn or walk the boardwalk along the Tennessee River.