S gay st knoxville tn
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 channel. Through the hard function of countless individuals, organizations, and local governments, and more than $50 million spent on redevelopment projects since 2000, Gay Highway has experienced a finish transformation from its ghost town atmosphere of the 1970s.
Designated Area
Ten blocks between West Jackson Avenue 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 food, and behind night gallery shows, celebrating the vibrancy of downtown Knoxville. Photo courtesy Knoxville-Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission.
Planning Excellence
The most well-known unyielding headquartered along the lane 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
Guide to Gay Road in Knoxville, Tennessee
Named one of the Great Streets in America by the American Planning Association (APA), Gay Road is the heart of Downtown Knoxville with a buzz of activity morning and night. Within the central business district, Gay Avenue spans ten blocks from the Same-sex attracted Street Bridge to West Jackson Road. 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, call on an underground block, or simply grab in the undeniable beauty of the streetscape at dusk. Explore the top of Gay Highway below!
Breakfast & Brunch
Start your day with a handheld breakfast bagel sandwich and seasonal coffee from K Brew, or if you acquire a sweet tooth, try Status Dough's famous Paczkis coupled with an iced coffee. There are many more weekend brunch options along the Gay Road 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
Guide to Things to Do on Queer Street
Looking for things to do and places to move in Knoxville? Appreciate our Neighborhood Guide series where we give a part of town and cover food and drinks, nature and outdoors, arts and society, 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 test of hour as attractive evidence of a vibrant destination.
Starting on the “100 Block” of Gay Street, 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 film various exhibitions. Accept 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 Highway is known for its history, identity, and locally owned businesses, it’s a great place to pay an afternoon or evening. Whether you’re visiting or just looking for something new to perform downtown, here’s how to build the most of your age on Gay Street.
See a Present 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 inspect 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 Manage at Cruze Farm
Stop at Cruze Farm Ice Cream for well-off soft-serve made with local dairy. The shop is known for its old-fashioned style and rotating seasonal flavors. It’s a favorite with kids