#KNOXROCKS

KNOXVILLE IS THE

HUB of a vibrant dining scene. If you're heading in that direction, here are some worthy spots to visit. REDBUD DELI

Chef Lisa Long helms this award-winning café/bistro in Morristown (Davy Crockett's birthplace), giving Southern staples a modern twist. Shrimp and grits recommended! www.redbuddeli.com POST MODERN SPIRITS

A sophisticated modern cocktail lounge that makes every alcoholic ingredient in house, from locally sourced grains, botanicals and fruits. www.postmodernspirits.com PRETENTIOUS GLASS

Glassblower and craft beer brewer Matthew Cummings is a savant, crafting glasses for his innovative brews as a sideline to creating museum quality works of art. www.pretentiousglass.com SOKNO TACO CANTINA

Near the bike trails in south Knoxville, first rate tacos and margaritas in a restored vintage building. Funky décor. Pulled pork tacos not to be missed. www.soknota.co ELKMONT EXCHANGE

Inspired by the Smoky Mountain landscape, this elegant space offers craft beer, inhouse charcuterie and sophisticated bar food with a locavore focus. www.elkmontexchange.com SWEET P'S BBQ

You can't leave Tennessee without eating barbecue and Sweet P's in downtown Knoxville does some of the best. Go hungry. www.sweetpbbq.com CALHOUN'S

Family-owned local chain that will feed you and please you with southern cooking, craft cocktails, and at the Oak Ridge location, a lovely lakeside setting. www.calhouns.com BLUE PLATE SPECIAL

Knoxville's hometown radio station WVDX broadcasts live performances every day at noon. Drop in, bring your lunch and enjoy some great music as part of the live audience. It's free. www.wdvx.com YASSIN'S FALAFEL HOUSE

Voted “Nicest Place in America” by Reader's Digest, Muslim refugee Yassin Terou's two Knoxville restaurant locations combine great Middle Eastern food with the warmest welcome imaginable. www.yassinsfalafelhouse.com CRUZE FARM DAIRY

A family dairy farm faced with fading fortunes reinvents itself with ice cream and a retro red and white makeover. Too sweet! www.cruzefarm.com NOT WATSON'S

The former home of Watson's Department Store is the place to try southern classics, such as chicken and waffles, and fried green tomatoes, along with modern healthy options, in a casual urban bistro setting. www.notwatsons.com