Gay st knoxville tn

gay street theater

Gay Street is home to art galleries, historic theaters, the East Tennessee History Center and more – with many buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The street welcomes annual St. Patrick’s Day, Pride, Veterans and Christmas parades and more. Gay Street is a street in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States, that traverses the heart of the city's downtown area.

Since its development in the s, Gay Street has served as the city's principal financial and commercial thoroughfare, and has played a primary role in the city's historical and cultural development. [2]. Learn about the history and stories of Gay Street, Knoxville's main commercial street since before the Civil War. See vintage postcards, photos, and videos of Gay Street's landmarks, events, and characters.

Gay Street is known for its history, culture, and locally owned businesses, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon or evening.

Whether you’re visiting or just looking for something new to do downtown, here’s how to make the most of your time on Gay Street. An influx of new shopping, dining, and entertainment options, coupled with the nearly permanent residents, once more make Gay Street Knoxville's busiest street. Looking for things to do and places to go in Knoxville? Enjoy our Neighborhood Guide series where we share a part of town and cover food and drinks, nature and outdoors, arts and culture, attractions, and more.

Many of the buildings here were built in the late 19 th century and stand the test of time as attractive evidence of a vibrant destination. Take art home from Jacks of Knoxville and Paris Woodhull Illustrations pay attention to all the cute icons throughout this guide — those are her handiwork! Your appetite for food, fun, and fascinating framework better be ready for this section of Gay Street!

Nostalgic confectionery at Kilwins is wedged in between Mast and its neighbor Babalu , popular for tapas and cocktails in the historic J. Penney Building , yep, constructed after that fire. The Art Market Gallery , a cooperative representing over 60 artists, resides next door in the Cable Piano Building Go inside for the architectural details like stained glass, a metal mailbox, and grand staircase.

Conley Building, Once inside, look down the marble staircase to find The Vault , a swanky cocktail lounge below ground in the former Holston Bank Across Clinch Ave. Custom House and Post Office Look down the alley for a beautiful mural, then look up at the Hyatt Place , formerly the historic Hotel Farragut Head 10 stories up to have a cocktail atop their rooftop bar in the Five Thirty Lounge.

Built as The Lamar House in , this historic gem has been everything from a hotel to a Civil War hospital to an adult movie house and more. We could spend all day gushing over Gay Street, but you might have to look up some of its fascinating history on your own. Come for a visit to experience the history, fun, and entertainment for yourself! Did we mention the Visitors Center is not only pet-friendly, but they even have free live music most days at noon from in-house radio station WDVX?

Music to my ears! Learn more about Hank and Knoxville's pet-friendly things to do here! Find Kristen on Instagram at thingsknoxville. Millers Building. The Emporium. Bijou Theatre. Like what you see? Request Your Free Visitors Guide.