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On the street, in a lot, under the bridge, inside a garage. Downtown Knoxville has plenty of places to park . But after calling upon a consulting firm to evaluate the longterm viability of downtown's parking infrastructure, the city is now considering some big changes , including charging for parking seven days a week.
Doing your research is always important if parking downtown is not something you're used to. And if you're going to be paying, you want to make sure you choose the right spot. So, let us break down which parking options are best depending on your plans.
Market Square Garage: This is the pumpkin spice latte of downtown parking. It's basic, but it can be a tasty option if you find a spot. The problem is everyone knows about this one, so it fills up fast, especially if there's an event happening on Market Square. On the flip side, don't be discouraged if the garage says "full." It's also a place where drivers come and go frequently, so spots are bound to open after you pull in. But if you don't want to chance it, you can always try the ...
Langley Garage: Seriously, it's a hack that shouldn't be so secretive. This garage is just across the street from Market Square Garage and seems to fill up at half the speed. Can't picture it? It's the garage with Enterprise in the bottom. Free on nights and weekends, Langley Garage is another great option for those wanting to visit Market Square without the hassle of everyone and their mom trying to park there.
State Street Garage: Underrated, plain and simple. Once I got over my Market Square Garage fascination, this became my go-to. It's perfect for anyone wanting to visit the heart of Gay Street, as the garage's third level includes a bridge that crosses State Street and places you right next to Nama. You can exit on the backside for a straight shot down Central Street to the Old City. This garage is also free on nights and weekends, at least for the time being.
Locust Street Garage: This is another option for Market Square, but it's more helpful to anyone wanting to visit World's Fair Park, the convention center, the Sunsphere or nearby hotels. While not connected to the garage, the nearby pedestrian bridge crossing over Henley Street makes your walk far less dangerous than directly crossing what's essentially a highway running through downtown.
Jackson Avenue and Old City lots: These two parking lots bookend Jackson Avenue from Sweet P's to Barley's, and the latter lot is always free. However, the Old City lot beneath the James White Parkway overpass could become a park as part of the Reconnecting Knoxville program that will bridge East Knoxville, South Knoxville and downtown through a variety of paths, including a walkable James White Parkway. The Jackson Avenue lot across from Sweet P's is great for anyone visiting that side of downtown, where you'll find Pour Taproom, PostModern Spirits, Knox Whiskey Works and the 100 block of Gay Street.
I-40 Lot: Also beneath a bridge, this lot doesn't get used enough. Now granted, this side of town hasn't been that popular until recent years when The Local Smokey, Marble City Market, Potchke and The Double S Wine Bar moved in. This lot is also a solid option for anyone attending a show at The Mill & Mine, and it came in clutch during Big Ears Festival 2024 (though you don't really need a car to experience this internationally attended event).
Street parking and temporary flasher parking: If the pressure of parallel parking is something you're comfortable with, then you're in luck: Downtown Knoxville has plenty of on-street options that also are free nights and weekends for the time being. Keep your eyes peeled for temporary flasher parking spots, which are clearly marked with signs on the sidewalk. These spots allow you to leave your vehicle with the flashers on for 15 minutes while you run in to pick up food at a nearby restaurant, like The Kennedy, which recently opened on Gay Street.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Urban Knoxville: With parking changes coming, we break down which options are best for you
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