When you live in the South and face no shortage of barbecue joints, you might think picking a favorite would be difficult — but Sweet P's tops everyone's list. Head to their original location, on Maryville Pike, where they serve up smoky-sweet barbecue and good music. And when you want more than a pulled pork sandwich or some ribs, go for the BBQ plate, loaded with smoked pork or chicken, two sides, and even a bun or corn muffin.

Photos by Popfizz

Place your order at the counter, then pick a table and try to be patient while you wait for your wood-fired pizza to arrive. Hard Knox offers red, white and more creative pies, all with crusts that strike the crisp-chewy ideal. (Appetizers and salads are great, too, but the pizzas are the main event.) Eight-inch pie are available for lunch, but we suggest going with the 12-inch pie no matter the meal — you can always get a to-go box and love yourself for it later.

When the craving for a craft burger strikes, look no further than Stock and Barrel. The restaurant has been pairing quality burgers and fine bourbon in Knoxville's historic Market Square since 2013. The Bison, pictured here, is topped with three kinds of mushrooms, crispy fried onions, garlic aioli and creamy Boursin cheese, and it's just one of the 20 mouthwatering options available. All the beef is locally sourced, the breads are locally made, and Benton's Smoky Mountain Country Hams provides the bacon, making Stock and Barrel a true neighborhood gem.

Cruze Farm at Asbury sets the scene even before you see the perfectly swirled cones. The year-round location, which opened in Oct. 2017, is housed in a large Queen Anne-style home built in 1893. Order a cone or cup (aptly offered in "calf" and "cow" sizes), or a float, churn or shake from the window, then head for the expansive wraparound porch. The fresh-churned ice creams are made with milk from the Cruze Farm Jersey cows; although the varieties change weekly, each one is exceptionally creamy and soft, and sweet cream, seen here, is always available.