# Inside of Knoxville

> Your Urban Connection

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## Posts

- [FILM FEST KNOX Announces Complete Program](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/film-fest-knox-announces-complete-program/): FILM FEST KNOX announces the full festival lineup for the fourth annual edition of the event taking place at the downtown Regal Riviera November 12–15, 2026. In addition to the previously announced films in the American Regional Cinema Competition (Act One, Airport BLVD., And Then I Knew ‘Twas Wind, The Pirate King, and Ponderosa) and
- [Fall Film Forecast: A Preview of Upcoming Screenings, Festivals & More](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/fall-film-forecast-a-preview-of-upcoming-screenings-festivals-more/): Film lovers, it's your season! The rest of Knoxville can frolic in pumpkin patches and watch football. Some of us have a lot of sitting in the dark to do. Speaking of which, no, I haven't seen You Can See Everything, the experimental new Nathan Fielder/Lance Oppenheim documentary about Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes ... yet.
- [Knox Makers & Trees Knoxville Host Free Tree Planting Event](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/knox-makers-trees-knoxville-host-free-tree-planting-event/): Local nonprofit organizations Knox Makers & Trees Knoxville are partnering up to host a free event on Friday, October 23rd from 5 - 6 PM. The fun evening festivities will include tree planting, tree adoption, costume contest, food, beverages, and more. Volunteers wishing to help grow the local tree canopy can register to attend here.
- [What Aerial Scanning Drones Do to Stop Manual Scouting Mistakes for Busy Farmers?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/what-aerial-scanning-drones-do-to-stop-manual-scouting-mistakes-for-busy-farmers/): Manual crop scouting is often limited by human error, fatigue, and sampling bias, leading to delayed problem detection. Drone aerial scanning platforms overcome these limitations by providing comprehensive, high-resolution data across entire fields. By quantifying plant health and identifying subtle anomalies, such as early nutrient or water stress, before they are visible from the ground,
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: October 18-27](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-october-18-27/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. Sunday,
- [More Than a Movie Night: McClung Museum Pairs Halloween with History on Oct. 29](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/more-than-a-movie-night-mcclung-museum-pairs-halloween-with-history-on-oct-29/): This Halloween season, the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture invites visitors to experience a scary movie night with a historical twist. On Thursday, Oct. 29, Movie Night at the Museum features a screening of The Woman in Black and a special opportunity to see a real Victorian mourning gown up close. Featured in
- [Modern Comfort in Older Homes: Why HVAC Upgrades Matter](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/modern-comfort-in-older-homes-why-hvac-upgrades-matter/): Historic neighborhoods give cities their distinctive character. From Victorian houses to early twentieth-century cottages, older residential buildings reflect generations of architectural traditions. Knoxville is particularly rich in these properties, with neighborhoods where original craftsmanship remains an important part of the streetscape. Yet maintaining an older home involves more than preserving decorative details. Heating, ventilation, and Explore how HVAC upgrades improve comfort, energy efficiency, and reliability in older homes while preserving their architectural character.
- [Scaling Preclinical Assays: Hypothetical High-Mass Stoichiometric Modeling and Bulk Procurement Considerations for CAS 2381089-83-2](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/retatrutide-bulk-stoichiometric-modeling/): When in vitro research programs scale from exploratory receptor screens to larger longitudinal assay series, laboratory purchasing teams frequently evaluate multi-vial packs or higher-mass lyophilized powder formats for Retatrutide (LY3437943; CAS 2381089-83-2). Transitioning from standard 10 mg–50 mg nominal vials to larger retatrutide bulkinputs requires clear documentation of stoichiometric calculation assumptions and an understanding of
- [Taking Out the Tennessee River's Trash](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/taking-out-the-tennessee-rivers-trash/): An abandoned boat seems like a particularly rude thing to leave in a river. A refrigerator is a close second. Both were among the approximately 4,490 pounds of trash removed from Knoxville's waterways last Friday by Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful (KTnRB) and 20 volunteers from Knoxville Utilities Board (KUB). The haul also included a
- [How Online Flower Delivery Works: Ordering, Shipping, and What Happens After Arrival](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/how-online-flower-delivery-works-ordering-shipping-and-what-happens-after-arrival/): Sixty two dollars. That is what I spent last Valentine's Day on a bouquet that arrived looking like it had been sat on by a mail carrier. I blamed the florist. I was wrong. The problem started the moment I clicked buy, and nobody had explained the chain of hands my roses would pass through
- [2026 Current Art Fund Grantees Announced](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/2026-current-art-fund-grantees-announced/): Tri-Star Arts is delighted to share the 2026 Current Art Fund grantee cohort, as selected by this year’s jurors Rebecca Kinslow, Ashley Layendecker, Lester Merriweather, and Chris Molinski. $7,500 grants have been awarded to: Nyssa Collins - East Tennessee / Knoxville Chalet Comellas - Middle Tennessee / Nashville Maggie Jensen - West Tennessee / Memphis
- [How Much Can a Wrongful Death Claim Be Worth?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/how-much-can-a-wrongful-death-claim-be-worth/): In 2024, the United States saw a tragic 39,254 lives taken on its roads, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Families of some of those lost may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim when another party’s actions caused the death. Many variables go into the potential settlement of this kind
- [A Fresh Perspective Comes Upriver to Knoxville in Eric Myers ](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/a-fresh-perspective-comes-upriver-to-knoxville-in-eric-myers/): Knoxville has long had a fascination with Chattanooga. We're both Tennessee River cities, and for decades we've watched with interest as our neighbor to the south reimagined its downtown and riverfront. We marveled at Chattanooga’s aquarium, pedestrian bridge, revitalized downtown and ambitious public spaces. We spent years fumbling around for our own silver bullet before
- [How Custom Software Helps Los Angeles Service Businesses Automate Growth](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/how-custom-software-helps-los-angeles-service-businesses-automate-growth/): Operating a commercial service company in Southern California requires balancing intense market competition with complex operational logistics. From expanding commercial real estate management firms and multi office legal practices to specialized healthcare networks and high end creative agencies, regional service providers manage significant client interaction volumes daily. Managing inbound consultation requests, coordinating complex appointment bookings,
- [One Knox Caps Off Regular Season with Big Win](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/one-knox-caps-off-regular-season-with-big-win/): PATERSON, NJ – One Knoxville SC will be riding some momentum once the 2026 USL League One Playoffs begin. The club concluded its regular season slate in dominant fashion on Saturday afternoon with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over the New York Cosmos at Hinchliffe Stadium. “We’ve been preaching all week how we were going to
- [Immersive Virtual-Reality Exhibition on the War in Ukraine Comes to UT](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/immersive-virtual-reality-exhibition-on-the-war-in-ukraine-comes-to-ut/): As Ukraine marks 35 years of independence, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will host War Up Close, an immersive virtual-reality exhibition documenting the war in Ukraine, on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Strong Hall, Room 104 (1621 West Cumberland Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37996). The event is free, open to
- [How Downtown Knoxville Restaurants Can Improve the Dinner-and-a-Show Experience](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/how-downtown-knoxville-restaurants-can-improve-the-dinner-and-a-show-experience/): Downtown Knoxville's dining and entertainment scene creates a valuable opportunity for restaurants to attract customers who want more than a meal. With popular performance venues such as the Tennessee Theatre and Bijou Theatre drawing audiences throughout the year, local restaurants can turn an evening out into a complete hospitality experience. Chef Joseph Lenn's J.C. Holdway
- [Volunteers to Plant Trees Along New SoKno Rail Trail & Art Walk](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/volunteers-to-plant-trees-along-new-sokno-rail-trail-art-walk/): Volunteers, local businesses, and community organizers will gather on Thursday, October 22, at 9:00 AM to plant 37 new trees along the forthcoming SoKno Rail Trail & Art Walk. Hosted in partnership with Trees Knoxville, Legacy Parks Foundation, The Mortgage Gallery, and Realty Executives South, the volunteer tree-planting event marks a major community milestone in
- [A Knoxville Driver’s Fall Guide: Game-Day Traffic, Deer on the Roads and Keeping Car Costs in Check](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/knoxville-fall-driving-guide/): Fall has a way of changing an ordinary drive across Knoxville. On a Vols game day, the streets around campus fill with people headed for Neyland Stadium. Away from the stadium, an early evening trip can mean watching for deer as daylight fades. Neither situation calls for a complicated driving strategy, but both reward a Plan around Neyland Stadium traffic, stay alert for deer on East Tennessee roads and use practical routines to keep fall driving costs in check.
- [Market Square Farmers Market Shifts to Winter Hours on Nov. 7](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/market-square-farmers-market-shifts-to-winter-hours-on-nov-7/): WHAT: Market Square Farmers Market's winter hours WHEN: Saturdays, November 7, 2026, through March 27, 2027, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. WHERE: Outdoors on Historic Market Square, Union Avenue, & Market Street in downtown Knoxville COST: Free to attend The Market Square Farmers Market will transition to its winter hours on Saturday, November 7, continuing its year-round tradition
- [Battlefield Farm & Gardens to Host Second Annual Overall Ball](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/battlefield-farm-gardens-to-host-second-annual-overall-ball/): Battlefield Farm & Gardens will host its second annual Overall Ball, presented by CIC Services, from 6:15 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum. The sold-out event brings together neighbors, supporters, community leaders and business partners to celebrate the organization’s food justice work in East Knoxville. Most of the
- [New Exhibitions Open at The Emporium on November 6](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/new-exhibitions-open-at-the-emporium-on-november-6/): The Arts & Culture Alliance is pleased to present four new exhibitions at the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville opening on Friday, November 6, from 5:00-9:00 PM. A free gathering with the exhibiting artists will also feature live music by Kaylie King. Masks and Reveals by Ken McMahon in the Lower Gallery Enigma by Lois
- [City Seeks Proposals for Violence-Reduction Services](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/city-seeks-proposals-for-violence-reduction-services/): The City of Knoxville has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified community-based organizations to provide coordinated violence-reduction services for individuals and families at high risk of involvement in, or impact from, community-based violence. "Investing in violence-reduction services helps create pathways to opportunity for Knoxville residents and supports safer, healthier neighborhoods," said LaKenya Middlebrook,
- [Public Feedback Requested for Knoxville Municipal Golf Course Redevelopment & Sports Complex Draft RFP](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/public-feedback-requested-for-knoxville-municipal-golf-course-redevelopment-sports-complex-draft-rfp/): What: The City of Knoxville, Knox County, the Knoxville–Knox County Sports Authority, and Visit Knoxville are exploring the potential redevelopment of Knoxville Municipal Golf Course (3925 Schaad Road) into a modern, multi-use recreational destination. The approximately 156-acre property is being evaluated for improvements that could include a redesigned public golf course, a multi-field sports complex,
- [Citizen Historian Offers Tools to Preserve Knoxville’s Personal & Community Stories](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/citizen-historian-offers-tools-to-preserve-knoxvilles-personal-community-stories/): What would someone researching Knoxville a hundred years from now learn from the things you’ve kept? Or someone simply trying to understand your life? I think about the Rubbermaid bin in our basement marked “sentimental,” a wild and chaotic assortment of photos, drawings, letters, poems, newspaper clippings, random objects and assorted ephemera I’ve stuffed into
- [Old Sevier District Updates, Part 2: Development, Business & the Kerbela Appeal Decision](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/old-sevier-district-updates-part-2-development-business-the-kerbela-appeal-decision/): Good morning and welcome back to what has apparently become South Knoxville Week here at Inside of Knoxville! Where were we? Ah yes. On Monday I wrote about the opening of Old Sevier Market; Tuesday we dove deep into the streets, sidewalks, trails and connections taking shape in and around the Sevier Avenue corridor. Today
- [Old Sevier District Updates, Part 1: Construction, Connections & Kerbela](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/old-sevier-district-updates-part-1-construction-connections-kerbela/): Yesterday’s story about Old Sevier Market’s long-anticipated opening gave me the itch to catch you up on the rest of the Old Sevier District, from Regal on the west to River’s Edge apartments on the east. I’ve been letting the updates pile up, and IT’S A LOT. I sat in on a lot of South
- [Old Sevier Market Is Officially Open for Business](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/old-sevier-market-is-officially-open-for-business/): I live in South Knoxville and few things give me less pleasure than shopping at the “SoKnoKro” on Chapman Highway. I say this as someone whose previous neighborhood grocer was the Fellini Kroger, pre-renovation. The bar is low. I mean, they usually have what I need, and there are friendly employee faces I’m always relieved
- [Rain, Spokane Dampen One Knox SC Home Finale](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/rain-spokane-dampen-one-knox-sc-home-finale/): The final match at Covenant Health Park for the 2026 USL League One regular season did not go as planned for One Knoxville SC. Goals from Spokane Velocity FC on either side of halftime were enough on a rainy Sunday afternoon as Knoxville fell 2-0. “When it came down to the final say, we just
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: October 11-20](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-october-11-20/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. Sunday,
- [What Accident Victims Should Consider Before Accepting Settlement Offers](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/what-accident-victims-should-consider-before-accepting-settlement-offers/): Car crashes and unexpected injuries turn daily routines upside down in seconds. Financial stress climbs quickly as medical bills stack up alongside missed paychecks. Insurance companies frequently reach out within days to offer quick payout checks to injured parties. Taking time to assess your situation helps prevent costly financial mistakes down the road. The Speed
- [New Art Walk & Walking Trail Topic of Garden Club Meeting](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/new-art-walk-walking-trail-topic-of-garden-club-meeting/): The new SoKno Rail Trail and Art Walk will be the topic of Chapman Highway Garden Club’s monthly meeting Thursday, Oct. 15. Legacy Parks Foundation Executive Director Carol Evans will discuss the progress of the 3.8-mile pedestrian and bike trail, which connects Chapman Highway to Ijams Nature Center. The Art Walk is a 1.5-mile section
- [Knox SOUP Announces New Name, Nov. 5 Community Dinner & Call for Project Proposals](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/knox-soup-announces-new-name-nov-5-community-dinner-call-for-project-proposals/): Knoxville SOUP is now Knox SOUP, a name that better reflects the organization’s commitment to supporting community-driven projects throughout Knox County. The organization has always welcomed proposals from across the county, and the updated name makes clear that its reach extends beyond the city of Knoxville. Knox SOUP — Supporting Outstanding Unique Projects — will
- [Walker Antonio Explores Masculinity & the Subconscious at Lilienthal Gallery](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/walker-antonio-explores-masculinity-the-subconscious-at-lilienthal-gallery/): What do men do with all those feelings they’re supposedly not having? Walker Antonio paints them. The 25-year-old U.S.-born Filipino-American artist described himself as a “straight Southern male,” a description supported by his liberal use of “ma’am” during our interview. He played soccer, basketball and lacrosse, captained his school’s soccer and lacrosse teams, and went
- [What Tennessee Homeowners Should Do After Storm Damage to a Tree](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/what-tennessee-homeowners-should-do-after-storm-damage-to-a-tree/): "Is my tree going to fall" and "can a damaged tree be saved" are two of the most common searches after any significant storm, usually typed out while standing in a yard looking at a split limb or a tree leaning at an angle it wasn't leaning yesterday. What you do in the hours and
- ['Hand + Hue: Echoes of Impressionism' Opens Nov. 6 at Lilienthal Gallery](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/hand-hue-echoes-of-impressionism-opens-nov-6-at-lilienthal-gallery/): On November 6th, from 5–8 PM, Lilienthal Gallery invites Knoxville to an exciting new exhibition, Hand + Hue: Echoes of Impressionism. Our artistic landscape is filled with echoes from every past generation’s stylistic elements. Breaking out of strict standards regulated by institutions, Impressionism’s effects are embedded in the fabric of contemporary art. We see this
- [Daryl Johnson Earns Gold Medal Award, AIA Chapter’s Highest Honor](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/daryl-johnson-earns-gold-medal-award-aia-chapters-highest-honor/): Daryl Johnson, founding partner and creative director of Johnson Architecture, has received the 2026 Gold Medal Award, AIA East Tennessee’s highest honor, recognizing his contributions to architecture and the community. Johnson was presented with the prestigious award during the organization’s annual Design Awards Gala on October 1. “Over the last 32 years, Daryl has created
- [Legacy Healing Center Review 2026: Insurance-Backed Luxury Rehab Access](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/legacy-healing-center-review-2026-insurance-backed-luxury-rehab-access/): Image Credit: Unsplash Families calling around to treatment centers tend to hit the same two walls. Either the place that looks like it offers real medical oversight only takes cash, or the place that takes their insurance looks like a converted motel with a weekly group session. Legacy Healing Center is worth a close look
- [Big Slate's Big Move to Marble City Studios on North Broadway](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/big-slates-big-move-to-marble-city-studios-on-north-broadway/): Anyone driving North on Broadway has probably noticed changes to the HP Video building at 1200 North Broadway (across the street from K Brew) and wondered what was happening inside the 34-year old production institution. As of this week, Big Slate Media has set up their newest venture, Marble City Studios, inside, leasing the facility
- [One Knox Clinches Playoffs with Rivalry Win](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/one-knox-clinches-playoffs-with-rivalry-win/): Nearly a year ago at Covenant Health Park, Nico Rosamilia turned in a performance on a championship stage that led One Knoxville SC to lifting the USL League One trophy and, for himself, Most Valuable Player honors. 11 months later on the very same pitch, Rosamilia again shined when the lights were brightest. The 24-year-old
- [FILM FEST KNOX Announces Opening Night Film & Made in Tennessee Competition](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/film-fest-knox-announces-opening-night-film-made-in-tennessee-competition/): FILM FEST KNOX announces that the opening night film for this year’s festival will be Mouse, directed by Kelly O'Sullivan and Alex Thompson. A coming-of-age drama set in 2002 in O’Sullivan’s hometown of North Little Rock, Arkansas, Mouse was critically acclaimed following its premiere at the 2026 Berlin International Film Festival. FILM FEST KNOX will take place November 12–15, 2026,
- [Knoxville Children’s Theatre Presents 'Julius Caesar'](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/knoxville-childrens-theatre-presents-julius-caesar/): Knoxville Children’s Theatre, in partnership with the Clayton Foundation, will present a live production of Julius Caesar. The play will be performed from October 23rd through November 8th with showtimes on Thursdays and Fridays at 7pm, Saturdays at 1pm, and Sundays at 3pm. There will be no Saturday performances on days when UT has a
- [Clarence Brown Theatre Announces Musical ‘9 to 5’ for Spring 2027](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/clarence-brown-theatre-announces-musical-9-to-5-for-spring-2027/): This spring, Clarence Brown Theatre Company will honor Dolly Parton’s legacy by bringing the musical comedy 9 to 5 to its stage. The production will run April 14 – May 7, replacing the previously announced She Loves Me in the 2026–2027 season. “As I thought about how the Clarence Brown Theatre might honor her, I
- [FILM FEST KNOX Announces American Regional Cinema Competition & Competition Juries](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/film-fest-knox-announces-american-regional-cinema-competition-competition-juries/): FILM FEST KNOX, announces the lineup of its 2026 American Regional Cinema Competition: Act One, Airport BLVD, And Then I Knew ‘Twas Wind, Ponderosa, and The Pirate King. The Best Film winner will receive an Oscar-qualifying theatrical run, courtesy of Regal. Additional awards include Best Director and a Jury Prize. FILM FEST KNOX will take place
- [‘Clyde’s’ Opens in One Month in The Jenny Boyd Theatre](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/clydes-opens-in-one-month-in-the-jenny-boyd-theatre/): The comedy CLYDE’S, written by two time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, opens this month and will be the first Clarence Brown Theatre Company production to be performed in the round in the new Jenny Boyd Theatre. A funny, soulful celebration of resilience and the small, daily miracles of starting over, this Tony-nominated hit, directed
- [UT Press Announces 'Fighting with Stonewall in the Valley: The Diary of John Henry Funk'](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/ut-press-announces-fighting-with-stonewall-in-the-valley-the-diary-of-john-henry-funk/): The University of Tennessee Press is proud to announce the forthcoming publication of “Fighting with Stonewall in the Valley: The Diary of John Henry Stover Funk,” edited by Buckley T. Foster and Christopher R. Mortenson, available in paperback and ebook formats on Tuesday, Oct. 27. An exceptional and perceptive Civil War officer, John Henry Stover
- [Dogwood Arts Installs 27 New Public Sculptures](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/dogwood-arts-installs-27-new-public-sculptures/): This week, Dogwood Arts began installing the 2026–2027 Art in Public Places Sculpture Exhibition, bringing 27 new outdoor sculptures to public spaces throughout Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Maryville, and Alcoa. Now in its 20th year, the Dogwood Arts sculpture program continues to create opportunities for communities across East Tennessee to encounter contemporary art in the places
- [Cornerstone Hospitality Partners of Tennessee Names New Leadership](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/cornerstone-hospitality-partners-of-tennessee-names-new-leadership/): Longtime East Tennessee businessman and hospitality partner Gary Douglas has named Brian Watts Chief Executive Officer of Cornerstone Hospitality Partners of Tennessee, a hospitality management and investment company overseeing a diverse portfolio of restaurant and business operations throughout East Tennessee. Cornerstone Hospitality Partners’ restaurant portfolio includes Loco Burro Fresh Mex Cantina & Tequila Bar in Gatlinburg and
- [New What's Next Knoxville Survey Asks 'How?'](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/new-whats-next-knoxville-survey-asks-how/): The City of Knoxville is updating its Comprehensive Plan - a long-range policy document that will guide decisions on land use, transportation, and investment priorities over the next 25 years. The process is called “What’s Next Knoxville?” In the spring, the community shared what they love about Knoxville, what they want to retain, and what they think
- [Big Ears 2027 Expands Lineup with The Roots, Bradford Cox and Lockett Pundt & More](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/big-ears-2027-expands-lineup-with-the-roots-bradford-cox-and-lockett-pundt-more/): Legendary hip-hop band The Roots and Bradford Cox and Lockett Pundt (of Deerhunter) are just two of the exciting surprises topping the second wave of artist lineup announcement for Knoxville’s dazzling, boundary-defying, and multidimensional Big Ears Festival, returning to Downtown Knoxville the weekend of April 1 – 4 for its 14th edition. The Roots join
- [Nostalgia Vintage Market Celebrates 20 Years & South Knox Expansion](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/nostalgia-vintage-market-celebrates-20-years-south-knox-expansion/): Nostalgia, a staple of the local vintage and antique scene, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. What began as a small storefront with just seven vendors has grown into a multi-location community destination, marked by the recent 2025 opening of Nostalgia South. Founded by Amie Carrier, Nostalgia launched two decades ago to focus on
- [Legacy Parks Announces Third Mural Installation & Two Sculptures Along Rail Trail](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/legacy-parks-announces-third-mural-installation-two-sculptures-along-rail-trail/): The SoKno Rail Trail & Art Walk is taking shape as an outdoor gallery in South Knoxville, with Legacy Parks Foundation announcing the installation of a third large-scale mural along the upcoming trail. This mural, created by artist Anna Charney, is currently being installed at Kern’s Bakery at 2201 Kerns Rising Way, adding another colorful
- [KCDC & City of Knoxville to Host Second Feedback Session on Future of Former Public Safety Building Site](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/kcdc-city-of-knoxville-to-host-second-feedback-session-on-future-of-former-public-safety-building-site/): Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC) and the City of Knoxville will host a community feedback session to continue to gather input on the future of the former Public Safety Building site next to the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum (KCAC). The initial event was held Sept. 12 at the Hill Avenue site with a family-friendly
- [Dogwood Arts Celebrates 20,000 Trees Planted & Keep Knoxville Blooming](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/dogwood-arts-celebrates-20000-trees-planted-keep-knoxville-blooming/): It’s planting season in Tennessee, and Dogwood Arts is once again on a mission to Keep Knoxville Blooming! Through its annual Bazillion Blooms program, Dogwood Arts sells disease-resistant, April-blooming dogwood trees — helping preserve our region’s natural beauty for generations to come. Since the Bazillion Blooms program began in 2009, more than 20,000 dogwood trees
- [Tennessee Theatre Celebrates 25 Years of Mighty Musical Monday](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/tennessee-theatre-celebrates-25-years-of-mighty-musical-monday/): For a quarter of a century, the Tennessee Theatre has opened its doors on the first Monday of the month and invited the community to experience live music for free. The Theatre will celebrate the 25th anniversary of Mighty Musical Monday on Monday, October 5, at noon, with a special Wurlitzer-only performance featuring House Organist
- [How a Town Builds a Weekend Worth Showing Up For](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/how-a-town-builds-a-weekend-worth-showing-up-for/): Most towns have a Saturday. Very few have a Saturday people drive two hours to reach. Walk down a main street on a random weekend and you can feel the difference in about four minutes. One block has a chalkboard sign for a gallery opening, a guy tuning a guitar on a folding chair, and
- [How the "Third Place" Habit Explains Why Suburban Wellness Beats City Living](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/how-the-third-place-habit-explains-why-suburban-wellness-beats-city-living/): I moved out of a city apartment and into a suburb expecting my health habits to collapse. Less walking, more driving, a lawn to mow. Instead, the opposite happened, and it took me two years to figure out why: nobody in my city neighborhood ever knew my name, and everybody on my new street does.
- [House of Strays Opens Today, Bringing Cocktails, Theater & a Little Bit of Mischief to the Old City](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/house-of-strays-opens-today-on-jackson-avenue-bringing-cocktails-theater-a-little-bit-of-mischief/): When AJ Tierney sat down with me to talk about opening House of Strays, I couldn’t wait to tell her story. Her inspiration, Josephine Baker, an actress and spy from the 1920s, and her love and passion for theater and serving creative drinks may be one of my favorite ones to date. When we met
- [Who Lived Here? A Short Home Tour of Knoxville's Notable Former Residents](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/who-lived-here-a-short-home-tour-of-knoxvilles-notable-former-residents/): Every city likes to claim its famous children. Knoxville does it with street addresses. The Knoxville History Project keeps a Home Registry of more than 75 locals who mattered, culturally, economically or politically, and it reads less like a walk of fame than a stack of old city directories: rental houses, carved-up apartments, a grandmother's Where Quentin Tarantino, Cormac McCarthy, Patricia Neal, Roy Acuff and the Everly Brothers lived in Knoxville: famous residents' homes from Sequoyah Hills to Old North.
- [How Tennessee's DUI Laws Compare to Ohio's OVI Rules](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/how-tennessees-dui-laws-compare-to-ohios-ovi-rules/): Two states. One highway. Completely different paperwork. I spent a summer driving between Knoxville and Columbus every other weekend, and the only thing that ever stressed me out more than I-75 traffic was realizing the same beer that makes you a legal driver in one state can put you in handcuffs in the other. If
- [Why Cold Plunge Tubs Are the Backyard Upgrade That Actually Gets Used](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/why-cold-plunge-tubs-are-the-backyard-upgrade-that-actually-gets-used/): I know a guy who bought a hot tub in April and used it twice before Labor Day. Six grand, sitting there under a cover, quietly turning into the most expensive towel rack in Knoxville. That story repeats on every street in every subdivision, and it is the reason I started paying attention to the
- [How to Cut Packaging Costs Without Sacrificing Product Protection](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/how-to-cut-packaging-costs-without-sacrificing-product-protection/): You can cut packaging costs while making sure your items stay safe. To do this, use box sizes that fit your products. Pick the right material for each item. Buy your materials in bulk from trusted suppliers. Set up the same box sizes for your products. Pack your things in better ways. This helps you
- [The Great Eight: October's Can't-Miss Arts & Culture Events](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/the-great-eight-octobers-cant-miss-arts-culture-events/): “The Eight Great” is our curated list of calendar highlights presented monthly with Hellmouth Magazine, a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to publishing quality cultural commentary. Vol. 2 is out now! Check it out: Website | Instagram October brings bewitching celebrations, music drifts on the winds of change. Experimental and brave, encounter strange new sounds and
- [New Cameo Sessions Event Premieres at the Tennessee Theatre's 612 Building](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/new-cameo-sessions-event-premieres-at-the-tennessee-theatres-612-building/): The Tennessee Theatre’s 612 Building expansion has enhanced my theater-going experience in so many ways. I often slide upstairs to the new Osborne lounge for a pre-show cup of coffee and snack while watching the bustle down on Gay Street. Last week, the 612 expanded downtown's First Friday scene with its new, free Cameo Sessions,
- [What Is Included in a Buttweld Fittings Range?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/what-is-included-in-a-buttweld-fittings-range/): Buttweld fittings play a vital role in industrial piping systems in Australia. This guide discusses what constitutes a buttweld fittings range by covering the various types, materials and specifications. They are concerned with bringing about awareness to engineers and procurement personnel about the entire scope of products as they browse buttweld fittings range options. Explaining
- [What a Minor Fender Bender Really Costs Beyond the Repair Bill](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/what-a-minor-fender-bender-really-costs-beyond-the-repair-bill/): $1,200. That's what a body shop quoted my neighbor Dana after a driver tapped her bumper at a stoplight on Camelback Road. She paid it, got her car back in four days, and figured the whole thing was behind her. Then the calls started. Ten months later, her insurer was still fielding questions from the
- [How Knoxville Event Vendors Make a 20x20 Booth Feel Twice Its Size](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/how-knoxville-event-vendors-make-a-20x20-booth-feel-twice-its-size/): Four hundred square feet. That is the whole hand you get dealt with a 20x20, and most first-timers treat it like a storage unit with a banner. Then they stand inside it on day one, watch attendees drift past the edges, and wonder why the traffic never stops. The problem is rarely the size. It
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: October 4-13](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-october-4-13/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. Sunday,
- [Die, Die My Darling: No Peace in Life or Death for Christa Pike](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/die-die-my-darling-no-peace-in-life-or-death-for-christa-pike/): Editor’s note: As I publish this, sometime after 2 a.m. on Thursday, Christa Pike’s condition remains unclear. Earlier this evening I stopped writing to watch a live-streamed press conference, a partial recap of which is available on WBIR here. As emergency vehicles streamed past, media witnesses described an execution by lethal injection gone very wrong;
- [Why Older Knoxville Homes Lose Water Pressure (and What It Signals)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/why-older-knoxville-homes-lose-water-pressure-and-what-it-signals/): My neighbor Beth called me last March because her shower had turned into a sad trickle, and she figured it was just her. Her house sits off North Broadway, built in 1953, and three other people on her block had the same complaint that same week. That detail matters, because pressure loss is rarely random.
- [5 Factors To Consider When Selecting A Crypto Exchange Australia](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/5-factors-to-consider-when-selecting-a-crypto-exchange-australia/): Choosing a crypto platform requires careful thought because each service offers different features, tools, and account options. A suitable exchange should match personal goals, security needs, and trading preferences. Detailed research helps users understand what matters before creating an account. For people searching for the best crypto exchange Australia, several details can shape the choice,
- [What Your Office Setup Says About Your Company Culture](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/what-your-office-setup-says-about-your-company-culture/): Walk into any office for the first time and you already know something about the company before a single person speaks. The lighting, the desk surfaces, the tangle of cables versus the clean cable management — every physical choice your organization makes broadcasts a message. Most leadership teams never think about what that message actually
- [7 Low-Cost Ways to Protect Your Mental Health in Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/7-low-cost-ways-to-protect-your-mental-health-in-knoxville/): You don't need a fancy retreat or a huge therapy bill to start feeling steadier. The real work happens in the small, repeatable choices you make between Monday and Friday, often for less than the cost of a coffee run. And Knoxville has more of those options than most people realize. Here's how to build
- [Instant Social Proof: The Urban Entrepreneur’s Blueprint for Establishing Authority and Trust](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/instant-social-proof-the-urban-entrepreneurs-blueprint-for-establishing-authority-and-trust/): When it comes to starting a business, it is not an easy job, especially in the center of a bustling city. Social proof is all that matters when it comes to people running stores, boutique agencies, and local businesses because in such groups, there is competition to show that one is the best. There is
- [What To Consider When Browsing Strata Cleaning Services in Newcastle](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/what-to-consider-when-browsing-strata-cleaning-services-in-newcastle/): When searching strata cleaning services in Newcastle, it is important to consider the quality services offered to have quality results to shared properties. This guide tells what you should take into account when you browse strata cleaning services in Newcastle by discussing the most important criteria, the expectations of services, and the viable methods of
- [How Can Recovery Support Fit Around Work and Family Life?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/how-can-recovery-support-fit-around-work-and-family-life/): You clock out at 5:02 PM, you have soccer practice at 5:30, and your partner texted asking what is for dinner. Somewhere in that chaos, you are supposed to find time to rebuild your life. It feels impossible, and honestly, it can be. But here is the thing: the rigid, all-day treatment model you picture
- [Key Differences between 189 and 190 Visas - Which One Is Right For You?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/key-differences-between-189-and-190-visas-which-one-is-right-for-you/): Choosing the right Australian skilled migration visa can feel overwhelming when multiple options exist. For many skilled professionals considering Australian relocation, three visas dominate discussions: the 189 Independent Skilled Migration Visa, the 190 Skilled Nominated Visa, and the 491 Skilled Regional Sponsored Visa. Understanding the meaningful differences between these visa options is essential for selecting
- [Hot Mustard to High Tech: A Vicarious Report from 865 Fest](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/10/hot-mustard-to-high-tech-a-vicarious-report-from-865-fest/): Quantum computing, agricultural drones and hot mustard walked into a room in West Knoxville. There’s no punchline here, just a surprisingly broad cross-section of people trying to turn their ideas into businesses. 865 Fest, formerly known as Startup Day, brought a couple hundred entrepreneurs, investors, students and community leaders to Bridgewater Place on Tuesday of
- [How Aircraft Maintenance History Affects Resale Value](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/how-aircraft-maintenance-history-affects-resale-value/): When a private aircraft enters the resale market, buyers evaluate much more than its age, appearance, and total flight hours. Maintenance history is one of the most important indicators of overall condition and future ownership risk. A well-maintained aircraft with complete records can attract more serious buyers, support stronger pricing, and reduce delays during the
- [Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist That Protects Your Plumbing](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/seasonal-home-maintenance-checklist-that-protects-your-plumbing/): The average homeowner will deal with 3.5 plumbing emergencies over the life of their mortgage, and nearly all of them were preventable. That number sticks with you once you have watched a ceiling sag under water weight at midnight. Here is the thing though: plumbing failures do not happen on a schedule, they happen on
- [How to Select the Best Launceston Florist for Any Occasion](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/how-to-select-the-best-launceston-florist-for-any-occasion/): Flowers have much more than a visual message and mark birthdays, moments of sympathy, weddings, and simple gestures. When selecting the appropriate Launceston florist in any particular occasion one will have to make sure that he or she checks on the freshness, reliability in delivery as well as the line of service before placing an
- [Lifestyle Trends in the Creator Economy: How Modern Influencers Scale Instant Social Proof](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/lifestyle-trends-in-the-creator-economy-how-modern-influencers-scale-instant-social-proof/): The creator economy is already in a modern era, one in which a first impression can make or break a business. There is a constant challenge for digital influencers because consumers' attention spans are diminishing, and recommendation algorithms are now looking for posts that get engagement signals from the initial post quickly. It can be
- [7 Ways to Get a Doctor’s Note for School Online](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/7-ways-to-get-a-doctors-note-for-school-online/): It’s 6:48 a.m., your kid is running a fever of 100.4, and the school portal wants a note by 9. Kids get sick at the worst times, and back-to-school season is peak season for that particular brand of chaos. Schools still want paper trails, and you still want everyone back in class without a truancy
- [Brand New Music Venue The 808 Comes Out Swinging on Sevier Avenue](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/brand-new-music-venue-the-808-comes-out-swinging-on-sevier-avenue/): Editor’s note: There’s been an air of mystery around The 808, a new South Knox music venue in the former Drunk Church space at, you guessed it, 808 Sevier Ave. It’s coming out swinging starting with Portland's big band dance party High Step Society this Friday night. Much of the fall lineup speaks directly to
- [How Knoxville's Volunteer Groups Say Thank You Well](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/how-knoxvilles-volunteer-groups-say-thank-you-well/): Knoxville runs on unpaid hours. Festival crews stack barricades at 6 a.m. Neighborhood association officers answer email at midnight. Trail crews clear storm damage on Saturdays, and docents work rooms nobody is paying them to work. East Tennessee produces more of this civic labor than most cities its size. Photo by Margo Evardson on Unsplash
- [Annual Shaking of the Inside of Knoxville Tip Jar](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/annual-shaking-of-the-inside-of-knoxville-tip-jar/): In an effort to not bury the lede, which I’m prone to do, IOK NEEDS your support: Donate | Advertise. And now, the part wherein I get sentimental: I cannot believe it’s been 16 months since Alan Sims, AKA Urban Guy, handed me the reins of this website. Time flies when you’re having fun, and
- [Gay Street's Huge, Historic Clayton's Furniture Building Is Up for Grabs](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/gay-streets-huge-historic-claytons-furniture-building-is-up-for-grabs/): The Clayton's Wholesale Furniture storefront at 517 N. Gay Street is so familiar that I mostly pass it without a second thought. I have a vague memory of trailing my parents through it as a child in search of a leather La-Z-Boy recliner, the preferred command center of any modern ’80s dad. But behind that
- [How Small Towns Build Healthier Communities: The Ripple Effect of Local Care](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/how-small-towns-build-healthier-communities-the-ripple-effect-of-local-care/): The average American moves 11.7 times in a lifetime. Most people could not tell you the name of a single doctor in the town they left behind. That fact is quietly doing more damage to community health than any single policy ever could, and it is worth sitting with for a second. The small towns
- [Smile-Friendly Cities: What Coastal Communities Get Right About Everyday Dental Care](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/smile-friendly-cities-what-coastal-communities-get-right-about-everyday-dental-care/): Eleven minutes. That is the average amount of time most people spend on their teeth in a whole day, and almost all of it happens in two short bursts at the bathroom sink. Yet the towns that seem to produce the healthiest smiles are not full of people brushing longer. They are full of people
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: Sept. 27-Oct. 6](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-sept-27-oct-6/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. Sunday,
- [How to Choose an Orthodontist: 5 Things Knoxville Parents Should Check](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/how-to-choose-an-orthodontist-5-things-knoxville-parents-should-check/): Three consults, three price sheets, and three completely different treatment timelines. That's what happened to a friend of mine last spring when she started hunting for braces for her twelve year old. She walked out of the last office more confused than when she walked in. So let me save you that month of your
- [The Day We Marched For Dolly](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/the-day-we-marched-for-dolly/): When Rachel Milford called just hours after Dolly Parton’s passing, I knew why. I was downtown, in my feelings at the Strong Alley mural that was quickly becoming a memorial. Rachel leads the community-based arts nonprofit Cattywampus Puppet Council; I'm on its board. “So,” I asked her, looking up at Dolly’s face, “what are we
- [Can Teens Stick With Removable Aligner Trays?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/can-teens-stick-with-removable-aligner-trays/): Ask any parent of a thirteen year old and you'll hear the same story in a dozen different versions: the retainer in a lunch bag, the bite guard under a couch cushion, the tray that fell out during a wind sprint at practice. The honest answer to whether teens can handle removable aligners is that
- [Sitting with Hedda: Inside Knoxville Theatre Club's Enthralling 'Hedda Gabler'](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/sitting-with-hedda-inside-knoxville-theatre-clubs-enthralling-hedda-gabler/): Last week was a deep dive into theater for me. Five separate productions were all staged in the past seven days, a telling number about the growth of theater in Knoxville. I pushed myself and attended four (sadly, I couldn't make Charlotte's Web with Knoxville Children's Theatre). Starting with River and Rail’s The Last Five
- [Why Your Neighborhood Fitness Center Is the Best Social Investment You'll Make This Year](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/why-your-neighborhood-fitness-center-is-the-best-social-investment-youll-make-this-year/): Most people join a gym to lose weight or get stronger. That's a fine reason. But the data says people who stay do so because of something else entirely: the people they meet there. If you've been treating fitness as a solitary pursuit, you're leaving the biggest benefit on the table. Community fitness centers, particularly
- [How Long Can a Wrongful Death Claim Take to Resolve?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/how-long-can-a-wrongful-death-claim-take-to-resolve/): There is no stopwatch running on a wrongful death claim. The amount of time it takes can change based on what the case needs to establish, how complete the evidence is, and whether the parties disagree about responsibility or losses. Some claims may be resolved through settlement discussions, while others can continue through court proceedings
- [How Booming Games Slots Blend Diverse Themes With Engaging Features](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/how-booming-games-slots-blend-diverse-themes-with-engaging-features/): Booming Games has carved a niche by pairing a wide array of themes with modern slot mechanics, creating titles that feel both fresh and approachable. Their portfolio appeals to a broad audience by balancing familiar motifs with innovative bonus features, encouraging players to explore and return. This thoughtful blend ensures each game delivers a distinctive
- [Rare Jan Lynch Photographs Come Home to Tomato Head](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/rare-wonderful-jan-lynch-photographs-come-home-to-tomato-head/): A note from the editor: The late Jan Lynch was a priest, photographer and activist who documented Knoxville’s gay community of the '80s and '90s among much else. His photographs are now back on the walls of a place he knew well in its early days as an outpost for the artistic and social fringe.
- [United Way of Greater Knoxville Gives 105 Local Nonprofits a Boost](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/united-way-of-greater-knoxville-gives-105-local-nonprofits-a-boost/): There are always many more stories to write in a week than I have the hours in the day (or, more often than not, the night) to write them. Here’s some belated good news: United Way of Greater Knoxville awarded $3.9 million in Community Investment Grants to 105 nonprofits across its five-county service area. The
- [Park(ing) Day Returns to Reimagine Public Space](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/parking-day-returns-to-reimagine-public-space/): Cars are useful. They take us where we want to go, whenever we want to go there. Wow. But their utilitarianism diminishes substantially when they’re just sitting there: large, immobile hunks of metal, plastic, rubber and glass taking up space, quietly waiting to ferry us to our next destination. For instance: When my profoundly unremarkable
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: September 20-29](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-september-20-29/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. Sunday,
- [What's Next for the Former Public Safety Building Site?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/whats-next-for-the-former-public-safety-building-site/): Community input meetings are not generally where I go looking for a good time with a second-grader. And yet! There we were last Saturday at 800 Howard Baker Jr. Ave., having a genuinely excellent time imagining what this big, empty, sulfur cosmos-bespeckled field just east of downtown could become. A brief history: For much of
- [What Are The Best Crypto Casinos for Blackjack, Roulette, and Live Dealer Games?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/what-are-the-best-crypto-casinos-for-blackjack-roulette-and-live-dealer-games/): Not all crypto casinos are built the same, and that gap becomes obvious fast when you're trying to withdraw a decent-sized win or verify whether a blackjack hand was actually fair. After reviewing dozens of sites, patterns emerge quickly: inconsistent licensing across jurisdictions, wildly different withdrawal speeds, and live dealer quality that ranges from broadcast-level
- [Fall Wedding Cocktail Dresses: Style Ideas for the Season ](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/fall-wedding-cocktail-dresses-style-ideas-for-the-season/): You know that moment when the invitation says “fall wedding” and you start wondering whether your favorite dress will leave you shivering by the end of the evening? Autumn celebrations can mean golden-hour photos, chilly outdoor ceremonies, and receptions that warm up once the music starts. It is a season made for beautiful dressing, but
- [Safety City at 25: Big News for Knoxville’s Little City](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/safety-city-at-25-big-news-for-knoxvilles-little-city/): The first time I encountered Safety City I thought I was hallucinating. I was jogging Third Creek Greenway sometime in the early 2000s and thought I saw something through the trees, so I went to investigate. Lo and behold, it was a small replica of Knoxville itself, complete with a miniature Sunsphere. It was still
- [Phase 3 Opens as First Creek at Austin Redefines Affordable Housing in Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/phase-3-opens-as-first-creek-at-austin-redefines-affordable-housing-in-knoxville/): It’s June, and it’s the kind of hot that makes you wonder if the ice cream truck coming towards you is real or some kind of desert mirage. A young girl bursts out of her front door to flag it down. Bomb pop procured, she pauses and points to the camera dangling from my neck.
- [River & Rail Opens Season with Powerful 'The Last Five Years,' Announces Major Gift](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/river-rail-opens-season-with-powerful-the-last-five-years-receives-major-donation-towards-new-facility/): If you reflect back on the last five years of your life, which moments would you capture as the most pivotal in getting you from there to here? That's one of the questions posed by The Last Five Years, the musical opener for River & Rail Theatre's 2026-27 season. As I took in the play
- [Cleaning Out Years of Clutter? Start With Old Tapes, Electronics, and Office Supplies](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/cleaning-out-years-of-clutter-start-with-old-tapes-electronics-and-office-supplies/): A serious decluttering project often stalls before it really begins. Clothes and kitchen items are relatively easy to sort, but then you reach the boxes nobody has opened in years: old VHS tapes, outdated electronics, printer supplies, cables, manuals, and miscellaneous office equipment that seemed worth keeping at the time. These categories are difficult because
- [GARMO Will Bring Cheese, Charcuterie & More to Gay Street](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/garmo-will-bring-cheese-charcuterie-more-to-gay-street/): Finally, my longtime downtown dream is coming true: Gay Street is getting a cheese and charcuterie shop. GARMO, opening in October in the former Status Dough space in the Phoenix Building, will be part neighborhood market, part European-style specialty food shop and part pantry for creative home chefs. Between that and the thoughtfully curated Downtown
- [New Beginnings, Old Wisdom: The Fool In Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/new-beginnings-old-wisdom-the-fool-in-knoxville/): Knoxville runs on people who start things before they know how it ends. A jeweler moved a dorm-room experiment into a storefront on the 100 block. Three artists leased a street-level room and hung their own work in it. A shuttered bakery reopened as a food hall. None of them had a guarantee. Photo by
- [FTL Freight Reefer Temperature Logs: Compliance Standards](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/ftl-freight-reefer-temperature-logs-compliance-standards/): Temperature-sensitive freight does not forgive mistakes. A few degrees outside the required range for too long can ruin an entire load of produce, meat, or pharmaceuticals. That is why temperature logs matter more than many shippers realize. Once a truck with a refrigeration trailer is chartered for a full load, it means paying for exclusive
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: Sept. 13-22](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-sept-13-22/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. Sunday,
- [Inside the 2027 Big Ears Festival Lineup with Ashley Capps](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/inside-the-big-ears-2027-lineup-with-ashley-capps/): The 2027 Big Ears Festival lineup dropped this morning and, as usual, it’s a lot to take in. Returning to downtown Knoxville April 1-4, 2027, for its 14th iteration, the festival brings together a dizzying mix of the world's leading musical visionaries for four days of performances across two dozen venues. Scanning the lineup fine
- [Highlander Center Celebrates 94 Years of Movement with 'Harmonies on the Hill'](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/highlander-center-celebrates-94-years-of-movement-with-harmonies-on-the-hill/): Editor’s preface: We usually keep things “urban” here at IOK, but the 94th anniversary of the Highlander Research and Education Center (originally Highlander Folk School) feels like a more-than-worthy rural detour. Located just a half-hour east of downtown in New Market, Highlander was founded during the Depression-era Labor Movement and played a substantial role in
- [Ghost Walking the Lone Tree Saloon & Shoe Shop on the 200 Block of Gay Street (Part I)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/ghost-walking-the-lone-tree-saloon-shoe-shop-on-the-200-block-of-gay-street-part-i-2/): With the recent opening of Lone Tree Pass, the first major construction project on the 200 block of Gay Street in a century, it’s a good time to look back at this section of town. As already mentioned in numerous stories on Inside of Knoxville, most recently Heather Ryerson’s “From Cal Johnson’s Lone Tree Saloon
- [Best Industrial Equipment Stores for Process and Sanitary Solutions](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/best-industrial-equipment-stores-for-process-and-sanitary-solutions/): Sourcing the right industrial equipment store is harder than it looks, especially when your facility runs on tight tolerances and zero-fault standards. The gap between a vendor that stocks parts and one that actually understands hygienic processing, data center cooling, or high-reliability HVAC is enormous. Managing thousands of SKUs while competing against Amazon Business and
- [The Real Cost of Skipping a Seasonal AC Tune-Up](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/the-real-cost-of-skipping-a-seasonal-ac-tune-up/): Your air conditioner will fail on the hottest day of the year. Not because it's unlucky. Because that's when it works hardest, and you haven't looked at it since last July. A $100 tune-up in spring sounds optional. A $400 compressor repair in August feels like robbery. Here's the math on what skipping maintenance really
- [How to Tell If Your AC Unit Is Undersized for a Two-Story House](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/how-to-tell-if-your-ac-unit-is-undersized-for-a-two-story-house/): Your upstairs hallway feels like the inside of a greenhouse by 4 p.m., and the thermostat downstairs reads 74 while your bedroom reads 84. Sound familiar? Here's the uncomfortable truth: the AC might not be broken at all. It might simply be too small for the house it's trying to cool. In this article, you'll
- [How Hot Summer Temperatures Affect Your Home's Air Conditioning System](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/how-hot-summer-temperatures-affect-your-homes-air-conditioning-system/): Your air conditioner worked fine in May. It struggled in June. By late July, it's running almost nonstop and your utility bill looks like a car payment. That's not a coincidence, and it's not a faulty unit either. Extreme heat changes the physics of how your cooling system operates, and knowing what's happening inside that
- [How Hot Was the Knox Asian Festival, Really? A Closer Look at Summer Heat Waves in the Southeast](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/how-hot-was-the-knox-asian-festival-really-a-closer-look-at-summer-heat-waves-in-the-southeast/): Leslie Bateman's photo essay from this year's Knox Asian Festival opened with a joke that landed a little too close to home: it was so hot you could have steamed dumplings on the sidewalk at World's Fair Park. Funny line. But here's the thing, the joke wasn't hyperbole. It was practically a weather report. The
- [Boo Jack’s Chick-N-Sack Nears Opening on Jackson Avenue](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/boo-jacks-chick-n-sack-nears-opening-on-jackson-avenue/): James “Boo” Jackson has spent a good chunk of his life being known as the basketball guy. “People used to say ‘Oh, I know you from college or this team or that team,” says the 6'9" former pro basketball player. “Now it’s ‘Oh, I know you, you’re the chicken guy.’” Jackson is giving me a
- [Berry Social Joins a Full House at Covenant Health Park](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/berry-social-joins-a-full-house-at-covenant-health-park/): Berry Social officially opened Friday at 122 Stadium Way, at the base of The Delaney just outside the west entrance of Covenant Health Park. There are açaí bowls with fresh toppings, smoothies and a mural of the Knoxville skyline in which the Sunsphere is, naturally, an açaí berry. Açaí was a staple of my diet
- [What Happens to a Storefront When the Sun Sets at Five](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/what-happens-to-a-storefront-when-the-sun-sets-at-five/): Image Source: Unsplash by Jon Tyson Clocks fall back on November 1, and downtown loses an hour of evening daylight overnight. By December 5, the earliest sunset of the year here, the sun is gone at 5:22 p.m. A shop opens until seven finishes its last ninety minutes in the dark. A restaurant doing most
- [From Street Festivals to Patios: What Makes Knoxville’s Outdoor Spaces Work](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/from-street-festivals-to-patios-what-makes-knoxvilles-outdoor-spaces-work/): Knoxville’s outdoor life is not confined to traditional parks. Downtown streets become festival venues, restaurant patios extend activity beyond dining rooms, public squares accommodate markets and performances, and small green spaces offer places to stop between destinations. That variety is one of the reasons outdoor spaces can contribute so much to a city. Successful public
- [Big Events Bring Big Crowds - What Knoxville Has to Get Right Behind the Scenes](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/big-events-bring-big-crowds-what-knoxville-has-to-get-right-behind-the-scenes/): When a major festival, concert, parade, or holiday celebration takes over Knoxville, visitors mostly see the finished product. Streets fill with people, vendors start serving food, stages come alive, and familiar downtown spaces suddenly feel completely different. What they do not see is everything required to make those few hours work. Large events put unusual
- [After a Long Knoxville Summer, Your Skin Could Use a Reset](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/after-a-long-knoxville-summer-your-skin-could-use-a-reset/): Knoxville summers ask a lot of your skin. Weeks of heat and humidity, long afternoons outdoors, sunscreen, sweat, makeup, and time spent moving between air-conditioned rooms and hot streets can leave an established skincare routine feeling less effective by the end of the season. Early fall is a natural point to reassess what your skin
- [Hendersonville vs. Nashville: Which Tennessee City Is Better for Your Next Move?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/hendersonville-vs-nashville-which-tennessee-city-is-better-for-your-next-move/): Thinking about relocating to Middle Tennessee and torn between Hendersonville and Nashville? Both offer strong job markets, Southern charm, and access to music and culture, but the day-to-day experience of living in each city is very different. Understanding those differences can help you choose the best fit for your lifestyle and budget. Living in Hendersonville
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: September 6-15](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-september-6-15/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. Sunday,
- [Knoxville's Traveling Trade Crews and the Legal Gap Nobody Talks About](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/knoxvilles-traveling-trade-crews-and-the-legal-gap-nobody-talks-about/): Knoxville is having a moment. Cranes dot the skyline, apartment buildings rise where parking lots used to sit, and new restaurants keep opening downtown. But behind all that growth is a workforce story most people never hear about. A growing number of local electricians, linemen, roofers, and pipefitters aren't just building Knoxville. They're packing up
- [Clarence Brown Theatre Dials Up the Suspense with ‘Dial M for Murder’](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/clarence-brown-theatre-dials-up-the-suspense-with-dial-m-for-murder/): I can’t recall a production in recent Clarence Brown Theatre memory that had an audience so on the edge of its seats as Dial M for Murder, which officially opens tonight. Audiences enjoyed a preview earlier this week, and I was happy to count myself among those getting a first crack at this wickedly fun
- [Why Premier League Betting is Such a Huge Hit Right Now](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/why-premier-league-betting-is-such-a-huge-hit-right-now/): The success of soccer can’t be understated. The sport has always been a hit in Europe. However, over the years it has taken over the whole world. Currently, there are over 3 billion fans of the game around the globe, and the number is growing. Even in the United States, soccer has begun to take
- [The Great Eight: September's Can't-Miss Arts & Culture Events](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/the-great-eight-septembers-cant-miss-arts-culture-events/): “The Eight Great” is our curated list of calendar highlights presented monthly with Hellmouth Magazine, a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to publishing quality cultural commentary. Vol. 2 is out now! Check it out: Website | Instagram Fall is the start of the season in Knoxville … for both football and cultural events. Galas and gaggles
- [Buzzoid for TikTok Followers, Likes & Views: A Buyer's Guide](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/buzzoid-for-tiktok-followers-likes-views-a-buyers-guide/): For a creator sizing up whether to buy TikTok followers, Buzzoid is a legitimate, decade-plus provider delivering followers, likes and views from real, active accounts, with gradual delivery, solid retention and premium pricing as the trade-off. Buzzoid has been in the social media growth business for over a decade, serving more than 100,000 users and
- [Knoxville’s Vegan Chef Challenge Is Back for Round Four](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/knoxvilles-vegan-chef-challenge-is-back-for-round-four/): My sister Emily went vegan when she moved to the Bay Area almost 20 years ago, as one does upon moving to the Bay Area. Ever since, whenever she and her family come visit, I feel determined to prove that we can feed them well. The Tomato Head and Sunspot are the OGs, of course
- [Moving to the Nashville suburbs: 2026 guide](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/moving-to-the-nashville-suburbs-2026-guide/): Nashville's growth keeps spilling into its suburbs, and for good reason. You get more house, stronger schools, and a calmer pace, usually within a 30-minute drive of downtown. If you are planning a 2026 move to the Nashville suburbs, here is what to know about the market, the best areas, and the costs that surprise
- [6 Best Electric Toothbrushes to Use During and After Orthodontic Treatment in 2026](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/6-best-electric-toothbrushes-to-use-during-and-after-orthodontic-treatment-in-2026/): Keeping your teeth clean while wearing aligners or braces is a completely different challenge from regular brushing. Food and bacteria find every small gap they can, and a basic manual toothbrush often falls short. That is where a quality electric toothbrush earns its place in your daily routine, cutting through plaque more consistently and protecting
- [6 Best Apps and Digital Tools to Support Your Braces Treatment in 2025](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/6-best-apps-and-digital-tools-to-support-your-braces-treatment-in-2025/): Getting braces is one thing. Actually staying on top of your treatment, appointments, hygiene habits, and progress photos is a whole different challenge. The good news? There's a growing list of apps and digital tools designed specifically to help braces patients (and their parents) manage every step of the journey with a lot less stress.
- [How to Verify a Moving Company's License and Insurance Before You Book in Tennessee](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/how-to-verify-a-moving-companys-license-and-insurance-before-you-book-in-tennessee/): Almost every moving company website in Tennessee says the same three words somewhere on the homepage: licensed, bonded, insured. The phrase has become so standard that it carries almost no information. It tells you what a company claims about itself, not what any regulator has on file. The useful part is that nearly all of
- [How German Hospitals Compare: Quality, Reputation, and Medical Specialties](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/how-german-hospitals-compare-quality-reputation-and-medical-specialties/): Germany’s healthcare system is often regarded as one of the most reliable in Europe, but the reasons for that reliability are not always visible from a mere list of hospital names. Patients want to know: What makes a good hospital? Why do some clinics get better reputations? And how do the medical specialties vary from
- [Refresh Your Look With a Modern Wig Style](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/refresh-your-look-with-a-modern-wig-style/): A simple way to freshen up your appearance is to change your hairstyle. You may want a completely different look, or you may simply want extra length, volume, or texture. A wig makes these changes easier without requiring a permanent haircut or chemical treatment. Today, wigs are available in many styles, lengths, colours, and textures.
- [Photo Essay: Knox Asian Festival in Full Color](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/09/photo-essay-knox-asian-festival-in-full-color/): Words by Leslie Bateman; photos by Scott Thompson. It was so hot you could’ve steamed dumplings on the sidewalk at this year’s Knox Asian Festival. But that didn’t deter crowds from pouring into World’s Fair Park on Sunday for one of Knoxville’s biggest and most colorful celebrations of the year. Asian Culture Center of Tennessee’s
- [Why Visual Art Belongs in Your Kid's Weekly Routine](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/why-visual-art-belongs-in-your-kids-weekly-routine/): Here's a number worth sitting with: students at schools with expanded arts access are 20.7 percent less likely to receive a disciplinary infraction than their peers without it. That's not a creativity argument. That's a behavior argument, an academic argument, and honestly, a parenting argument rolled into one stat. Most parents treat art like a
- [Why More Businesses Are Outsourcing Facility Services in 2025](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/why-more-businesses-are-outsourcing-facility-services-in-2025/): Running a business means making a hundred small decisions every week that have nothing to do with your actual product. Water quality checks. Salt delivery scheduling. Freight coordination. Equipment maintenance. These tasks don't generate revenue, but they absolutely destroy it when they go wrong. That's the real engine behind the current wave of facility services
- [In-House vs. Outsourced Digital Ads: What Knoxville Businesses Should Know](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/in-house-vs-outsourced-digital-ads-what-knoxville-businesses-should-know/): Most Knoxville business owners figure out paid advertising the same way: they spend a few hundred dollars on Google Ads, get uneven results, and then wonder whether they need to hire someone full-time or hand it off to an outside team. That question deserves a real answer, not a sales pitch from either side. The
- [From Neon Signs to Phone Screens: How Entertainment Design Catches the Eye](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/from-neon-signs-to-phone-screens-how-entertainment-design-catches-the-eye/): Image source: Unsplash Walk along Gay Street after dark and it is hard to ignore how much work a good sign does. The Tennessee Theatre blade announces itself from down the block. The JFG Coffee sign carries a local story even when the business it advertised is no longer beneath it. Both prove that a
- [25+ Ways to Have Fun & Fund Good This Fall](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/25-ways-to-have-fun-fund-good-this-fall/): I don’t think it’s any secret that I'm pretty fun at a party. But I’ve evolved over the years from, like, lighting couches on fire and throwing them off the roofs of dilapidated houses in Fort Sanders to more civilized varieties of revelry that don’t get the police called. I mean, knock on wood. I
- [5 Apartment Upgrades That Actually Pay You Back](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/5-apartment-upgrades-that-actually-pay-you-back/): Most apartment upgrades bleed money. A fresh coat of paint feels good for about three weeks. New cabinet pulls impress exactly nobody. But a small category of improvements actually changes what a unit is worth, what a renter will pay, and whether they'll stay. The trick is knowing which five belong in that category. This
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: Aug. 30 - Sept. 8](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-aug-30-sept-8/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. Sunday,
- [Why Law Firms Lose Half Their Day Before Billing a Single Hour](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/why-law-firms-lose-half-their-day-before-billing-a-single-hour/): Attorneys billed an average of just 36 hours out of a 48-hour workweek in 2024. That means 12 hours every single week, gone to tasks no client ever sees on an invoice. Multiply that across a mid-size firm of 20 attorneys, and you're looking at an enormous revenue hole that never shows up on anyone's
- [From Sunday Service to Downtown Events: What Should You Wear in Knoxville?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/from-sunday-service-to-downtown-events-what-should-you-wear-in-knoxville/): Knoxville has the kind of social calendar that can take you from a Sunday morning service to brunch, a downtown event, an afternoon around Market Square, or an evening gathering without much time to completely rethink what you are wearing. That makes versatility especially useful when building outfits for the city. The challenge is finding
- [Exhale Yoga & Meditation Finds a Fitting Home in Althea Building](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/exhale-yoga-meditation-finds-a-fitting-home-in-althea-building/): The name "Althea" is carved into the marble outside 501 Clinch Ave., and it's a fitting one for the building’s newest tenant. Althea translates from its original Greek root (althainein) to mean "healer" or "to heal." The downtown building dates to the early 20th century and originally included physicians’ offices. More than a century later,
- [Shopping Knoxville's EV Dealerships](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/shopping-knoxvilles-ev-dealerships/): Knoxville drivers now have several local dealerships promoting electric vehicles across different body styles and price ranges. The options include compact and three-row SUVs, pickups, commercial vans, and daily commuters. That wider selection makes shopping easier to begin, although it also creates more details to compare. The vehicle is one part of the decision. Buyers
- [The Bet Bonus and the Wagering Trap: Where Non GamStop Betting Becomes Tricky](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/the-bet-bonus-and-the-wagering-trap-where-non-gamstop-betting-becomes-tricky/): You all know this route for sure. A joy comes to a person, and he doesn’t even make out that this joy comes with a catch. The commoner enters a bookmaking platform beyond the British muzzle, and there he is met with open arms: a free bet for you, and a deposit bonus, and all
- [Sunset on Central Keeps It Free](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/sunset-on-central-keeps-it-free/): Knox Music Coalition's Sunset on Central returns this Saturday, Aug. 29, from 3 p.m. to midnight. Five Central Street stages at Yee-Haw Brewing Co., Corner Lounge, Next Level Brewing, Schulz Brau and Central Filling Station feature 23 artists and bands. Our friend Rusty Odom of Blank News graciously allowed us to republish his story featuring an
- [Meet Muroran, Knoxville’s Sister City + a Knox Asian Festival Preview](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/meet-muroran-knoxvilles-sister-city-a-knox-asian-festival-preview/): Muroran is a city of steel and saltwater. It juts into the sea from the southern coast of Hokkaido, Japan, where cranes, smokestacks and sprawling steelworks crowd the harbor while, just beyond them, green headlands fall away in sheer cliffs to the Pacific. The enormous white span of Hakucho Bridge arcs across the water. Summers
- [Knoxville Remembers Dolly](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/knoxville-remembers-dolly/): Dolly Parton’s passing yesterday eclipsed everything else. After hearing the news, I headed downtown in a daze. I wanted to be around other people who were feeling the loss, too. I found myself at the Dolly mural in Strong Alley, placing an offering of flowers and a couple seed packets — sunflowers and okra felt
- [Cannabis Flower Grades Explained for First-Time Buyers in Las Vegas](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/cannabis-flower-grades-explained-for-first-time-buyers-in-las-vegas/): Cannabis flower is the dried bud of the plant, sold in jars and bags. It gets smoked, ground, or rolled, and it stays the most common product on any menu. Shops sort that flower into grades, and the grade sets the price. This article explains those grades available in dispensaries in Las Vegas. What Cannabis
- [A Guide to Knoxville's Most Interesting Historic Neighborhoods](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/a-guide-to-knoxvilles-most-interesting-historic-neighborhoods/): Knoxville wears its past out in the open. A river town of fewer than 4,000 people during the Civil War grew into a railroad and manufacturing hub. The housing boom that followed left behind block after block of Victorian porches, Craftsman cottages, and restored warehouses. Much of it still stands, clustered into distinct pockets that
- [A Fall Weekend in the Smokies, Minus the Hotel Search](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/a-fall-weekend-in-the-smokies-minus-the-hotel-search/): Every fall, peak-color weekends put real pressure on lodging around Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, especially for visitors hoping to catch sunrise at an overlook like Clingmans Dome ahead of the crowds. Waiting until the last minute for a room near the park entrance rarely pays off. For Knoxville families who already own or are considering
- [Behind the Tap: What Makes a Draft Beer Setup Work Well](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/behind-the-tap-what-makes-a-draft-beer-setup-work-well/): Knoxville has no shortage of places where gathering over a beer feels like part of the experience. From neighborhood restaurants and breweries to downtown bars and patios, draft beer often seems wonderfully simple from the customer side: choose a beer, watch the bartender pull the tap, and enjoy. Behind that pour, however, is a collection
- [10 AI Software Development Companies Worth Considering in 2026](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/10-ai-software-development-companies-worth-considering-in-2026/): Profiles of 10 AI software development companies worth evaluating in 2026 — covering strengths, delivery models, and the types of projects each handles best
- [Tennessee vs. Kalshi: The Prediction Market Fight Playing Out in Nashville Courts](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/tennessee-vs-kalshi-the-prediction-market-fight-playing-out-in-nashville-courts/): Photo by Isaac Loredo Vargas If you have not heard of Kalshi, you are not alone, but the fight over whether Tennessee can regulate it is already shaping how sports betting works across the state, Knoxville included. What Kalshi Actually Is Kalshi is a New York based prediction market. Users trade contracts on whether a
- [Proving a Traumatic Brain Injury in a Personal Injury Case](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/proving-a-traumatic-brain-injury-in-a-personal-injury-case/): Loss of consciousness and a trip to the emergency room make a brain injury obvious. Plenty of them are not. A person gets rattled in a rear-end collision, feels fine by evening, and turns up four days later with headaches and mood swings and gaps where names used to be. Those cases start with no
- [Average Personal Injury Settlement Amounts for Traumatic Brain Injuries](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/average-personal-injury-settlement-amounts-for-traumatic-brain-injuries/): Among all categories of injuries in the American health care system, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) take the leading spot in terms of price. As per the CDC data, in the year 2020, approximately 214,110 hospitalizations took place. These hospital trips were caused by head injuries but 68,663 people have lost their lives to the same
- [Magnolia Art House Opens Its Doors to Local Creatives](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/magnolia-art-house-opens-its-doors-to-local-creatives/): My dear friend Kristi, a brilliant poet and professor, gently challenged me when she recently overheard me introduce myself as a journalist instead of a writer. “Journalist” isn’t untrue; I’ve been doing this professionally for over 20 years. But it feels safer than “writer,” which is more the thing I am in my heart: someone
- [Why Personal Trainers Are Adding Nutrition Services to Their Business](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/why-personal-trainers-are-adding-nutrition-services-to-their-business/): Trainers who offer only workout programming are leaving money on the table. That's not a bold claim; it's just arithmetic. A client who sees results from exercise but still eats poorly will plateau, get frustrated, and eventually cancel. The ones who stick around long-term are the ones whose nutrition is also dialed in. Trainers who More personal trainers are adding nutrition services to grow revenue and retain clients. Here's what's driving the shift and how to make it work for your business.
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: Aug. 23-Sept. 1](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-aug-23-sept-1/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. Sunday,
- [From Cal Johnson’s Lone Tree Saloon to Today’s Lone Tree Pass](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/from-cal-johnsons-lone-tree-saloon-to-todays-lone-tree-pass/): I recently had an opportunity to tour Lone Tree Pass with Megan Hatcher Rhodes, just as the fences came down and opened the sidewalk at the 200 block of Gay St. that have impeded pedestrian traffic for what feels like two years. Maybe it has? Lone Tree Pass is the newest downtown development by Hatcher-Hill
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: August 16-25](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-august-16-25/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. Sunday,
- [5 Signs Your Product Listings Need a Better Advertising Strategy](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/5-signs-your-product-listings-need-a-better-advertising-strategy/): A product listing can have strong content and quality images, yet still fail to reach the right shoppers. The reason may lie in advertising strategy, keyword targeting, or campaign performance. Recognising these signs helps businesses identify areas that need improvement and understand how professional advertising support can strengthen product visibility and growth. 1. Product Listings
- [How SEO Improves Patient Acquisition for Modern ABA Therapy Practices ](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/how-seo-improves-patient-acquisition-for-modern-aba-therapy-practices/): Families seeking applied behavior analysis services begin with urgent questions and a need for trustworthy guidance. A clinic may provide exceptional care yet remain hard to find when its website does not answer local search needs clearly. Strong visibility helps families discover useful information when they are ready to contact a provider. Effective optimization connects
- [Loot Boxes Beyond Gambling Law: Consumer Protection](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/loot-boxes-beyond-gambling-law-consumer-protection/): A loot box does not need to qualify as gambling to create a legal issue. European consumer law can apply to paid randomized content even when a national gambling framework does not classify the mechanic as a game of chance. This means that the legal assessment can extend to pricing, disclosures, commercial practices and the Loot boxes can raise consumer protection issues beyond gambling law
- [Embassy Suites Plans 2nd Floor Public Balcony Extension + $2.5M Rooftop Event Space](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/embassy-suites-plans-2nd-floor-public-balcony-extension-2-5m-rooftop-event-space/): Pardon me for spamming you with multiple stories today, but our editorial calendar is overbooked and I’ve got a fun bit of news to share. The Embassy Suites by Hilton Knoxville Downtown is planning not only a second-floor balcony extension, as Knox News reported this morning, but also a new $2.5 million rooftop event space.
- [New Old City Passport Makes Exploring (Even More) Rewarding](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/new-old-city-passport-makes-exploring-even-more-rewarding/): The Old City is a ridiculously charming treasure in the downtown landscape: gorgeous old buildings, local businesses and that vintage-urban je ne sais quoi you can’t manufacture from scratch. The year and a half since Covenant Health Park opened has scrambled some of the district’s rhythms but its various stakeholders have all signaled a willingness
- [How AI Video Localization Helps HR Teams Hire Across Borders](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/how-ai-video-localization-helps-hr-teams-hire-across-borders/): AI video localization and AI virtual anchors are transforming international recruitment by letting HR teams create multilingual job ads and employer branding videos in minutes — here's what's changing and why it matters. Recruitment has gone global, but most hiring videos haven't caught up. A well-produced employer branding video in English does nothing for candidates
- [Base Co-Working Space to Open on Broadway](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/07/base-co-working-space-to-open-on-broadway/): Business partners and husband/wife team Juliana Terra and Zhenya Fomin, co-owners of Urbano Construction and Properties Group, purchased a partially utilized building at 828 North Broadway in 2022, re-imagining both the interior and exterior. The building now lights up its spot on Broadway with its multi-colored facade. Apartments have been completed in the rear of
- [A Knoxville Look At Canada's Concentrate Market](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/a-knoxville-look-at-canadas-concentrate-market/): Knoxville pays close attention to how other places run things. We compare road plans, downtown projects, and zoning calls all the time. Canada's legal cannabis market is worth that same curious, outside look. Photo by Pete Willis on Unsplash This is a comparison, not a sales pitch. In Canada, a licensed shop such as premium
- [How Online Tobacco Orders Work Across Canada](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/how-online-tobacco-orders-work-across-canada/): Buying tobacco online is not like ordering a book. The product is age-restricted, so the process carries extra steps. Canada runs one of the clearer versions of that process. Its regulated market shows how careful online ordering can look. Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash The system leans on licensing, age checks, and shipping limits.
- [Four Factors That Decide How Much Ad Valorem Tax You Pay](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/four-factors-that-decide-how-much-ad-valorem-tax-you-pay/): Owning a home or running a business comes with a yearly bill: the property levy. This bill catches plenty of owners off guard. It is not random, though. It does not stay the same for every owner in a neighborhood. Instead, it shifts based on a handful of specific elements that local governments weigh each
- [Five Stages Your Personal Injury Attorney Will Navigate on Your Behalf](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/five-stages-your-personal-injury-attorney-will-navigate-on-your-behalf/): An accident can leave people with questions about medical costs, insurance discussions, and the steps required to seek compensation. Understanding the legal process can make it easier to prepare for the decisions ahead. A personal injury claim requires careful attention to evidence, communication, and legal procedures that can affect the outcome. Many injured individuals rely
- [Breaking Bread, Part III: K Brew Bakery Opens on Broadway (& More!)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/breaking-bread-part-iii-k-brew-bakery-opens-on-broadway-more/): Get bread-y, folks! It took me a hot minute to circle back — development news happens — but I’m finally here with the third and final chapter of our series on Knoxville’s newest local bakeries. After kicking off “Breaking Bread” last week at SoKno Sourdough’s new Sevier Avenue storefront and heading downtown for Part II
- [Kerbela Site Development Might Not Be a Done Deal Yet](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/kerbela-site-development-might-not-be-a-done-deal-yet/): After four trips before the Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission, Birmingham-based developer CR Endeavors finally won approval — by the skin of its teeth — on Thursday for its proposed 217-unit redevelopment of the Kerbela Temple site. But! Hold your horses. An appeal could be coming to City Council. More on that in a bit, IF
- [How The Fast Fire Watch Company Protects Businesses from Fines and Property Loss](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/how-the-fast-fire-watch-company-protects-businesses-from-fines-and-property-loss/): When an automatic fire alarm system goes down, a sprinkler riser bursts, or emergency maintenance forces a system offline, commercial facility managers suddenly face two problems at once: steep regulatory penalties and the risk of serious property damage. Municipal fire marshals don't hand out grace periods for broken life-safety systems. If manual compensatory measures aren't
- [AJ Building Developer Says Work Could Begin Next Month](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/aj-building-developer-says-work-could-begin-next-month-2/): Few downtown buildings have spent more time in Knoxville’s collective “any day now” file than the Andrew Johnson Building. The historic Gay Street landmark has been slated for redevelopment for years, with plans revised, deadlines extended and progress largely invisible from the sidewalk. We last reported on it in October 2025. At the time, the
- [6 Best Business Brokers in the USA](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/6-best-business-brokers-in-the-usa/): Planning to sell your business, or thinking of buying one? Then you’ll need to work with a business broker. Just as people buying/selling a property work with a real estate agent, business brokers help to make the entire process run more smoothly. They can manage the valuation, marketing, vetting, due diligence, and closing, ensuring that
- [Breaking Bread, Part II: KoPita Bakery Honors Three Generations of Family Tradition](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/breaking-bread-part-ii-kopita-bakery-honors-three-generations-of-family-tradition/): It’s a beautiful thing to wake up one morning with full commitment to one thing and one thing only: dialing in a pleasant three-part series about bread. Is there other important news out there probably breaking as we speak? Absolutely. But it’s mid-August and I am hot. I am tired. Perhaps Mercury is in retrograde,
- [Is BTCC Copy Trading Actually Passive Income? An Honest Look at How It Works](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/is-btcc-copy-trading-actually-passive-income-an-honest-look-at-how-it-works/): The promise of digital asset markets has always been wrapped in the dream of passive income. Whether through yield farming and staking or automated bot trading, there is always a need for methods that allow for profit while an investor sleeps. One of such means is copy trading which has become quite popular especially among
- [Industrial Automation Suppliers You Don't Want To Miss In 2026](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/industrial-automation-suppliers-you-dont-want-to-miss-in-2026/): Industrial automation is no longer simply about keeping production lines moving. As manufacturers look for greater efficiency, reduced downtime, and smarter ways to manage increasingly complex operations, automation technology is becoming an increasingly important part of modern industry. From PLCs and control systems to sensors, robotics, and industrial software, the companies operating here provide the
- [Contract Software Features That Help Legal Teams Save Time](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/contract-software-features-that-help-legal-teams-save-time/): A legal team may face several contract requests at once, each with different deadlines, reviewers, and approval steps. Clear software features help organize this workload without disrupting daily legal priorities. The right tools also reduce routine administrative effort across the contract process. The best contract lifecycle management software brings drafting, review, approval, signing, and post-signature
- [Network Fees and Payouts: What Affects Your Crypto Withdrawal](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/network-fees-and-payouts-what-affects-your-crypto-withdrawal/): Crypto withdrawals look simple on the surface. You enter an amount, hit confirm, and wait. But the gap between "pending" and "received" can stretch from seconds to hours, and the fee you pay swings wildly depending on factors most sites never bother explaining upfront. Knowing what drives those costs and delays puts you in a
- [CBD Product Selection Tips For Dispensaries And Wellness Centers](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/cbd-product-selection-tips-for-dispensaries-and-wellness-centers/): Customers commonly walk into dispensaries and wellness centers with specific needs, but limited product knowledge. They may ask about product types, ingredients, test results, or everyday wellness use. A clear selection process helps businesses stock CBD products that support informed customer decisions. When buying wholesale cbd products, business owners should evaluate suppliers based on product
- [Eat Your Way Around the World in Knoxville This Month](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/eat-your-way-around-the-world-in-knoxville-this-month/): Knoxville is about to embark on a month-long international food and culture crawl, no passport required. Beginning this weekend and stretching into mid-September, a veritable United Nations of events is headed our way: Irish Fest on the Hill (Aug. 8), St. Cugino Day (Aug. 9), European Culture Festival (Aug. 16), GermanFest (Aug. 22), Ciao Knox
- [Breaking Bread, Part I: SoKno Sourdough Opens Storefront ](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/breaking-bread-part-i-sokno-sourdough-opens-storefront/): Life is short, and fresh-baked bread is one of its great pleasures. One of the few hills I’ll die on is that there’s simply no reason to settle for bad bread, the sort with zero personality that seems to have achieved immortality on grocery store shelves. What are they putting in that stuff, anyway? Fortunately,
- [One-Way or Another: A Proposed Change for Union Avenue](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/one-way-or-another-a-proposed-change-for-union-avenue/): The City of Knoxville is considering converting the 500 block of Union Avenue from two-way to one-way traffic, a relatively simple change on paper: some paint, signs and a rearrangement of curbside space. Inside the lobby of The Pembroke yesterday evening, it did not feel simple at all. About 25 residents and nearby stakeholders spent
- [Everything Has Changed and the Changes Have Just Begun](https://insideofknoxville.com/2020/03/everything-has-changed-and-the-changes-have-just-begun/): We're all watching the reports as the numbers of sick Americans increase daily. The official number of Americans infected with COVID-19 was reported to be just over 1,600 on Friday and by last night, two days later, the number was reported to have crossed the 3,000 mark and deaths to have crossed sixty. The numbers
- [How To Get Out of Debt with Bad Credit](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/how-to-get-out-of-debt-with-bad-credit/): You don’t have to feel trapped by past mistakes. When you face multiple balances and a low score, the first step is to get a clear picture of what you owe and how money moves through your month. That clarity helps you spot where to cut costs, which accounts charge the most interest, and which
- [The Perfect One-Day Walking Route Through Downtown Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/the-perfect-one-day-walking-route-through-downtown-knoxville/): If you want to actually see downtown, you can't spend 15 minutes there. It's small, sure, and it doesn't take long to walk from one end to the other, but that's just going from point A to point B. You can't appreciate anything it has to offer if you go about it this way. If
- [Between the Tent and the Hotel: Knoxville’s Missing Middle for Outdoor Stays](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/between-the-tent-and-the-hotel-knoxvilles-missing-middle-for-outdoor-stays/): On a good Knoxville morning, you can pick up coffee downtown, cross the river, and be under a canopy of trees before the city has really settled into the day. That easy shift from urban to outdoor life has become one of Knoxville’s defining strengths. South Knoxville, in particular, keeps drawing cyclists, hikers, families, and
- [The Best AI Glasses Right Now: A Complete Review of Four Top Options](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/the-best-ai-glasses-right-now-a-complete-review-of-four-top-options/): AI glasses have moved from prototype to mainstream faster than most people expected. Where the category once meant a single awkward product from Google, it now spans performance-grade sport frames, lifestyle-oriented everyday wear, and a growing retail infrastructure built to support it. If you are trying to figure out which AI glasses are worth your
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: August 9-18](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-august-9-18/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. Sunday,
- [Understanding the Real Cost of Prescription Care](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/understanding-the-real-cost-of-prescription-care/): Navigating pharmacy receipts often feels like solving a complex mystery. Cash prices, copays, and multi-layered insurance rules create constant financial confusion for households every single month. Understanding true out-of-pocket expenses requires looking past the initial sticker price on the medication package. Clear information helps patients make smart financial choices before reaching the pharmacy counter. Photo
- [How to Choose an Orthodontist and Understand Treatment](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/how-to-choose-an-orthodontist-and-understand-treatment/): A confident smile often starts with the right orthodontist. Straight teeth also make brushing and flossing easier. Yet picking a provider can feel confusing at first. This guide breaks the choice into clear, simple steps. Photo by Diana Polekhina on Unsplash Alt text: An adult woman comparing clear aligner trays with a metal braces model
- [Paws What You’re Doing: It’s Election Day!](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/paws-what-youre-doing-its-election-day/): In lieu of today’s regularly scheduled programming, we’re issuing a gentle but fur-m civic reminder: It's Election Day in Knox County! Today’s story is democracy. The cat meme is merely here to lure you in, as cats have lured humans into doing their bidding since the dawn of civilization. Perhaps you early voted (good kitteh
- [Ground Broken on 144-Unit MAC on Fifth Development](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/ground-broken-on-144-unit-mac-on-fifth-development/): Ground was officially broken this morning for MAC on Fifth, a five-story, 144-unit mixed-use development planned for the former MAC Auto Loans property at 200 W. Fifth Ave. The project lands in a corridor that has long felt like a missing tooth between downtown and the growing energy around Emory Place, Broadway and Central. The
- [What Is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in Denver?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/what-is-the-statute-of-limitations-for-personal-injury-claims-in-denver/): Time is one of the most important factors after an accident because legal deadlines can affect the right to pursue compensation. Many people focus on medical treatment and insurance paperwork, only to discover later that filing deadlines also apply to personal injury lawsuits. In Denver, personal injury claims generally follow Colorado's statewide statute of limitations,
- [Signs Your Middle Tennessee Crawlspace Needs Professional Attention](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/signs-your-middle-tennessee-crawlspace-needs-professional-attention/): A crawlspace is one of those parts of a home most people never think about until something's gone visibly wrong, and in Middle and East Tennessee, the region's heavy rainfall, acidic clay soils, and humid climate mean crawlspace problems tend to develop steadily rather than suddenly. Knowing the early signs helps you address moisture issues
- [How Lawyers Can Help When A Co-Owner Refuses To Sell Property](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/how-lawyers-can-help-when-a-co-owner-refuses-to-sell-property/): Shared property can create tension when one owner wants to sell, and another wants to keep the asset. Family ties, financial plans, or personal attachments may influence each owner’s position. A lawyer can clarify the available legal options and protect the owner’s share. A common question is ‘what is a partition action and how does
- [A Business Owner's Guide to White Collar Crime](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/a-business-owners-guide-to-white-collar-crime/): Knoxville's downtown business scene is thriving, with new ventures opening across the city. Growth is exciting, but it also brings risks that founders rarely plan for, and white collar crime is high on that list. Understanding these threats helps any owner protect the company they have worked so hard to build. Photo by Amina Atar
- [Sights, Sounds & Smells From Kuumba Festival's Return to Chilhowee Park](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/sights-sounds-smells-from-kuumba-festivals-return-to-chilhowee-park/): I can't think of many local festivals with more seniority than 37-years-young Kuumba Festival, aside from Dogwood Arts Festival (founded in 1961) and Knoxville Greek Fest (1977). Perhaps the Tennessee Valley Fair and the City's Fourth of July celebration, if those count. Of course, such decisive historical proclamations make me nervous, so correct me in
- [5 Top Staffing Agencies for Small Businesses in Houston; Reviewed](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/5-top-staffing-agencies-for-small-businesses-in-houston-reviewed/): Image Credit: Austin Distel from Unsplash. Hiring talented employees in Houston has never been more competitive because of how saturated the job market is. But, this doesn’t need to mean it has to be a time-intensive or resource-heavy process. Working with the best staffing agencies for small businesses in Houston makes it a lot more
- [Dine & Drink Out to Support Nourish Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/dine-drink-out-to-support-nourish-knoxville/): Foodie alert! It's Restaurant Week 2026. Thirty of our favorite local purveyors of food and drink are plating up specially crafted menu items today through Sunday, Aug. 9, with 20% of the proceeds donated to Nourish Knoxville. Chefs will create a new menu item or feature an existing dish showcasing ingredients grown within a 150-mile radius
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: August 2-11](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-august-2-11/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. Sunday,
- [The Eight Great: August's Can't-Miss Arts & Culture Events](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/08/the-eight-great-augusts-cant-miss-arts-culture-events/): “The Eight Great” is our curated list of calendar highlights presented monthly with Hellmouth Magazine, a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to publishing quality cultural commentary. Vol. 2 is out now! Check it out: Website | Instagram Music and performance abound in August. With an expanse of cultural and historical immersion, Knoxville’s offerings this month promise
- [Why Offline Playback Matters When Choosing Digital Signage Software](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/why-offline-playback-matters-when-choosing-digital-signage-software/): A single internet outage can leave important messages unavailable at the moment people need them most. Digital signage is expected to provide timely information for customers, employees, and visitors throughout the day. Software with offline playback helps organizations keep screens active even when connectivity changes unexpectedly. That is why the best digital signage software includes
- [Just Exactly What Is Inside That Masonic Temple?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/just-exactly-what-is-inside-that-masonic-temple-2/): A city demolition permit is pending for the Masonic Temple at 505 Locust St., a somewhat tattered piece of downtown history whose story dates back to 1872. Since 1916 it has served as Oriental Lodge #453 for the fraternal organization, which owns the building and met there regularly until earlier this year. The structure is
- [Why Roof Decking Inspection Matters During Replacement in Jefferson](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/why-roof-decking-inspection-matters-during-replacement-in-jefferson/): A roof replacement reveals structural parts that shingles normally conceal. The roof deck forms the firm base beneath the underlayment and the outer material. Its condition can affect strength, moisture control, fastener hold, and the life of the new system. Reliable roof replacement services in Jefferson should include a close deck review after old materials
- [Knoxville’s Tech Moment Has Arrived. Now What? ](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/knoxvilles-tech-moment-has-arrived-now-what/): Knoxville has a world-class national laboratory just up the road, a flagship research university in its backyard, one of the nation’s largest public power providers, companies doing cutting-edge work, and a startup scene that has gone from plucky to legit. So, are we a technology hub yet? The Knoxville Technology Council’s answer is essentially: We
- [How to Choose the Right Rental Car for Your Trip](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/how-to-choose-the-right-rental-car-for-your-trip/): Booking a rental car should be the easy part of any trip. Yet the choice of vehicle shapes almost everything that follows. The right car keeps a long drive relaxed. The wrong one turns a good plan into a cramped, costly slog. Photo by Obi on Unsplash Smart travelers match the car to the journey,
- [The Art of Effortless Travel: Tips for Urban Exploration](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/the-art-of-effortless-travel-tips-for-urban-exploration/): Image Credit: Unsplash Exploring a new city is super exciting! You get to dive into a different culture, try amazing food, and see all those famous sights. But city travel can also throw some curveballs, like crowded subways or just lugging your bags everywhere. A little bit of planning can really turn your trip from
- [Wells Station BBQ Is Putting Down Roots & Elevating Its Game in North Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/wells-station-bbq-is-putting-down-roots-elevating-its-game-in-north-knoxville/): Last week, we shared the smokin’ hot news that Marcus Stokely, owner and pitmaster of the popular Wells Station BBQ food truck, is planning a brick-and-mortar restaurant. The location: 1617 N. Central St. next to Mid Mod Collective and Wild Love Bakehouse, just north of Happy Holler. Wells Station has built a devoted following through
- [Why More Knoxville Residents Are Choosing Moped Style Electric Bikes for Everyday Life](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/why-more-knoxville-residents-are-choosing-moped-style-electric-bikes-for-everyday-life/): There was a time when seeing someone ride an electric bike through downtown Knoxville felt like a novelty. Today, it's becoming part of the city's everyday rhythm. On any pleasant morning, it's not unusual to spot people gliding past Market Square on their way to work, taking a leisurely ride along the Tennessee River, or
- [Passenger Rights After a Commercial Vehicle Accident](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/passenger-rights-after-a-commercial-vehicle-accident/): Passengers who are involved in commercial vehicle crashes have much stronger cases than it may seem and may be able to recover more than what a typical motor accident compensation would cover. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 153,452 people were injured in crashes involving large trucks in 2023. Seventy percent
- [Can a Wife Receive Alimony After Filing for Divorce?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/can-a-wife-receive-alimony-after-filing-for-divorce/): In the year 2024, the number of women who got divorced in the United States was 986,810, as per the National Center for Family & Marriage Research’s analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey data. This figure reflects a decline in numbers in comparison to 992,677 in the previous year. Divorce matters almost
- [Warning Signs of Hidden Pest Activity Inside Homes in Eastvale](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/warning-signs-of-hidden-pest-activity-inside-homes-in-eastvale/): A quiet scratching sound behind a wall or unexplained debris near a cabinet can signal pest activity inside a home in Eastvale. These subtle clues may appear before pests become visible in living areas. Recognizing them early helps protect structural materials, stored items, and frequently used spaces. Homeowners in Eastvale may encounter ants, spiders, rodents,
- [Importance of Using Corrugated Coffee Sleeves for Branded Beverage Businesses](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/importance-of-using-corrugated-coffee-sleeves-for-branded-beverage-businesses/): A memorable customer experience depends on more than the quality of a beverage. Every element that accompanies a drink contributes to how a brand is perceived and remembered. Beverage businesses that pay attention to packaging details create stronger connections with customers and present a more polished image. Coffee shops, cafés, food trucks, and catering services
- [How Does an Over Barrel Suppressor Improve Rifle Balance](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/how-does-an-over-barrel-suppressor-improve-rifle-balance/): A suppressor can change how a rifle feels because its weight and position affect overall handling. When the full unit sits beyond the muzzle, more length and mass extend from the front of the firearm. An over-barrel design uses a different layout by placing part of the suppressor back around the barrel. This arrangement reduces
- [Significance of AI for Smarter and More Reliable Counter-Drone Technology ](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/significance-of-ai-for-smarter-and-more-reliable-counter-drone-technology/): Drones support inspection, mapping, emergency response, and infrastructure maintenance, yet unauthorized aircraft can endanger airports, military sites, public venues, and critical facilities. Security teams need more than a basic alert because a rapid aircraft can cross a protected perimeter within seconds. Reliable protection requires accurate detection, confident identification, continuous tracking, and a response suited to
- [Financial Habits Every New Knoxville Business Should Build From Day One](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/financial-habits-every-new-knoxville-business-should-build-from-day-one/): Starting a new venture in Knoxville brings an incredible mix of excitement and nervous energy. You have the vision, the drive, and a deep connection to our local community. But beneath the surface of launch parties and client meetings lies the actual engine of your business: your finances. Building healthy financial habits from day one
- [Adult Game Night Ideas for a Better Night In](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/adult-game-night-ideas-for-a-better-night-in/): Getting a group of adults into the same room can feel like a minor scheduling miracle. Work runs late, calendars fill quickly, and even a casual gathering may require several rounds of messages before everyone agrees on a date. Once your guests arrive, however, the evening should feel easy. The best adult game night ideas Discover adult game night ideas for every group, including party games, trivia, finger foods, themes, prizes, and tips for hosting a memorable night.
- [Myrtle’s Chicken + Beer Closure Explained; Yassin’s Announces Grand Reopening Celebration](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/myrtles-chicken-beer-closure-explained-yassins-announces-grand-reopening-celebration/): I had planned for the return of Yassin’s Falafel House to its original location to be today’s feel-good story. Then we learned Market Square restaurant Myrtle’s Chicken + Beer had closed, a reminder that the downtown restaurant gods giveth and taketh away. Glenn Kirtley owns Myrtle’s as well as Not Watson's Kitchen + Bar next
- [Reporting Live from the Uneventful Rollout of Market Square’s DORA Pilot Program](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/reporting-live-from-the-uneventful-rollout-of-market-squares-dora-pilot-program/): As of last Friday, you can openly drink beer anywhere on Market Square without so much as a furtive glance over your shoulder. A pilot program has made Market Square a temporary Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), meaning customers of participating businesses may now take their drinks for a little stroll from 10 a.m. to
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: July 26-Aug. 4](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-july-26-aug-4/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. Sunday,
- [Geek Spaces of Knoxville: The Comic Book Shops](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/geek-spaces-of-knoxville-the-comic-book-shops/): Spinning off from our Urban Outposts series, this shorter series, rather than our normal geographic lens, will focus thematically on fandom-based businesses. Knoxville definitively punches above its weight in the “geek spaces” arena (geek is currently the accepted name among fans). For this article, I am exploring one of Knoxville's strongest aspects of fandom businesses:
- [Knoxville Girls Rock Camp Cranks It Back Up](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/knoxville-girls-rock-camp-makes-its-comeback/): The conversation that finally brought Knoxville Girls Rock Camp back wasn’t about music. It was about a storage unit. For years, Mabry-Hazen House had generously partnered with the camp by providing storage space for its instruments and equipment. When that space was eventually needed for the museum’s own programming, everything moved into a storage unit.
- [Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Subsonic 9mm](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/common-mistakes-to-avoid-when-buying-subsonic-9mm/): A careful ammunition purchase starts with clear expectations about performance, quantity, and intended use. Product pages may appear simple, yet several details can shape the final choice. Buyers who review each factor can avoid confusion and select a load that suits their needs. Subsonic options differ in projectile profile, firearm compatibility, package size, and product
- [Smart Budgeting Tips for Managing Travel Insurance Costs Wisely](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/smart-budgeting-tips-for-managing-travel-insurance-costs-wisely/): Unexpected travel changes can quickly turn exciting vacation plans into stressful financial setbacks. Medical emergencies, canceled flights, or lost baggage may create expenses that disrupt carefully planned trip budgets. However, reliable monetary protection offers valuable financial support and helps restore confidence before every planned journey begins. A clear understanding of travel insurance cost helps tourists
- [10 Best Free 60 Minute Chat Line Numbers in the US](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/10-best-free-60-minute-chat-line-numbers-in-the-us/): Phone chat lines have quietly outlasted almost every dating trend of the last two decades because they are simple to use: you call a number, record a short greeting, and start talking to real people in your area within minutes. The catch is that not every chat line advertising "free minutes" delivers them. Some bury
- [Digital Payment Hygiene: How Small Businesses Can Limit Unnecessary Wallet Exposure](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/digital-payment-hygiene-how-small-businesses-can-limit-unnecessary-wallet-exposure/): Initiating a crypto payment may take less than a minute. The sender copies an address, checks the network and confirms the transaction. Final confirmation can take longer, depending on the network and current conditions. What follows is less visible to the people involved. The payment becomes part of a public record that may remain available
- [Much Ado in North Knox: Businesses Incoming Along Broadway & Central](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/much-ado-in-north-knox-businesses-incoming-along-broadway-central/): Last week I was pleased to share some happy news from Happy Holler as the new flower shop/cocktail bar Stem To Stem officially opened in the former Raven Records space. A couple weeks before that, I reported on the sale of historic Greenlee’s Bike Shop properties. Today, like a hoardy little squirrel with her tiny
- [911 Calls from Broadway's Mission District Have Dropped 32%. Why?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/911-calls-in-broadways-mission-district-have-dropped-32-why/): It's not unusual to see an ambulance parked along the stretch of Broadway around the I-40 overpass, lights flashing. It's one of those scenes that has become part of the downtown landscape, though no less sobering for its familiarity. The “Mission District,” home to Knox Area Rescue Ministries, The Salvation Army and a concentration of
- [How to Strengthen a Concrete Bridge?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/how-to-strengthen-a-concrete-bridge/): Across the country, concrete bridges carry far more traffic than their original designers ever planned for, and many have been in service for decades. Strengthening restores lost capacity and extends a bridge's service life, often at a fraction of the cost and disruption of full replacement. This guide explains why concrete bridges lose strength, how
- [Practical Solutions for Websites That Are Difficult to Update in Utah](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/practical-solutions-for-websites-that-are-difficult-to-update-in-utah/): A website should make routine updates simple instead of creating unnecessary delays for every small change. Businesses in Utah can lose valuable time when outdated platforms, confusing layouts, or inefficient site structures make content management difficult. Addressing these issues helps maintain accurate information, improves user experience, and supports long-term website performance. A professional Utah web
- [Employment Law Claims and Worker Rights](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/employment-law-claims-and-worker-rights/): About $700 million has been returned to more than 21,000 victims of employment discrimination by the EEOC using the methods of mediation, conciliation, and litigation in FY 2024. This figure is an indication of the settlement of justice and the gains associated with the pursuit of workers’ rights. Most workers know they have rights. Few
- [Regulated Gaming - What's Next for Tennessee](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/regulated-gaming-whats-next-for-tennessee/): Gaming in Tennessee has never stood still for long, and 2026 is proving to be another important year. While the state has maintained a cautious approach for many years, recent developments indicate that lawmakers continue to shape how residents can legally participate in gaming activities. From sports betting to new restrictions on unregulated platforms, Tennessee's
- [What Experienced Patients Wish They Knew Before Their First Purchase in Tallahassee](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/what-experienced-patients-wish-they-knew-before-their-first-purchase-in-tallahassee/): Walking into a medical cannabis dispensary for the first time can feel unfamiliar. New patients are introduced to Florida's medical cannabis program, physician recommendations, documentation requirements, and product information in a single visit. Looking back, experienced patients rarely say they wish they had purchased something different. Instead, they usually wish they had understood the process
- [Ways Experienced Attorneys Challenge Defenses in Rear-End Collisions ](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/ways-experienced-attorneys-challenge-defenses-in-rear-end-collisions/): Rear-end crashes frequently appear simple from the outside, yet disputes surrounding liability can become surprisingly complicated after an insurance claim begins. Questions about driver conduct, injury severity, and financial losses may emerge even when the impact sequence seems obvious. Strong legal preparation helps injured drivers respond to these arguments with credible evidence and clear documentation.
- [The Best Conversations With Kids Rarely Happen Around Homework](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/the-best-conversations-with-kids-rarely-happen-around-homework/): A few months ago, I caught myself doing something I never imagined I would. It was one of those rushed weekday mornings when every sentence seemed to begin with a reminder. Have you brushed your teeth? Where's your jumper? Don't forget your reading book. I was so focused on getting everyone out of the house
- [Best Sports Betting Sites in USA: Expert Selection of Bookmakers in Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/best-sports-betting-sites-in-usa-expert-selection-of-bookmakers-in-knoxville/): In a few weeks the sidewalks along Cumberland will be shoulder to shoulder again, Covenant Health Park will be into the closing stretch of the Smokies’ season, and the orange will be back out in force. Something else about a Knoxville game day has changed over the past six years, and it is easy to Tennessee is the country's only online-only betting state. Which bookmakers are licensed for sports betting in Knoxville, and how to compare them.
- [Maximizing Storage: Tips for Organizing Your Home](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/maximizing-storage-tips-for-organizing-your-home/): Clutter often fills modern living spaces much faster than busy families can manage on a daily basis. Finding a proper, permanent spot for every single household item keeps rooms tidy and reduces daily stress levels significantly for everyone. Smart choices turn chaotic rooms into neat, highly functional areas. Simple adjustments create extra room without expanding
- [Home Innovations That Support a Busy Lifestyle](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/home-innovations-that-support-a-busy-lifestyle/): Managing a packed daily calendar leaves little room for time-consuming household chores. Modern home upgrades help maintain a clean space without swallowing precious free hours. Innovative tools handle repetitive domestic tasks automatically. Investing in smart home devices helps busy families regain control over daily schedules. Smart Yard Care Solutions Maintaining an attractive yard requires consistent
- [Ways a Homestead Exemption Can Influence Property Tax Savings in Texas](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/ways-a-homestead-exemption-can-influence-property-tax-savings-in-texas/): A Texas homestead exemption can lower the taxable value assigned to a qualified primary residence. The savings appear through school district relief, local exemptions, and limits tied to appraised value. Because tax rates differ by area, the final benefit can vary across counties and cities. Homeowners who ask “How much is homestead exemption in Texas?”
- [Ghost Walking the Streets of Knoxville: Staub’s Opera House & the Colonial Hotel on the 800 Block of Gay](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/ghost-walking-the-streets-of-knoxville-staubs-opera-house-the-colonial-hotel-on-the-800-block-of-gay/): If one had the opportunity to travel back in time, anytime in Knoxville’s history, and choose a particularly memorable day, you may not go far wrong in selecting Tuesday, October 1, 1872. The occasion: the grand opening of Staub’s Opera House on Gay Street. A close second might be the opening day of the Appalachian
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: July 19-28](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-july-19-28/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [How Can Older Neighbors Stay Independent Downtown?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/aging-in-place-downtown-knoxville-insideofknoxville-com/): Downtown Knoxville looks different every year. New apartments, restored storefronts, and busier sidewalks are drawing people of all ages back to the city core. Many of them are older adults who have lived here for decades and simply want to stay. Staying put takes more than affection for a place. It also takes a safety
- [How Engineers Assess a Quonset Build for Heavy Snow Loads](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/how-engineers-assess-a-quonset-build-for-heavy-snow-loads/): Winter storms place tremendous pressure upon steel structures located near remote agricultural properties. Property owners expect durable roofs that resist dangerous snow accumulation during brutal seasonal weather conditions. Engineers inspect structural details carefully before approval reaches contractors responsible for large steel construction projects. Secure foundations protect arches from movement during severe winter storms, affecting isolated
- [How to Know Whether Your Property Taxes Are Too High](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/how-to-know-whether-your-property-taxes-are-too-high/): A higher property tax bill can be frustrating, especially when the property has remained largely unchanged throughout the year. Many owners assume the assessment is accurate and pay the bill without reviewing the details. That decision could result in paying more taxes than necessary if the valuation contains errors or exceeds market value. Many homeowners
- [Stem To Stem Opens in Happy Holler, Pairing Flowers & Cocktails](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/stem-to-stem-opens-in-happy-holler-pairing-flowers-cocktails/): At certain times of day, the new disco ball hanging above the entrance to Stem To Stem turns Happy Holler into its own tiny light show. Sunlight catches the mirrored facets, scattering flecks of rose-gold through the front windows, across the jewel-toned interior and even into passing cars on N. Central Street. It feels like
- [20 Years After the Raid, Scott West Releases ‘Smoke Rings: A Scruffy City Novel’](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/20-years-after-the-raid-scott-west-releases-smoke-rings/): Twenty years ago this morning—July 16, 2006—I was sitting on the wall beside Tomato Head, trying not to cry as the love of my life and I broke up. As we stared at the bricks and said all the painful things that come with ending a relationship, a steady procession of federal agents filed through
- [Common Online Casino Terms That You Should Know Before Gambling](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/common-online-casino-terms-that-you-should-know-before-gambling/): The growing popularity of online casinos has been felt throughout the internet. In truth, it doesn’t end there. Online casinos have had an effect on land-based markets as well, influencing sports, for example. Understandably, that has led more people to joining the industry. Which means that there are a lot of newbies who don’t know
- [The Art of Looking: ‘Reflection: Between Surface & Self’ Opens Friday at Lilienthal Gallery](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/the-art-of-looking-reflection-between-surface-and-self-opens-friday-at-lilienthal-gallery/): What if a mirror wasn't interested in telling you the truth? That question lies at the heart of Reflection: Between Surface and Self, a new exhibition opening this Friday, July 17, at Lilienthal Gallery. Featuring work by Jimmy O'Neal and Martin C. Herbst, the exhibition explores what happens when mirrors intentionally deceive, bending and refracting
- [Can Your License Be Suspended After a DWI Arrest?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/can-your-license-be-suspended-after-a-dwi-arrest/): The difficulties of combating drunk driving are the most critical problem for public security in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported a total of 11,904 road casualties involving drivers under the influence of alcohol in 2024. This number is equivalent to almost 30% of all road accident fatalities. Driving after drinking
- [Who Is Liable in a Bicycle Accident?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/who-is-liable-in-a-bicycle-accident/): The establishment of several designated biking areas did little to lower the concerns of the public over bike safety in the US. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has revealed that the use of bicycles is 1% of the entire population. According to the CDC, nearly 1,000 bicyclists can die to motor vehicle accidents
- [How to Prevent Vibration Damage to Buildings](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/how-to-prevent-vibration-damage-to-buildings/): Construction, demolition, blasting, and heavy equipment all send ground-borne vibrations into nearby structures. Those waves can crack plaster, loosen finishes, and, in severe cases, disturb foundations and structural elements. Preventing that damage depends on understanding where vibrations come from, measuring them accurately, and acting before they exceed safe limits. This guide walks through the causes,
- [How to Choose a Rear Delt Machine?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/how-to-choose-a-rear-delt-machine/): Strong rear deltoids do more than round out a physique. They stabilize the shoulder joint, support better posture, and balance the heavy pressing that dominates most training programs. Yet the rear delts stay underdeveloped for many lifters, because free weights rarely isolate them well. This guide explains what the rear delts do, what a rear
- [Care Tips for Tropical Blooms to Extend Their Vibrant Life](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/care-tips-for-tropical-blooms-to-extend-their-vibrant-life/): You spend time picking a beautiful flower gift, only to watch it lose its fresh look far too soon. That can feel disappointing, especially when the bouquet was meant to make someone's special day even happier. A thoughtful gift deserves to stay bright and beautiful long enough for every moment to feel memorable. Professional flower
- [How Philanthropic Leadership Can Strengthen Local Communities](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/how-philanthropic-leadership-can-strengthen-local-communities/): Communities face challenges that cannot always be solved through government programs or short-term donations. Schools may need better resources, nonprofit organizations may struggle with limited funding, and neighborhoods may lack opportunities that help people thrive. Lasting improvements usually require thoughtful leadership that brings people together around a common purpose. Philanthropic leadership focuses on creating long-term
- [Whose Comedy Scene Is It Anyway? + The Hoot in the Holler Comedy Festival](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/whose-comedy-scene-is-it-anyways-the-hoot-in-the-holler-comedy-festival/): Throughout my exploration of the comedy scene in Knoxville, I've observed that many stand-up or improv shows begin with a question. For the second half of this series on comedy in Knoxville, I dove into a couple questions with the promotors. What is the state of comedy in Knoxville in 2026? Is it time for
- [Consequences of White Collar Crime Convictions: Beyond the Prison Sentence](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/consequences-of-white-collar-crime-convictions-beyond-the-prison-sentence/): According to the Department of Justice, white-collar crime costs the US an estimated loss of between $426 billion and $1.7 trillion. White-collar cases usually start from an employee tip rather than a dramatic investigation. According to Amable Law PLLC, these types of crimes do not concern physical violence but rather involve financial deception. A conviction
- [Benefits of Working With a DUI Lawyer](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/benefits-of-working-with-a-dui-lawyer/): 2024 figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that DUI accident deaths caused 11,904 fatalities. These incidents constitute about 30% of the total traffic accident fatalities in the country. Every year, law enforcement arrests more than one million people for DUI, making it one of the most common criminal cases. When law enforcement
- [Did You Hear the One About the Comedy Scene in Knoxville?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/did-you-hear-the-one-about-the-comedy-scene-in-knoxville/): I like to laugh. Most of us do, especially these days. And, honestly, it's just good for you, improving immune response and mood. Recently, I became interested in Knoxville's comedy scene, inspired by a night at the Bored Teachers Comedy Tour (where I'm sure a custodian is still swearing at me for spitting my soft
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: July 12-21](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-july-12-21/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Knoxville Is Growing. Can Primary Care Keep Up?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/knoxville-is-growing-can-primary-care-keep-up/): Knoxville’s growth is visible in new homes and busier roads, but quieter pressure is felt in the places families turn to when someone needs help. As the city expands, primary care must stretch with it. If you’re a Knoxville local, you might feel the two sides of the city’s expansion. There’s the inherent optimism
- [Three Cultural Collaborations We’re Excited About](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/three-cultural-collaborations-were-excited-about/): It's always encouraging to see Knoxville's arts and culture organizations finding ways to work together. A rising tide lifts all boats; collaboration can expand audiences and often produces experiences that wouldn't happen otherwise. Recently, three partnerships were announced that pair established institutions with emerging venues or unexpected spaces. From live music and visual art to
- [How Local Stories Shape the Way We Understand Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/how-local-stories-shape-the-way-we-understand-knoxville/): The Connection Between Community, Curiosity, and Learning A city is more than the streets people drive on or the buildings they pass every day. What gives a place its character are the stories connected to it — the people who built it, the changes it has experienced, and the memories that remain long after a
- [Major New Development Proposed Adjacent to Covenant Health Park (+ Updates on Kerbela Temple & Jonathan’s Grille)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/major-new-development-proposed-adjacent-to-covenant-health-park-updates-on-kerbela-temple-and-jonathans-grille/): A new, large-scale residential development is being proposed adjacent to the east side of Yardley Flats and Covenant Health Park. I took a deep dive into the proposal and discovered the new building will be a major expansion of housing with retail in the Downtown Knoxville Warehouse District. The Design Review Board staff report lists
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: July 5-14](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-july-5-14/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [What Questions Should You Ask Before Closing on an Oceanfront Condo in Myrtle Beach?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/what-questions-should-you-ask-before-closing-on-an-oceanfront-condo-in-myrtle-beach/): Many buyers feel excited after they find a condo near the beach, yet costly surprises can appear after closing. Hidden repair fees, rental restrictions, and storm-related expenses may affect long-term value. Buyers also face confusion about insurance, maintenance rules, and property conditions before signing final papers. Smart questions can prevent expensive mistakes later. People who
- [Vision at Knoxville ‘Really Hoping’ for a Fall Opening](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/vision-at-knoxville-really-hoping-for-a-fall-opening/): The trapezoid-shaped, Brutalist architectural fever dream perched high above the river at 501 E. Hill Ave. is one of those places that seems to fascinate everyone. The lore surrounding it is nearly as distinctive as the architecture itself. Just yesterday I was talking with a friend whose father worked in the top-floor restaurant when the
- [Historic Greenlee's Bike Shop Property Has New Owner](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/historic-greenlees-bike-shop-building-has-new-owner/): As of today the property at 1402 N. Broadway, best known as the longtime home of “Greenlee's Bicycle Hospital,” has a new owner. Buyer Poovindran Pillay already has a stake in the corridor, having last year purchased the commercial building directly across Glenwood Avenue that's home to Mia Piccola, Roots & Releaf, Blossom Bowls, Good
- [Solar CRM vs Project Management Tools: Which to Pick?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/solar-crm-vs-project-management-tools-which-to-pick/): Solar companies run on two very different engines. One closes deals and keeps customers organized, while the other moves jobs from contract to commissioning. A solar CRM and project management tools each own part of that journey, yet most teams struggle to decide where one should stop and the other should start. This guide breaks
- [Holiday Inn Express Opens in Walnut Building + a Sneak Peek Inside Yassin's](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/holiday-inn-express-opens-in-walnut-building-a-sneak-peek-inside-yassins/): The new Holiday Inn Express on the corner of Walnut and W. Church Avenue has been quietly open for a couple weeks. I stopped by inside the “Walnut Building” yesterday to have a look around. This is one IOK has been following since 2022, when plans were first submitted to the Knox County Design Review
- [Urban Outposts: Burger Boys Is Back in Town](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/urban-outposts-burger-boys-is-back-in-town/): Andre Bryant is having a full circle moment as Burger Boys has opened its new location at 3000 North Broadway today, July 6 (drive-thru only for now; dining room should be open by Friday). If getting to refer to the classic Thin Lizzy song in the title isn't hyping me up enough, knowing the wait
- [Reflecting on Knoxville’s Bicentennial Celebration & Other Upcoming Events at the East Tennessee History Center](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/reflecting-on-knoxvilles-bicentennial-celebration-other-upcoming-events-at-the-east-tennessee-history-center/): The Semiquincentennial Anniversary of the founding of the United States is upon us tomorrow! As we approach a quarter millenia of the USA, my mind drifted to childhood memories of the Bicentennial and what a big deal it seemed to me as a burgeoning citizen of six years old. I’ve often wondered if my imagination
- [The Treaty of Holston: 235 Years Ago, a Pivotal Event Led to the Founding of Knoxville ](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/the-treaty-of-holston-235-years-ago-a-pivotal-event-led-to-the-founding-of-knoxville/): On July 2, 1791, some 235 years ago, Gov. William Blount likely woken up in his little cabin along the river and looked forward to the successful conclusion of a conference with Cherokee chiefs that had already lasted the best part of a week. He would have been eager to finalize what would become known
- [The Eight Great: July's Can't-Miss Arts & Culture Events](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/07/the-eight-great-julys-cant-miss-arts-culture-events/): Knoxville has a rich and diverse arts and culture calendar that ranges from annual traditions we know and love and to unique one-off events and exhibitions that fly beneath the radar. “The Eight Great” is our curated list of calendar highlights presented monthly with Hellmouth Magazine, a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to publishing quality cultural
- [How Canada's Legal Cannabis Market Actually Works](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/how-canadas-legal-cannabis-market-actually-works/): Cannabis policy looks completely different depending on which border you stand behind. In Canada, a regulated legal market has grown quickly since 2018. For readers in Knoxville and the wider US, that story is an interesting case study in regulation, not a how-to guide. Photo by Marco Antonio Casique Reyes on Unsplash This article explains Canada built a regulated legal cannabis market in 2018. Here is how it works, how online dispensaries operate, and why US rules remain very different.
- [Moving to Knoxville: A Smart Long-Distance Move Guide](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/moving-to-knoxville-a-smart-long-distance-move-guide/): Knoxville is having a moment. The Scruffy City has traded its quiet reputation for cranes, new restaurants, and a steady stream of new residents. For anyone planning a long-distance move here, that energy is the easy part. The hard part is the move itself. Coordinating a cross-country relocation takes planning, and the right help makes Knoxville is growing fast. Here is how to plan a long-distance move to the city, hire a mover you can trust, and settle in without the usual stress.
- [How to Maintain a Concrete Bridge Structure](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/how-to-maintain-a-concrete-bridge-structure/): North America relies on hundreds of thousands of concrete bridges, and a large share of them have carried traffic for 50 years or more. Concrete is strong and long-lasting, yet daily traffic, weather, and de-icing chemicals slowly wear it down. Maintaining a concrete bridge protects public safety, preserves a costly public asset, and prevents the Learn how to maintain a concrete bridge structure, from early warning signs to repair methods that extend its service life and keep every driver safe.
- [Seeing All the Colors of the World Cup in Knoxville ](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/seeing-all-the-colors-of-the-world-cup-in-knoxville/): Editor’s note: After at least five rounds of this with my husband Tommy, I know the drill: once every four years, life gets scheduled around the World Cup. Being out and about watching matches this edition, we've especially enjoyed seeing international communities gather to cheer on their national teams, a reminder that Knoxville is home
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: June 28-July 7](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-june-28-july-7/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Phase Three of First Creek at Austin Breaks Ground to Bring Additional Affordable Housing to Downtown](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/08/phase-three-of-first-creek-at-austin-breaks-ground-to-bring-additional-affordable-housing-to-downtown/): Last week, First Creek at Austin broke ground a short walk from the heart of downtown on the third phase of the affordable housing community. I first wrote about the plans (which were already underway) over three years ago in July 2021. At that time, Phase one was underway and the hope was to complete all
- [What Can Knoxville Learn From Banana Ball?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/05/what-can-knoxville-learn-from-banana-ball/): About a year ago, I shared an earnest question on IOK’s Facebook page: Why couldn’t the Knoxville Smokies be more like the Savannah Bananas? We could be … wait for it … the Knoxville Kudzu. Readers were quick to educate and adjudicate. First, it’s two totally separate leagues, each with its own objectives. Fair. But
- [Knoxville’s golf boom: How local players are keeping the game affordable](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/knoxvilles-golf-boom-how-local-players-are-keeping-the-game-affordable/): Golf has become more popular than ever in Knoxville and East Tennessee, with players of all ages flocking to scenic courses and friendly leagues. As this local golf boom continues, many are also finding smart ways to make the game accessible on a budget. Creativity, community spirit, and an eye for golf deals are helping
- [7 Best Vacation Rental Websites for Knoxville, TN Escapes in 2026](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/7-best-vacation-rental-websites-for-knoxville-tn-escapes-in-2026/): Discover the 7 best vacation rental websites for Knoxville, TN escapes in 2026. Compare pet-friendly stays, luxury properties, direct owner rentals, and travel deal platforms.Planning a Knoxville getaway should feel exciting, not stressful. But the reality is that booking the right rental can quickly become overwhelming when you're juggling hidden fees, vague property descriptions, and unclear cancellation policies. The difference between a relaxing mountain retreat and a disappointing experience often comes down to choosing the right booking service, one
- [5 Best Vacation Rental Websites for Finding Knoxville, TN Stays in 2026](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/5-best-vacation-rental-websites-for-finding-knoxville-tn-stays/): Planning a trip to Knoxville means balancing proximity to the Smoky Mountains with access to the city's vibrant downtown scene. The wrong rental can leave you stranded far from hiking trails or stuck without the amenities you expected. Whether you're visiting for a family reunion, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure, finding the right
- [2026 Guide to Free, Cheap & Outdoor Summer Movies](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/2026-guide-to-free-cheap-outdoor-summer-movies/): On Sunday our family wandered into Kern's in search of a bite to eat and a place to cheer for World Cup underdog Cape Verde in its match against Uruguay (which, improbably, resulted in another surprise draw for the tiny island country). Walking up, we realized the sizable crowd gathered outside was NOT there for
- [What Your Internet Browser Knows About You & How to Limit It](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/what-your-internet-browser-knows-about-you-how-to-limit-it/): Have you ever wondered what your internet browser knows about you? Internet browsers collect a lot of information as you surf the web, which helps build a profile of your habits, preferences, and online behavior. Understanding what is collected and how you can limit this can help you take back control of your digital footprint
- [How to Reach Patmos by Helicopter for a Refined Aegean Escape](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/how-to-reach-patmos-by-helicopter-for-a-refined-aegean-escape/): Patmos feels made for slow days, clear water, and quiet lanes. It has no airport, so most guests reach it by ferry through nearby islands or from Piraeus. That route can suit long holidays, but it can feel heavy for short Aegean stays, villa plans, yacht links, or family travel with tight dates. A helicopter Plan a Mykonos to Patmos helicopter transfer with shared seats, private flights, smooth timing, and calm Aegean arrival tips for refined island trips.
- [Miles Kredich Connects Personal Loss to Knoxville's Transportation Future](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/miles-kredich-connects-personal-loss-to-knoxvilles-transportation-future/): Not quite three years ago, 24-year-old Ben Kredich was walking along Kingston Pike on his way to meet his father for dinner at Sunspot. It was a Monday evening tradition the two cherished. He never made it. Ben was struck from behind and killed by an impaired driver. For his twin brother, Miles Kredich, the
- [Fuel When You Need It: The Growing Demand for Mobile Fuel Delivery](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/fuel-when-you-need-it-the-growing-demand-for-mobile-fuel-delivery/): The availability of fuel is vital to maintaining fleet vehicles, equipment, and operations. Traditional fueling methods often cause drivers to lose time between routes or at job sites to refuel, reducing productivity. Instead, on-demand fuel delivery provides a more convenient alternative by delivering fuel to vehicles and equipment, as needed. Fuel Logic points out that
- [Long-Distance Moving From California: A Step-by-Step Planning Guide](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/long-distance-moving-from-california-a-step-by-step-planning-guide/): Moving out of California isn't a casual decision. Whether you're bound for Texas, Arizona, or somewhere along the East Coast, the scale of this state, combined with its particular logistical quirks, makes every interstate move feel genuinely weighty. A solid plan isn't just a nice-to-have here. It's the difference between a fresh start and an
- [Happy Holler’s Club XYZ Announces Closure After 22 Years](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/happy-hollers-club-xyz-announces-closure-after-22-years/): For more than two decades, Club XYZ has been a fixture of Knoxville's LGBTQ+ community. Now, on the heels of SoKno Pride (which I wrote about yesterday) that chapter is coming to an abrupt end. In a social media post Monday evening, Club XYZ announced that this coming weekend will be its last, citing a
- [Love, Glitter & Community at SoKno Pride](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/sokno-pride-recap-a-terrible-day-for-people-who-hate-joy/): “The only thing more powerful than hate is love.” Of all the T-shirt slogans I spotted at SoKno Pride this year, that one won the day for me. Hating already seems like a lot of effort. Hating other people's love lives sounds like a truly baffling way to spend your weekend. The sixth annual SoKno
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: June 21-30](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-june-21-30/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Cowboy Hats, Boots & Two Stepping the Evening Away at Bijou Jubilee 2026](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/cowboy-hats-boots-two-stepping-the-evening-away-at-bijou-jubilee-2026/): Before the final act of Saturday’s Bijou Jubilee 2026, Executive Director of the Bijou Theatre Courtney Bergmeier addressed the crowd, telling them that the 117-year-old Bijou is thriving. She explained, “It's where Knoxville gathers. And in all honesty, to attend a show at the Bijou is to be a Knoxvillian, because the Bijou belongs to
- [Summer in Knoxville Does Not Have to Be Boring (or Expensive)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/summer-in-knoxville-does-not-have-to-be-boring-or-expensive/): So, you missed summer camp signups. Or maybe just could not brave the Hunger Games-style sign-up competition that comes with sitting anxiously at the computer waiting on your time slot for a chance at getting your child into their favorite themed summer camp, as if it's Savannah Bananas or Taylor Swift tickets! It’s exhausting! I
- [2026 Juneteenth Parade in Photos](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/2026-juneteenth-parade-in-photos/): The sun was shining this morning as paraders took to MLK Jr. Avenue for the Juneteenth Parade & Celebration. I settled in along a shady stretch of sidewalk in front of Jarnigan & Son Mortuary which, having served the community since 1886, holds the distinction of being the oldest continually operated Black business in the
- [Best Apps to Check the Price of Cardano (ADA) in 2026](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/best-apps-to-check-the-price-of-cardano-ada-in-2026/): The app you use to check crypto prices determines how fast you can act, how much market context you have, and whether the price you are looking at is specific to one exchange or averaged across dozens. Read to learn which apps are worth using, what each one actually does, and how to pick the Learn which apps for checking ADA price are worth having in your toolkit, what each one actually does, and how to pick the right one for your trading needs.
- [Theft-Recovery Vehicles at Auction: What Is Usually Missing and What Is Usually Fine](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/theft-recovery-vehicles-at-auction-what-is-usually-missing-and-what-is-usually-fine/): Theft-recovery vehicles occupy a specific and often misunderstood niche in the salvage auction market. They are neither conventional collision vehicles nor repossessions, and evaluating them requires a different checklist than for either category. Understanding the patterns of theft damage, what thieves typically take and what they typically ignore, helps buyers assess these vehicles quickly and
- [Top 5 Crypto Casinos, Reviewed for 2026](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/top-crypto-casinos/): Crypto casinos aren't a niche product anymore. New platforms keep entering the space, established ones keep expanding, and the gap between the best and the rest has widened. The five below cover most of what's worth considering. Availability and verification requirements vary by jurisdiction. TL;DR Dicey is the most distinctive option if you want casino
- [6 Vacation Rental Platforms for a Knoxville, TN Mountain Retreat in 2026](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/6-vacation-rental-platforms-for-a-knoxville-tn-mountain-retreat-in-2026/): Planning a mountain escape to Knoxville can feel equal parts exciting and overwhelming. The Smoky Mountains are calling, but finding the right cabin or cottage means navigating cancellation policies that vary by property, pricing that shifts with the season, and listings that don't always match what you see on arrival. Travelers often worry about misleading Explore 6 vacation rental platforms for Knoxville, TN mountain retreats in 2026. Compare cottages, cabins, direct owners, and fee-free booking options.
- [6 Top Vacation Rental Platforms for Smoky Mountain Getaways Near Knoxville, TN in 2026](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/6-top-vacation-rental-platforms-for-smoky-mountain-getaways-near-knoxville-tn-in-2026/): Planning a Smoky Mountain escape near Knoxville means choosing between misty morning hikes and cozy cabin evenings, but the wrong rental booking can turn that dream into a logistical headache. Between hidden fees, unresponsive hosts, and properties that look nothing like their photos, finding a trustworthy vacation rental requires more than just scrolling through listings. Discover 6 top vacation rental platforms for Smoky Mountain getaways near Knoxville, TN in 2026. Compare luxury villas, family stays, golf resorts, and all-inclusive packages.
- [Coffee Chat with New-ish Downtown Coordinator Ellie Moore](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/coffee-chat-with-new-ish-downtown-coordinator-ellie-moore/): Downtown Knoxville has a lot of plates in the air, and somebody has to keep them all spinning in a (relatively) similar direction. Last month I met up with the City’s new-ish Downtown Coordinator, Ellie Moore, on a rainy morning at Old City Java to see how she’s settling into the role she assumed in
- [How investors utilize real-time data streams to understand global market shifts](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/how-investors-utilize-real-time-data-streams-to-understand-global-market-shifts/): Time and again, investors have come to realise how crucial it is to access data swiftly. For participants in the global markets, anything can happen. A random Reddit group could orchestrate a new GameStop short squeeze. A new opportunity to make astronomical gains can emerge, as seen in the SanDisk price rally, which saw the Economic releases, social sentiments and political events form the basis of key global market shifts. Learn how investors utilise real-time data to stay ahead.
- [Outlandish Adventure Festival Returns to Ijams, Full Moon Included](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/outlandish-adventure-festival-returns-to-ijams-full-moon-included/): https://youtu.be/Ueg2vx_YBhw?si=GsN0MsCOlssjcORG The inaugural Outlandish Adventure Festival last year was a pack-your-raincoat kind of event, but no one seemed to mind. A couple thousand people still showed up to Ijams Nature Center for the two-day gathering that brings together Knoxville’s many outdoorsy communities to celebrate and connect in the natural world. Our family was among them,
- ['The Madam and the Trash Can': An Afternoon in Hazel Davidson's Parlor](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/the-madam-and-the-trash-can-an-afternoon-in-hazel-davidsons-parlor/): A few weeks back I interviewed Knox expat Douglas Stuart McDaniel about his new book, The Dark Water Gospel: An East Tennessee Anthology. As promised, we're now sharing a chapter excerpt from it. It centers on Hazel Davidson (1923-1999), Knoxville’s infamous playgirl turned madam. Want more where this came from? The Dark Water Gospel is
- [Tennessee and the Six States Where Online Casinos Are Actually Regulated](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/tennessee-and-the-six-states-where-online-casinos-are-actually-regulated/): As residents of Knoxville, it is normal for us to see advertising from sportsbooks during football season. The state has been fast to embrace online betting on sports, but there is a strict policy when it comes to other forms of virtual gaming. It is interesting to analyze how this policy compares with others. The A look at Tennessee's sports wagering strategy and the six states where online casinos are regulated, comparing taxes and player safety.
- [How a Small Tea Table Boosts Your Meditation Time](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/how-a-small-tea-table-boosts-your-meditation-time/): Peace does not always require more space or more time. Sometimes, all it takes is a small, intentional corner. A small tea table - simple, portable, and inviting - can become that quiet space, bringing tea, meditation, and mindful living into everyday life. More than furniture, it creates a gentle pause within the home and
- [Goats Take a Bite Out of South Knox Kudzu](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/goats-take-a-bite-out-of-south-knox-kudzu/): “Stop the car! Pull over!” I yelled to my husband Tommy on Friday evening just past Gay Street Bridge’s south landing. “There are GOATS!” Sure enough, a herd of goats was happily grazing on the scrubby plot between Sevier Avenue and Council Place. We weren't the only rubberneckers. A handful of others had stopped on
- [High Resolutions Grows, Adapts & Celebrates 30 Years](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/high-resolutions-grows-adapts-and-celebrates-30-years/): In 2016 large banners were placed on the side of the Langley Garage on Walnut Street. The massive project was a marvel to watch (literally) unfold. I had questions about the process and the company behind it, which led to High Resolutions, located at 127 Bearden Pl. It's not in Bearden, but rather behind (more
- [10 Practical Ways to Keep Family Life Organised During Busy Periods](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/10-practical-ways-to-keep-family-life-organised-during-busy-periods/): Family life rarely slows down when you need it to. Whether it’s the school run colliding with work deadlines, after-school activities pulling everyone in different directions, or a period of significant change putting pressure on routines, the juggle can feel relentless. Getting more organised doesn’t mean doing more; it means making what you’re already doing
- [5 Best Home Warranty Companies in Tennessee in 2026](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/01/best-home-warranty-companies-in-tennessee/): Finding the best home warranty company in Tennessee depends on the home you own. Liberty Home Guard offers flexible home warranty plans that can help Tennessee homeowners protect major appliances, home systems, or both, with optional add-ons for more specific coverage needs. That flexibility matters in Tennessee. Homes in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Franklin, Murfreesboro,
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: June 14-23](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-june-14-23/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [8 Best PDF to Word Converters for Complex Documents](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/01/8-best-pdf-to-word-converters-for-complex-documents/): Working with PDFs is easy until the document gets complicated. Multi-page contracts, reports with tables, scanned files, and layered layouts don’t always convert cleanly. What should be a quick task turns into fixing formatting, rebuilding tables, and checking for missing content. That’s why choosing the right tool matters. If you regularly need to convert PDFs
- [Ghost Walking Another Section of Walnut Street (W. Church to Union)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/ghost-walking-another-section-of-walnut-street-w-church-to-union/): After last month’s short shuffle along Crooked Street, this time we’re going to stay on Walnut Street and head north past St. John’s Cathedral. All the residences that once existed on this block (as seen in the postcard below) have long since been torn down. Beyond St. John’s, the 706 Walnut building, on the southeast
- [Talkin' Trash and Grabbin' Butts](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/talkin-trash-and-grabbin-butts/): I promise I will deliver on the headline - though not maybe in the way you might expect. Should I lead with "Infrastructure?" What a snoozefest! Who cares about the details? Not my problem! Ah, you say at your own peril! Infrastructure is what prevents a city from becoming a chaotic, unpredictable, unpleasant, and maybe
- [Kerbela Development Proposal Returns But Core Conflict Remains](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/kerbela-development-proposal-returns-but-core-conflict-remains/): A lot has happened since I last reported in April on the proposed redevelopment of the Kerbela Shriners Temple site. Whether enough has happened is another question—one that will be answered this afternoon when the developer returns to Planning Commission with a revised proposal after being sent back to the drawing board last month. As
- [ONE FIVE Grocery Store Targets 37915 Food Desert](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/one-five-grocery-store-targets-37915-food-desert/): Chris Battle sits on the tailgate of his white Chevy Silverado in the parking lot of 2265 McCalla Ave., a former Dollar General just off Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue. He stares at the boarded-up building with soft, bright eyes, like a man who can already see what isn't there yet. This is the future
- [The Eight Great: June's Can't-Miss Arts & Culture Events](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/the-eight-great-junes-cant-miss-arts-culture-events/): Knoxville has a rich and diverse arts and culture calendar that ranges from annual traditions we know and love and to unique one-off events and exhibitions that fly beneath the radar. “The Eight Great” is our curated list of calendar highlights presented monthly with Hellmouth Magazine, a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to publishing quality cultural
- [What Are the Best Methods for Clearing Overgrown Trees and Brush in North Haven, CT?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/what-are-the-best-methods-for-clearing-overgrown-trees-and-brush-in-north-haven-ct/): Many property owners look at a dense thicket of vines and assume a rented chainsaw is the only requirement for success. It's an easy mistake to make, but undocumented root systems create hidden hazards, and invasive plant varieties turn a half-acre lot into an endless cycle of regrowth. A poorly executed job leaves behind jagged
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: June 7-16](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-june-7-16/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Iron Forge Brewing Company Opens at Covenant Health Park (Plus a Look Inside Jackie's Dream)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/iron-forge-brewing-company-opens-at-covenant-health-park-plus-a-look-inside-jackies-dream/): Covenant Health Park’s journey towards developing spaces around the stadium took a major leap forward Thursday with a ribbon cutting and grand opening of Iron Forge Brewing Company. As baseball fans streamed into the Knoxville Smokies game, Iron Forge opened the doors to its second location with made-from-scratch dishes and drinks to enhance both game
- [How Sound Effects Influence Viewer Psychology and Content Virality](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/how-sound-effects-influence-viewer-psychology-and-content-virality/): Audio is the invisible architect of digital engagement, cementing emotional resonance and dictating how information is processed. The difference between an amateur video and a polished production lies entirely in the precision of the post-production soundscape. By integrating a professional sound effects (SFX) soundboard, creators tap directly into the viewer's subconscious, using audio as a
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: May 31-June 9](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/05/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-may-31-june-9/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Downtown Development Update, June 2026](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/downtown-development-update-june-2026/): Here we are, six months after the last general overview of construction sites downtown and we're mostly down to two visibly under construction and another that has invisibly neared completion. We'll have more soon, no doubt. In the meantime, let’s look at some startling progress made in a few short months on the two sites.
- [Knox Heritage Preservation Awards 2026 (The Downtown Edit) ](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/knox-heritage-preservation-awards-2026-the-downtown-edit/): May is National Historic Preservation Month and Knox Heritage, which champions that particular cause 24/7/365, celebrated with its annual East Tennessee Preservation Awards on May 21 at The Emporium. Some of the honorees were high-profile projects we’ve been following closely over for years. Others are residential or smaller-scale projects rescued from uncertain futures whose stories
- [5 Top Psychiatry Clinics in Los Angeles for Adult ADHD Treatment](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/5-top-psychiatry-clinics-in-los-angeles-for-adult-adhd-treatment/): Adult ADHD is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions passing through psychiatry clinics in Los Angeles every single day. Between the long wait times for new patient appointments, the patchwork insurance coverage, and the shortage of psychiatrists who actually specialize in adult presentations, the system makes it harder than it needs to be. After reviewing
- [Packing the "Scruffy Elegant" Capsule: Effortless Style for Southern Travelers](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/packing-the-scruffy-elegant-capsule-effortless-style-for-southern-travelers/): Traveling down South with just a small bag? Want to look stylish and stay comfortable as the Southern weather flips from sunny to humid to breezy? That’s where a scruffy, elegant capsule comes in. It’s all about mixing relaxed fits with high-quality fabrics. You’ll look put-together without seeming as if you tried too hard, and
- [Inaugural KnoxWalls Murals & Music Festival Expands Art in Public Spaces (with a Splash of Color & Fun)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/06/inaugural-knoxwalls-murals-and-music-festival-expands-art-in-public-spaces/): As Simon and Garfunkel observed in their iconic lyric, "The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls," humans have long used walls to express what we value. From prehistoric cave paintings to contemporary murals, walls have served as enduring canvases for public storytelling and cultural expression. Knoxville is no different. In recent
- [House of Strays: Knoxville's Most Interesting Bar That Hasn't Opened Yet](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/05/house-of-strays-knoxvilles-most-interesting-bar-that-hasnt-opened-yet/): She wrote secrets in invisible ink on her sheet music. She pinned intelligence documents inside her underwear. She walked her cheetah named Chiquita through the streets of Paris and performed in cabarets while Nazi officers sat in the audience, never suspecting a thing. When warned she might get caught, Josephine Baker laughed and said, "Nobody
- [Melting Pot Closes Amid 'Ownership Transition,' Alcohol Compliance Issues](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/05/melting-pot-closes-amid-ownership-transition-alcohol-compliance-issues/): Yesterday Melting Pot of Knoxville announced that it is closing, at least for now. At 31 years old, the Old City fondue restaurant is one of downtown Knoxville’s longest-running sit-down establishments and the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the Old City. The next-oldest, Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria, followed in 1999 in the former Spaghetti Warehouse
- [Everything Happening on Knoxville's Stages in the '26-'27 Season, All in One Place](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/05/everything-happening-on-knoxvilles-stages-right-now-all-in-one-place/): When my family moved to Knoxville, I knew we wanted to take full advantage of the many theater productions and cultural events this city had to offer. However, we moved in May of 2020 (six years ago Monday, as I prepared this article) on Memorial Day, and the city we had been so excited to
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: May 24 - June 2](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/05/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-may-24-june-2/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Stop Mowing Your Yard: An Excerpt From 'East Tennessee Garden Stories'](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/05/stop-mowing-your-yard-an-excerpt-from-east-tennessee-garden-stories/): Happy No Mow May, Knoxville! The goal of No Mow May is to pause mowing during the month of May, allowing flowers to bloom in your lawn to help early season pollinators. Writer and editor Terry Shaw of Howling Hill Publishing took things a step further, gradually transforming his Parkridge lawn into a flowering and
- [Could Knoxville be the Next Tennessee Market to Add Another Pro Sports Team?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/could-knoxville-be-the-next-tennessee-market-to-add-another-pro-sports-team/): While Knoxville is not known as a pro sports hotbed, it has gained more attention in the space over the past few years. As the third-largest market in Tennessee, trailing only Nashville and Memphis, might this lead to pro-sports expansion in the not-too-distant future? The answer for many is “no.” Despite being the third-largest market
- [Where Fort Worth Still Builds Big](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/where-fort-worth-still-builds-big/): Fort Worth has spent years expanding outward, but the city’s largest homes still tend to cluster in very specific areas. While denser apartment projects continue reshaping parts of downtown and the Cultural District, much of the high-end residential growth still happens further west, southwest, and along the edges where larger lots remain available. Photo by
- [More Knoxville Families Are Taking Dogs on Road Trips](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/more-knoxville-families-are-taking-dogs-on-road-trips/): Drive through downtown Knoxville on almost any spring or summer weekend and one thing becomes obvious quickly: there are far more dogs around than there used to be. Water bowls sit outside coffee shops. Small dogs ride through Market Square in carriers and strollers. Patios around Gay Street and the Old City fill with families
- [Greenville Interiors Are Looking Lighter This Year](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/greenville-interiors-are-looking-lighter-this-year/): Drive through Greenville’s older neighbourhoods this spring and one small pattern starts showing up repeatedly. Windows are less covered. Heavy brown furniture is disappearing. Entryways look brighter from the street. Photo by Emmy Gaddy on Unsplash Renovations that once focused on adding more features now seem more interested in opening rooms up and making homes
- [Knoxville’s Digital Front Door Is Improving](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/knoxvilles-digital-front-door-is-improving/): Knoxville has spent years talking about growth in visible ways. New apartment buildings rise along old industrial corridors, downtown foot traffic grows after concerts and baseball games, and once-forgotten storefronts continue finding second lives. But another change has been happening quietly in the background. The city’s digital systems, especially the ones people use every day
- [What Knoxville Stylists Actually Send Their Clients Home With](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/what-knoxville-stylists-actually-send-their-clients-home-with/): There is a particular moment that happens at salons all over Knoxville, right as the cape comes off and the mirror gets handed over. The stylist leans in and starts rattling off a short list of things. Products by name. Techniques, occasionally. A firm word or two about what not to do in the shower.
- [IOK Wins 17 Awards From Society of Professional Journalists ](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/05/iok-wins-17-awards-from-society-of-professional-journalists/): The East Tennessee Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists has for many years hosted its annual Golden Press Card Awards honoring journalistic excellence in the eastern region of Tennessee. I’ve never thrown my hat in the ring, nor has Alan. The impact of the work is its own reward, right? Well, I still
- [What Tennessee Can Teach Us About Horse Racing Culture in the United States](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/what-tennessee-can-teach-us-about-horse-racing-culture-in-the-united-states/): When people think of horse racing in the United States, Kentucky naturally comes to mind. It is, after all, where 20 million people around the world focus their attention come one weekend in May. But while the Derby draws eyes to the sport, Tennessee quietly contributes to horse racing culture in its own way. Right
- [Poet Laureate Linda Parsons' Play 'Decoration Day' Is a Pathway to Light & Reconciliation](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/05/poet-laureate-linda-parsons-play-decoration-day-is-a-pathway-to-light-and-reconciliation/): I got to know Knoxville’s fifth and current Poet Laureate Linda Parsons through a picture I took for Inside of Knoxville when she read her poem "Beyond" with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (I had an amazing recording of the event and am still wrecked that my audio cable failed that day). Parsons and I recently
- [Some Thinkin’ on Smokin’ & Drinkin’](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/05/some-thinkin-on-smokin-drinkin/): I was walking past Preservation Pub on Friday around happy hour when I heard a voice proclaim from the patio: “When I’m mayor of this town, ain’t gonna be no drinkin’ nowheres!” I stopped in my tracks and laughed out loud. The faux prohibitionist looked deeply pleased with himself as his friends rolled their eyes.
- [On Puppet Parades, Open Streets & the Knoxville I Love](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/05/on-puppet-parades-open-streets-the-knoxville-i-love/): It is exhausting to be a person with functioning empathy in 2026. I am increasingly grateful for the small, stubborn pockets of joy humans keep making for one another. The little reminders that there is still so much generosity, creativity and hope. That, as individuals and as a community, we can choose a different way
- [‘Riella on 5th’ to Bring 121-Unit Affordable Housing Community Just North of Downtown](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/05/riella-on-5th-to-bring-121-unit-affordable-housing-community-just-north-of-downtown/): After 15 years of Inside of Knoxville harping about it, the secret is officially out: Downtown Knoxville is the place to be. But as its meteoric rise continues, the question gets sharper every year: who can still afford to live here, or even just near the center city? Increasingly, I find myself caring less about
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: May 17 - 26](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/05/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-may-17-26/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Why Blog? Why This Blog?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2010/06/why-blog-why-this-blog/): I’ve wondered the same thing before. There are not many people in the universe who interest me enough that I want to know when they are buying groceries or what is in the cart. I certainly don’t need to know what most people think about in random moments. Then I moved to downtown Knoxville. I’ve
- [A Look Back at 20 Years of the Children’s Festival of Reading](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/05/a-look-back-at-20-years-of-the-childrens-festival-of-reading/): The 20th anniversary Children’s Festival of Reading takes over World’s Fair Park this Saturday, a milestone for the longest continually running children’s literary festival in the country. By happy chance, I ran into Mary Pom Claiborne, Knox County Public Library’s director of marketing, development and communications, on Gay Street earlier this week and we ducked
- [Why Fixing, Listing, and Waiting Isn’t Always Realistic for Southern Homeowners](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/why-fixing-listing-and-waiting-isnt-always-realistic-for-southern-homeowners/): For decades, homeownership in the South has represented stability — a place where families settle, build equity, and stay rooted. But in the past few years, the real costs of owning a home have shifted faster than many households expected. Insurance premiums, repair costs, property taxes, and interest rates have risen across Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi,
- [2026 Fourth & Gill Tour of Homes & Secret Gardens, Part 2](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/05/2026-fourth-gill-tour-of-homes-secret-gardens-part-2/): Welcome to Part 2 of my 2026 Fourth & Gill Tour of Homes & Secret Gardens, in which I chase my 7-year-old from address to address by bicycle while attempting to absorb architecture, interiors and landscaping at 5x speed. Sorry it took me so long to circle back; there has, as you may have noticed,
- [Visit Knoxville Visitors Center Reopens Today With a Fresh, Fun New Look](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/05/knoxville-visitors-center-reopens-today-with-a-fresh-fun-new-look/): After having been closed since January for remodeling, the Visit Knoxville Visitors Center is throwing open the doors this morning to present a brand new look that is as fun, cool and colorful as the city itself. The Visitors Center has called the late-1800s building on the corner of Gay Street and Summit Hill home
- [Vestival Celebrates the Heritage of Vestal While Looking to the Future](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/05/vestival-celebrates-the-heritage-of-vestal-while-looking-to-the-future/): Vestal, like most of South Knoxville, is an eclectic collection of people and places, one of the reasons I picked this part of Knoxville as home. The community is also a hidden pocket of history, contributing to one of Knoxville's nicknames: the Marble City. I spent several hours this past Saturday at Vestival, a celebration
- [When Life Splits: What I Learned About Starting Over in Knoxville After Divorce](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/when-life-splits-what-i-learned-about-starting-over-in-knoxville-after-divorce/): Never saw myself as someone who'd need to reconstruct an entire existence after watching a marriage crumble into nothing. But here I am. Three years downstream from my separation, and Knoxville ended up being a surprisingly solid place to piece things back together. Nobody considers this stuff when the relationship's humming along smoothly. Then suddenly
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: May 10-19](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/05/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-may-10-19/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Knoxville Opera Closes Season with Fast, Fun ‘Gianni Schicchi’](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/05/knoxville-opera-closes-season-with-fast-fun-gianni-schicchi/): Knoxville Opera closes its 2025–2026 “Masters of Mischief” season this weekend with Gianni Schicchi, a comic opera that feels more like an episode of Succession than the version of “opera” most people picture in their heads. I’ve played fast and loose with my cheeky reviews of this season’s productions (see also: Carmen and Il Barbiere
- [Urban Outposts: Driving Down Chapman Highway, Part II](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/05/urban-outposts-driving-down-chapman-highway-part-ii/): Today we continue our Urban Outposts series, highlighting local, small businesses, returning for our second visit on and around Chapman Highway. Check out Part 1 for the first three small businesses. Today, we visit Chef Mo's Cafe and South Knox Event Space, The Sugar Queen, and Tea and Treasures. Chef Mo's Cafe and South Knox
- [How Soft2Bet Integrates Effective Responsible Gaming Principles](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/how-soft2bet-integrates-effective-responsible-gaming-principles/): Responsible Gaming in Soft2Bet: Measures for Effective Player Protection Responsible practices and user well-being have become central priorities across the modern iGaming industry. The sector continues to evolve through the implementation of advanced technologies, transparent operational standards, and innovative digital solutions. Responsible gaming is an essential part of the modern iGaming industry. It helps create
- [Jackson Brown Chicken & Fish Opens Today on Historic Mechanicsville Block](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/05/jackson-brown-chicken-fish-opens-today-on-historic-mechanicsville-block/): Mechanicsville has always been one of those Knoxville neighborhoods where the past still feels close. It shows up in the shotgun homes and colorful Victorian houses along Deaderick Avenue, in the stories still passed down about Knoxville College and the old College Homes, and in the residents who held onto the neighborhood’s identity through decades
- [2026 Fourth & Gill Tour of Homes & Secret Gardens, Part 1](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/05/2026-fourth-gill-tour-of-homes-secret-gardens-part-1/): There’s no neighborhood prettier than Fourth & Gill in the springtime, its candy-colored Victorian and Craftsman houses ensconced in a bright tangle of gardens beneath a canopy of old trees. Visiting the neighborhood for the 36th anniversary Tour of Homes & Secret Gardens on Sunday afternoon reminded me of waddling up and down its streets,
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: May 3-12](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/05/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-may-3-12/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [A First Look at the Soon-to-Open 612 Building’s Gorgeous Renovations  ](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/05/a-first-look-at-the-soon-to-open-612-buildings-gorgeous-renovations/): The Tennessee Theatre has always been a container for memorable sensory experiences. You sink into the crimson velvet seats and stare up at the ceiling as the music begins, like the ballerina inside some gilded jewelry box, far removed from the pragmatic drudgeries of the outside world. Now, the 612 Building expansion adds its own
- [The Eight Great: May's Can't-Miss Arts & Culture Events](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/05/the-eight-great-mays-cant-miss-arts-culture-events/): Knoxville has a rich and diverse arts and culture calendar that ranges from annual traditions we know and love and to unique one-off events and exhibitions that fly beneath the radar. “The Eight Great” is our curated list of calendar highlights presented monthly in partnership with Hellmouth Magazine, a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to publishing
- [Q&A with Knox Expat Doug McDaniel About His New Anthology 'The Dark Water Gospel'](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/qa-with-knox-ex-pat-doug-mcdaniel-about-his-new-anthology-the-dark-water-gospel/): The Dark Water Gospel: An East Tennessee Anthology, a new book by Old North Knox expat Douglas Stuart McDaniel, came out last week and I read it cover-to-cover immediately. I mean, I couldn't put it down. There are no sacred cows in his gloves-off, deeply funny examination of how civic power operates. Doug, who now
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: April 26 - May 5](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-april-26-may-5/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Knoxville and the New Theatre of Chance and Possibility](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/knoxville-and-the-new-theatre-of-chance-and-possibility/): Performance has moved beyond the stage Knoxville knows how to think about performance. In a city where the stage still matters, where live music, theatre, and public arts continue to shape the rhythm of civic life, it is easier than in some places to notice when the idea of performance begins to move beyond its
- [2026 State of the City Address & What's Next Knoxville?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/2026-state-of-the-city-address-whats-next/): I love Knoxville so much it catches in my throat sometimes. I love its beauty and its stories. I love the heart it wears on its sleeve and the grey of its nuances. I love its people, and when they have big feelings and opinions about the city I love them even more. Even when
- [How To Increase Live Stream Viewers Organically On Twitch](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/how-to-increase-live-stream-viewers-organically-on-twitch/): Opening a broadcast and waiting for an audience is the digital equivalent of opening a retail store in an underground bunker. Twitch discovery is fundamentally broken for new creators. The directory logic is a 'rich-get-richer' loop where top-tier channels hog the CCV (Concurrent Viewer) real estate, leaving 0-viewer streams buried under thousands of scrolls. Success
- [Why Consistency Matters For Twitch Follower Growth](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/why-consistency-matters-for-twitch-follower-growth/): Growth rarely happens purely during your live broadcasts. The most significant metric shifts occur in the predictable, quiet hours between streams. Audience members build their personal routines around reliable content schedules. When your broadcast timeline fluctuates wildly, it shatters the viewer's behavioral loop. The expectation of presence drives returning viewership far more effectively than a
- [River & Rail’s 'Eurydice' Explores Loss, Memory & Choices Through Timeless Myth](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/river-rails-eurydice-explores-loss-memory-the-choices-we-make-through-timeless-myth/): It’s a testament to the ancient Greeks’ thinking that we still debate the meaning of their myths and use the stories to make sense of our modern world. Teaching Greek mythology for years at my other job, I’ve read studies on The Odyssey being used to help veterans returning from war. Pyramus and Thisbe sets
- [Kerbela Site at a Crossroads as Developer Revises Plan](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/kerbela-site-at-a-crossroads-as-developer-revises-plan/): The future of one of South Knoxville’s most prominent sites, the Kerbela Shriners Temple property, is still taking shape as a proposed redevelopment attempts to balance community expectations with the realities of making the project viable. Pitched up on a rocky bluff opposite the south Gay Street Bridge landing, the 5.72-acre site, while challenging in
- [DESIGNSLAM! Imagines the Future of Standard Knitting Mill](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/designslam-imagines-the-future-of-standard-knitting-mill/): It’s Thursday night and the buzz of conversation rises above the clinking of pint glasses at Alliance Brewing Company on Sevier Avenue. Teams huddle around tables with maps and magic markers. This is DESIGNSLAM!, a rapidfire charette showdown where five teams of architects, planners, students and design-curious citizens have just 60 minutes to reimagine a
- [Why Some Farmers Abroad Solve Problems We’re Still Debating Here](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/why-some-farmers-abroad-solve-problems-were-still-debating-here/): Travel has a way of shrinking big debates into something you can hold in your hand. You stand in a field, you talk to the person tending it, and policies turn into tools and choices. On the road, I have met farmers who quietly solved questions we still argue about at home. Their lessons feel
- [Who Keeps Knoxville Together? A Look at the City’s Social Workers](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/who-keeps-knoxville-together-a-look-at-the-citys-social-workers/): Knoxville runs on systems most residents rarely see directly. Schools, hospitals, courts, housing services, and nonprofits all depend on one profession that sits between institutions and people, social workers. Photo by Brooke Cagle on Unsplash In a city shaped by steady population growth, economic gaps, and a mix of urban and rural realities, social workers
- [International Divorce Is Messy, Here’s What Happens When Tennessee Meets Australian Law](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/international-divorce-is-messy-heres-what-happens-when-tennessee-meets-australian-law/): Knoxville is not isolated anymore. Between the University of Tennessee drawing international students, Oak Ridge’s global research ties, and a steady flow of professionals moving in and out of East Tennessee, cross-border relationships are more common than they were even a decade ago. Photo by Alena Darmel That shift brings a legal reality most people
- [Knoxville’s Food Scene Is Booming, But Is Our Health Keeping Up?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/knoxvilles-food-scene-is-booming-but-is-our-health-keeping-up/): Knoxville has quietly become one of the more interesting mid-sized food cities in the United States. Photo by Cecilia Cavazos What used to be a landscape dominated by Southern staples now includes international concepts, chef-driven kitchens, and a steady stream of new openings. The growth is measurable, not just anecdotal. The city now has over
- [American Gaming vs English Gaming: the Key Differences](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/american-gaming-vs-english-gaming-the-key-differences/): There’s something quite funny about comparing the UK and the US when it comes to gaming. On the surface, it all looks the same but spend a bit of time around both, and the differences start creeping in from all angles. It’s not just about the games. It’s the rules, the vibe, even the way
- [Positively Living Continues Helping the City (and You Can Help Them)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/04/positively-living-continues-helping-the-city-and-you-can-help-them/): Positively Living, founded in 1996 to serve those living with HIV, continues to serve many of our friends and neighbors in Knoxville and, in 2018 launched Choice Health Network in order to serve even more people. Located at 1925 Ailor Avenue, just across I-40 from downtown, the organization expanded its services and service areas, now
- [When a Good Night Out Takes a Nasty Turn](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/when-a-good-night-out-takes-a-nasty-turn/): It’s Saturday night, and you’re going out with your friends. You’re excited because you haven’t had any time for yourself in a while, and you’re planning which bars you’ll visit, what you’re going to drink, who you plan on seeing, which table you’ll be at, and so on. Maybe you’ll all go to brunch together
- [What Duluth Residents Should Know About Georgia Car Accident Laws](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/what-duluth-residents-should-know-about-georgia-car-accident-laws/): A rear-end collision in broad daylight does not automatically trigger an insurance check. This assumption ruins viable claims daily. Insurance carriers operate on risk mitigation metrics designed to delay or deny payouts outright. Adjusters weaponize the time you waste waiting for the police report instead of seeking immediate medical care. Treating pain conservatively at home
- [FILM FEST KNOX’s Monthly Screening Series Is Well-Curated & FREE](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/film-fest-knoxs-monthly-screening-series-is-well-curated-free/): There’s a lot of great art that flies under the radar. But, for me at least, film feels like the easiest to miss. I know “good” when I see it; I just don’t always know where to find it nor do I put much effort into keeping up. The Netflix algorithm overlords keep suggesting true
- [A Portrait of a Friend: Flossie McNabb, Union Avenue Books and the Heart for our City](https://insideofknoxville.com/2013/11/a-portrait-of-a-friend-flossie-mcnabb-union-avenue-books-and-the-heart-for-our-city/): An introduction to Flossie McNabb, owner of Union Avenue Books, Knoxville's only independent bookstore.
- [A Night in the City or Why I Didn't Do My Assignment](https://insideofknoxville.com/2022/04/a-night-in-the-city-or-why-i-didnt-do-my-assignment/): You are free to look at this article in either of two ways. It could be a perfect example of an urban night. It could also be an excuse for not writing the column I had planned. It's probably both. It started around 5:30 when I arrived a little early to Merchants of Beer for
- [City Summit Shifts to Condos, Returns PILOT to City (& a Glimpse Inside)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/city-summit-shifts-to-condos-returns-pilot-to-city-a-glimpse-inside/): City Summit isn't complete, but it's getting very close. The project has also taken a turn, noted by an intrepid reader who mentioned the shift in a recent comment: The LawlerWood project, built by Merit Construction and designed by Design Innovation Architects, has shifted from apartments for rent to condos for sale. I met with
- [Your Guide to Landing an Administrative Role in Downtown Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/your-guide-to-landing-an-administrative-role-in-downtown-knoxville/): Finding an admin job in Downtown Knoxville is absolutely realistic if you approach it strategically. Build relevant skills, tailor every application, and stay active in your search. When seeking an administrative position in downtown Knoxville, you target one of the busiest areas of employment in East Tennessee. The concentration of corporate headquarters and office suites,
- [Scenes from Knoxville Opera’s 2026 Rossini Festival ](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/scenes-from-knoxville-operas-2026-rossini-festival/): Downtown always feels fully lived-in during Rossini Festival weekend, Knoxville Opera’s annual international street fair featuring four performance stages, food, vendors and much more. I came out for a while both days to roam and enjoy one of our city’s most engaging and accessible arts showcases that is also a critical fundraiser for the Opera’s
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: April 19-28](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-april-19-28/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [While 'You Can't Take It With You,' You Can't Afford to Miss It!](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/while-you-cant-take-it-with-you-you-cant-afford-to-miss-it/): If you are looking for something that will leave you genuinely happy, the Clarence Brown Theatre has you covered. You Can't Take It With You, written by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman and directed by Melissa Rain Anderson, opened last week and runs through May 3rd. It is the final production of CBT's 2025-2026
- [Raise Your Voice & Sing! Making Choral Music in Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/raise-your-voice-and-sing-making-choral-music-in-knoxville/): In an increasingly isolated and fractured world, music literally and metaphorically brings us together. The harmonics of music has the potential to unify voices from all walks of life into community. I have fond memories of friends singing in high school choir and college (going to UTK's All-Sing to see my friends compete), but what
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: April 5-14](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-april-5-14/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Dogwood Arts Chalk Walk 2026](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/dogwood-arts-chalk-walk-2026/): One of IOK founder Alan Sims’ most heroic annual traditions was photographing every single square of the Dogwood Arts Chalk Walk. Over the years, he developed a highly specific methodology, which involved hauling a step ladder out to Market Square and experimenting with timing—shooting Saturday evening, or at dawn the next day—eventually landing on a
- [Rosarita’s Mexican Cantina Opens as Developers Map Out New Vision for Magnolia](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/rosaritas-mexican-cantina-opens-as-developers-map-out-new-vision-for-magnolia/): There are parts of the Magnolia Corridor that don’t just hold space, they hold memory. For all of us. As a little girl born in East Knoxville I spent long and hot summer days playing in the dirt while watching my dad play baseball for the Knoxville Blue Jays at Bill Meyer Stadium. We had
- [Knoxville College: Endangered and Haunting](https://insideofknoxville.com/2017/06/knoxville-college-endangered-and-haunting/): The historic buildings comprising the former Knoxville College are in serious danger of being lost forever.
- [How The Rules Differ For Truck Drivers In South Carolina](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/how-the-rules-differ-for-truck-drivers-in-south-carolina/): Most drivers assume an eighty-thousand-pound semi truck follows the same traffic laws as a passenger car. That assumption destroys injury claims daily. Commercial drivers operate under strict federal mandates and specific state exemptions. The real threat rarely materializes from a driver deliberately flouting speed limits. Danger arises when operators exploit obscure agricultural exemptions or manipulate
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: April 12-20](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-april-12-20/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Purchase Finalized, More Detail on Plans Emerge for 607 Market Street](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/purchase-finalized-more-detail-on-plans-emerge-for-607-market-street/): I reported in January that 607 Market Street (AKA The U.S. Bank Building, AKA The Crystal) was under contract to LawlerWood, LLC. That sale was finalized recently and plans for the building to be converted to new residential homes for sale will begin very soon. Previously office space, built in 1965 and updated in 2004,
- [Yotpo vs Okendo: The Ultimate Shopify Review App Showdown 2026](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/yotpo-vs-okendo-the-ultimate-shopify-review-app-showdown-2026/): The choice of the correct Shopify review service can affect the retention strategy, customer data and your growth rate. Okendo and Yotpo have completely different strategies. Okendo is built to be an Customer Marketing Platform where reviews as well as loyalty quizzes and referrals are shared unified customer data. Yotpo is based on multi-channel syndication,
- [What It’s Like to Share the Road in Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/what-its-like-to-share-the-road-in-knoxville/): Traffic in Knoxville has a rhythm that people learn without much thought. Mornings build gradually, afternoons loosen up for a while, and the roads settle into a different pace by evening. Most trips feel familiar. The same turns come up, the same main streets carry most of the movement, and regular drivers come to know
- ['Knoxville Girl’ Gets Her Revenge in Wayne White’s New KMA Exhibition](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/knoxville-girl-gets-her-revenge-in-wayne-whites-new-kma-exhibition/): If you need a refresher on the macabre plot of famed Appalachian murder ballad “Knoxville Girl,” it goes like this: Willy takes his girlfriend for a walk, beats her to death with a stick for no discernible reason, dumps her in the river, and ends up in jail—where he closes things out by professing his
- [Sienna Art Gallery & Gifts Opens at 129 S. Gay Street](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/sienna-art-gallery-gifts-opens-at-129-s-gay-street/): A new gallery has opened in downtown’s Arts District on the 100 block of Gay Street. Sienna Art Gallery and Gifts, located at 129 Gay Street in the space most recently occupied by Daché Boutique (and before that, Double S Wine Bar), hosted its grand opening on First Friday last week. The working studio and
- [Riverview Tower Sells to Apex Bank for $44.17 Million](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/riverview-tower-sells-to-apex-bank-for-44-17-million/): Riverview Tower, the 23-story office building at 900 S. Gay Street we last reported on in December 2025, has been sold to Knoxville-based Apex Bank for $44.17 million. The sale, which was announced yesterday, includes the roughly 334,000-square-foot Class A office tower and its adjacent 421-space parking garage. SVN | Wood Properties handled the listing
- [Learn the Bus. Love the Bus.](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/learn-the-bus-love-the-bus/): Today’s guest column is by Dustin Durham, chair of the Knoxville Transportation Authority (KTA), the policy-making board for all for-hire intra-city passenger transportation services including bus transit, taxicabs and private for-hire services. The KTA also sets schedules, fares and routes for Knoxville Area Transit (KAT). You have to go. The location isn’t the focus. Nor
- [D1 Training & Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance Open Joint Facility at Covenant Health Park](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/d1-training-tennessee-orthopaedic-alliance-open-joint-facility-at-covenant-health-park/): As the Knoxville Smokies kicked off their season Friday night, another kind of opening was unfolding just beyond the outfield. D1 Training and Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance (TOA) officially opened their new shared facility on the ground floor of Yardley Flats, timing a community open house to the home team’s 9–6 season-opening win. Families filtered in
- [The 8 Great: April's Can't-Miss Arts & Culture Picks](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/the-8-great-aprils-cant-miss-arts-culture-picks/): “The 8 Great” is presented monthly in partnership with Hellmouth Magazine, a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to publishing quality cultural commentary. Vol. 2 just dropped! Check it out: Website | Instagram With the overflowing of events from this past weekend with Big Ears and its adjacent local celebrations, you may be exhausted from outings. But
- [Lilienthal Gallery’s ‘Pattern: The Art of Repetition’ Explores the Meaning Beneath the Motif](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/lilienthal-gallerys-pattern-the-art-of-repetition-explores-the-meaning-beneath-the-motif/): Walk into Lilienthal Gallery’s new Pattern: The Art of Repetition, and your brain gets to work doing what it does best: making sense of what’s in front of it. Patterns help us organize and process information. Where does this thing fit into my understanding of the world? I know that today is Friday because it
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: March 29-April 7](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-march-29-april-7/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Advisory Group, City Officials & Public All Suddenly Agree on New Chilhowee Park Plan - April Fools!](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/advisory-group-city-officials-public-all-suddenly-agree-on-new-chilhowee-park-plan/): In a stunning display of civic unity not seen since the great “Zipper Merge Awareness” campaign of 2017, the City of Knoxville, the Chilhowee Park Advisory Group (CPAG), and what officials described as “an overwhelming, almost suspicious majority of the public” have aligned behind a bold new vision for Chilhowee Park: a sprawling, glow-in-the-dark waterpark
- [Esteemed Local Historian’s Shocking Confession: ‘I’ve Just Been Making Sh*t Up This Whole Time’ - April Fools!](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/esteemed-local-historians-shocking-confession-ive-just-been-making-sht-up-this-whole-time/): In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through Knoxville’s history community, longtime local historian Jack Neely admitted Tuesday that much of the city’s now widely accepted historical narrative has been, in his words, “more of a creative writing exercise.” “I mean, at first I was checking sources,” Neely said. “But after a while you realize
- [Knoxville to Texas, Mile by Mile: What to Be Ready For](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/knoxville-to-texas-mile-by-mile-what-to-be-ready-for/): A road trip from Knoxville to Texas is not a short interstate run. It’s a multi-state drive that changes character as you move west, from the hills of Tennessee into flatter, longer stretches across Arkansas and Texas. Photo by Toni Tan on Unsplash If you’re heading as far as Midland, you’re looking at roughly 1,174
- [Knoxville to Portland, One Move at a Time](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/knoxville-to-portland-one-move-at-a-time/): Moving from Knoxville to Portland is not just a change in location. It involves entering a different housing system, a different cost structure, and a more regulated approach to land use. Photo by Brett Sayles On the surface, the steps look familiar: find a place, secure financing, relocate. In practice, each of those steps carries
- [The Places Knoxvillians Keep Coming Back To](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/the-places-knoxvillians-keep-coming-back-to/): From Knoxville, most travel planning still follows a familiar pattern, pick a destination, book a hotel, figure out transportation, repeat. European river cruising changes that structure completely. Photo by Agnieszka Błaszczyk on Unsplash Instead of moving between cities manually, the route is fixed, the logistics are bundled, and the experience is shaped by geography rather
- [Why Some Knoxville Investors Are Eyeing Steamboat Springs](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/why-some-knoxville-investors-are-eyeing-steamboat-springs/): From Knoxville, most real estate investment still centers on stable rentals, predictable pricing, and manageable entry points. Markets move, but they don’t usually shift overnight. Photo credit Steamboat Springs operates differently. It’s a resort-driven market where pricing, rental demand, and inventory behave in ways that don’t line up with typical Southeast investment assumptions. That difference
- [What Knoxville Investors Should Know Before Looking at Dubai](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/what-knoxville-investors-should-know-before-looking-at-dubai/): From Knoxville, real estate investment usually means something tangible and local, rental homes, small multifamily, or commercial space you can physically inspect. Photo by Faisal Manga on Unsplash Looking at Dubai is a different model entirely. It’s international, developer-driven, and structured around a regulatory system that works differently from U.S. markets. The opportunity is real,
- [What It Takes to Keep a Nonprofit Going in Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/what-it-takes-to-keep-a-nonprofit-going-in-knoxville/): Starting a nonprofit is one step. Keeping it operational in Knoxville, and compliant year after year, is a different task entirely. Photo credit At the local level, nonprofits operate inside a layered system, federal tax law, Tennessee state filings, and practical operational requirements like payment handling and reporting. Missing any one of these can lead
- [What It Takes to Build Responsibly in Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/what-it-takes-to-build-responsibly-in-knoxville/): Building in Knoxville starts long before materials show up on site. The visible part, framing, roofing, finishing, is only one layer. Underneath it is a system of permits, reviews, environmental controls, and inspections that determine whether a project can move forward at all. Photo by Danist Soh on Unsplash What makes Knoxville different isn’t just
- [Metal Roofing Across Three Continents, Seen from Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/metal-roofing-across-three-continents-seen-from-knoxville/): From Knoxville, roofing trends don’t feel global at first glance. Drive across town and you’ll mostly see asphalt shingles, some metal accents, and the occasional standing seam installation. But step back, and metal roofing tells a very different story depending on where you are. Photo by Saj Shafique on Unsplash Across Australia, the United States,
- [Music as Resistance: My Notes from Big Ears 2026](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/music-as-resistance-my-notes-from-big-ears-2026/): Music, and art generally, have always been modes of resistance. When something moves from the inside out, it pushes, almost by definition, against whatever is trying to press in the other direction. Sometimes that’s rules. Sometimes it’s the quieter, more insidious shaping of what we’re supposed to think, want and be. We’re told to think
- [A Field Guide to the 2026 Dogwood Arts Season ](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/04/a-field-guide-to-the-2026-dogwood-arts-season/): It’s peak dogwood season and, right on schedule, Knoxville’s favorite blooms are back. As is their patron saint: Dogwood Arts. Conceived in 1955, this nonprofit organization powers the extended celebration of three of my favorite things—beautiful outdoor spaces, the arts, and the arrival of spring—and there’s some nostalgia mixed in there too. Having grown up
- [Big Ears 2026: Through a Personal Lens](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/big-ears-2026-through-a-personal-lens/): Live performances offer singular experiences sometimes revealing an artist at their most vulnerable. A recording is made in seclusion, its digital representation sent out into the universe for others who are also likely to receive it privately. A live performance, at its best, engenders a personal relationship between an audience and an artist offering a
- [Krikya Bonuses and Promotions: How to Maximize Your Benefits](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/krikya-bonuses-and-promotions-how-to-maximize-your-benefits/): A comprehensive analysis of promotional offers available to bettors, detailing precise strategies for claiming rewards, understanding wagering requirements, and extracting maximum value from every available deposit match and cashback opportunity in Bangladesh. Understanding the Initial Welcome Offer The digital betting landscape presents numerous opportunities for players to increase their bankrolls, and the platform known as
- [What Could Be Next for ‘The Greyhound’?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/what-could-be-next-for-the-greyhound/): Another epic iteration of Big Ears Festival is in the books and I need, like, 24 hours to process my feelings. So I’ll be back tomorrow with a recap. In the meantime: a postcard from inside the festival’s most anticipated venue, “The Greyhound,” and an open-ended question about what its future could be. The last
- ['The Royale' Steps Into the Ring at Jenny Boyd Theatre](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/the-royale-opens-at-the-jenny-boyd-theatre-to-explore-issues-of-racial-equality-in-the-sport-of-early-boxing/): Walking out of the Jenny Boyd Theatre after a standing ovation for preview night of The Royale, a rare stillness on a normally bustling campus was a perfect contrast to the percussive nature of Marco Ramirez's play and the questions that it raises. In a moment of history, with so many voices surrounding you, how
- [Your Guide to FREE Music & More This Big Ears Week](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/your-guide-to-free-music-more-this-big-ears-week/): If you’re not among the 40,000 people from all 50 states and 21 countries clutching a wristband to this year’s sold-out Big Ears Festival, you’re still very much in the game. Dozens of Big Ears events are free. As in: just walk in. Panels, podcasts and assorted brain food at PostModern Sound Exchange and the
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: March 22-31](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-march-22-31/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page, and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Bliss Owners Open ‘Golden Threads’ Vintage & Secondhand Shop on Gay Street](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/bliss-owners-open-golden-threads-vintage-secondhand-shop-on-gay-street/): The corner of Gay and Union, the ground floor of the Miller’s Building, is the primest of prime downtown real estate. But after Regions left some years ago, it lingered in limbo. Techstars was there, technically, but the “startup accelerator” never seemed to have much going on. Lisa Sorensen and Scott Schimmel, owners of Bliss
- [The Moment Everything Changes: What a Single Encounter with a Semi-Truck Can Mean for an Ordinary Driver](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/the-moment-everything-changes-what-a-single-encounter-with-a-semi-truck-can-mean-for-an-ordinary-driver/): The Drive That Feels Like Any Other Day There’s a certain rhythm to driving around Knoxville. Morning traffic builds gradually, roads feel familiar, and most trips begin without much thought beyond the next light or turn. It is the kind of place where driving can seem predictable, even when the roads are busy. Large trucks
- [A Step Ahead Foundation Turns Back the Clock for ‘Back to Prom’ Night](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/a-step-ahead-foundation-turns-back-the-clock-for-back-to-prom-night/): I am, as of this writing on Sunday evening, still sore from dancing. Friday night at The Mill & Mine, A Step Ahead Foundation of East Tennessee threw its third annual Back to Prom fundraiser, and I did my part for the cause. Sadly, 44-year-old Kevin made some… ambitious choices on the dance floor. This
- [Eugenia Williams House Opens Its Doors to Arts, Culture & Community](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/eugenia-williams-house-opens-its-doors-to-arts-culture-community/): Who was Eugenia Williams? The enigmatic Coca-Cola heiress kept her guard up through life and into death, her privacy as literal as the tall brick wall that kept busybodies from peeking into her Lyons View Pike estate. She left no letters or diaries, and few photos. There are rumors, of course. It’s Knoxville, after all.
- [Ghost Walking the Crooked Streets of Knoxville: Mysteries Remain on Walnut between Main & Cumberland](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/ghost-walking-the-crooked-streets-of-knoxville-mysteries-remain-on-walnut-between-main-cumberland/): For the curious out there, there is one paved section of town that sounds a little more interesting than most: Crooked Street. This is the old name for Walnut Street that has fascinated a few Knoxvillians for years. Just like it did during much of the 18th and all of the 19th centuries, the street
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: March 15-24](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-march-15-24/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [Ijams Nature Preschool Expands with Land Donation, Growing Outdoor Learning in Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/ijams-nature-preschool-expands-with-land-donation-growing-outdoor-learning-in-knoxville/): A generous donation from the East Tennessee Presbytery and New Prospect Presbyterian Church is opening a new chapter for early childhood education at Ijams Nature Center. More than 15 acres of land at 4920 Prospect Road and a 6,500-square-foot church building have been donated to the nature center, creating space for the expansion of its
- [Can Knox County Keep Up With Its Own Growth?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/can-knox-county-keep-up-with-its-own-growth/): Editor's note: IOK usually stays focused on the center city but from time to time it’s worth zooming out. This guest column by Hancen Sale takes that wider view, breaking down the economic realities behind Knox County’s growth. Growth has created new opportunities—but also new economic pressures that local leaders must address to sustain Knox
- [The 2026 Knoxville St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Photos](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/the-2026-knoxville-st-patricks-day-parade-in-photos/): I'm trying to turn into a parade person. I really am. Maybe I had a traumatic parade experience as a kid, or maybe I'm just a human alive in the world today, but I've always deeply related to that bummer of an Elliot Smith song "Rose Parade" which uses a parade as an allegory for
- [How the Right Repairs Can Help Knoxville’s Older Homes Last for Another Generation](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/how-the-right-repairs-can-help-knoxvilles-older-homes-last-for-another-generation/): Older homes rarely start looking neglected overnight. In Knoxville, the change is usually gradual. Water shows up where it shouldn’t. Paint begins to peel along a windowsill. A porch loses a little of its sturdiness. At first, those details seem small. Then one day the house that once felt solid starts demanding more attention, more
- [Discover the 1Win India Experience – A Comprehensive Review](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/discover-the-1win-india-experience-a-comprehensive-review/): Explore our in-depth review of 1Win India, covering registration, user interface, sports betting, online casino offerings, bonuses, and more. Uncover why 1Win stands out in the competitive online gaming market. Comprehensive Review of the 1Win Platform in India The online gaming world is vast, and 1Win has quickly risen as a noteworthy platform in India.
- [Volunteers Tackle Neglect at West View’s Historic Black Cemeteries](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/volunteers-tackle-neglect-at-west-views-historic-black-cemeteries/): There’s a small, old, overgrown cemetery in my South Knoxville neighborhood that I bushwhack into from time to time when I'm feeling morbid. A sign by the road reads Historic Grave Site: Relatives of Sam Houston. I don’t know what its story is. Maybe some of our readers do. There’s no owner indicated on KGIS.
- [Your 2026 Guide to Downtown St. Patrick’s Festivities](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/your-2026-guide-to-downtown-st-patricks-festivities/): A lovely, warm St. Patrick’s Day weekend is upon us, and downtown Knoxville is always ready to raise a pint. Festivities kick off this weekend and continue through St. Patrick’s Day proper (which looks to be significantly chillier) on Tuesday, March 17. Whether you’re looking for live Celtic music, family-friendly festivities, or simply a good
- [6 Practical Home Upkeep Tips for Tennessee’s Humid Weather](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/6-practical-home-upkeep-tips-for-tennessees-humid-weather/): Summer in Tennessee has a defining characteristic: humidity. Step outside for two minutes, and it says hello. You reach for iced tea. You turn the ceiling fan up. Porch time moves to the shade. Folks around here know the tricks that make hot weather easier. When it’s extra humid, comfort matters. Your home plays a
- [Downtown Goes to the Dogs for 19th Annual Mardi Growl](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/downtown-goes-to-the-dogs-for-19th-annual-mardi-growl/): Sometimes the exact thing you didn’t know you needed is a bunch of dogs in costumes. That turned out to be the case Saturday morning, when about 350 dogs — escorted by nearly 600 humans and cheered on by many more of both species along the sidewalks — took to the streets for the 19th
- [Everybody’s Talkin’ ’Bout Honky Tonk Thursdays](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/everybodys-talkin-bout-honky-tonk-thursdays/): Every Thursday night, Barley’s in the Old City dims the lights and Knoxville turns into a small Southern town again. Honky Tonk Thursday isn’t just an event; it’s a ritual. The kind that makes you forget what year it is until you notice punk rockers spinning with elected officials and college students counting their steps
- [Barley’s St. Patrick’s Day 5K Runs on Friendship & Memory ](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/barleys-st-patricks-day-5k-runs-on-friendship-memory/): The 13th Annual Barley’s St. Patrick’s Day 5K returns this Sunday, March 15 with a course that begins at Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria in the Old City and ends on home plate at Covenant Health Park. Between the pizza and the beer and I guess the running part, it’s always a fun time. I’ve run
- [Big Ears' ‘Knoxville Broadcast’ Invites the City to Listen Differently](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/big-ears-knoxville-broadcast-invites-the-city-to-listen-differently/): It’s Wednesday morning, and composer Lisa Bielawa is leading a group of middle school band students around World’s Fair Park. In one hand she holds a megaphone, in the other a clutch of papers mapping all the moving parts of a musical event that will soon fill the park with sound. This is a walk-through
- [Big Ears Through the Kaleidoscope, Part Two](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/big-ears-through-the-kaleidoscope-part-two/): Listen along to the artists mentioned in this story: And we're back! Read my part one here and Alan's part one here. His part two will be along this afternoon. Saturday, March 28: Big Little Ears Thomas, our 5-year-old, is in a bad mood. He doesn’t want to go to mom’s weird music festival. He
- [Big Ears Through the Kaleidoscope, Part One](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/big-ears-through-the-kaleidoscope-part-one/): Listen along to the artists mentioned in this story: We got this little toy kaleidoscope from the Knoxville Museum of Arts’s Museum Shop a few months ago. As our 5-year-old Thomas played around with it, the wonderful shopkeeper Vicki Wyric told us about an artist who takes photos through a kaleidoscopic lens and then blows
- [Magnolia Redevelopment & the Fight for Chilhowee Park](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/magnolia-redevelopment-the-fight-for-chilhowee-park/): It’s 2019, and East Knoxville residents have turned out at the Jacob Building to imagine a future for Chilhowee Park. City staff and a consulting team are on hand to listen. “If you could look into a crystal ball and envision what you’d like this wonderful space to be, what would that look like?” asks
- [UT Moves Forward with Maplehurst Deal, Promises Community Input](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/ut-moves-forward-with-maplehurst-deal-promises-community-input/): Yesterday, the UT Board of Trustees voted to move forward with “buying an option to buy” Maplehurst, an eclectic 5.6-acre neighborhood on the eastern fringe of campus. The university is not buying the property, which includes a dozen buildings and 199 apartments, outright (for now). Instead, it’s entering into a holding and option agreement with
- [MHM’s 60th Anniversary Marks a New Era for a 100-Year-Old Industrial Icon](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/mhms-60th-anniversary-marks-a-new-era-for-a-100-year-old-industrial-icon/): It’s no secret that the Sanitary Laundry Building has long been one of those “what if” projects, the kind that sparked imagination but never quite found the right champion. Anyone with half an imagination could see the potential of the unique industrial structure with a fascinating history and windows-to-die-for, but nobody wanted to touch it.
- [What Happens When Urban Forestry Partners with Ijams Nature Center?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/01/what-happens-when-urban-forestry-partners-with-ijams-nature-center/): Knoxville’s urban forest depends on more than just trees. Beneath the canopy, native grasses and plants support the soil, wildlife and ecological balance that allow the city’s green spaces to thrive. But in many parks, invasive species are crowding out that native vegetation. Now, a partnership between Knoxville’s Urban Forestry program and Ijams Nature Center
- [Reclaiming The Bottom: Renee Kesler Brings Legacy to Covenant Health Park](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/reclaiming-the-bottom-renee-kesler-brings-legacy-to-covenant-health-park/): When Knoxville opened the gates to its new Covenant Health Park this year, it did more than welcome baseball fans. It brought history home for Renee Kesler, president of the Beck Cultural Exchange Center. She’s a keeper of memory and a steward of stories nearly lost to dust. For years, she has labored to ensure
- [The Fabric Workshop Inspires Community Through Upcycling](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/the-fabric-workshop-inspires-community-through-upcycling/): Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. We’ve heard this phrase for years and know the familiar strategies—but what new approaches to sustainability are emerging in Knoxville? As the population of the world (and our city) continues to grow, finding solutions for managing our waste will be critical. And frankly, it will be hard work. Last year alone, 92
- [Forum Feud: A Recap of the Night City Council Went Full Game Show](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/forum-feud-a-recap-of-the-night-city-council-went-full-game-show/): Note from the editor: Huge thanks to everyone who came out for "City Council Candidate Forum: The Game Show." The crowd was a mix of curious politicos, families and and folks who came for the spectacle, not the politics, but maybe left realizing city government isn’t as boring (or distant) as it looks. There were
- [Cut Off Again: Federal Grant to Reconnect East Knoxville Slashed While Pedestrian Bridge Moves Ahead](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/cut-off-again-federal-grant-to-reconnect-east-knoxville-slashed-while-pedestrian-bridge-moves-ahead/): It’s a tale of two bridges, and two very different visions of connection in Knoxville. One was a plan to stitch East Knoxville back into the fabric of the city, reversing decades of harm from urban renewal and highway construction that bulldozed Black neighborhoods and blocked access to downtown. The other is a pedestrian bridge
- [How People Recreate Vacation Spaces in Their Own Backyards](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/how-people-recreate-vacation-spaces-in-their-own-backyards/): What’s not to like about a vacation? You hear people all the time say how they’d give a limb to be able to spend more time on vacation. No work, no stress, possibly a tropical destination, and you’ve got yourself the real American dream. The problem with vacation is that it ends sooner or later,
- [BetVisa Review in Bangladesh – Features, Registration, and Security ](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/betvisa-review-in-bangladesh-features-registration-and-security/): Discover an in-depth review of BetVisa in Bangladesh, exploring its user-friendly interface, secure gambling measures, and hassle-free registration process for players. Description: Discover an in-depth review of BetVisa in Bangladesh, exploring its user-friendly interface, secure gambling measures, and hassle-free registration process for players. BetVisa Review in Bangladesh BetVisa has emerged as a popular platform for
- [‘Alice in Appalachia’ Reopens in New Gay Street Location & a Case for Novelty ](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/alice-in-appalachia-reopens-in-new-gay-street-location-a-case-for-novelty/): A few years ago while visiting Reykjavík, Iceland, I discovered there was a whole bar there themed after the Coen brothers’ 1998 film The Big Lebowski. Which happens to be my favorite movie. It had an extensive White Russian menu, full-size overhead bowling lane, diner and a rug that really tied the room together. And
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: March 8-17](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-march-8-17/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [The Wests Go South: ‘Buffleheads’ Brings Duckpin Bowling & More to Former Everything Mushrooms Space](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/the-wests-go-south-buffleheads-brings-duckpin-bowling-to-former-everything-mushrooms-space/): Today’s story is co-presented by Blank News and Inside of Knoxville. Standing inside the cavernous warehouse at 1004 Sevier Avenue, Scott West gestures toward the massive garage doors lining the front wall and imagines them thrown open on a warm afternoon. “Imagine this whole thing open,” he said. “Big screen over there, games everywhere, people
- [Finding First Friday with Lauren Farkas' Art Maps](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/finding-first-friday-with-lauren-farkas-art-maps/): For Lauren Farkas, her art maps are a fascination. She weaves together drawing, painting and mixed media to create an authoritative guide to Knoxville’s First Friday circuit. Made for the moment, the maps illustrate where to visit during Knoxville’s monthly art hop. Lauren publishes her maps on Substack, where subscribers help fund the project. Recently,
- [Alice Gerrard Headlines Multi-Day ‘Celebration of Women in Old-Time Music’ + 'I've Endured' Exhibition](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/alice-gerrard-headlines-multi-day-celebration-of-women-in-old-time-music-ive-endured-exhibition/): For generations, women helped carry old-time music forward: teaching songs at home, playing in family bands, and preserving traditions that would eventually shape country and bluegrass. Yet their contributions rarely made it onto the stage or into the recording studio. This Thursday through Sunday, March 5-8, “A Celebration of Women in Old-Time Music” aims to
- [The 8 Great: March's Can't-Miss Arts & Culture Picks](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/the-8-great-marchs-cant-miss-arts-culture-picks/): "The 8 Great" is presented monthly in partnership with Hellmouth Magazine, a nonprofit arts organization dedicated to publishing quality cultural commentary. Website | Instagram March is the month for music! With Big Ears Festival (March 26-29) bringing an influx of international sounds, we’ve gathered here our top picks for experiencing the dynamic vibrancy that floods
- [Knox Heritage Broadens Impact with 2026 Community Preservation Grants](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/knox-heritage-broadens-impact-with-2026-community-preservation-grants/): There are certain home repairs that feel easy to postpone. A little peeling paint. A porch rail that’s “still holding.” Gutters that are technically attached. Small things … until they aren’t. If your house is at least 50 years old — and in Knoxville, many more — Knox Heritage may be able to help. The
- [Inside Everything Knoxville Remodeling & Handyman: Preserving Knoxville Homes](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/inside-everything-knoxville-remodeling-handyman-preserving-knoxville-homes/): A Knoxville-based remodeling and handyman company focused on consistent workmanship, clear communication, and long-term reliability. There is a specific kind of pride that comes with owning a home in East Tennessee. Whether it’s a historic Craftsman in Old North Knoxville, a mid-century ranch in Bearden, or a modern condo overlooking the Tennessee River, homes here
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: March 1-10](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/03/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-march-1-10/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [Spice & Tea Exchange Owner Connects Gay Street to Europe with Traveler’s Caffè](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/02/daydreaming-of-europe-travelers-caffe-can-get-you-there/): Annette Morejon, owner of downtown's The Spice & Tea Exchange of Knoxville, loves introducing people to something new. The shelves of her 522 Gay Street shop are a feast for the senses: proprietary spice blends, loose-leaf teas, flavored sugars, sea salts, infused honeys, artisan olive oils and more. You can quite literally follow your nose
- [A Look Inside the New Lone Tree Pass](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/02/a-look-inside-the-new-lone-tree-pass/): I mentioned in my last development survey of downtown that I hoped to have a little something more on Lone Tree Pass. Contracts are being closed and new residents have begun to move into the new homes in the western building, and I was fortunate enough to get a tour of a couple of model
- [Urban Outposts: Driving Down Chapman Highway, Part I](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/02/urban-outposts-driving-down-chapman-highway-part-i/): In 2025, you told us you want to hear more about the tapestry of small businesses in your own neighborhoods. The urgency for spreading the word has only increased with a wave of closures recently. Our "Urban Outposts" series is back with a look at businesses along the Chapman Highway corridor. We have a lot
- [Step Inside Sauna House for a Sneak Peek Before Opening](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/02/step-inside-sauna-house-for-a-sneak-peek-before-opening/): After two winters of pop-ups and a lengthy renovation, Sauna House Knoxville is nearly ready to open its permanent bathhouse at 126 Jennings Avenue. Having not seen it since the open house last September, when it was still very much under construction, I toured the beautifully transformed space last week with owners Peter and Dianna
- [The Black Dog Is Back With Beer, Bites & a Little Rock ’n’ Roll](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/02/the-black-dog-is-back-with-beer-bites-a-little-rock-n-roll/): The space at 2419 North Central Street, formerly home to Elst Brewing Company, became The Black Dog in summer 2024, after BBN Hospitality took over when Elst closed. The group behind Chivo, The Brass Pearl, and the recently expanded Stock & Barrel kept the brewery running while laying plans for a major transformation aimed at
- [Figaro! Figaro! Figaro! Knoxville Opera Presents ‘Il Barbiere di Siviglia’](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/02/figaro-figaro-figaro-knoxville-opera-presents-il-barbiere-di-siviglia/): Knoxville Opera presents two performances of Gioachino Rossini’s Il Barbiere di Siviglia this weekend — Friday night and Sunday afternoon — at the Tennessee Theatre. I attended the dress rehearsal Wednesday evening and can confirm: mischief is alive and well in Seville. This is the opera equivalent of a screwball rom-com: randy suitors, fake identities,
- [Absolute Beginners: A brief look at the history of baseball in Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/absolute-beginners-a-brief-look-at-the-history-of-baseball-in-knoxville/): If you’ve been under a rock of late, or simply don’t care about the sport, then it may have escaped your notice that a new baseball stadium is about to open downtown. In a departure from my “Ghost Walking” column, I’m gong to take a quick dive into Knoxville baseball over the years. I’ll be
- [Mother Shop & Mother Bar to Open at 15 Emory Place](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/02/mother-shop-and-mother-bar-to-open-at-15-emory-place/): Jade Adams, owner of Oglewood Avenue, the popular plant shop in North Knoxville, has announced that she and fiancé Dylan Pacifico will soon open two new businesses at 15 Emory Place (former home of Pivot Point Art Gallery). Not to worry, the Oglewood shop will remain open and, while you can expect to find lots
- [Hands Off Demonstration Draws Large Crowd, Lots of Support](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/hands-off-demonstration-draws-large-crowd-lots-of-support/): (Ed. Note: A lot of events happened in and around downtown this weekend. We'll bring you coverage of the Knoxville Book Festival and the Dogwood Arts Chalk Walk in the next few days.) I've been watching the protests of the current national administration. They pass my house once, sometimes twice a week. I've taken to
- [The Emotional Side of Choosing Long-Term Care](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/the-emotional-side-of-choosing-long-term-care/): Your mom asked for the third time where Dad is, and, yet again, you have to tell her he passed away 3 years ago and watch her heart break all over again. And sooner or later, there comes a point where you can’t do this on your own anymore. Looking at the situation from afar,
- [How Christian Singles in Knoxville Are Finding Community Online — and Why Local Connections Still Matter](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/how-christian-singles-in-knoxville-are-finding-community-online-and-why-local-connections-still-matter/): Knoxville is a city rooted in community. From farmers markets and backyard barbecues to church potlucks and neighborhood trails like the Urban Wilderness, locals know how much deeper experiences feel when shared with others who get you. But for many Christian singles in East Tennessee — whether recent transplants, students at UTK, or long-time locals
- [Meet the Kingpins of Knoxville’s Ice Cream Truck Empire](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/meet-the-kingpins-of-knoxvilles-ice-cream-truck-empire/): Helloohhh!! Every time I hear an ice cream truck’s off-key siren song approaching, my mind begins to race—not just about which frozen treat I want, but with questions: Is there just one truck or a hundred? Is this a local monopoly or national franchise? What’s the ROI on Bomb Pops? Are they laundering money? Peddling
- [Major New Development Connects Old City & Beyond](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/02/major-new-development-connects-old-city-and-beyond/): Natural and (mostly) man-made barriers squeeze downtown as we've come to accept it into a tiny footprint the size of West Town Mall and its parking lot. For that reason, our imperative in building a dense, walkable downtown is to cross barriers and connect the nodes as they develop. Short of the Interstate and highways,
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: February 22-March 3](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/02/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-february-22-march-3/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [Gay Street Business Openings, Closures, Reshufflings & Question Marks](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/02/gay-street-business-openings-closures-reshufflings-question-marks/): Gay Street is a deck of cards in perennial shuffle — old standards occasionally discarded, wild cards emerging, some familiar suits planted in place while others resurface where you least expect them. Let’s take a look at the latest deal. OPEN NOW Cruze Farm (445 S. Gay St.): Website | Facebook | Instagram In its
- [Duane Grieve & the Architecture of a Life](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/02/duane-grieve-the-architecture-of-a-life/): Duane Grieve isn’t someone you use the “r” word around. It makes him think of golf. Of days without deadlines. It suggests an ending — or worse, a slowdown. And over the course of his 55-year career in architecture, slowdown has never really been his mode. Besides, Duane loves his job. Trying to separate the
- [The History of Pro Sports in Tennessee](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/the-history-of-pro-sports-in-tennessee/): Tennessee got its first taste of big league sports later than most states with comparable populations. While cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles had professional teams before World War II, Tennessee waited until the late 20th century for a franchise to call the state home. The wait produced something unusual, though. Within a
- [‘Cabaret’ Chills & Enthralls in New Jenny Boyd Theatre](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/02/cabaret-thrills-chills-enthralls-in-new-jenny-boyd-theatre/): Cabaret opened its run emphatically last week, tossing aside any reserve or timidity like a burlesque performer’s loosely-attached outer layers. It was energetic, flamboyant and deeply resonant. Tickets have quickly become scarce, but if you can get a seat to a remaining performance, you’ll get an eye-full and an ear-full. Artists that seek to challenge
- [Best Places to Go on a Luxury Date in Knoxville Without Overpaying](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/best-places-to-go-on-a-luxury-date-in-knoxville-without-overpaying/): Knoxville has quietly earned a reputation as one of America's most romantic cities, holding that ranking for 6 consecutive years now. And yet most people outside of Tennessee still think of it as a college football town and nothing else. That gap between perception and reality works in your favor if you are trying to
- [The Promise of Effortless Living](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/the-promise-of-effortless-living/): Effortless has become an unspoken expectation. Products promise simplicity. Systems suggest they will work without much attention. Convenience is framed as something that should fade into the background once a decision is made. Ease is no longer treated as a bonus. It feels like the starting point. That expectation shapes how we move through the
- [How Civil Claims Differ from Criminal Prosecution in Sexual Abuse Cases](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/how-civil-claims-differ-from-criminal-prosecution-in-sexual-abuse-cases/): Sexual abuse cases can take more than one legal path, and the difference matters. Criminal prosecution focuses on guilt and punishment. Civil claims focus on responsibility and compensation and can proceed even when no criminal charges are filed. Because these systems serve different purposes, a criminal outcome does not necessarily settle everything. Civil courts apply
- [Ghost Walking the Lost Bridges That Preceded the Gay Street Bridge](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/02/ghost-walking-the-lost-bridges-that-preceded-the-gay-street-bridge/): With the re-opening of the Gay Street Bridge in late 2025, to pedestrians and cyclists at least, it’s a good time to take a ghost walk back and forth across the bridges of old. And while it may be frustrating, and seem darn inconvenient, that we can’t drive across it any longer, the current structure
- [Chick-n-Sack Bringing the Spice to Downtown Knoxville at New Location](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/02/chick-n-sack-bringing-the-spice-to-downtown-knoxville-at-new-location/): Chick-n-Sack, which has built a devoted local following, will plant its first brick and mortar (U.S.!) location at 410 West Jackson Avenue, former home of Sweet P's Downtown Dive. The new location culminates quite a journey by owner James "Boo" Jackson. He wasn't born here, moved here, left for another country, returned, and with his
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: February 15-25](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/02/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-february-15-25/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [Violins of Hope Returns to Knoxville with a Message of Hope](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/03/violins-of-hope-brings-a-message-of-hope-as-it-returns-to-knoxville/): Violins of Hope returns to Knoxville this week for a month-long series of events aimed at educating the community about the Holocaust through the powerful stories of restored violins from Jewish Holocaust victims. The story of the Holocaust with the murder of 6 million humans and the loss of ⅔ of the European Jewish population
- [Michael ‘Blue Shirt Guy’ Galyean Makes Reality TV Debut + Watch Party Tonight! ](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/02/michael-blue-shirt-guy-galyean-makes-reality-tv-debut-watch-party-tonight/): Most people in Knoxville know Michael Galyean as “Blue Shirt Guy,” whose sideline dance moves turned him into a viral internet phenomenon. But the blue shirt is just the most visible piece of a much bigger Michael ecosystem: choreographer for local high school musicals, occasional business-development guy, private chef-for-hire, MC, and perennial “yes, and” performer
- [Urban Outposts: Fantastic Worlds of Fountain City](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/urban-outposts-fantastic-worlds-of-fountain-city/): Editor’s Note: We’ll always keep the downtown stories coming, but your 2025 reader survey responses told us something important: you want to hear more about the low-key local gems tucked into your own neighborhoods. Welcome to "Urban Outposts", a new series spotlighting the quaint, quirky corners of Knoxville’s urban fringe. First stop, Fountain City. For this
- [Urban Outposts: Gems of Colonial Village](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/urban-outposts-gems-of-colonial-village/): We’ll always keep the downtown stories coming, but your 2025 reader survey responses told us you want to hear more about small businesses in your own neighborhoods. Welcome to the next edition of “Urban Outposts,” a series spotlighting the quaint, quirky corners of Knoxville’s urban fringe. Today we head south to a short section of
- [Urban Outposts: Hidden Treasures On & Around Magnolia](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/11/__trashed/): We’ll always keep the downtown stories coming, but your 2025 reader survey responses told us you want to hear more about small businesses in your own neighborhoods. In today's “Urban Outposts,” we head east to spotlight some hidden treasures along Magnolia Avenue. I have a heart for East Knoxville as I started my daytime career
- [Asian Culture Center of Tennessee Is Growing Global Citizens Year-Round](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/02/asian-culture-center-of-tennessee-is-growing-global-citizens-year-round/): When you hear Asian Culture Center of Tennessee, the first thing that likely comes to mind is its flagship annual event: the Knox Asian Festival. But the nonprofit’s work stretches far beyond a single weekend each year, wrapping around the calendar with outreach, seasonal celebrations, language classes and hands-on community programming designed to educate through
- [Waynestock 14: Three Nights of Music, Memory & Mutual Care](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/02/waynestock-14-three-nights-of-music-memory-mutual-care/): Now in its 14th year, Waynestock unfolded over the past two weekends at Relix Theater in Happy Holler, with two nights running as planned and snowfall bumping the finale back by a week. Each year, Waynestock brings together a wide cross-section of Knoxville musicians in support of a cause that matters. This year’s beneficiary was
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: February 8-17](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/02/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-february-8-17/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [The 8 Great: February's Can't-Miss Arts & Culture Picks](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/02/the-8-great-februarys-cant-miss-arts-culture-picks/): Editor's note: New for 2026 IOK is teaming up with local arts nonprofit Hellmouth magazine (check out my interview with the founders here) to bring you a curated monthly roundup of can't-miss arts & culture events for the month ahead. Some might already be on your radar; others might surprise you. Some are downtown proper; the
- [Redevelopment to Transform Hall of Fame Buildings with Southern Swing Golf Club, Shared Office Space & More](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/02/redevelopment-to-transform-hall-of-fame-buildings-with-southern-swing-golf-club-shared-office-space-and-more/): Editor's note: Our website was experiencing some technical difficulties yesterday and, in addition to being down for a few hours, the Thursday newsletter didn't go out. I didn't want this story to get missed so you'll find two stories in your inbox from us for today. Apologies for the confusion! - Leslie As Knoxville's urban
- [Sparky & Rhonda Rucker Reflect on a Life of Songs, Stories & Change ](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/02/sparky-rhonda-rucker-reflect-on-a-life-of-songs-stories-change/): Throughout history, music has steadied people in uncertain times. When Sparky and Rhonda Rucker take the stage at Laurel Theater this Saturday, Feb. 7, they’ll do as they’ve always done: telling stories through music, remembering and inviting people to sing along. “We do our best to give people hope and understanding that they’re not alone,”
- ['Negatory No. 4' Activates Old North Knox Church With Experiential Art & Sound](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/02/negatory-no-4-activates-old-north-knox-church-with-experiential-art-sound/): This Friday, Feb. 6, Negatory returns to Fourth United Presbyterian Church in Old North Knoxville with a multi-floor pop-up exhibition that blends visual art, live music and an atmosphere that feels closer to entering a temporary world than attending a traditional gallery show. The event runs from 5–10 p.m. with music beginning between 6 and
- [How to Know What Color Dress Looks Best on You](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/how-to-know-what-color-dress-looks-best-on-you/): Finding the perfect dress color can transform your entire look, boosting your confidence and ensuring you shine at any event. Whether you're shopping for a wedding guest outfit, a formal gala, or updating your everyday wardrobe, understanding which colors complement your unique features is essential. This comprehensive guide will help you discover the dress colors
- [7 Reasons Tennessee Homeowners Should Elevate Their Outdoor Spaces](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/7-reasons-tennessee-homeowners-should-elevate-their-outdoor-spaces/): When you think about home upgrades, the instinct is to stay inside. Remodeling your kitchen is tempting. Fresh paint makes a room feel new. Updated appliances add convenience. But in Tennessee, the weather pulls you outside. Spring mornings call for coffee on the porch. Summer evenings mean slow sunsets. And that view of the rolling
- [GBX Buys the former Old City Performing Arts Center and The Standard; Former Sweet P's Building Sold](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/02/gbx-buys-the-former-old-city-performing-arts-center-and-the-standard-former-sweet-ps-building-sold/): GBX, a historic real-estate investment company based in Cleveland, Ohio has purchased several downtown buildings, marking their first incursion into the Knoxville market. Late last year the group acquired the building at 111 State Street, most recently home to the Old City Performing Arts Center and River and Rail Theatre Company. Now, in a sale
- [Five Things That Got Me Through Friday](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/02/five-things-that-got-me-through-friday/): It’s been a long year already for a lot of people. Personal hardships, anxiety about the present, uncertainty for the future … everyone is carrying something and it can often feel like you’re carrying it alone. For me, this has meant spending much of the last 32 days at UT Medical Center with my mom.
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: February 1-10](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/02/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-february-1-10/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [How New Traffic Safety Regulations Are Changing Personal Injury Liability In Urban Areas](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/how-new-traffic-safety-regulations-are-changing-personal-injury-liability-in-urban-areas/): Urban centers are undergoing a rapid transformation as city planners prioritize pedestrian safety over vehicle speed. These shifts influence how courts interpret personal injury liability in urban contexts. As municipal codes evolve to include protected bike lanes and lower speed limits, the definition of reasonable care for drivers becomes stricter. Understanding these changes is crucial
- [Old City Welcomes Chic Vintage Just in Time for Vintage Bingo](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/01/check-out-chic-vintage-the-old-citys-new-vintage-shop-just-in-time-for-vintage-bingo/): Chic Vintage opened January 2, after a months-long transformation. My husband and I happened along on that First Friday of 2026, and I took a not-so-sneaky or professionally framed iPhone photo so I could figure out just what this new space was. When I walked into the shop, it was hard to picture what the
- [Cumberland Avenue, Then & Now — Part II: What’s New](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/01/cumberland-avenue-then-now-part-ii-whats-new/): In Part I: The Old Guard earlier this week, we went searching for the businesses of yesteryear that are still standing on Cumberland Avenue. In Part II, we step into the present tense. I’m not exaggerating when I say just-off-campus student housing has consumed whole blocks of Cumberland Avenue. Nova Knoxville, TENN Knoxville, Union Knoxville
- [Downtown Development Update, January 2026](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/01/downtown-development-update-january-2026/): Four months have clipped by since the last set of photographs of the major developments underway in the heart of downtown. There's been quite a bit of movement as you'll see in the photos if you compare them to the update from last September. Several others have been announced, but not yet underway, while for
- [Cumberland Avenue, Then & Now — Part I: The Old Guard](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/01/cumberland-avenue-then-now-part-i-the-old-guard/): Time stops for no man on “the Strip,” but memory does. It hangs like a dead clock on the wall, frozen at the moment you last walked out of your favorite college haunt, whether five years ago or five decades. Things change. The Cumberland Avenue of yesteryear was a lot of things, but polished was
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: January 25-February 3](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/01/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-january-25-february-3/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [When Broken Windows Aren’t Just Broken Windows](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/when-broken-windows-arent-just-broken-windows/): The owners of French Fried Vintage woke up on Saturday morning to news that one window of their Emory Place shop had been broken. They hoped it was a random act of vandalism. Then they learned The Wild Side, a hair salon a block away on Fifth Avenue, had a window broken the same night.
- [PostModern Spirits to Close After Nearly Decade-Long Run in Old City](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/01/postmodern-spirits-to-close-after-nearly-decade-long-run-in-old-city/): An Old City craft staple is preparing to pour its final cocktail. Both the PostModern Spirits tasting room and its production arm, PostModern Distilling, will close on Jan. 31, ending a nearly 10-year run at 205 W. Jackson Ave. in the historic Jackson Terminal. PostModern helped define Knoxville's craft cocktail era, turning house-distilled spirits into
- [Two Downtown Chefs Are 2026 James Beard Award Semifinalists](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/01/two-downtown-chefs-are-2026-james-beard-award-semifinalists/): Joseph Lenn, chef and owner of J.C. Holdway, and Laurence Faber, co-owner and chef at Potchke, have been named semifinalists for the 2026 James Beard Awards. Joseph is competing in the Outstanding Chef category, one of the foundation’s top national honors, while Laurence is a semifinalist for Best Chef: Southeast, the same regional award Joseph
- [A First Look at Earl’s, a New Restaurant Opening Today on the South Waterfront](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/01/a-first-look-at-earls-a-new-restaurant-on-the-south-knoxville-waterfront/): If you watched the South Banks development take shape on the South Waterfront, you have probably wondered what would happen to that standalone retail space along the river. With the gorgeous asphalt tower mural by Curtis Glover on one side and Suttree Landing Park on the other, we all hoped for something special to occupy that space.
- [U.S. Bank Building Under Contract; Initial Plans Released](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/01/u-s-bank-building-under-contract-initial-plans-released/): Last July when Leslie reported the U.S. Bank Building was being offered for purchase, a number of questions surfaced immediately. Would the new owner (like the current owner) come from outside Knoxville, or would a local developer purchase the building? Would the building continue to be utilized largely as office space? What of the beloved
- [Honored in Name, Owed in Investment: The Story of Knoxville’s MLK Avenue](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/01/honored-in-name-owed-in-investment-the-story-of-knoxvilles-mlk-avenue/): Every year, as the third Monday in January approaches, I feel the same unease settle in. I prepare myself for a week of service and celebration and for the familiar sanitizing of a man much of America still hasn’t fully reckoned with. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. becomes safer in death, his words trimmed down
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: January 18-27](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/01/downtown-ish-planner-january-18-27/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [2026 Festival (& Other Big Events) Planner](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/01/2026-festival-other-big-events-planner/): January is for recovery and resolve. February, we start feeling a little stir-crazy. And then, somewhere around March, we start to remember that leaving the house is actually kind of fun. Spring kicks off festival season in earnest, followed by a steady run of outdoor concerts, neighborhood events, performances, markets and the annual gatherings that
- [East Depot Avenue: Danger Company Moves Online + Last Days of Autumn Announces Closure](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/01/danger-company-holds-space-for-punk-rock-retail-on-old-citys-fringe/): Editor's Note: Just shy of Old City proper, across the railroad tracks and up a block from Covenant Health Park, East Depot Avenue exudes the spirit of a defiant, post-industrial dandelion. Alan first wrote this about the stretch in a story titled "The Other Side of Depot" back in 2011: "It’s hard to imagine that
- [Knoxville Poetry Slam Provides a Brave Space for Over 30 Years](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/01/knoxville-poetry-slam-provides-a-brave-space-for-over-30-years/): New years always prompt reflection for me. Rather than making resolutions, I look for ways to challenge myself as one year gives way to the next (probably semantics, but it works for me). As 2025 prepared to roll into 2026, I asked Leslie if I could push into new territory with my writing, in more
- [How to Get Your Visit Knoxville & WDVX Blue Plate Special Fix During Visitors Center Renovation](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/01/how-to-get-your-visit-knoxville-wdvx-blue-plate-special-fix-during-visitors-center-renovation/): The Visit Knoxville Visitors Center at 301 S. Gay Street is a kind of front porch for downtown Knoxville. Tourists wander in clutching maps. Locals pop by for a last-minute gift. And, right on cue almost each day at noon, WDVX’s Blue Plate Special fills the stage with sound. For the next few months, that
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner: January 11 - 20](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/01/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-january-11-20/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [Meet ‘Hellmouth,’ Knoxville’s New Arts & Culture Magazine (& Movement)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/01/meet-hellmouth-knoxvilles-new-arts-culture-magazine-movement/): In the Year of Our Lord 2026, I can’t think of many ideas more audacious than launching an ad-free print magazine. Enter Hellmouth, whose inaugural edition landed with a splash last fall. The publication is the pièce de résistance of a new Knoxville-based nonprofit focused on cultural commentary, experimental writing and visual art rooted in
- [West Family Takes a Tip of the Hat with New Hat Bar on Market Square (And It's NOT a Bar!)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/01/west-family-takes-a-tip-of-the-hat-with-new-hat-bar-on-market-square-and-its-not-a-bar/): Downtown's First Family of Bars (with a strong side of retail) has entered their latest venture with See Scruffy City, a Hat Bar and Souvenir Shop, at 27 Market Square. Notably, among their long list of downtown bars, including Tommy Trent's, Scruffy City Hall, Preservation Pub, Bernadette's Crystal Gardens, Alice in Appalachia, and Lunaverse Knoxville,
- [Here's to the Next 100 Years: Ribbon Cut on Renovated YWCA Nancy J. Land Center](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/01/heres-to-the-next-100-years-ribbon-cut-on-renovated-ywca-nancy-j-land-center/): After more than a year and a half of active construction and nearly a decade of planning, the doors of a familiar downtown building are open once again. On Wednesday morning, YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley celebrated the reopening of its historic downtown facility, now officially renamed the YWCA Nancy J. Land Center, following
- [A New Year & a Lovely Day in a Future We Can Say YES! To](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/01/a-new-year-a-lovely-day-in-a-future-we-can-say-yes-to/): You’re back at work. As with every December, the long, end-of-year break that comes with the onslaught of various holidays has gone by too quickly. And now, here you are, already one week into January of the new year. Sigh. Your morning started with a simple, lovely breakfast omelet. You didn’t even panic when you
- [Ringing in 2026: Downtown Knoxville's NYE Celebrations](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/ring-in-2025-downtown-knoxvilles-nye-celebrations/): I love New Year's Eve. The bad bubbly, the sparkles, the stupid hats, and most of all that hopeful feeling wherein tomorrow morning we get to wake up to the illusion of a fresh new start, even if we're hungover and the Gregorian calendar is [insert philosophical monologue about manmade constructs here]. Who cares. I'm
- [Ghost Walking Around the Former Whittle Communications Building on Main Street](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/01/ghost-walking-around-the-former-whittle-communications-building-on-main-street/): Have you ever noticed how quiet it is around Gay Street and Main Street in the evening? During the day, it’s reasonably lively with lawyers, bankers, government employees milling about. It will be even more so in the coming years after the redevelopment of the Andrew Johnson Building breathes more life back into this part
- [10-Day Downtown(ish) Planner: January 4-13](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/01/10-day-downtownish-planner-january-4-13/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [Town Homes Planned for North Central (Former Site of the Dempster Building)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/01/town-homes-planned-for-north-central-former-site-of-the-dempster-building/): Long time readers may remember a story from 2019 in which I detailed plans to renovate and bring back to life the Dempster Building at 609-617 North Central Street. Then owned by Dewhirst Properties, they hoped to construct apartments inside the 1895 building. It got its name because it was once owned by George Dempster
- [10-Day Downtown(ish) Planner: Dec. 28 - Jan. 6](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/10-day-downtownish-planner-dec-28-jan-6/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [The 8 Great: January's Can’t-Miss Arts & Culture Picks](https://insideofknoxville.com/2026/01/the-great-eight-januarys-cant-miss-arts-culture-picks/): Editor's note: New for 2026 we are excited to partner with local arts nonprofit Hellmouth Magazine, whose team will be curating a monthly lineup of can't-miss arts and culture events, exhibitions and more. Hellmouth is dedicated to publishing quality cultural commentary both online and via its gorgeous print magazine; I devoured the inaugural issue from
- [Downtown (& Beyond) Restauranteur Chad Kennedy Has Died at 48](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/downtown-beyond-restauranteur-chad-kennedy-has-died-at-48/): I have written a lot of words in the last three-plus years, but these are likely my most difficult to date. My affinity for food, restaurants and seeing the process from the ground up has taken me to many wonderful places and allowed me to meet so many incredible people in Knoxville. One of those
- [Inside of Knoxville’s 10 Most-Read Stories of 2025](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/inside-of-knoxvilles-10-most-read-stories-of-2025/): As the year winds down, it’s time for one of our annual rituals: a look back at the 10 most-read Inside of Knoxville stories of 2025. With more than 300 stories published each year, it’s easy to miss a few. These 10 weren’t among them. I think it's worth noting that more than half involved
- [Downtown Knoxville Christmas Eve & Day Services 2025](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/downtown-knoxville-christmas-eve-day-services-2025/): Welcome to our annual downtown Christmas services roundup. I’ve gathered services for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day based on what churches have posted publicly. If I missed something, or if times have shifted, please drop a note in the comments. However you’re arriving at this season—joyful, exhausted, reflective, or some combination of all three—I hope
- [Tour de Lights 2025 Was Bigger & Brighter Than Ever](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/tour-de-lights-2025-was-bigger-brighter-than-ever/): Now in its 19th inception, Tour de Lights is a downtown Knoxville holiday staple. This year's edition, co-presented by Visit Knoxville and Bike Walk Knoxville, took place on Saturday with festivities throughout the afternoon and into the evening. The centerpiece of Tour de Lights is, of course, the ride itself: a slow-rolling, luminous constellation of
- [Alliance Brewing’s 9th Annual Festivus + IOK’s Inaugural Airing of Grievances](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/alliance-brewings-9th-annual-festivus-ioks-inaugural-airing-of-grievances/): Actual footage of Adam and Matt pulling the Festivus pole out of storage today. Festivus, the Seinfeld-sanctioned holiday “for the rest of us,” returns to Alliance Brewing Company this Saturday, Dec. 20, bringing with it a full day of nonsense, catharsis and deeply unserious competition. 2025 marks Festivus' ninth year at the 10-year-old Sevier Avenue
- [Ricky’s Is the Neighborhood Bar Parkridge Has Been Waiting Its Whole Life For](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/rickys-is-the-neighborhood-bar-parkridge-has-been-waiting-its-whole-life-for/): What makes a great neighborhood bar? Sometimes all you really need is a door that’s easy to walk through, a stool that doesn’t punish you for sitting too long, and a bartender who, by your third visit or so, just nods in your direction: “The usual?” There’s a soft spot in my heart for dive
- [10-Day Downtown(ish) Planner: Dec. 21 - 30](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/10-day-downtownish-planner-dec-21-30/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [2025 Housing Report: Knoxville’s Market Is Normalizing—But Affordability Lags Behind](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/housing-report-2025-knoxvilles-market-is-normalizing-but-affordability-lags-behind/): After several years of dramatic price hikes, pandemic-induced chaos and razor-thin inventory, East Tennessee’s housing market is finally showing signs of stabilization, according to the newly released 2025 State of Housing report from East Tennessee REALTORS®. While prices remain high and affordability remains a serious concern, housing supply has improved, new construction is picking up,
- [Tarik's North African Hosts 'The JFG Exhibit' Honoring Iconic South Knoxville Sign](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/tariks-north-african-hosts-the-jfg-exhibit-honoring-iconic-south-knoxville-sign/): The spirit of South Knoxville's venerable and beloved JFG Sign is alive and well at Tarik's North African. While the sign itself remains in storage, the restaurant is hosting a small but intriguing exhibit featuring artistic portrayals of the iconic structure. (We last wrote about Tarik's brick-and-mortar opening in July here, and recounted Tarik's story
- [Gay Street Bridge Reopens to Pedestrians & Cyclists—On Time, Under Budget](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/gay-street-bridge-reopens-to-pedestrians-cyclists-on-time-under-budget/): After 18 months of uncertainty, detours and collective bridge-education the city never asked for, the Gay Street Bridge is once again open—this time to pedestrians and bicyclists only. City leaders cut the ribbon this morning on the 127-year-old span, marking the completion of a $2.7 million stabilization project that came in on time and under
- [2025 Old North Knoxville Victorian Home Tour, Part II](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/2025-old-north-knoxville-victorian-home-tour-part-ii/): I kicked off our 2025 Old North Knoxville Victorian Home Tour recap yesterday and promptly got waylaid by the jaw-dropping transformations of the Bertha Clark House (523 E. Oklahoma Ave.) and the Hattar House (217 E. Scott Ave.). I lingered. I stared. I fell down a rabbit hole and never quite resurfaced. Classic Leslie behavior.
- [2025 Old North Knoxville Victorian Holiday Home Tour, Part I](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/2025-old-north-knoxville-victorian-holiday-home-tour-part-i/): It’s a time-burnished Inside of Knoxville tradition to recap the Old North Knoxville Victorian Holiday Home Tour; we've covered it most years since 2012. (See the bottom of this post for links to previous coverage, including addresses of all featured homes.) But the Home Tour itself, whose 2025 edition took place Dec. 6-7, has been
- [10-Day Downtown(ish) Planner: Dec. 7 - 15](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/10-day-downtownish-planner-dec-7-15/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [10-Day Downtown(ish) Planner: Dec. 14 - 23](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/10-day-downtownish-planner-dec-14-23/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [Knox Vegas Style Brings Trolley Charm Back to Downtown Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/knox-vegas-style-brings-trolley-charm-back-to-downtown-knoxville/): If you were along Gay Street for this year’s Knoxville Christmas Parade, you might have felt a little tug of nostalgia when a cream-colored vintage trolley rolled past, wrapped in lights and packed with smiling riders. For years, Knoxville’s downtown trolleys were part of the city’s fabric, and a lot of us were sad to
- [Downtown Updates: Vintage Cal, Tennessee Theatre's 612 Building, Riverview Tower, U.S. Bank Building & Old City Streetscapes](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/downtown-updates-vintage-cal-tennessee-theatres-612-building-riverview-tower-u-s-bank-building-old-city-streetscapes/): Development can be a slow-moving train but lately I feel like I’ve been running just to keep up. Between Monday evening and Tuesday morning, I attended an open house for the South Waterfront Down River Master Plan (see the story here); a groundbreaking for State Street development Vintage Cal; and a hardhat tour of the
- [A First Look at the South Waterfront ‘Down River’ Master Plan](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/a-first-look-at-the-south-waterfront-down-river-master-plan/): Community members piled into the Kerbela Temple (which is still on the market, for anyone keeping score) on Monday evening for an open house hosted by the South Knoxville Neighborhood & Business Coalition. There, the South Waterfront Down River Master Plan made its public debut, marking a major milestone in a two-year process that generated
- [Aaron Thompson & Jessica King Announce New Hospitality Concept for Former RALA Space ](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/aaron-thompson-jessica-king-announce-new-hospitality-concept-for-former-rala-space/): Last week we lamented the news that RALA, the long-running local art and gift shop at 112 West Jackson Ave., will move its business online at the end of the year. This week, we get to pivot from grief to giddiness: the space’s future is in good hands. Jessica King and Aaron Thompson – the
- [Knoxville Christmas Parade Brings Pageantry to the 2025 Holiday Season](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/knoxville-christmas-parade-brings-pageantry-to-the-2025-holiday-season/): Christmas 2025 arrived in grand style this past Friday with the 52nd Annual WIVK Downtown Knoxville Christmas Parade. With 120 entrants in this year's edition, the Christmas spirit came marching, dancing, driving, skipping and surfing down Gay Street. The weather cooperated to keep the parade dry and actually slightly warmer than last year. The parade
- [Artsclamation! Continues Today at The Standard](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/artsclamation-continues-today-at-the-standard/): A long-running East Tennessee art tradition is getting a fresh dose of downtown energy this year. Artsclamation!, the annual fine-art sale benefiting Peninsula, moved to The Standard on Jackson Avenue for its 2025 event. The sale began yesterday and continues today from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Now in its 24th year, Artsclamation! is part
- [Shop Local! A Guide to Downtown-ish Holiday Markets](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/shop-local-a-guide-to-downtown-ish-holiday-markets/): Winter in Knoxville doesn’t have a grand expected arrival. It sneaks up on you. One morning you wake up, and it's cold, and you realize it’s somehow already that holly-jolly time of year again. And look, there are a lot of ways to spend your money in December. Some of them, as our fearless leader
- [Three Downtown Businesses Closing Brick & Mortar to Focus Elsewhere](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/three-downtown-businesses-closing-brick-and-mortar-to-focus-elsewhere/): I'll admit upfront that these are a bit personal for me. I've long had relationships with two of the owners and the third business is extremely important for downtown, though I'm just not sure we are able to support it adequately. So, these shifts/closures sting a bit. While it's not unusual for several businesses to
- [Former TVA Bank Building Becomes The Onyx; Development to Begin in Spring 2026](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/former-tva-bank-building-becomes-the-oynx-development-to-begin-in-the-spring-of-2026/): Imagine a story that involves a former bank, a Knoxville art gallery, New York art galleries, a boutique art hotel, an empty building, high-end shops, and the sale of seemingly unrelated buildings a mile away. There's a lot to unpack, with the ultimate storyline being the development (at long last!) of the former TVA Bank
- [Your Ultimate 2025 Downtown-ish Holiday Calendar](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/your-ultimate-2025-downtown-ish-holiday-calendar/): I am not a big planner-ahead-er type human. As an enneagram 7, I suffer from chronic FOMO and feel most at ease when I ain't committed to nothin’—which is why Inside of Knoxville’s calendar model suits me so well. I can see what’s happening on any given day and jump right into whatever suits my
- [Dogwood Arts Unveils New Signature Event: Knoxwalls Murals & Music Festival](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/11/dogwood-arts-unveils-new-signature-event-knoxwalls-murals-music-festival/): Dogwood Arts is adding a new entry to its growing list of community art traditions. The first Knoxwalls Murals & Music Festival will take place Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Emory Place, bringing a day of live mural painting, music and neighborhood energy to an already colorful historic corridor.
- [Downtown-ish Development Updates, Part 1: RiverHill on the Rise](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/downtown-ish-development-updates-part-1-riverhill-on-the-rise/): I had coffee with Alan yesterday morning, in the cool shade of his balcony overlooking Krutch Park. I’m grateful to have IOK’s founder as both a sounding board and an encyclopedic resource for all things downtown development. As much as I love arts and culture etc., I also understand that our readers have come to
- [Visit Knoxville Unveils New Branding Campaign: ‘Calling the Curious’](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/visit-knoxville-unveils-new-branding-campaign-calling-the-curious/): How do you brand a whole dang city? Tourism taglines are part marketing, part micro-poetry. At their best, they fuse so tightly with a place they become shorthand for it: think “What Happens Here, Stays Here” (Las Vegas) or "The City That Never Sleeps" (NYC). Some are rallying cries, like “Keep Austin Weird.” Others go
- [Ghost Walking the Christmas Streets of Knoxville: The Inaugural Knoxville Santa Claus Parade](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/12/ghost-walking-the-christmas-streets-of-knoxville-the-inaugural-knoxville-santa-claus-parade/): “Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, right down Santa Claus Lane, Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeers pulling on the reins, Bells are ringing, children singing, all is merry and bright, So hang your stockings and say your prayers, 'cause Santa Claus comes tonight.” So sang the singing cowboy Gene Autry (who
- [10-Day Downtown(ish) Planner, Nov. 9 - 18](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/11/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-nov-9-18/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [10-Day Downtown(ish) Planner: Nov. 16 - 25](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/11/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-nov-16-25/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [10-Day Downtown(ish) Planner: Nov. 23 - Dec. 2](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/11/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-nov-23-dec-2/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [10-Day Downtown(ish) Planner: Nov. 30 - Dec. 9](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/11/10-day-downtownish-planner-nov-30-dec-9/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [Lights, Tree, Action: Knoxville Holiday Season Begins + Your Long Weekend Guide](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/11/lights-tree-action-knoxville-holiday-season-begins-your-long-weekend-guide/): With Thanksgiving leftovers tucked neatly into their little Tupperware coffins, our collective consciousness shifts to the next big event on the cultural calendar. It’s officially Christmas in the City! Or Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Yule, Festivus … however you choose to celebrate. IOK’s upcoming Monday/Tuesday posts will be dedicated to a local holiday market guide (Don't let
- [Downtown Knoxville Alliance Finds a New Home in The Emporium in an Evolving Center City](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/11/downtown-knoxville-alliance-finds-a-new-home-in-the-emporium/): After years of sharing space with the Knoxville Chamber and Leadership Knoxville on Market Square, Downtown Knoxville Alliance (DKA) recently moved its office to the Emporium Building (100 S. Gay Street). The new address makes sense for a 32-year-old organization that lives at the intersection of business, civic life and culture. This move feels like
- [Hold My Beer: Axle Ribbon-Cutting + Assorted Updates from Downtown North & Happy Holler](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/11/hold-my-beer-axle-ribbon-cutting-assorted-updates-from-downtown-north-happy-holler/): In what may have been the highest Patagonia-vest-per-capita event in recent Knoxville history, Axle Logistics cut the ribbon last week on its new 84,000-square-foot headquarters at 849 N. Central St. The $38 million facility sits directly across from the century-old building the company renovated five years ago as its first corporate HQ. Alan shared a
- [Knoxville’s Favorite Holiday Ghost Story, ‘A Christmas Carol,’ Returns to Clarence Brown Theatre](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/11/knoxvilles-favorite-holiday-ghost-story-a-christmas-carol-returns-to-clarence-brown-theatre/): Every November like clockwork, A Christmas Carol returns to Clarence Brown Theatre before Thanksgiving leftovers even hit the fridge. Watching Scrooge get haunted into a higher state of self-actualization is a beloved local holiday tradition that now spans over 30 years, and it's a nice annual reminder to gut-check one's own life: What have you
- [Love Letter to a Petro: Market Square Location Closing on Friday + Incoming Fashion Retail](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/11/love-letter-to-a-petro-market-square-location-closing-on-friday-incoming-clothing-retail/): After six years on Market Square, the downtown Petro’s Chili & Chips location will close its doors for good at 3 p.m. this Friday. The Knoxville-born brand—birthed at the 1982 World’s Fair and known for its hearty Frito-pies and Hint-of-Orange iced tea—will transfer downtown operations to its soon-to-reopen Powell location. After a couple weeks of
- [Mother Shop to Close, Making Way for Mother Bar’s Growth & Debut of Daughter Bar](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/11/mother-shop-to-close-making-way-for-mother-bars-growth-and-the-debut-of-daughter-bar/): When Jade Adams and Dylan Pacifico opened Mother Shop in the upstairs space at 15 Emory Place in March, their goal was simple: build a small, playful gift boutique that would help introduce the larger vision for Mother Bar, which was set to open downstairs. In the months since, the couple got married and the
- [Big Ears Announces Daily Schedule + New Venue(s)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/11/big-ears-announces-daily-schedule-new-venues/): I quite enjoy lurking on the r/BigEarsFestival subreddit, a cesspool of music nerds one-upping one another with speculation and the occasional conspiracy theory. Who will we see on the lineup, based on a composite sketch of tour schedules and various assorted Easter eggs? What are the chances artist X will sit in with artists Y
- [Ghost Walking the Streets of Knoxville: Prize Steers, Peddlers & Pool Halls](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/11/ghost-walking-the-streets-of-knoxville-prize-steers-peddlers-pool-halls/): Just beyond the edge of the town’s original 64 lots laid out in 1791, the intersection of Gay Street and Clinch Avenue has long been a bustling place in downtown Knoxville. Today, thousands of people walk or drive through here on their way to work, to see a show at the Tennessee Theatre, visit the
- [Urban Outposts: Mis Amores, a Literary Café with Latin Roots](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/11/urban-outposts-mis-amores-a-literary-cafe-with-latin-roots/): Editor's note: The impetus behind our "Urban Outposts" series is that so much of Knoxville’s creative energy these days is happening beyond the downtown core. As rent climbs, some of the city’s scrappiest, most innovative small businesses and artists are finding footholds where the risk makes more sense. If we only cover the center city
- [Making Music in Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/11/making-music-in-knoxville/): I’ve been going to a lot of live music lately, seeing both local and national acts. As I swung by the Pilot Light’s 25th anniversary a few weeks back, I began to wonder about how music “gets made” in Knoxville these days. I know some of the older, varied pathways from my college days, seeing bands
- [Relive UT Football History at Vintage Vols Night at Xul, in Support of TAMIS](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/11/relive-ut-football-history-at-vintage-vols-night-at-xul-in-support-of-tamis/): Today's story is by guest contributors John Morton, audio visual archivist at the Tennessee Archive of Moving Image and Sound (TAMIS), and Janine Winfree, assistant audiovisual archivist at TAMIS. Special thanks to Mary Pom Claiborne, assistant director for marketing, communications and development for Knox County Public Library, and Eric Dawson, manager of the Calvin M.
- [Keep Knoxville Beautiful Celebrates 2025 Orchids Award Winners](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/11/keep-knoxville-beautiful-celebrates-2025-orchids-award-winners/): What’s prettier than an orchid? I can’t keep one blooming longer than a season (yes, I’ve tried the ice cube trick and watched YouTube videos), but I appreciate those who can. A city is a little like an orchid, in that it needs the right balance of care, creativity and sunlight to thrive. The 46th
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner, Nov. 2 - 11](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/11/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-nov-2-11/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [Make Room: 'Her' Opens at Lilienthal Gallery, Showcasing Women Who Take Up Space](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/11/make-room-her-opens-at-lilienthal-gallery-showcasing-women-who-take-up-space/): Ilana Lilienthal, of Lilienthal Gallery, is easy to spot in a crowd. Across the foyer of the Knoxville Museum of Art, I see her, looking tonight like art itself: asymmetrical, architectural, cinematic. It’s the annual Keep Knoxville Beautiful Orchid Awards. KnoxWalls at Emory Place—the ambitious mural project Ilana and Dogwood Arts willed into being behind
- [Major News for Knoxville: Women's Suffrage Museum Coming to 706 Gay Street](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/11/major-news-for-knoxville-womens-suffrage-museum-coming-to-706-gay-street/): A list of what to do in downtown Knoxville will get an intriguing new addition as the Suffrage Coalition announced that it has raised $2,000,000 to purchase 706 Gay Street, closing on the property at full price last week. In a press conference this morning, the group announced the purchase, which will house a new
- [Is This Love That We’re Feeling? One Knox SC Playoff Soccer Comes to Town](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/11/is-this-love-that-were-feeling-one-knox-sc-playoff-soccer-comes-to-town/): Knoxville loves winners, and we might just be getting swept off our feet again. (Or perhaps it’s just a hard, clean slide-tackle.) We’ve been flirting with soccer for years, and have even been fortunate to enjoy some pretty memorable nights on the town, so to speak, in the last decade. In 2017, Knoxville Force, an
- [Mighty Musical Monday & a Tribute to Dr. Bill Snyder](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/11/mighty-musical-monday-and-a-tribute-to-dr-bill-snyder/): If you are downtown today around noon, stop by the Tennessee Theatre for the latest Mighty Musical Monday. Founder Dr. Bill Snyder passed away on September 23; Urban Guy interviewed Dr. Snyder in 2018 on the occasion of his retirement, and a re-read of that article captures many fantastic memories. Last month's Mighty Musical Monday
- [Your Field Guide to FILM FEST KNOX 2025](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/11/your-field-guide-to-film-fest-knox-2025/): FILM FEST KNOX returns Nov. 6-9, transforming the Regal Riviera into a showcase of independent film. Now in its third year running, the festival features three full days of film programming as well as regional and local filmmaking competitions, workshops and social events. If you get lightheaded scanning the lineup or panicky that there might
- [Kennedy Concepts Announces Gay Street Projects (Former Babalu & Frothy Monkey); Mimosas Grand Opening](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/11/kennedy-concepts-announces-gay-street-projects-former-babalu-mimosas-grand-opening/): Kennedy Concepts is poised to take a prominent spot in Downtown Knoxville’s dining scene. Already owning/operating The Kennedy that opened in 2024 and Café 4 on Market Square, Kennedy Concepts is announcing two future Gay Street projects and is celebrating the grand opening of Mimosas in South Knoxville this Wednesday, Nov. 5. This summer, Babalu,
- [The Ghosts Next Door, Part III: Knoxville Is Alive](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/the-ghosts-next-door-part-iii-knoxville-is-alive/): Early in October, contributor Ripley Scott sent out a call for real-life stories of paranormal experiences — and our readers delivered. Read “Part I: SoKno Edition” and "Part II: Outside of Knoxville." Part III takes us from Sassy Ann's to Old Gray Cemetery to a bustling downtown restaurant ... with stops along the way in
- [Can Sworn Enemies Form a Family? The Story Behind 'Atomic Lullaby'](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/can-sworn-enemies-form-a-family-the-story-behind-atomic-lullaby/): A free staged reading of Atomic Lullaby, a play by Knoxville Poet Laureate Linda Parsons, will take place this Sunday, Nov. 2, at 2 p.m. at River & Rail Theatre (111 State St.). Kevin Collins directs a great cast: Caroline King, Deanna Surber, Raine Palmer, Abigail McCarter and Caleb Burnham. We asked Linda to share
- [The Ghosts Next Door, Part II: Outside of Knoxville, Looking In](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/the-ghosts-next-door-part-ii-outside-of-knoxville-looking-in/): Early in October, contributor Ripley Scott sent out a call for real-life stories of paranormal experiences -- and our readers delivered. Read "Part I: SoKno Edition" and stay tuned for Part III this Friday, just in time for Halloween. Knoxville has long been a city at the crossroads, where interstates, rivers and railways intersect and
- [The Ghosts Next Door, Part I: SoKno Edition  ](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/the-ghosts-next-door-sokno-edition/): Early in October, contributor Ripley Scott sent out a call for real-life stories of paranormal experiences — and our readers delivered. Read “Part II: Outside of Knoxville, Looking In” and stay tuned for Part III this Friday, just in time for Halloween. Before you ever reach the first trailhead, South Knoxville tells on itself. Once
- [The Improvisational Life of Todd Steed](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/the-improvisational-life-of-todd-steed/): Todd Steed is cleaning out his office. This Friday will be his final day as WUOT 91.9 FM’s program director, as well as longtime host of evening jazz show Improvisations, after 27 years of service to the University of Tennessee. Indeed, there looks to be about 27 years worth of stuff in here. And also,
- [AJ, Vintage Cal, and . . . Valet Parking?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/aj-vintage-cal-and-valet-parking/): We've all been waiting for news on a range of downtown projects and no two have been more anticipated (ok, maybe the tower on the river) than the AJ and Vintage Cal (formerly known as Marble Alley II). There's a little news on the former and more on the latter which leads indirectly to a
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner, Oct. 26 - Nov. 4](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-oct-26-nov-4/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [The End of the Line: An Excerpt from '25 Tales: Even More Appalachian Ghost Stories & Mysteries'](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/the-end-of-the-line-an-excerpt-from-25-tales-even-more-appalachian-ghost-stories-mysteries/): In the spirit of Halloween, today we're sharing an excerpt from "25 Tales: Even More Appalachian Ghost Stories & Mysteries," edited by Terry Shaw and published by Howling Hills Publishing. "The End of the Line" takes us to Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary in Petros, Tenn., about an hour northwest of Knoxville. Howling Hills writers are
- [Knoxville Opera Presents ‘Carmen,’ the Original Bad Romance](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/knoxville-opera-presents-carmen-the-og-bad-romance/): Knoxville Opera presents two performances of Georges Bizet’s Carmen this weekend, on Friday night and Sunday afternoon. The four-act opera is iconic in all the ways: banger after banger — even if you know nothing about opera you’ll recognize a few of the songs — and messy drama galore. Directed by Keturah Stickann and conducted
- [Flock Brings Beer, Wine & Warmth to Sutherland Avenue](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/urban-outpost-flock-brings-beer-wine-and-warmth-to-sutherland/): Flock Beer & Wine opens TODAY in the former Albright Grove space at 2924 Sutherland Ave., and they are ready to be the new neighborhood hangout. You can feel the warmth and welcome the moment you walk in: friendly faces, whimsical décor, craft beer and wine, and yummy food rolling out of a small but
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner, Oct. 19-28](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-oct-19-28/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [From the Four Pennies to a Rockin' 90th Birthday Party: An interview with John Myers](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/from-the-four-pennies-to-a-rockin-90th-birthday-party-an-interview-with-john-myers/): A dizzying 90-year journey that began in the tri-cities, intersected with the streets of downtown Knoxville in the 1940s, and took a detour through Motown Records, finds its way to a celebration tomorrow and you are invited. Knoxville music legend John Myers turns 90 years old on Monday and to celebrate, he reached out to
- [Waymakers, Not Gatekeepers: How a Knoxville-Led Collective Is Rewriting Arts Funding in Appalachia](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/waymakers-not-gatekeepers-how-a-knoxville-led-collective-is-rewriting-arts-funding-in-appalachia/): If your nonprofit friends look tired, they are. Priorities in big-box philanthropy shift. Funding can evaporate overnight. “DEI” has become a dirty word. Most don’t have a six-figure development department. And gatekeeping is real, especially if you’re outside the demographics philanthropy tends to favor. In the middle of all that, the Knoxville-based grantmaking organization Waymakers
- [Dulcie’s Cafe Brings Kingston, Jamaica to Knoxville, One Plate at a Time](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/dulcies-cafe-brings-kingston-jamaica-to-knoxville-one-plate-at-a-time/): If you’ve passed the 100 block of Gay Street lately and caught the scent of jerk chicken or curry drifting from a small counter spot, meet Dulcie’s Cafe. The family-run Jamaican kitchen has a story that winds from Kingston, Jamaica, to Queens, New York, and now to Knoxville. What began as a three-day-a-week food truck
- [ETCDC Celebration of Design: A Toast to 55 Years of Volunteer Impact](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/etcdc-celebration-of-design-a-toast-to-55-years-of-volunteer-impact/): For 55 years, the East Tennessee Community Design Center (ETCDC) has run on a simple engine: generous people giving their time and talent so great ideas can find their footing. On Wednesday, the annual Celebration of Design doubles as a birthday party with a very specific guest of honor: volunteers — past, present and future.
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner (Oct. 12-21)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-oct-12-21/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [Cherry East Gallery Creates a Home for Art in East Knox](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/cherry-east-gallery-creates-a-home-for-art-in-east-knox/): Editor’s Note: The idea of creating space for art outside traditional galleries isn’t new, but it often slips under the radar. Some of the most intimate and memorable shows I’ve experienced have been staged in “found” spaces—sometimes semi-permanent, sometimes one-night-only. In that spirit, Allison Roberts brings us this story about Cherry East Gallery, a home-turned-art
- [Ghost Walking the Streets of Knoxville: The Hotels at Gay & Clinch](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/ghost-walking-the-streets-of-knoxville-the-hotels-at-gay-clinch/): It’s interesting how the use of a certain spot on a street basically stays the same for decades, if not more than a century. The site of a courthouse typically indicates a long tenure, but how about hotels? Hyatt Place, the old Farragut Hotel, is the third hotel building connected with the northeast corner of
- [Urban Outposts: West Knoxville’s Coffee Boom, Part 2](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/urban-outposts-west-knoxvilles-coffee-boom-part-2/): Back in August, I introduced my first contribution to the new series Urban Outposts, spotlighting three of West Knoxville’s newest coffee destinations: Camp Honey Coffee and Provisions, U Brew Coffee Lounge, and Petty Coffee. Each brought its own story and personality—whether it was Camp Honey’s neighborhood focus, U Brew’s craft-driven approach, or Petty’s playful swagger—and
- [Arts in Public Places Sculptures Brighten Up Fall in the City](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/arts-in-public-places-sculptures-brighten-up-fall-in-the-city/): Markers line the downtown year, often with splashes of color. Those markers announce the turning of years, the passage of time, and the advent of seasons. Trees green and flowers pop in the spring. Dogwoods bloom. Vibrant colored vegetables fill our Market Square Farmers' Market in the summer, followed by the reds, browns, and golds
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner (Oct. 5-14)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-oct-5-14/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [Izakaya Officially Opens with Asian-Inspired Plates & Cocktails](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/izakaya-officially-opens-with-asian-inspired-plates-and-cocktails/): Nama celebrated 20 years in 2024, and the team wanted a way to mark the milestone without tinkering too much with a menu Knoxville already loves. The answer is Nama Izakaya, a Japanese-style bar and dining that took the place of the former Harvest Downtown space on the 100 Block of Gay Street. “We wanted
- [From Knox Brew Hub to Fred’s Around the Corner: A Fresh Start with Heart](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/from-knox-brew-hub-to-freds-around-the-corner-a-fresh-start-with-heart/): When Zack and Dylan Roskop opened Knox Brew Hub in 2020 at 421 Union Ave., it quickly became a favorite gathering place for craft beer lovers and a home base for Knox Brew Tours and Knox Brew Stories. The concept was designed around celebrating the local beer community, and it filled a need for a
- [Real Good Kitchen Grows Its Mission With Magpies Acquisition + Real Good Gathering Invite!](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/real-good-kitchen-grows-its-mission-with-magpies-acquisition-the-gathering-invite/): Some days, Real Good Kitchen is wall to wall with chefs, bakers and caterers hustling side by side. But on this early autumn afternoon, one baker from Mama Bear Sweet Treats has the whole place to herself. She slides trays of cookies in and out of an oven; I inhale the scent of warm sugar.
- [Quarter Century of Color: Scenes from HoLa Festival’s 25th Anniversary](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/10/quarter-century-of-color-scenes-from-hola-festivals-25th-anniversary/): Did you know from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15th is Latin American and Hispanic Heritage month? It was established as National Hispanic Heritage week back in 1968 and expanded to National Hispanic Heritage month (Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana) in 1988. This annual event recognizes the contributions and influences of Hispanic culture to our
- [Jennifer Montgomery Shares ‘Local Lore’ With Anyone Who Wants to Tag Along](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/jennifer-montgomery-shares-local-lore-with-anyone-who-wants-to-tag-along/): It’s Sunday evening, and a small crowd has gathered on the sidewalk of W. Jackson Avenue for a "Local Lore" walking tour led by Jennifer Montgomery. This edition, presented in partnership with Knox Heritage (where Jennifer serves on the board), promises an hour-plus of storytelling about the buildings that once lined the street and those
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Planner (9/28-10/7)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/10-day-downtown-ish-planner-9-28-10-7/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [Prost, Knoxville! Celebrating 10 Years of Oktoberfest at Schulz Bräu](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/prost-knoxville-celebrating-10-years-of-oktoberfest-at-schulz-brau/): Knoxville’s Oktoberfest has been kribbeln (buzzing with excitement) since it opened at 5 a.m. on Sept. 20 at Schulz Bräu Brewing Company. This year marks the brewery’s 10th annual Oktoberfest since opening in Knoxville, a milestone that underscores how deeply it has rooted German culture into East Tennessee. The festival transforms their castle-like brewery and
- [Meet the Local Artists & Makers of Knoxville’s Punk Rock Flea Market](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/meet-the-local-artists-makers-of-knoxvilles-punk-rock-flea-market/): The Punk Rock Flea Market isn’t your grandma’s craft fair. When founder Ashley Caruso first dreamed up the annual event in 2009, she called it her “introvert convention,” a place where Knoxville’s creative oddballs could come out of hiding and finally feel celebrated. Sixteen years later, the market has grown into a mash-up of makers,
- [It’s Time to Bring Passenger Rail Back to East Tennessee](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/its-time-to-bring-passenger-rail-back-to-east-tennessee/): Today we welcome a guest editorial from Jack Coker, a commercial real estate professional and community advocate who champions walkable cities, passenger rail, and thoughtful urban development. He serves as the President of the Belle Morris Neighbors, and volunteers with other organizations such as YES! Knoxville and the East Tennessee Community Design Center. The horn
- [City Announces Revised Emerald Youth Foundation Contract, Additional Chilhowee Park Investments](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/city-announces-revised-contract-with-emerald-youth-foundation-additional-chilhowee-park-investments/): This morning Mayor Indya Kincannon's administration announced a revision of its purchase and development agreement with Emerald Youth Foundation, as well additional investments. The complete unedited news release is below: Working together, the City of Knoxville and Emerald Youth Foundation have revised the contract for a 13-acre parcel of Chilhowee Park, known as the Midway,
- [The Prismatic Life & Art of Brandon Woods](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/the-prismatic-life-art-of-brandon-woods/): In a world where everything is homogenized and spoon-fed to us, Brandon Woods' work is a tonic. Inspired by the science of perception and the intricacy of mathematics in nature, Brandon ventures toward the surreal on canvas and film. He combines his interests in woodworking, painting and photography to create abstract art that transcends traditional
- [Urban Outposts: West Knoxville's Coffee Boom, Part 1](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/urban-outposts-west-knoxvilles-coffee-boom-part-1/): Lately, more than a few coffee shops have opened across West Knoxville, Bearden, and West Hills specifically. For folks who’ve longed for cozy spaces beyond drive-thrus, small business owners have heard and have responded with enthusiasm. Each one has its own flavorful story and to do them justice, I am dividing this into two parts.
- [10-Day Downtown-ish Knoxville Planner (9/21-30)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/downtown-knoxville-planner-9-21-30/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [Park(ing) Day 2025: Turning Parking Spots Into Pop-Up Parks](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/parking-day-2025-turning-parking-spots-into-pop-up-parks/): Starting at noon today, Park(ing) Day takes over Market Street with local teams transforming curbside parking spaces into mini-parks, lounges and creative gathering places. The international event, now in its 20th year, reimagines how public space is used in cities around the world. First dreamed up in 2005 by San Francisco design collective Rebar, Park(ing)
- [A Conversation With Director Casey Sams About Clarence Brown Theatre's 'Sense and Sensibility'](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/a-conversation-with-director-casey-sams-about-clarence-brown-theatres-sense-and-sensibility/): Clarence Brown Theatre kicks off its 2025–26 season with Sense and Sensibility, Kate Hamill’s witty and modern adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic novel, on stage Sept. 17–Oct. 5. The production blends the romance and social commentary of Austen with playful, contemporary flourishes—including a chorus of “gossips” who echo today’s cultural obsession with reputation and rumor.
- ['9 for 90' & Beyond: A Preview of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra's 90th Season](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/9-for-90-and-beyond-a-preview-of-the-knoxville-symphony-orchestras-90th-season/): Yesterday, we looked backward at the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra's history; today, we preview the coming season. The 9 for 90 series this season is, according to KSO executive director Rachel Ford, KSO music director Aram Demirjian’s “baby.” As the orchestra pondered how to mark the 90th (it’s not the 100th but still a milestone to
- [Knoxville SOUP: Serving Up Crowdsourced Microgrants for 15 Years](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/knoxville-soup-serving-up-crowdsourced-microgrants-for-15-years/): It’s a brilliant yet simple concept: host a public soup dinner, charge $5, invite four organizations to pitch, and let the people decide which project should get funded. At the end of the night, every dollar collected at the door goes directly into the hands of one project. Democracy meets charity, served hot. That’s Knoxville
- [Henley Bridge Gets Glow-Up Just in Time for Georgia Game](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/henley-street-bridge-gets-glow-up-just-in-time-for-georgia-game/): The year of our lord 2025 shall forever be remembered in Knoxville as the Year of the Bridge. (For the record, this is IOK’s second bridge story just this week). I figure it’s time for a palate cleanser: a happy bridge story. Why do we care so much about bridges? Bridges are, literally and metaphorically,
- [Every Important Occasion in Life Must Have Music: The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra at 90](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/every-important-occasion-in-life-must-have-music-the-knoxville-symphony-orchestra-at-90/): Music has always been a lasting part of our lives, and few forms have endured like classical symphonic music. While other genres have faded or become nostalgic trends (remember the Gregorian Chant craze of the 1990s?), symphonic music has remained. The question is—why? Nearly a century ago in Knoxville, Bertha Walburn Clark offered an answer:
- [Downtown Knoxville Planner (9/14 - 9/23)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/92217/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [Pilot Light’s 25th Anniversary Block Party & the Flame That Keeps Burning](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/pilot-lights-25th-anniversary-block-party-the-flame-that-keeps-burning/): Pilot Light, Knoxville’s nonprofit home for original and experimental music, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with an all-day block party in the Old City this Sunday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Ripley Scott interviews the incoming directors and previews the event. Since I started writing about Knoxville music, one name has been
- [How Do We Build This City? Capitol Lofts Gets (Initial) Greenlight for Street Level Residential Zoning](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/how-do-we-build-this-city-capitol-lofts-gets-initial-greenlight-for-street-level-residential-zoning/): What makes a vibrant downtown neighborhood? Lots of people, right? Well . . . imagine blocks of residential-only buildings. Lots of people in a dense area. But where do they get the goods and services they need? Either you build that into residential buildings, most helpfully along the street, or they all have to use
- [Gay Street Bridge Repairs on Schedule; City Also Studying Possible Future Replacement Options](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/gay-street-bridge-repairs-on-schedule-city-also-studying-possible-future-replacement-options/): This morning the City of Knoxville shared an update on the Gay Street Bridge, which has been closed since last June. This is the release in full. With the Gay Street Bridge expected to reopen in less than four months to pedestrians and bicyclists, here is an update on what to expect next – and
- [Downtown Knoxville Development Update, September 2025](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/downtown-knoxville-development-update-september-2025/): It seemed enough time had passed to take a new look at major downtown construction sites, but when I glanced at the last article we published with updated photographs (in May), I'll admit I was shocked. Living downtown, I see these projects daily and the progress can seem incremental, at best. Pull back the camera
- [Delaney Building Opens Soon as Stadium Dining Announcements Expand](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/the-delaney-building-opens-soon-as-stadium-dining-announcements-expand/): The new stadium district in the Old City is continuing its transformation, with new restaurants, shops, and residential spaces coming together to create what they hope will be one of Knoxville's most dynamic new neighborhoods. I recently had the opportunity to take a tour with Christi Branscom of Partners Development and project manager Clint Waddell
- [Catching up With Ashley Capps About the 2026 Big Ears Lineup & Beyond](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/catching-up-with-ashley-capps-about-the-2026-big-ears-lineup-beyond/): The 2026 Big Ears Festival lineup has just been announced and it’s a banger. Featuring over 250 events in 20+ downtown venues across four days (March 26-29), Big Ears is a world-renowned, boundary-defying celebration of music and art. It never ceases to feel wild to me that Knoxville gets to host it. Festival passes
- [Compass & IOK Present 'City Council Candidate Forum: The Game Show'](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/compass-iok-present-city-council-candidate-forum-the-game-show/): Elections are serious business, but candidate forums don’t have to be stodgy affairs. This fall, Compass and Inside of Knoxville are teaming up to try something different. On Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 6:30 p.m., all City Council candidates are invited to take the stage at Kern’s Food Hall (2201 Kerns Rising Way) for City Council
- [Downtown Knoxville Planner (9/7 - 9/16)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/downtown-knoxville-planner-9-7-9-16/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll need to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [A (Cringing) Plea for Your Support of Free, Independent, Local Journalism](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/a-cringing-plea-for-your-support-of-free-independent-local-journalism/): So, I was sitting with Alan last week on his balcony overlooking Krutch Park. Alan sipped coffee, retired life looking real good on him. A bald eagle circled overhead like it was auditioning for a Lee Greenwood video. Maybe it was vibing with all the American flags on Gay Street. Or maybe it sensed that
- [Former KMA Director David Butler Is at Home With Art](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/former-kma-director-david-butler-at-home-with-art/): When Iliana Lilienthal asked—well, told—David Butler she wanted a select batch of his pastels for Lilienthal Gallery’s Deconstructing Landscapes exhibition, he was caught off guard. She’d spotted them in his South Knoxville home during a party he and husband Ted Smith were hosting. David hadn’t created them with the outside world in mind. Each one
- [Ghost Walking the Streets of Knoxville: The Dr. John Mason Boyd Memorial Arch](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/ghost-walking-the-streets-of-knoxville-the-dr-john-mason-boyd-memorial-arch/): The steps of the Dr. John Mason Boyd memorial arch at the corner of Gay Street and Main Street offer a fine perch to ponder bygone times in this old section of downtown. Anyone who has more than just glanced over at the Knox County Courthouse and its lawn scattered with various monuments knows there
- [See Inside Sauna House, Moving Into Former Mighty Mud in North Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/09/see-inside-sauna-house-moving-into-former-mighty-mud-in-north-knoxville/): If it feels like Knoxville is in its sauna era, that’s because it is. Last winter, South Knoxville enjoyed two pop-ups: Sage Sauna at Trailhead Beer Market (Alan wrote about that here), and Sauna House at Ijams Nature Center, which coupled wood-fired mobile saunas with optional cold-plunges in Mead’s Quarry. Now Sauna House is building
- [Downtown Knoxville Planner (8/31-9/9)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/downtown-knoxville-planner-8-31-9-9/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll have to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [Reflecting on Recode Knoxville, Six Years In](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/reflecting-on-recode-knoxville-six-years-in/): Knoxville City Council adopted Recode Knoxville, a comprehensive update of the City's zoning ordinance, on August 13, 2019. Six years later, how does Knoxville look different? Today's story is by Cliff Beach, a former member and chair of the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals and a recently retired attorney with TVA, where his work involved
- [From Sunrise Coffee to Sparkling Nights, Mimosas Has You Covered](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/from-sunrise-coffee-to-sparkling-nights-mimosas-has-you-covered/): Downtown Knoxville’s business scene is always in motion, and right now it’s a mix of change and opportunity. Some longtime staples have closed, new faces are arriving, and creative concepts are taking shape. While the economic climate can be challenging, local business owners and developers are betting on growth — investing in restaurants, hotels, and
- [Curtains Up: Knoxville Theatre Club Opens New Sevier Avenue Stage](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/knoxville-theatre-club-staging-first-production-in-new-sevier-avenue-theatre/): This Tuesday evening's blistering summer heat makes walking into a rehearsal of Tennessee William’s Cat on a Hot Tin Roof feel appropriate. Thankfully, the new theatre space on Sevier Avenue is very cool tonight (in more ways than one), and I had a chance to find out all about the Knoxville Theatre Club's first performance
- [A Feast for the Senses: 2025 Knox Asian Festival in Photos](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/a-feast-for-the-senses-2025-knox-asian-festival-in-photos/): Words by Leslie Bateman; photos by Scott Thompson. The 12th annual Knox Asian Festival was a sensory overload in the best possible way. Music, dance, art, street food—if you weren’t sweating and smiling, you weren’t doing it right. The party actually started Saturday night at the Sushi & Sumo VIP event, where festival mastermind/executive director
- [Downtown Knoxville Planner (8/24 - 9/2)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/downtown-knoxville-planner-8-24-9-2/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll have to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [ETCDC Community Collaborative Reimagines Knox Central & KCS Sites](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/etcdc-community-collaborative-reimagines-two-county-owned-sites/): Community input and the importance of process have been hot topics this week. One nonprofit that helps facilitate collaboration—and has come up with a pretty neat system for doing so—is the East Tennessee Community Design Center (ETCDC). Its latest “Community Collaborative” brought neighbors, architects and planners together Wednesday evening at The Brookside in Happy Holler
- [François: An Excerpt from 'Open House: Mostly True Tales of Crazy in Southern Real Estate'](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/francois-an-excerpt-from-open-house-mostly-true-tales-of-crazy-in-southern-real-estate/): Suzy Trotta is the author of Open House: Mostly True Tales of Crazy in Southern Real Estate, by Howling Hills Publishing. A native of Nashville, Suzy Trotta lives in Knoxville with her husband and their four-legged fur babies. She earned a master’s degree in German from the University of Tennessee, which is why she sold
- [I Went on a Cat Journey & You Can, Too](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/i-went-on-a-cat-journey-you-can-too/): Some mornings you wake up already feeling like a spent husk of a human. Then your cat sits on your chest, stares into your eyeballs with unsettling intensity, and purrs like a tiny life coach whispering, “Don’t move. Just exist.” That was me yesterday. I wanted to stay in bed forever but alas—emails, pants, capitalism.
- [Bridges as Battlegrounds: An Update on Gay Street + Bike Lane Sabotage on Henley](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/bridges-as-battlegrounds-an-update-on-gay-street-bike-lane-sabotage-on-henley/): A bit of news that slipped out with little media fanfare earlier this month: the City announced that repairs on the Gay Street Bridge are expected to be complete by Dec. 31. The bridge has been closed since last June and will be reopened as a pedestrian and cyclist thoroughfare, with KAT and emergency vehicles
- [Recapping “Solastalgia” + Support Your Local Giant Puppets and Circus Performers!](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/10/recapping-solastalgia-support-your-local-giant-puppets-and-circus-performers/): (Ed. Note: Today's Rare Saturday Article is by guest writer Leslie Bateman) It’s a small wonder no one crashed their car on the Clinch Avenue viaduct earlier this month, distracted by the spellbindingly bizarro scene unfolding on the side of The Tennessean hotel. Four dancers, each suspended in mid-air by a single cord, leapt and twirled
- [Downtown Knoxville 10-Day Planner (8/17-26)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/downtown-knoxville-10-day-planner-8-17-26/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll have to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [From East Asia to East Knoxville: Maggie Connolly on Ceramics & Culture](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/from-east-asia-to-east-knoxville-maggie-connolly-on-ceramics-culture/): It's a rainy August day and steam rises from the road as I glide across the hills to Mighty Mud, the riverfront pottery store and studio on Island Home Avenue. I'm meeting with Maggie Connolly, a ceramist and recent recipient of the Tennessee Arts Commission Individual Artist Fellowship in Craft. She's relatively new to Knoxville--a
- [Jesse Fox Mayshark Puts The Progressive South on the Map](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/jesse-fox-mayshark-puts-the-progressive-south-on-the-map/): Podcasting is a natural fit for Jesse Fox Mayshark. He’s a talker, but it’s the sort of top-shelf pontification that makes you look down and wonder when your beer got warm. After all, Jesse’s built a decades-long career out of saying smart things about important stuff. Balancing that, he’s also a scary-good listener who asks
- [Knox Heritage’s 2025 ‘Fragile & Fading’ Includes the Usual Suspects + 3 Newcomers](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/knox-heritages-2025-fragile-fading-includes-the-usual-suspects-3-newcomers/): “Before it’s too late” isn’t a cliché. Twice in my adult life I’ve stood on the sidewalk in my pajamas, watching 19th-century Knoxville buildings burn. First was the Pickle Mansion in Fort Sanders, 2003. I lived a half block away; before the fire trucks even arrived, a neighbor called: “Get outside NOW.” Second was the
- [Ghost Walking the Streets of Knoxville: Early Movie Theaters](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/ghost-walking-the-streets-of-knoxville-early-movie-theaters/): Just like we do today, Knoxvillians have long come downtown looking for some entertainment. For many years, Staub’s Opera House (later known as Staub’s Theatre and the Lyric) served as the city’s most dependable live-performance venue. But in the early years of the 20th century, some came to seek and try out a relatively new
- [Downtown Knoxville 10-Day Planner (8/10-19)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/downtown-knoxville-10-day-planner-8-10-19/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll have to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [A Peek Inside Axle Logistics' New HQ II](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/a-peak-inside-axle-logistics-new-hq-ii/): We've brought you many updates along the way of the construction of Axle's second Headquarters building on Central (HQ2). The photographs showed the exterior of the building taking shape as designed by DIA and constructed by Merit Construction with development firm Lawler Wood. But what of the interior? With the interior mostly finished and the
- [Benvenuti to St. Cugino’s Day, Knoxville’s First Italian-Inspired Summer Feast ](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/benvenuti-to-st-cuginos-day-knoxvilles-first-italian-inspired-summer-feast/): The high summer harvest is here: overripe tomatoes are splitting on the vine, that cucumber you meant to pick last week has entered its “blunt object murder weapon” era, and coworkers keep leaving bags of mystery squash on your desk. Might as well just go with the flow, and feast. This Sunday, Aug. 10, St.
- [Downtown Knoxville 10-Day Planner (8/3-12)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/downtown-knoxville-10-day-planner-8-3-12/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll have to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [Nearly Two Decades In, Hard Knox Roller Derby is Still Jammin'](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/nearly-two-decades-in-hard-knox-roller-derby-is-still-jammin/): At some point in my life, I figured I would wind up in a penalty box for something. Finding myself in one sitting next to amazing athletes, well, I didn’t call that. But here I am, hanging out with skaters from the Hard Knox Roller Derby. What immediately stands out about this sport is the
- [CreepyCon Explores the Light & Dark Side of Horror](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/creepycon-explores-the-light-and-dark-side-of-horror/): When I interviewed Right Brain Productions about CreepyCon for the Fandom in the Center City article earlier this year, they told me that they “want people to be able to buy their ticket and be able to stay as long as they want and feel like they got their money’s worth.” They weren’t joking around.
- [Through the Lens With Photographer Gary Heatherly](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/through-the-lens-with-photographer-gary-heatherly/): This city is rich in culture. It's around every corner, etched in the landscape and radiating from the stately buildings downtown. Knoxville's artistic talent is not something that goes unnoticed, but there are so many artists. You may have an artist living next door without realizing it. I had an idea to write a series
- [Jack Neely’s Desk Is a Perfect Mess](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/jack-neelys-desk-is-a-perfect-mess/): It was spring when Alan and I paid a visit to the 100 block office of Knoxville History Project (KHP), the nonprofit devoted to researching, preserving and promoting Knoxville’s history. We wanted to share our big news in person: Alan was retiring, and I’d be taking over Inside of Knoxville. It was important to me
- [Amulet Parlor: Your Sanctuary for Hair, Beauty & Wellness Opens Today](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/08/amulet-parlor-your-sanctuary-for-hair-beauty-wellness-opens-today/): Miracles do happen. And dreams do come true. On Aug. 1, just one day before Summer Shelton’s birthday, the very date she always envisioned, Amulet Parlor officially opens at 103 W. Jackson Ave. in the Old City. Far more than a typical beauty salon, Amulet is conceived as a sanctuary grounded in Appalachian care and Indigenous
- [Inside the 612 Building: A Look at the Progress](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/inside-the-612-building-a-look-at-the-progress/): The journey is well underway for the completion of the largest project undertaken by the Tennessee Theatre since their 2004 $29 million renovations. The cost of the complete renovation of and connection to the adjacent 612 Building (AKA The Mechanics Bank and Trust Building) is estimated at $24 million, with $19 million raised and fundraising
- [Sushi, Sumo & So Much More: Previewing the 12th Annual Knoxville Asian Festival](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/sushi-sumo-so-much-more-previewing-the-12th-annual-knoxville-asian-festival/): I had the pleasure of meeting Kumi Alderman through Alan earlier this summer. We met for lunch at Angry Dumpling on Sevier Avenue—her choice, but perfect, since I already eat there at least once a week. (If “you are what you eat,” I identify as one-seventh dumpling.) Kumi is the executive director of the Asian
- [Downtown Knoxville 10-Day Planner (7/27-8/5)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/downtown-knoxville-10-day-planner-7-27-8-5/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll have to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [A Vibrant Tribute: Cal Johnson Community Center Mural Blends History & Art](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/a-vibrant-tribute-cal-johnson-recreation-center-mural-blends-history-art-community/): Yesterday at Cal Johnson Community Center, I had the chance to witness the unveiling of a beautiful new 45-foot mural inside the gymnasium. The artwork honors the legacy of Cal Johnson, a formerly enslaved man who became one of Knoxville’s most successful Black businessmen and philanthropists. Learning more about Johnson’s life and seeing his story
- [The U.S. Bank Building Is For Sale & Its Future Could Be Anything](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/the-us-bank-building-is-for-sale-its-future-could-be-anything/): What would you do with a 13-story tower in the heart of downtown? The U.S. Bank building at 607 Market St. and its 43-space surface lot at 413 Clinch Ave. are for sale. And whoever buys them can do pretty much whatever they want. Both parcels are zoned DK-G (Downtown General), one of Knoxville’s most
- [Downtown Knoxville 10-Day Planner (7/20-29)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/downtown-knoxville-10-day-planner-720-29/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll have to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [From Pop‑ups to Permanent: Tarik’s North African Prepares to Open](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/from-pop‑ups-to-permanent-tariks-north-african-opens-its-doors/): Tarik Becha, the culinary force behind Tarik’s North African, has been enriching Knoxville's food scene with authentic North African flavors since May 2022. Originally launched as Mina’s North African, the venture was renamed after a trademark issue, now proudly bearing Tarik’s name. I first brought you Tarik’s story in 2022. Hailing from Tizi Ouzou, a
- [Tour de Knox with Ace Tours Knox!](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/tour-de-knox-with-ace-tours-knox/): Move over, Tour De France, we have a new (walking) tour in Knoxville that will compete with your history and European beauty. I may be overstating it just a smidge, but a new and exciting female-owned, history-rich, locally-focused business just opened downtown, and I’m excited. I sat down with the passionate and creative Ace Preston
- [Park City Village Condos Coming to Magnolia Avenue](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/02/park-city-village-condos-coming-to-magnolia-avenue/): With the construction of the Covenant Health Park and its surrounding development, attention has turned to east Knoxville. In the past I've lightly covered the area, from the Parkridge Home Tours to Magnolia Streetscapes, and the Knoxville Botanical Gardens to Open Streets on Magnolia. While I'm not extending my coverage area to every business out
- [621 Eleanor Street: An Advance Peek into the 2025 Fourth and Gill Tour of Homes and Secret Gardens](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/621-eleanor-street-an-advance-peek-into-the-2025-fourth-and-gill-tour-of-homes-and-secret-gardens/): The Fourth and Gill Tour of Homes and Secret Gardens arrives May 4 with a burst of natural color and architectural beauty. Featuring the Gothic Revival Architecture of Central United Methodist Church, along with six homes and four gardens, the tour always delivers an afternoon of architectural interest and spring beauty. Running from 1:00 pm
- [East Tennessee Historical Society, Downtown Home Tour, Brings Hundreds Out to Explore Downtown Living](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/06/east-tennessee-historical-society-downtown-home-tour-brings-hundreds-out-to-explore-downtown-living/): Saturday marked the second annual Downtown Home Tour to benefit the East Tennessee Historical Society. The weather was perfect, and the homes were inviting, eclectic and interesting. It was a great day for walking the city or catching a ride on one of the trolleys that took home tour participants from stop to stop. Urban
- [Downtown Knoxville Development Update, May 2025, Part One](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/downtown-knoxville-development-update-may-2025-part-one/): Development continues to move rapidly, with more deals and construction starts and stops to come. I recently dropped the sculpture (now completed) from the list and today I'll add one and finish off three others. We'll take up the ongoing ones in a subsequent article (or two). We'll start with a new edition to the
- [Vintage Cal, 167 New Downtown Homes, Announces Groundbreaking Plans](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/10/vintage-cal-153-new-downtown-homes-announces-groundbreaking-plans/): If memory serves, the first time I heard of the possibility of a second phase for Marble Alley was the first time I heard about any of it. I think it was prior to 2010 that the plans for both parts of the development got a first blush of publicity. The first phase eventually opened
- [Fourth and Gill Tour of Homes and Secret Gardens 2025, Part Two](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/fourth-and-gill-tour-of-homes-and-secret-gardens-2025-part-two/): Continuing our tour of the Fourth and Gill Tour of Homes and Secret Gardens, the first home up was simply a highlight. The home is gorgeous, as is the case for many in the neighborhood. What made this home sparkle was the attention to lighting, accessories, and decor the current owners have brought to bear.
- [Fourth and Gill Tour of Homes and Secret Gardens 2025, Part One](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/fourth-and-gill-tour-of-homes-and-secret-gardens-2025-part-one/): I hope you caught the Fourth and Gill Tour of Homes and Secret Gardens this past weekend. The annual event spotlights the Victorian and Craftsman homes of Knoxville's first ring neighborhood, as well as shining a little light on the beautiful gardens in the neighborhood. The information in each of these posts is drawn completely
- [What's Up There? ETHS Downtown Home Tour Offers a Glimpse Inside](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/whats-up-there-eths-downtown-home-tour-offers-a-glimpse-inside/): East Tennessee Historical Society's annual Downtown Home Tour offers a unique opportunity to see what urban living has to offer. This year's event was held on Saturday, June 14. Amelia Bartlett takes us on a voyeuristic stroll through this year’s crop of homes. After years of watching Knoxville downtown residential transformation from the sidewalks below,
- [Downtown Home Tour Preview: A Peek Inside Urban Guy's Place](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/downtown-home-tour-just-days-away-heres-a-sneak-peek-at-a-downtown-home/): The East Tennessee Historical Society presents its Downtown Home Tour 2025 this Saturday, June 14. Previously presented by the now defunct City People organization, a downtown home tour has been a staple of most years since around the turn of the century. This year’s tour features five homes for general admission tickets and an additional
- [Livano Knoxville Opening 348 Residential Units on South Waterfront](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/01/livano-knoxville-opening-348-residential-units-on-south-waterfront/): Rising across the Tennessee River from Neyland Stadium is Livano Knoxville, a large scale, multi-family residential development, set to open in March, 2025. Scanning back through the 2006 South Waterfront Vision Plan, residential development was identified as the desirable land use for this area, and Livano Knoxville is one of the largest to date in
- [Down the Rabbit Hole (& Onto the Stage) With Knoxville Children’s Theatre](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/down-the-rabbit-hole-onto-the-stage-with-knoxville-childrens-theatre/): Things are getting "curiouser and curiouser" at Knoxville Children’s Theatre. With Alice in Wonderland Jr., KCT puts its own stamp on the Disney musical by handing the reins, er, flamingo mallets to a young cast that takes Wonderland and runs with it. “These kids,” says Artistic Director Dennis Perkins, “I’ve just been amazed at how
- [How the Politics of Growth Transcend the Left–Right Divide](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/how-the-politics-of-growth-transcend-the-left-right-divide/): A note from the editor: At IOK we tend to leave politics to other outlets (you do subscribe to Compass, right?). But we cover development—which often plays out in political arenas, even if the debates don’t always follow party lines. This piece by Hancen Sale, recently published on his Substack As It Stands, helped me organize
- [Downtown Knoxville Veterinary Opens at 27 Emory Place](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/downtown-knoxville-veterinary-opens-at-27-emory-place/): Downtown Knoxville in 2025 has lots of things: Lots of bars, restaurants, hotels, condos and more. But amid all of that, a simple walk around the downtown or neighboring areas is sure to reveal the obvious: We love our pets and we have lots of them. Dogs rule the surveyed landscape, for sure, but there
- [The Play's the Thing: Tennessee Stage Company Opens 35th Season of Shakespeare](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/the-plays-the-thing-tennessee-stage-company-opens-35th-season-of-shakespeare/): Shakespeare poses timeless questions—about love in Romeo and Juliet and Much Ado About Nothing, jealousy and suspicion in Othello, and war and leadership in Henry V. His explorations still resonate today, and our ability to reframe these stories in modern contexts is why they endure. For over three decades, the Tennessee Stage Company has brought
- [Downtown Knoxville 10-Day Planner (7/13-22)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/downtown-knoxville-10-day-planner-7-13-22/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll have to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [Could a New Arts Center Be Our Next Major Civic Project?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/could-a-new-arts-center-be-our-next-major-civic-project/): Note from the editor: I recently spoke with Jason Hardy, general director and CEO of Knoxville Opera, about what it takes to keep the arts thriving in a growing, evolving city like Knoxville. One theme that emerged was the need for better infrastructure. Not just performance venues but rehearsal space, classrooms, offices and the kind
- [Third Annual Crown Pitch Competition Backs Black Entrepreneurs](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/3nd-annual-crown-pitch-backs-black-women-entrepreneurs-building-knoxvilles-future/): Economic development conversations tend to focus on landing big companies or chasing the next unicorn startup, and they tend to overlook the businesses that actually fill our neighborhoods. The places where we meet for tea, seek out for a website, or secure childcare on short notice — the places that give our community its identity.
- [Downtown Hotel Updates: The Facts (Not the Myths, Rumors & Gossip)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/downtown-hotel-updates-the-facts-not-the-myths-rumors-and-gossip/): There's lots of hotel talk around downtown. Some of it is true. Some? Meh. One company, Vector Hospitality, Inc, previously announced the construction of three hotels: an AC by Marriott on Walnut, a Tempo by Hilton at the corner of Church and Walnut, and a Moxy Hotel (also by Marriott) at the corner of Summit
- [Downtown Knoxville 10-Day Planner (7/6-15)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/downtown-knoxville-10-day-planner-7-6-15/): Welcome to the 10-Day Planner! If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll have to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you
- [Award-Winning Knoxville Fine Violins Grows, Approaches Fifth Anniversary](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/award-winning-knoxville-fine-violins-grows-approaches-fifth-anniversary/): It's one of many misses on my part, as I confessed to Wesley Rule, co-owner (along with his wife Lauren) of Knoxville Fine Violins at 207 Clinch Avenue. When he opened in the heart of the pandemic in 2020 wanting to sell, repair, and build violins. I really wanted him to succeed, but if I’m honest, it
- [Deconstructing Landscapes Debuts at Lilienthal Gallery](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/deconstructing-landscapes-debuts-at-lilienthal-gallery/): Traditional art often focuses on landscapes and, as much as any place on earth, East Tennessee offers some of the most beautiful landscapes available for artists to capture, as they have done for generations. But has landscape-inspired art run its course? Is there anything new to say? The artists assembled for the current exhibition at
- [You Don’t Have to Break the Law Anymore to Swim at Augusta Quarry](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/07/you-dont-have-to-break-the-law-anymore-to-swim-at-augusta-quarry/): Good news, you little felons: Augusta Quarry is back open for business. No more pretending you “didn’t see the sign.” As of yesterday, you can cannonball into that ice-cold, emerald-green bliss totally legally—with plush amenities like actual bathrooms to boot. After a round of upgrades that's shut things down since March 2024, the city has
- [Downtown Knoxville 10-Day Planner (6/29 - 7/8/2025)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/downtown-knoxville-10-day-planner-6-29-7-8-2025/): If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll have to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If you’d
- [Ghost Walking With the Fallen Fireman’s Memorial Monument](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/ghost-walking-with-the-fallen-firemans-memorial-monument/): Most towns and cities have statues and memorials of all kinds, but for me it’s the unique ones that not only inform the feel of a place, but also convey some local history. The most Knoxville-centric downtown statue is the Fallen Firefighter’s Memorial Monument that stands today outside the fire hall on Summit Hill Drive.
- [Downtown Knoxville 10-Day Planner (6/22-7/1/25)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/downtown-knoxville-10-day-planner-6-22-7-1-25/): If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite Leslie Wylie Batemanvia the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll have to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If you’d like
- [Two Bars & a Boutique: Stem To Stem, The Pink Cactus & Brandy Melville](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/two-bars-a-boutique-stem-to-stem-the-pink-cactus-brandy-melville/): Floral cocktails, karaoke bangers and a closet full of neutrals—here’s what’s new and incoming around the urban footprint. Stem To Stem (1200 N Central St.) Brooke Martin has already been running her floral business, Stem To Stem, out of the back of the building in Happy Holler that housed Raven Records & Records until its
- [Between the Parking Lines: St. John's Episcopal Buys $10.65M Lot](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/between-the-parking-lines-st-johns-episcopal-buys-10-65m-lot/): St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral has purchased the parking lot at Church Avenue and Walnut Street for $10.65 million, following stalled plans for a nine-story hotel slated for the site. Rev. Chris Hackett confirmed the purchase from Atlanta-based Vector Hospitality Group, Inc. in an interview with Inside of Knoxville this week. The property, currently operated as
- [Downtown Knoxville 10-Day Planner (6/15-24/25)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/downtown-knoxville-10-day-planner-7-15-24-25/): If you want your event included, please create a Facebook event, invite Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll have to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If you’d
- [Kern's Food Hall Update: Disco Chicken & Donuts, Eggspectation, Aunt Nazzira Hummus Bar & More!](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/disco-chicken-donuts-turns-kerns-food-hall-into-the-ultimate-flavor-dance-floor-eggspectation-grand-opening-and-more/): Cue the confetti and crank up the Taylor Swift soundtrack, because Disco Chicken and Donuts (formerly Donut Theory) is strutting its way into Kern’s Food Hall, and honey, it’s a long time coming! Picture this: you walk through the main doors and ta-da—the two-foot disco ball overhead and bold neon pink‑and‑black décor set the scene.
- [Coming Soon(ish): Climbing Roots, Knoxville’s First Bouldering Gym](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/coming-soonish-climbing-roots-knoxvilles-first-bouldering-gym/): It’s hard to comprehend the scale of Climbing Roots Bouldering Gym from the outside looking in. The three-level, 26,000-square-foot space—formerly the gymnasium of Sevier Heights Baptist Church, now Baker Creek Bottoms (3710 Sevier Heights Rd.)—is massive, cavernous and undergoing an ambitious transformation. By the time it opens (TBD but fingers crossed for this year), the
- [Pride Planner + A Farewell to South Press Café](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/pride-planner-a-farewell-to-south-press-cafe/): There’s much happening around town to celebrate Pride Month. We’ve rounded up local celebrations and related events below. But first, I want to take a moment to share a warm farewell and thank-you to South Press Café. The Chapman Highway coffee shop, an anchor for the city's LGBTQIA+ community, announced on social media on June
- [‘Knoxville Is Gayer Than You Think’: A SoKno Pride Recap](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/knoxville-is-gayer-than-you-think-a-sokno-pride-recap/): SoKno Pride lit up Sevier Avenue on Saturday like a glitter bomb in a dive bar. What began as a small grassroots gathering five years ago is now the city’s biggest Pride Month celebration, since Knox Pride’s festival and parade moved to October a handful of years back. Folx and allies packed the street for
- [Sun Shines on Martin Luther King Jr. Parade & Juneteenth Celebration](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/sun-shines-on-martin-luther-king-jr-parade-juneteenth-celebration/): Forty-five minutes before the 2025 Martin Luther King Jr. Parade & Juneteenth Celebration was set to step off, rain was coming down in sheets. But parade participants kept the faith and by 10 a.m. the sun was peeking back through the clouds, then full-on shining. I settled in beneath a shade tree at Austin-East High
- [New Poet Laureate + Knoxville Poetry Liberation Front Arrives in Old City](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/linda-parsons-named-poet-laureate-knoxville-poetry-liberation-front/): Yesterday as the sun set on Market Square, Knoxville announced its newest Poet Laureate. Linda Parsons is the fifth citizen poet to hold the honorary title, joining the ranks of R.B. Morris (‘16–18), Marilyn Kallet (‘18–20), Rhea Carmon (‘20–23) and Joseph Woods aka Black Atticus (‘23–25). The Poet Laureate program, administered by the Arts &
- [Blount Mansion Celebrates 100 Years of Not Becoming a Parking Lot](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/blount-mansion-celebrates-100-years-of-not-being-a-parking-lot/): In 1925, Knoxville almost pancaked a monumental piece of history for ... a parking lot. Blount Mansion, built in 1792 by Governor William Blount, was the center of early Tennessee statehood. It was the first non-log cabin in the region, the site where the state’s constitution was written, and home to the first Senator ever
- [Bijou, BBQ & the Soul Sounds of Ms. Mavis Staples (Plus a Dose of Future Bijou Plans!)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/bijou-barbeque-and-the-soul-sounds-of-ms-mavis-staples-plus-a-dose-of-future-bijou-plans/): On Saturday, June 28, the Bijou Theatre offers its annual Jubilee celebration and fundraiser presented by the Lawson Family Foundation. Each year the event celebrates the history of our beautiful little jewel box concert hall, delivers some great music, and gives each of us a chance to support this amazing space. The concert and related
- [Old North Knoxville Victorian Holiday Home Tour 2023 (Part One)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2023/12/old-north-knoxville-victorian-holiday-home-tour-2023-part-one/): (Ed. Note: Today's and tomorrow's articles — a two part feature — represent the contribution of guest writer Amelia Bartlett. Amelia is a screenwriter, blogger, and staff writer for Blank Newspaper.) Every year there’s been something in the way of attending Historic Old North Knoxville’s Victorian Home Tour, a mere stone’s throw from my own
- [Old North Knoxville Victorian Holiday Home Tour 2023 (Part Two)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2023/12/old-north-knoxville-victorian-holiday-home-tour-2023-part-two/): Rider House 229 E. Scott There’s something so cozy about a family home, with personal artifacts lining every surface and the occasional teenager playing bass in the attic studio (yes, that did happen!). It’s incredible to see how far this house has come, given that it was a primary concern for the Mayor’s Task Force
- [Maker City Summit Offers Inspiration to Local Makers](https://insideofknoxville.com/2022/09/maker-city-summit-offers-inspiration-to-local-makers/): The Maker City, run by the Mayor’s Maker Council, has three central goals: Partnership-working to create collaborative partnerships within the community to build a stronger local economy together. Programming-business education and networking to foster creative collisions. Opportunities-help makers be successful by providing access to resources and exposure. Last weekend, they combined all three of these
- [Big Slate Expands Possibilities of Media Production in Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/big-slate-expands-possibilities-of-media-production-in-knoxville/): As Big Slate Media celebrates 10 years, the company is expanding its capabilities to help brands and groups better tell their story. Co-owner Jonathan Halley recently gave me a tour of their facility off Broadway, next to the Sanitary Laundry Building which is currently under renovation. We discussed a new partnership that will expand both
- [SoKno Sculpt Puts Public Art in the People’s Hands](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/sokno-sculpt-lets-locals-commission-the-art-they-want-to-see/): On a recent humid evening, against a backdrop of towering kudzu monsters, a crowd gathered on Sam Houston Street. The occasion: the unveiling of The Revelator, the first commissioned sculpture through SoKno Sculpt, a new community initiative bringing original artwork to South Knoxville. Held in partnership with Keep Knoxville Beautiful and Old Sevier Community Group,
- [Ghost Walking Around the Lamar House](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/ghost-walking-around-the-lamar-house/): Down on the 800 block of Gay Street it’s generally a lot quieter than a couple of blocks farther north. With the quiet end of a federal building on one side, and a towering office tower (still the tallest building in East Tennessee) on the other, it’s up to the Bijou Theatre and the Bistro
- [Praise Be to the Patron Saint of Sequins: Rhinestone Fest Turns 5](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/praise-be-to-the-patron-saint-of-sequins-rhinestone-fest-turns-5/): In the Year of Our Lord 2025, there is one thing and one thing only that we can all universally agree upon: Dolly Parton is our queen and she must be protected at all costs. Each year in Knoxville, we do our lil ol’ part to celebrate her majesty with Rhinestone Fest (formerly Dolly Fest),
- [Downtown Knoxville 10-Day Planner (7/1-10/2025)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/downtown-knoxville-10-day-planner-7-1-10-2025/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Leslie Wylie Bateman – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included.
- [612 Building to Enhance the Tennessee Theatre: Capital Campaign Begins](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/10/612-building-to-enhance-the-tennessee-theatre-capital-campaign-begins/): (Today's article is written by contributing writer K.W. Leonard.) When the Tennessee Theatre opened in 1928, few likely envisioned the scope of the Theatre's mission and purpose nearly 100 years later. As this vision expanded in recent years, space for patrons, programs and staff has become increasingly limited. The 612 Building Expansion plans to address
- [Museum in Motion: Circle Modern Dance’s ‘Shadows & Light’ at KMA](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/museum-in-motion-circle-modern-dances-shadows-light-at-kma/): On Saturday night at the Knoxville Museum of Art, Shadows & Light unfolded in real-time as a collaboration between KMA, Circle Modern Dance and composer William Wright. The one-night-only, site-specific performance began with a piece in-the-round in Bailey Hall before radiating into various spaces throughout the museum. Dancers performed simultaneously in different exhibition halls, and
- [Downtown Knoxville 10-Day Planner (7/8-17/2025)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/downtown-knoxville-10-day-planner-7-8-17-2025/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite editor Leslie Wylie Bateman via the “invite” button on the event page (you’ll have to friend her), and it will be included. We need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Downtown Welcomes Its 'Newtest' Residents](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/knoxville-newts-invade-downtown/): Downtown has some new residents. Meet Neyland, Nigel, Nya and nine of their sneaky little friends: “Newts in Knoxville.” It’s both a permanent public art installation and a scavenger hunt. Funded by Downtown Knoxville Alliance and fabricated by local metalworker Preston Farabow, the 12 life-sized bronze newts are hidden along Gay Street and throughout Market
- [The Revival Vintage and Art Shop Opens at 825 Locust Street](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/the-revival-vintage-and-art-shop-opens-at-825-locust-street/): Just last week I mentioned that downtown used to have several things it has lost. I specifically stated that where guitars were once for sale in downtown Knoxville, they are no longer available. In an illustration of how quickly things change in the city, The Revival, a new vintage and art shop, now has guitars,
- [Board Game Days 2024](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/08/board-game-days-2024/): Most of us have played a board or card game, whether with friends or family. Over the past few years, the board game market in the United States has grown significantly with revenues at $930 million in 2017, $2.12 billion in 2022, and a projected $3.5 billion by 2027 (source: Statista). Knoxville, like many other
- [The Davy Nears Opening, Brings Major Expansion of Homes on the South Waterfront](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/06/the-davy-nears-opening-brings-major-expansion-of-homes-on-the-south-waterfront/): Having moved to Knoxville in the late 80s, South Knoxville eventually drew me across the river from the university. The Disc Exchange and local restaurants made SoKno interesting, and friends living in apartments made me want to hang out there. Twenty years ago, I chose to make South Knoxville my home. For many of the
- [The Foundry Set to Close after 32 Years](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/09/the-foundry-set-to-close-after-32-years/): I first set foot in The Foundry 30 years ago during an age when all my college friends were getting married. One of my close friends hosted her wedding reception there, and over the years that followed, I attended holiday parties, receptions and most recently, civic group meetings. The Foundry has provided a space for
- [Ghost Walking Market Square](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/01/ghost-walking-market-square/): (Ed. Note: Today's article is by guest writer Paul James of the Knoxville History Project. Expect more Knoxville history from Paul in the coming months.) There are ghost walks and then there is ghost walking. It might not be a familiar term, but it speaks to what I often do around downtown Knoxville particularly. Working
- [Ghostwalking the Gas-lit Streets of Knoxville: As dark as 40 black cats in the bottom of a well](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/03/ghostwalking-the-gas-lit-streets-of-knoxville-as-dark-as-40-black-cats-in-the-bottom-of-a-well/): (Ed. Note: Today's article is by Paul James, Director of Publishing and Development for the Knoxville History Project.) It’s far too easy to take for granted the casual flick of a light switch. One hundred and fifty years ago in Knoxville it was rather different. During dark and often dreary nights, particularly during the post-Civil
- [Ghost Walking a Section of Walnut Street](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/03/ghost-walking-a-section-of-walnut-street/): (Today’s article is by guest writer Paul James of the Knoxville History Project.) Walk along Walnut Avenue between Summit Hill Drive and Union Avenue today and you’ll find that it’s a relatively unremarkable spot compared to Market Square, just a few yards away. In fact, the only items of note are the new colorful mural entitled
- [Ghost Walking Gay Street at Union](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/ghost-walking-gay-street-at-union/): (Today's article features another installment in the "Ghost Walking" series by recurring contributor Paul James of the Knoxville History Project.) Sometimes you can just step into an old photograph and imagine you’re there. Often, for me, it’s those dynamic images of street life from the late 1800s/early 1900s that seem to capture moments in the city’s
- [The Pilot Light’s Annual Halloween Show Has Been Going Strong for 20+ Years ](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/10/the-pilot-lights-annual-halloween-show-has-been-going-strong-for-20-years/): (Ed Note: Today's article by contributing writer, Leslie Bateman.) Three-hundred sixty-four days a year, The Pilot Light devotes itself to being an incubator and oasis for original music – i.e. sorry, no cover bands. Holding space for “experimental or independent forms of artistic expression underrepresented in the local culture and popular culture at large” is
- [A Word from the New Editor + Reader Survey](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/a-word-from-the-new-editor-reader-survey/): If you don’t know me yet, hi, I’m Leslie. And stepping into this role feels like coming home. Here’s the quick-as-I-can-make-it version: I grew up in Fountain City, went to UT, and the day I wandered into the Daily Beacon newsroom something clicked. Meanwhile I worked at a little pizzeria called Tomato Head, one of
- [XÜL Beer Company Announces Big Change to Kill The Lights Beer Festival for 2025](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/xul-beer-company-announces-big-change-to-kill-the-lights-beer-festival-for-2025/): XÜL Beer Company opened in October 2020. But no pandemic would keep partners Brad, Tara and Bentley from achieving their dream of providing quality beer, sours and a great atmosphere for the community. The brewery is known for its diverse and innovative beer offerings, including adjunct-heavy stouts like their VHS series, super fruited sours,
- [The Times They Are A-Changin’: A Tribute to Urban Guy](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/the-times-they-are-a-changin-a-tribute-to-urban-guy/): Compiled by Leslie Bateman, K.W. Leonard and Heather Ryerson On Sunday afternoon, at a proper-fancy downtown party to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Inside of Knoxville, Alan Sims—aka Urban Guy—stood up and shared some big news: he’s retiring. The packed Arcade Building responded first with gasps, then (after Alan reassured everyone that IOK isn’t
- [15 Years of InsideofKnoxville.com: Celebration and Change](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/06/15-years-of-insideofknoxville-com-celebration-and-change/): Today marks the 15th anniversary of the first article I wrote for this website. My wife and I moved downtown in November 2009 and by the spring of 2010 I felt the need to share our downtown experience with others. I learned about blogs, set up a rudimentary version of my own, and started writing
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (5/25 - 6/3/2025)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-5-25-6-3-2025/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Hey Knoxville, Can We Think Big?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/hey-knoxville-can-we-think-big/): When was the last time you heard someone say, "Wow! Have you seen what they are doing in Knoxville?" I've heard people say something similar about Big Ears, but they are usually expressing their incredulity that a city they saw of no relevance has this world class event. I've also heard them say what a
- [Sweet P's Downtown Dive to Close](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/sweet-ps-downtown-dive-to-close/): According to a press release this afternoon, Sweet P's Downtown Dive will close June 15, while Sweet P's Uptown Corner will continue operations at the Tazwell Pike location. Catering operations will also continue. The restaurant opened ten years ago at 410 W. Jackson Avenue. Owner Chris Ford said the restaurant "will permanently close for business
- [Babalu Set to Close at the End of June](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/babalu-set-to-close-at-the-end-of-june/): Earlier today, Babalu, at 412 South Gay Street, announced its pending closure with posts on its social media sites: It is with deep appreciation and sadness that we share this difficult news: After nearly a decade in downtown Knoxville, and four unforgettable years under our ownership, Babalu will be closing its doors on June 29th.
- [Downtown Knoxville: What Is Missing? What Has Been Lost?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/downtown-knoxville-what-is-missing-what-has-been-lostwhat-is-missing-what-has-been-lost/): I can tell you fancy, I can tell you plain You give something up for everything you gain Since every pleasure's got an edge of pain Pay for your ticket and don't complain -Bob Dylan and Robert Hunter, "Silvio" As Inside of Knoxville approaches its fifteenth birthday, my thoughts have turned to the larger view
- [Fungi Fans, Rejoice: 4th Annual Knoxville Mushroom Festival Returns](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/fungi-fans-rejoice-4th-annual-knoxville-mushroom-festival-returns/): It started as a niche event with modest expectations: “I figured we’d get maybe three dozen people,” says Ryan Herrmann, longtime retail manager at Everything Mushrooms. “And like 300 showed up. People drove from around the region. In mushroom costumes.” That was year one. Now entering its fourth year, the Knoxville Mushroom Festival returns Saturday,
- [The Urban Land Institute Speaks: We've Got Personality (and Problems)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2014/10/the-urban-land-institute-speaks-weve-got-personality-and-problems/): The Urban Land Institute gave its preliminary report on downtown Knoxville.
- [Downtown Knoxville Development Update, May 2025, Part Two](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/downtown-knoxville-development-update-may-2025-part-two/): Yesterday I mentioned the influx of new housing on the downtown market, with multiple new buildings and several older ones converting from apartments to condos. One of the larger conversion projects is the Medical Arts Building which, at the beginning of October added forty-nine newly available residential units, as well as three commercial spaces, and
- [Mayor Proposes a Half-Cent Sales Tax Increase for November Ballot](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/mayor-proposes-a-half-cent-sales-tax-increase-for-november-ballot/): In a hastily called news conference this afternoon (an email was sent to reporters just after 11:00 am for a 1:00 pm press gathering) in the City County Building, backed by numerous city officials, Mayor Kincannon announced her proposal to add a half-cent to local sales tax charges within the city. The proposal is projected
- [Between the Lines of Jered Sprecher’s ‘Under the Branches’](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/03/between-the-lines-of-jered-sprechers-under-the-branches/): Jim Maples wants to know what I’m doing, standing in his Chapman Highway liquor store parking lot, staring at a brick wall. Jim, owner of Southland Wine & Spirits, puts two and two together when I say I’ve just come from the Candoro Marble Building about a mile down the road, where a painting inspired
- ["Electricity For All" Opens at the Knoxville Museum of Art](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/electricity-for-all-opens-at-the-knoxville-museum-of-art/): The Knoxville Museum of Art debuted its new exhibition, "Electricity for All, which will run until August 17. The title, taken from a TVA slogan in the 1930s teems with surprises. Expecting a retrospective of the advent of electricity to east Tennessee, my pre-conceived notions ended with the realization that there are no historic TVA
- [Amulet Parlor: A Sacred, Safe Space for Slowing Down and Showing Up](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/amulet-parlor-a-sacred-safe-space-for-slowing-down-and-showing-up/): When Summer Shelton opens the doors to Amulet Parlor on August 1 — just one day before her birthday — she’s not just launching a new salon. She’s creating a haven rooted in Appalachian care, Indigenous principles, and the power of slowing down. After decades in education — first as a teacher and eventually a
- [Business Updates: One Moves, Another Stays Put, Two Close, Another Expands](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/business-updates-one-moves-another-stays-put-two-close-another-expands/): MOVING: LOX SALON We'll start unpacking all that by announcing that Lox Salon, after fifteen years at their current location and nineteen total years in the Old City, is moving to 900 East Hill Avenue. They will still be nearby (just off Summit Hill where it turns into Dandridge), but the new location will be
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (5/18 - 5/27/2025)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-5-18-5-27-2025/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [A Peek Inside YWCA at the Halfway Point of Its Epic Renovation](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/a-peek-inside-ywca-at-the-halfway-point-of-its-epic-renovation/): The downtown YWCA Nancy J. Land Center was built 100 years ago, exactly. Prior to that, YWCA Knoxville & the Tennessee Valley—founded in 1899, making it one of the oldest organizations in the region—was housed in a former doctor’s house on the same site that packed in about 15 women. The big brick building that
- [High Resolutions: Downtown Knoxville Production with a Cool Factor](https://insideofknoxville.com/2016/07/high-resolutions-downtown-knoxville-production-with-a-cool-factor/): High Resolutions has operated a production facility downtown for over twenty years. They are responsible for many of the massive banners displayed locally.
- [Three Family-Friendly Festivals to Hit Up This Weekend](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/three-family-friendly-festivals-to-hit-up-this-weekend/): Our 6-year-old knows what’s up the moment the industrial-sized backpack hits the kitchen table. Mom’s in go-mode, aggressively stuffing it with granola bars, juice boxes, mini sunscreen tubes, ponchos, enough wet wipes to sanitize a small zoo, one lone Band-Aid (??) and glow sticks for reasons no one will question. It’s happening. Festy-season is here,
- [Cue the Curtain: Knoxville’s 2025–26 Theater Season Takes Center Stage](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/cue-the-curtain-knoxvilles-2025-26-theater-season-takes-center-stage/): Knoxville is bursting at the seams with theatrical offerings and astounding talent. From local community theatre groups like Theatre Knoxville Downtown to Broadway touring shows at the Tennessee Theatre, there is much to be considered when making your entertainment choices for the 2025-2026 season! Theatre Knoxville Downtown 2024–2025 Season We begin by highlighting the delightful
- [Funding Cuts and Legislation Threaten to Silence Knoxville Community Media](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/funding-cuts-and-legislation-threaten-to-silence-knoxville-community-media/): Yesterday, we covered the fifty year history of Knoxville Community Media’s work to capture local voices and stories. Today, we will look at reasons the next 50 years may not happen. Due to shifts in consumer behavior and the advancement of technology without accompanying changes in legislation, KCM has lost significant funding, and as Executive
- [Knoxville Community Media Gives Voice to the People for 50 Years](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/knoxville-community-media-gives-a-voice-to-the-people-for-50-years/): Back when you had cable, you may have passed a channel with locally-created television programs or Knoxville government meetings. Knoxville Community Media, formerly Community Television of Knoxville, brought you those programs and are still bringing voice to the people 50 years later with an even broader mission and wider access. Community, narrative storytelling and localism
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (5/11 - 5/20/2025)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-5-11-5-20-2025/): Sunday, May 11 Downtown Knoxville Vendors / Outdoor Dining Options / Take-Out and Curbside Delivery Hours Mother’s Day at Kern’s Food Hall, 8:00 am Mother's Day Brunch featuring Frog & Toad Duo, 710 Clinch Ave, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, RSVP 2nd Sundays Brunch @ Stir, 10:00 am Mother's Day Brunch, Crowne Plaza Knoxville Downtown,
- [I'm Throwing A Party For You (Yes, You)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/im-throwing-a-party-for-you-yes-you/): As difficult as it is for me to believe, InsideofKnoxville.com will turn 15 years old on June 1. That was the day that I screwed up my courage and followed an idea born of red wine and chocolate cake in the early hours of a downtown morning as I pontificated with a friend. While I
- [Astra Aesthetics Welcomed into the Old City](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/astra-aesthetics-welcomed-into-the-old-city/): You may have noticed a new sign hanging outside 111 E. Jackson Ave., one of the most recognizable entryways in the Old City. Astra Aesthetics med spa opened for business earlier this year. Molly Muecke (last name of German origin pronounced like Mickey in Mickey the Mouse) is a Nurse practitioner who began her medical
- [Gay Street Bridge Repair (and replacement) Update](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/gay-street-bridge-repair-and-replacement-update/): I don't normally post a second article in the afternoon, but I know many of us are anxious to receive news related to the Gay Street Bridge. Here's what the city had to offer this afternoon: Work to repair the Gay Street Bridge for pedestrian traffic is now underway. While contractors aren’t visible around the 127-year-old
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (5/4 - 5/13/2025)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-5-4-5-13-2025/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Frothy Monkey To Close on Gay Street (Plus Another Closure and a Sort of Opening)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/frothy-monkey-to-close-on-gay-street-plus-another-closure-and-a-sort-of-opening/): Late last Thursday night Frothy Monkey announced it would soon close its location at 419 South Gay Street. The final day of service was given as May 7, this Wednesday. As announced here, the restaurant opened in the former Kress Building in August of 2022, just less than three years ago. The popular regional restaurant
- [Outlandish AF: Knoxville’s Outdoor Scene Comes Alive at Ijams](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/outlandish-af-knoxvilles-outdoor-scene-comes-alive-at-ijams/): There’s adventure—and then there’s Knoxville adventure. The kind you can stumble into five minutes from downtown, where trailheads meet river bends and rocky overlooks. This evening and all day tomorrow (May 2–3), Knoxville’s outdoor epicenter will be the inaugural Outlandish Adventure Festival. Hosted by Ijams Nature Center, Outlandish AF’s mission is to bring Knoxville’s myriad
- [Dogwood Arts Festival 2025 Anchors an Exciting Downtown Weekend](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/dogwood-arts-festival-2025-anchors-an-exciting-downtown-weekend/): The Dogwood Arts Festival returned this past weekend for its 64th year, showcasing local and regional entertainment, arts, food, and makers. Community has emerged as a theme in my articles for Inside of Knoxville this year, and Dogwood Arts was no exception. In what now feels like a different life, I helped wrangle a helium-filled
- [Blank Beauty Moves Headquarters Into JFG Building](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/05/blank-beauty-moves-headquarters-into-jfg-building/): An exciting new company has planted its flag in the Old City. I met with Charles Brandon, Co-owner and CEO of the company. He's originally from Memphis where he lived until last year. When his start-up company, Blank Beauty, became very involved with APTUS Designworks, an engineering company in Alcoa, he and his wife made
- [A Stroll Through Marble City Market: What's New and What's Not](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/a-stroll-through-marble-city-market-whats-new-and-whats-not/): It has been over two years since I last provided an update from Marble City Market)(MCM). There is new management (again) and almost all new vendors (the changes make my head spin), but the Smokies Stadium is open, and MCM is moving forward successfully once again. I spoke with Andrew Wolfe, who is the General
- [Goal(s): One Knox + State of the City Address](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/goals-one-knox-state-of-the-city-address/): On Saturday night One Knox and FC Tulsa ended regulation tied 2-2, but One Knox came out on top with a 4-2 win in penalty kicks in its first-ever game at Covenant Health Park. And they did it in front of a record-breaking crowd: 6,378 fans packed the stands, setting a new USL League One
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (4/27 05/6/2025)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-4-27-05-6-2025/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [From ‘Top-Down’ to ‘Hands-On’: The Evolution of Community Design in Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/from-top-down-to-hands-on-the-evolution-of-community-design-in-knoxville/): It's Thursday night and the buzz of conversation rises above the clinking of pint glasses at Alliance Brewing Company on Sevier Avenue. Teams huddle around tables with maps and magic markers. This is DESIGNSLAM!, a rapidfire charette showdown where five teams of architects, planners and planning-curious citizens have just 60 minutes to reimagine a slice
- [Meet the Scruffs, One Knoxville SC’s Support Organization, As Soccer Moves Downtown](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/meet-the-scruffs-one-knoxville-scs-support-organization/): When you go see One Knoxville SC during their opening match at Covenant Health Park on April 26 (this Saturday!), you will be led by a boisterous crowd singing songs, sending smoke into the air and beating drums. The Scruffs aren’t soccer hooligans, but they are definitely One Knoxville SC’s greatest supporters. And, they'd love
- [Three Businesses Close](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/three-businesses-close/): Not all of these are recent, but I try to point out closures as much as openings, just to keep the scorecard balanced. There are lots of reasons businesses close and while I don't know all the facts about these three (or at least two of them), we can assume it was complicated. We can
- [Pier 865 Sculpture Unfenced and Unveiled with Little Fanfare: What to Make of It?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/pier-865-sculpture-unfenced-and-unveiled-with-little-fanfare-what-to-make-of-it/): If you've walked around downtown in the last couple of weeks, you may have noticed the eastern sidewalk on the 200 block of Gay Street is clear after a year of obstruction due to fencing. Behind the spot where the former fence stood, our new Pier 865 sculpture now emanates from the center of what
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (4/20 - 4/29/2025)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-4-20-4-29-2025/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Ritterfest 2025 Brings a Taste of Medieval Germany to Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/ritterfest-2025-brings-a-taste-of-medieval-germany-to-knoxville/): Ritterfest's first weekend was an exercise in weather extremes, but, as it might have in 12th century Germany, the hearth was warm all weekend. Those willing to brave the cold on Friday were treated to a fantastic pork dish, the unveiling of this year's special beer and lively music. Saturday was completely different. The fantastic
- [Getting to Know Covenant Health Stadium: My First Glimpse Inside, My First Game, and a Look at What's Coming](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/getting-to-know-covenant-health-stadium-my-first-glimpse-inside-my-first-game-and-a-look-at-whats-coming/): This is going to be very picture heavy, since I think most people who haven't seen the new stadium will be curious to see how it looks. I had a chance to attend a press and VIP event this week, giving me a look inside the VIP area, as well as a chance to see
- [Tesoro Gelato: Soft Opening in the Old City (And the Return of a Friend)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/tesoro-gelato-soft-opening-in-the-old-city-and-the-return-of-a-friend/): Tesoro Gelato is now serving up gelato in the Old City. Drop in and you'll find a familiar face for those of us who've been around downtown for a while. Just about a year ago Phil Tessier left Knoxville for Italy and assumed he'd not come back. He'd suffered a great loss when his partner,
- [Opera Out Loud: Rossini Festival Celebrates Arts For All, Y'all](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/opera-out-loud-rossini-festival-celebrates-arts-for-all-yall/): Knoxville Urban Guy, K.W. Leonard, Heather Ryerson and Tricia Bateman contributed photos to this story. Knoxville Opera’s Rossini Festival has come a far way from its early incarnations. It was conceived in 2002 as an Italian street fair, inspired by then-director and principal conductor Francis Graffeo’s trip to the seaside town of Pesaro, Italy. Known
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (4/13 - 4/22/2025)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-4-13-4-22-2025/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Wabi Wear Repair Opens at 122 South Gay Street](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/wabi-wear-repair-opens-at-122-south-gay-street/): Owner Spencer Edward Siefke says the name of the business comes from the Japanese Wabi Sabi, beauty and perfection. It is what he sees in vintage, sometimes quite damaged, clothing and what he strives for in his repair and restoration work. "That describes me repairing damaged outdoor clothing from landfills overseas and not perfectly mending
- [Dogwood Arts Chalk Walk 2025](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/dogwood-arts-chalk-walk-2025/): This has to be the first time in the 14 years or so I've covered the Dogwood Arts Chalk Walk that I've taken this long to get the article out. I really try to cover weekend events on Mondays, but these days in Knoxville? Well, that's about impossible when you have a major march, a
- [Statues Honoring Negro  Southern League Knoxville Giants Unveiled at Covenant Health Park](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/statues-honoring-negro-southern-league-knoxville-giants-unveiled-at-covenant-health-park/): On a sunny, if somewhat chilly afternoon at Covenant Health Stadium, set to make its baseball debut next week, Boyd Sports unveiled a stunning array of statues paying tribute to the Negro Southern League Knoxville Giants. The east plaza, now dubbed "Giants Plaza," includes six sculptures and the west plaza includes another. Each of the
- [Inaugural Knoxville Book Festival Bookmarks Its Place](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/inaugural-knoxville-book-festival-bookmarks-its-place/): ‘Tis the season! It’s April and there was A LOT happening downtown this half-gorgeous weekend, from the Dogwood Arts Festival Chalk Walk to the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon to a large demonstration flanking Henley Street and Summit Hill. Quietly squeezed in amidst it all was the inaugural Knoxville Book Festival, taking place across two days
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (4/6 - 4/15/2025)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-4-6-4-15-2025/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Big Ears 2025: Many Rivers to Cross, Part Two](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/big-ears-2025-many-rivers-to-cross-part-two/): "Many Rivers to Cross" is, of course, the title of the great Jimmy Cliff song from the movie "The Harder They Come," which was shown at the festival. It's also descriptive of the city during the festival and the festival itself. Rivers of pedestrians flow down the sidewalks and rivers of bicycles and scooters claim
- [Fandom in the Center City](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/fandom-in-the-center-city/): I've been a fan of all things geeky since the 1970s. Growing up in an era when geeks weren't socially accepted, I briefly let mainstream culture suppress my fandom, stopping purchases of comic books and avid reading and watching of science fiction and fantasy. Downtown Knoxville brought me back into the fold. In 1992, after
- [Spring Exhibition Opens at Lilienthal Gallery Friday Night](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/spring-exhibition-opens-at-lilienthal-gallery-friday-night/): How many artists have been encouraged by their parents to follow their vision and pursue beauty? Not so many, perhaps. Adán López Alemán felt the creative impulse from a young age and, growing up in a family of artist, you might expect he'd be the exception. His father was a muralist and his grandparents sculptors
- [Big Ears 2025, Many Rivers to Cross, Part One](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/04/big-ears-2025-many-rivers-to-cross-part-one/): In the post-Big Ears afterglow, it's time to reflect. Referencing many of our experiences as "a journey" rings almost hollow from overuse. Life, career, marriage, prolonged illness, and sometimes literal travel all give way to the construct. I repeatedly heard the metaphor used in reference to Big Ears. It's a journey through a sometimes unfamiliar
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (3/30 - 4/8/2025)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/03/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-3-30-4-8-2025/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Big Ears Begins + All the FREE Art, Music and More This Week](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/03/big-ears-begins-all-the-free-art-music-and-more-this-week/): It’s Thursday and I've just picked up Michael from L.A. from the airport. I don’t know what his last name is -- he’s saved in my phone as “Michael from L.A.” -- but he's our friend. 2025 marks his eighth Big Ears festival. My husband and I met Michael his first year at the festival,
- [Pilot Light Answers 'What For?' With Free 3-Day Festival](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/03/pilot-lights-what-for-festival-presents-three-days-of-mission-affirming-music/): Since the Pilot Light first kicked open its dark, nondescript door on May 22, 2000, the Old City nonprofit venue has been committed to a singular mission: providing “a place for new ideas.” Its goal was to hold space for new music and performance concepts to be presented without compromise, distraction or financial barriers. Twenty-five
- [Krutch Park Extension Springs to Life with New Art Installation](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/03/krutch-park-extension-springs-to-life-with-new-art-installation/): The Big Ears Vibe begins to permeate downtown Knoxville . . . Krutch Park embraces splashes of color year-round in the form of sculptures replaced each summer by the Art in Public Spaces an ongoing exhibition effort led by Dogwood Arts. Christmas sparkles in the park with lights tiny and large and the green and
- [Emporium (Mostly) Sold (Again)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/03/emporium-mostly-sold-again/): Warning: Attempting to keep up with downtown transactions, plans, and players can induce severe mental whiplash. The Emporium Building on the 100 block of Gay Street, built in 1898, started life as a furniture store, spent a stint as a manufacturing center, and was purchased in 2002 for 800,000 by Dewhirst Properties. One of downtown's
- [Holistic Connection and Basement Location of Spellbound Close on Gay Street](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/03/holistic-connection-and-basement-location-of-spellbound-close-on-gay-street/): This is coming to you a few weeks after the fact, in a sense, but The Holistic Connection has remained open as they've sold inventory with plans to vacate the building at 716 S. Gay Street by the end of March. Along with that goes the basement location of Spellbound which opened only last fall.
- [Wayne White Brings Double-Header of Music, Art to Big Ears](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/03/wayne-white-brings-double-header-of-music-art-to-big-ears/): I don’t know how you hang onto a southern accent after living in L.A. for 35 years. I’d scrubbed mine by sophomore year of college. I thought I had to, to be taken seriously. Chattanooga born-and-raised artist Wayne White proves otherwise. It comes through stronger in some words than others. Payne-ter. Knox-vull. But then again,
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (3/23 - 4/1/2025)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/03/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-3-23-4-1-2025/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Friday Tidbits: Gay Street Bridge Funding and More](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/03/friday-tidbits-gay-street-bridge-funding-and-more/): Lots of news bits slip out and around the city every day. We deliver some of them in full-length stories, while others fit better in a list of sorts. Early this month several hit that fit this category. They were reported elsewhere, but in case you missed it . . . Gay Street Bridge Repair
- [Low Meadow Farms Offers Backcountry Experience in Downtown’s Backyard](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/03/low-meadow-farms-shares-backcountry-experience-in-downtowns-backyard/): Happy First Day of Spring! The daffodils are blooming, the air is perfectly lukewarm, and we’re collectively emerging from our winter dens. You rub your eyes and there it is again, like clockwork – nature! – and you just want to roll around in it, do whatever the spring equivalent of a snow angel is
- [A Conversation with Barbara Swineford, UTK’s Carribelle Carousel the Clown and Much More](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/03/a-conversation-with-barbara-swineford-utks-carribell-carousel-the-clown-and-much-more/): If you were a child visiting UTK’s Carousel Children’s Theatre in the late 1960s and early 1970s, you may remember a clown balancing a dragonfly on your nose or leading you in a song. When I wrote about the new Jenny Boyd Carousel Theatre, one name repeatedly came up in conversations: Clarabell the Clown. I
- [10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Do at the Downtown Library](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/03/10-things-you-didnt-know-you-could-do-at-the-downtown-library/): In our household, which includes a kindergartener, we burn through at least 14 library books a week (because my squirrelbrain can't stand reading any bedtime book more than once). Let’s lowball it and say each book costs 10 bucks. That’s $7,840 worth of books we get to read each year FOR FREE. Thanks, Knox County
- [Saint Patrick's Day Parade Brightens Downtown Streets](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/03/saint-patricks-day-parade-brightens-downtown-streets/): Knoxville's Saint Patrick's Day Parade took to the streets on Saturday and the city turned green in every direction. Several groups turned out decent floats while some of the members of the crowd made for the best photos. As always, I love the happy kids all decked out for fun. The Saint Patrick's Day Parade
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (3/16 - 3/25/2025)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/03/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-3-16-3-25-2025/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Knox Forest School Hosts Benefit with Ben Sollee](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/03/knox-forest-school-hosts-benefit-with-ben-sollee/): I heard about this event last week and immediately had lots of questions. First, what the heck is Knox Forest School and how did I not know that such an interesting thing was happening right under my nose? Second, how did I not know that Ben Sollee would be here this Friday for an outdoor
- [Knoxville Jazz Orchestra Celebrates 25 Years of Playing World-Class Jazz](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/03/knoxville-jazz-orchestra-celebrates-25-years-of-playing-world-class-jazz/): On April 15, 2025, the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra will celebrate a quarter century with its Silver Anniversary Concert. Vance Thompson, the orchestra's Executive Director, recently reflected on the organization's 25-year journey. Thompson, a native of East Tennessee, attended the University of Tennessee in the late '80s and early '90s, where he pursued undergraduate music studies.
- [Baseball: Promotions, Parking, and Ticket Info](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/03/baseball-promotions-parking-and-ticket-infobaseball-promotions-and-parking-info/): It's almost professional baseball time in Tennessee. The Knoxville Smokies will see the first ball of the season and the first ever in their new stadium tossed in just under five short weeks. Rampant baseball fever has swept the downtown area and far beyond. It feels like a new era in downtown Knoxville development. We're
- [Introduction Knoxville Is a Crash Course in Civic Engagement](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/03/introduction-knoxville-is-a-crash-course-in-civic-engagement/): Every great city needs people who know what’s going on, who care about their neighbors, and who are willing to step up when it counts. Knoxville is growing fast, and as much as we all love our scruffy little city, it doesn’t run itself. So how do you get plugged in? Since 1993, Introduction Knoxville
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/03/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-3/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [The Sanitary Laundry Building Comes Back to Life](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/03/the-sanitary-laundry-building-comes-back-to-life/): A life-force permeates old buildings. From the materials made by forgotten hands to the lives and labor that existed within its walls, the air swirls with stories. All the old buildings and, with them, their stories, can't be saved. Thanks to The Christman Company, McCarty Holsaple McCarty and a host of supporting organizations and governments,
- [Empowering Voices: The Journey of Let Her Speak](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/03/empowering-voices-the-journey-of-let-her-speak/): March is Women's History Month! I wanted to feature a woman and a Knoxville program that upholds all that women are, can do and will do for our community and the world! Let Her Speak is making waves by championing women's voices. Founded by the enthusiastic and passionate Catherine Porth in 2017, this nonprofit has
- [Mardi Growl 2025](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/03/mardi-growl-2025/): | In a howling, growling, group-sniffing beginning to festival season, Mardi Growl paraded from Regas Square down Gay Street to Jackson Ave. and through to the World's Fair Park. Colors streaming, beads sparkling, and owners proudly presenting their precious canines, the event launches a happy vibe out into the early spring. And who couldn't use a
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (3/2 - 3/11/2025)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/03/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-3-2-3-11-2025/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [2025 Festival (And Other Big Events) Planner](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/02/2025-festival-and-other-big-events-planner/): With the Mardi Growl Parade and Festival this coming Saturday, Festival Season officially (IMHO) begins in Knoxville. There may be a city that hosts more and larger festivals, but for its size, Knoxville has to be competitive. We love a good festival and they are about to start cranking, so buckle up and get ready
- [Small Comforts Kitchen Will Soon Open Its New Storefront](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/02/small-comforts-kitchen-will-soon-open-its-new-storefront/): Jordan Smith began her journey of providing desirable gluten-free goods from her personal experience of being diagnosed with Celiac Disease 10 years ago. Having always loved baking, she saw a need in her own life and began offering her baked pies to friends and family in 2022 after a challenge to herself to make one
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (2/23 - 3/4/2025)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/02/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-2-23-3-4-2025/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Regency Ball Transports Knoxville to the Early 19th Century](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/02/regency-ball-transports-knoxville-to-the-early-19th-century/): On a recent, foggy Saturday evening, two Knoxville communities came together with the University of Tennessee English department to travel back in time to early 1800’s England. Just across World’s Fair Park, the University of Tennessee’s James D. Hoskins library provided an ideal setting for an evening of traditional English Country Dance, tea and scones,
- [Waynestock 13 Offers Joy, Hope, and Healing - And a Lot of Great Music](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/02/waynestock-13-offers-joy-hope-and-healing-and-a-lot-of-great-music/): It's hard to believe it's been fourteen years since the first Waynestock in 2011. I covered it then in two parts. A lot has changed since then — the stage moved from the end of the room to the middle, the rest of the space was renovated, we all grew older. Some things stayed the
- [The Changes to Downtown Parking Set to Begin](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/02/the-changes-to-downtown-parking-set-to-begin/): "Don't follow leaders, watch the parkin' meters!" ∼ Bob Dylan Last November I detailed the Kincannon administration's parking plan which came in response to the parking report commissioned by the city government. The plan called for changes in downtown signage and on-street parking, as well as valet parking and garage parking. Some of those changes
- [Centro Hispano: New Headquarters, New Challenges](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/02/centro-hispano-new-headquarters-new-challenges/): Seven years have passed since I first interviewed Claudia Caballero and learned of the work of Centro Hispano. In that time, many things have changed for the group, while others have remained constant. The central mission of the organization, "to promote empowerment and civic participation through education, workforce development, youth and family engagement, and community-strengthening
- [Beat the Winter Blues with one of these local Getaways: Windy Hill Farms and Dancing Bear Lodge](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/02/beat-the-winter-blues-with-one-of-these-local-getaways-windy-hill-farms-and-dancing-bear-lodge/): It is cold and rainy as I write today. January seemed to never end and had me dreaming of ways to escape reality and rest after a busy holiday season. I couldn't think of a better way than to explore some of the award-winning lodging and restaurants within 40 minutes of downtown. We have so
- [Who is Knoxville Children's Theatre?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/02/who-is-knoxville-childrens-theatre/): As announced yesterday, Knoxville Children’s Theatre is purchasing The Foundry. As part of that story, I also chatted with Sien Moon, Executive Director of KCT, about the origins and mission of this 18 year program coming to downtown Knoxville and the World’s Fair Park. Moon noted that, even after all this time, “a lot of
- [Knoxville Children's Theatre Purchases The Foundry; Moving to Downtown](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/02/knoxville-childrens-theatre-purchases-the-foundry-plans-move-to-downtown/): As one curtain closes on The Foundry at World’s Fair Park, another rises. In September, we reported on the closing of The Foundry after 32 years. For its next act, the Foundry will become the home for Knoxville Children’s Theatre. KCT will begin their move immediately from their current, rented location on Central Avenue. The
- [Rube Baily Barbershop Opens after Two Years of Being Open, Adds Barber](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/02/rube-baily-barbershop-opens-after-two-years-of-being-open-adds-barber/): In May 2017 when I walked through the Old City to interview Zoran Stepanov about his new barbershop, E.D. Bailey, I expected to hear about cuts and write a simple story. Upon meeting Zoran, I quickly learned that sometimes a barber isn't just a barber. The story became much bigger than the shop, starting in
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (2/16 - 2/25/2025)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/02/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-2-16-2-25-2025/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Gay Street Bridge Status Clarified; An Interview with Councilmember Smith](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/02/gay-street-bridge-status-clarified-an-interview-with-councilmember-smith/): In a hastily called press conference on Wednesday, Mayor Kincannon gave the anticipated Gay Street Bridge update that no one wanted to hear: The Gay Street Bridge will never again be open to vehicular traffic. While there is some silver lining with the plans to restore pedestrian and cycling traffic within the next year, the
- [Sports News: Baseball, Soccer, Fishing, Rock Climbing and . . . Fire Dancing?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/02/sports-news-baseball-soccer-fishing-rock-climbing-and-fire-dancing/): (Ed. Note: Yes, I know there is bridge news. The facts have largely been reported, but I hope to bring you a little something extra on that tomorrow.) We are a sporty town. Of course there's a small college somewhere near downtown that attracts lots of fans for their various sporting events, but there's much
- [Summer Dreamin’: A Sneak Peek at Augusta Quarry](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/02/summer-dreamin-a-sneak-peek-at-augusta-quarry/): On a recent sunny and warmish afternoon, I ventured out from the pile of blankets beneath which I’ve been hibernating to hike around Fort Dickerson Park. This 90-acre outpost of South Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, hiding in plain sight just beyond the Henley Bridge, has a little something for everybody: four miles of multi-use trails, picnic
- [River and Rail Theatre Company Announces New Location: Here's a Look](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/02/river-and-rail-theatre-company-announces-new-location-heres-a-look/): There's a lot to unpack, here. As I reported last September, River and Rail agreed to sell the building that had housed the Old City Performing Arts Center. That happened, but with a twist: the group making the purchase changed at the last hour. River and Rail then purchased a building on Magnolia to be
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (2/9 - 2/18/2025)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/02/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-2-9-2-18-2025/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- ["States of Becoming" Opens at KMA; A Personal Exploration of the African Diaspora](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/02/states-of-becoming-opens-at-kma-a-personal-exploration-of-the-african-diaspora/): (As a follow-up to Leslie Bateman's interview with KMA Executive Director Steven Matijcio, we'll explore KMA's new exhibition, "States of Becoming.") What does it mean to leave one culture and enter another? If the cultures hold very different values, or are represented by different languages and histories, how is the impact compounded? And if one
- [KMA Director Steven Matijcio and the ‘Appalachian Imaginary’](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/02/kma-director-steven-matijcio-and-the-appalachian-imaginary/): No art exists in isolation, neatly contained within a frame tacked to a gallery wall. It lives within a vast, intricate web of place, time and meaning that floats both ways, art influencing life and life influencing art. The best curators see not just the art but those invisible connecting threads. Like a flashlight catching
- [Southside Garage Adds Two New Permanent Food Vendors](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/02/southside-garage-adds-two-new-permanent-food-vendors/): In recent years, South Knoxville waterfront development has surged. With the Rail to Trail and Sevier Avenue Streetscape projects along with the successful $24.7 million dollar RAISE grant for the pedestrian bridge, progress is happening from one end to the other. Nestled among all of these changes is Southside Garage at 1014 Sevier Avenue. Opened
- [Downtown Development Updates, Part 3: Covenant Health Park (the stadium) and Axle](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/02/downtown-development-updates-part-3-covenant-health-park-the-stadium-and-axle/): As discussed recently in the comment section here, it is a marker of the current pace of development that three installments are required to make room for all the photos. We'll start with the Axle project, which continues to rapidly assume its final exterior appearance. Mostly closed in by insulation last fall, it now features
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (2/2 - 2/11/2025)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/02/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-2-2-2-11-2025/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Knoxville Opera Presents La bohème (and another set of shows you should not miss this weekend)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/01/knoxville-opera-presents-la-boheme-and-another-set-of-shows-you-should-not-miss-this-weekend/): Knoxville Opera presents one of the most performed and beloved operas of all time with their production of La bohème. With shows tonight and Sunday at the Tennessee Theatre, audiences are promised a wild ride of emotions with this classic set in Paris' artist quarter in the 1830s. Modern audiences will note that echoes of the
- [Downtown Development Updates, January 2025, Part Two](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/01/downtown-development-updates-january-2025-part-two/): Today we'll check in on three other ongoing projects that, generally, line up along Vine Avenue, though none of them are oriented toward that partial street. We'll start at the bottom and climb the hill. First up is the sculpture, Pier 865, on the 200 block of Gay Street, which seems essentially finished. I'm anticipating
- [Downtown Development Updates, January 2025, Part One](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/01/downtown-development-updates-january-2025-part-one/): It surprised me when I looked back and realized several months have passed since the last general update on the various development projects around town. We've got a number of projects scheduled to be completed this calendar year, so we should be seeing some projects hitting the final lap. Several smaller projects are also underway
- [Homelands Exhibition Opens Today at the McClung Museum](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/01/homelands-exhibition-opens-today-at-the-mcclung-museum/): Who determines the narrative? Who tells the story? Who records the history? And how do the answers to these questions impact our understanding of history, of others, of ourselves? As the staff at the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, located on the University of Tennessee campus, examined and re-imagined how they would present
- [Barrelhouse by Gypsy Circus: More than a Cidery](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/01/barrelhouse-by-gypsy-circus-more-than-a-cidery/): We have established before that I am not a beer drinker. I have a great appreciation for the craft but not so much for the flavor. (Although the PB&J Mixed Tape from Xul was a surprising and delightful find!) So, in my search for casual places to relax and have a drink, a classic brewery
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (1/26 - 2/4/2025)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/01/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-1-26-2-4-2025/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Bethie Lou's Fabulous Gift Store Moves Around the Corner](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/01/bethie-lous-fabulous-gift-store-moves-around-the-corner/): Last March, when Beth MacDonald and her partners, after seven years of ownership, sold the building at 110 South Central Street, she faced a decision with her business. Bethie Lou's Fabulous Gift Store, which had opened in May 2022, had enjoyed a great two year run. She could have closed shop or moved out of
- [What’s the Big Deal About This Downtown EV Charging Station?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/01/whats-the-big-deal-about-this-downtown-ev-charging-station/): Driving an electric vehicle (EV) can feel like playing a game of connect-the-dots, where the dots are charging stations. The more dots on the map, the easier—and less stressful—the game becomes. In Tennessee the dots are multiplying, and Knoxville is helping to connect them. Last week we shared that Knoxville has become the state’s first
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (1/19 - 1/28/2025)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/01/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-1-19-1-28-2025/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Knoxville Becomes Tennessee's First Charging Smart City (Plus Big Ears News, Japanese New Year!)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/01/knoxville-becomes-tennessees-first-charging-smart-city-plus-big-ears-news-japanese-new-year/): As the country slowly and inexorably moves toward electric vehicles, the City of Knoxville continues to keep pace or better. Yesterday the announcement came that Knoxville is the first city to join Charging Smart. Their website states, "The Charging Smart program assists local governments in setting and achieving equitable and impactful electric vehicle (EV) readiness
- [Able Trade Increasing Community Reach with Workshops and More Studio Space](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/01/able-trade-increasing-community-reach-with-workshops-and-more-studio-space/): Tucked away at the end of Jackson Terminal is a studio/workshop that, while easy to miss if you’re not looking, is an incredible asset to the Maker community in Knoxville. When many shops were shuttering their doors in 2020, Spencer and Melody Ratliff were setting out to make their dream of opening a space that
- [A Farewell to Nikki Giovanni and a Word on Words](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/01/a-farewell-to-nikki-giovanni-and-a-word-on-words/): I've been unable to shake thoughts of the loss of poet, activist, and life-force Nikki Giovanni who left this world just over a month ago. While many other events from the past two or three months might shake the world more profoundly in an immediate sense, her absence looms large for me. I'll mostly let
- [Pedestrian Bridge Project Gets $24.7 Million Federal Grant](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/01/pedestrian-bridge-project-gets-24-7-million-federal-grant/): This is the first article I've written about the pedestrian bridge project. It may seem an odd omission to readers, so I'll start this one with a bit of editorializing to explain myself, and then we'll move to the news. I cover downtown Knoxville and I've considered this bridge marginally, at best, relevant to downtown.
- [Snow in Downtown Knoxville, January 2025](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/01/snow-in-downtown-knoxville-january-2025/): For the second year in a row we've gotten a significant snow in January. I'll take it. In the early 1980s when I moved to Knoxville, multiple snows a year seemed normal. In recent years we've missed entire winters. I appreciate the snow, enjoy it, and then want it to give us a break for
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (1/12 - 1/21/2025)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/01/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-1-12-1-21-2025/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Construction Underway Soon for Sevier Avenue Streetscapes Project](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/01/construction-underway-soon-for-sevier-avenue-streetscapes-project/): “The commercial spine of Sevier has faded to a pale copy of its past character.” – 2006 South Waterfront Vision Plan Twenty-ish years ago, a baby-faced, ambitious city mayor named Bill Haslam invited the city to dream big about what a neglected slice of riverfront – over THERE, see that JFG sign? – could be.
- [Two Closures and an Opening](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/01/two-closures-and-an-opening/): As mentioned yesterday, the end of one year and the beginning of the next often ushers in change in the downtown business world. Closings are almost a given and, often, there are new businesses giving it a go. Yesterday we covered two openings and a closure and today we reverse course for two closures and
- [Two Openings and a Closure](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/01/two-openings-and-a-closure/): A couple truths: There are always closures and openings around the turn of each year. Also, I can't keep up with them all. As the pace of everything associated with downtown has reached new speeds, I'm left to occasionally do some summaries, like this one and another tomorrow. Today we'll do a light touch on
- [A Look Inside the New Jenny Boyd Carousel Theatre Opening in 2025 to Continue A Legacy of Theatre in Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/01/a-look-inside-the-new-jenny-boyd-carousel-theatre-opening-in-2025-to-continue-a-legacy-of-theatre-in-knoxville/): When I began writing this article, I would casually mention the University of Tennessee's Carousel Theatre to Knoxville natives, many of whom immediately shared their memories of it, recalling it as their first live theatre experience. One described how studying fairy tales in school and then seeing them performed felt like magic. The construction site
- [Pryor Brown Garage Finally Reaches the End](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/01/pryor-brown-garage-finally-reaches-the-end/): After years of neglect, conversation and argument, pleas and hopeful moments, along with darker turns, the Pryor Brown Garage will finally be demolished. The press release at the end of last week from the city, short, simple, focused on sidewalk and street closures: Beginning Monday, Jan. 6, anticipate the start of several temporary downtown street
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (1/5 - 1/14/2025)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/01/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-1-5-1-14-2025/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [New Exhibition, "Nouveau" Opens Tonight at Lilienthal Gallery](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/01/new-exhibition-nouveau-opens-tonight-at-lilienthal-gallery/): The latest exhibition presented by Lilienthal Gallery, "Nouveau," makes its debut tonight. It's definitely a "go big" kind of exhibition, with six different artists presenting large pieces, making large statements. Included are returning artists Yigal Ozeri and Swoon, joined by artists making their Knoxville debut, including Stanley Casselman, James Gortner, Vita Kari, and Basmat Levin.
- [Long Awaited Rail to Trail Project to Begin](https://insideofknoxville.com/2025/01/long-awaited-rail-to-trail-project-to-begin/): Anticipated for years, but never seeming to pick up steam, a significant transformation for south Knoxville has passed another hurdle. Gulf and Ohio Railways began the official process that would open the door for the project as it has applied to abandon its 3.8-mile rail line which runs past Kern's Food Hall at Chapman Highway
- [Ring in the New Year: Downtown Knoxville’s Celebrations](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/12/ring-in-the-new-year-downtown-knoxvilles-celebrations/): Ringing in the new year has different meanings for different people. Some celebrate quietly at home. Some celebrate with parties, decorations and special food. Some choose to get out and celebrate with live music, friends and fireworks. Some celebrate with a good night’s rest. (Eh-hem. That might be me.) I grew up in a home
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (12/29/2024 - 1/7/2025)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/12/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-12-29-2024-1-7-2025/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Top Ten Downtown Knoxville Articles for 2024](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/12/top-ten-downtown-knoxville-articles-for-2024/): With over three hundred articles coming and going on the website each year, it is easy to miss a few each year. These ten might have been hard to miss as they were the most read articles of the year. Development and business always vie for the largest readership. This year, maybe because there was
- [Downtown Knoxville Year in Review: 2024](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/12/downtown-knoxville-year-in-review-2024/): Let's take a minute before we look ahead into next year and consider the year that was. January gave us a powerful winter storm and several major stories. Downtown business and development news hardly slowed over the next twelve months. Along the way we also enjoyed some quieter moments and met some amazing residents of
- [Downtown Knoxville Christmas Eve Services 2024](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/12/downtown-knoxville-christmas-eve-services-2024/): Welcome to this year’s edition of downtown Christmas services. I’ll include services for Tuesday and Wednesday (Christmas Day) as best I can based on posted information. Please feel free to comment with corrections or additions. It is sometimes harder than you might imagine to put these service times together. I hope you can look back
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (12/22 - 12/31/2024)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/12/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-12-22-12-31-2024/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Downtown Knoxville Christmas Lights and Decorations 2024, Part Two](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/12/downtown-knoxville-christmas-lights-and-decorations-2024-part-two/): As promised, here's the second part of the annual tour of downtown Christmas lights. I hope you enjoy the effort to make the sparkle for everyone to enjoy. Kudos to the City of Knoxville for making all the lights on the streets and in the parks happen every year. The city really does polish up
- [Downtown Knoxville Christmas Lights and Decorations 2024, Part One](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/12/downtown-knoxville-christmas-lights-and-decorations-2024-part-one/): I recently enjoyed my annual trek around downtown peering into windows and entering a few buildings in search of the pretty holiday decorations so many people enjoy. We're not New York City when it comes to decorating, but a lot of people put effort and money into dressing the town in red, green and glitter.
- [Sage Spa Connects New and Old Friends With a Unique Experience](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/12/sage-spa-connects-new-and-old-friends-with-a-unique-experience/): Sage Sauna opened just a few weeks ago outside Trailhead Beer Market (1317 Island Home Avenue) offering a completely new concept for our area. A popular idea in Scandinavia and some parts of the northern U.S., Sage represents Knoxville's first outdoor sauna experience. Completely wood-fired, steam rising from rocks beneath, participants enjoy the experience of a
- [Knoxville to Host Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® 93rd Regional Conference in 2025](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/12/knoxville-to-host-alpha-kappa-alpha-sorority-incorporated-93rd-regional-conference-in-2025/): Visit Knoxville announced recently that Knoxville, has been chosen as the host city for the 93rd Regional Conference of the South Eastern Region of Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) Sorority, Incorporated®. The event will take place from March 13 to March 16, 2025, and is expected to welcome approximately 4,500 registrants from Tennessee, Mississippi, and Alabama.
- [Gettin’ Lit: The Freewheeling Origin Story of Tour de Lights](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/12/gettin-lit-the-freewheeling-origin-story-of-tour-de-lights/): Tour de Lights is a Knoxville institution: a slow-rolling, luminous constellation of 2,000 or so bikes parading through the downtown vicinity, flooding the streets with an unapologetic, it-just-keeps-coming deluge of holiday cheer. This year’s edition took place Saturday evening, beginning and ending at Mary Costa Plaza. It was, as always, a spectacle of costumed creativity.
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (12/15 - 12/24/2024)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/12/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-12-15-12-24-2024/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Underground Knoxville Emerges with The Furnace ](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/12/underground-knoxville-emerges-with-the-furnace/): Beneath the 100 block of Gay Street lies a hidden piece of Knoxville’s history. You can see it – or imagine it, at least – when you peer down through the “skylights” blocked into the sidewalk. It’s murky but obvious: something’s down there. Over a century ago, the railway was bustling and Gay Street was
- [Fascinating Friends Around Us: An Interview with Marcel Holman](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/12/fascinating-friends-around-us-an-interview-with-marcel-holman/): On a recent Friday late-night at Bistro at the Bijou a friend and I enjoyed a great jazz combo while sipping beverages. For me, Ben Maney on keyboards provided the main attraction, but my attention was drawn to the saxophone player. Trying to wrap my head around how a person can play two saxophones simultaneously,
- [New Book, "The Kitty of Knoxville" by Wesley Bennett Highlights the City](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/12/new-book-the-kitty-of-knoxville-by-wesley-bennett-highlights-the-city/): A new children's book, The Kitty of Knoxville, with ties to downtown and the University of Tennessee has been published by Wesley (Wes) Bennett. A long-time friend (and neighbor for ten years), Wes told me several years ago he had an idea for a picture book. A lot of people have ideas, but Wes crafted
- [Old North Knoxville Victorian Holiday Home Tour, Part 2](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/12/old-north-knoxville-victorian-holiday-home-tour-part-ii/): With all due respect for 14-foot inflatable Grinches, animatronic manger scenes and light displays visible from space, I'll take a string of popcorn and some paper snowflakes lovingly scotch-taped to a window over grandiose holiday decor any day. A little cheer can go a long way, and it was fine by me that some of
- [Old North Knoxville Victorian Holiday Home Tour, Part 1](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/12/old-north-knoxville-victorian-holiday-home-tour-part-1/): The ghosts of Christmas past, present and future were out in full force for last weekend's Historic Old North Knoxville Victorian Home Tour. And I mean that literally—one tour-goer came barreling past me down the creaking stairs of a restoration-in-progress home, the front of his shirt soaked, swearing up and down that “a ghost threw
- [Land Sold at the Corner of Summit and Central (Former Merchants of Beer); Plans Announced](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/12/land-sold-at-the-corner-of-summit-and-central-former-merchants-of-beer-plans-announced/): The sale closed last week which will begin the transformation of the lot at the northwest corner of Summit Hill Avenue and Central Street. Formerly a diner, then Enterprise Car Rental, and most recently Merchants of Beer, the majority of the space has remained a parking lot or outdoor amenity. Leaving a gaping hole at
- [Downtown Christmas Parade 2024 Continues Tradition of Bringing Holiday Spirit for Nearly a Century](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/12/downtown-christmas-parade-2024-continues-tradition-of-bringing-holiday-spirit-for-nearly-a-century/): I have to agree with Harry Richman as he crooned the Harold Arlen tune back in 1932: I really do love a parade. Something about the intersection of music, art and pageantry grabbed my attention from the first parades I saw in the 70s and then marched during the early 80s. On Friday, December 6,
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (12/8 -12/17/2024)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/12/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-12-8-12-17-2024/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Those New Holes in Downtown Streets Are Actually a Good Thing](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/12/those-new-holes-in-downtown-streets-are-actually-a-good-thing/): Over the last few days there's been a lot of noise and a bit of dust on Union Avenue and Market Street. Holes about the size of manhole covers have been cut into the streets at strategic spots to install 17 automatic bollards, or retractable traffic barriers. They look better than the standard barricades we
- [P Smith Releases "Chronicles and Narratives: Tales from Strawberry Plains & Gay Street"](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/12/p-smith-releases-chronicles-and-narratives-tales-from-strawberry-plains-gay-street/): It was nearly three years ago when Patti Smith ("P" to everyone who ever met her) said one last farewell to the condo on the 100 block of Gay Street where she'd lived for twenty seven-years. Her send-off was, in vintage P fashion, not your ordinary send-off. There was a sermon (of sorts), flowers (her
- [100 Block to South Waterfront: Why Lauderdale Design Group Made the Leap](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/12/100-block-to-south-waterfront-why-lauderdale-design-group-made-the-leap/): Meaningful design shapes more than spaces — it shapes how people feel and interact with the world around them. It sparks curiosity, evokes nostalgia, creates a sense of pleasure and belonging. “We’re always looking for the story first — without a story, there is no project,” says Dani Miller, principal designer and new owner of
- [Runners, Fireworks, Lights, and Skates: Knoxville is All In on the Holidays](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/12/runners-fireworks-lights-and-skates-knoxville-is-all-in-on-the-holidays/): What appeared to be several thousand people filled Krutch Park and Krutch Park Extension, as well as a large portion of Gay Street for the annual lighting of the Christmas Tree. Anticipation built as Milkman and the Big Band provided Christmas tunes and laser holiday cartoons danced on the wall of the adjacent Embassy Suites.
- [2024 Film Fest Knox - It's a Wrap!](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/11/2024-film-fest-knox-its-a-wrap/): (Article by Robert Farago) According to popular belief, success has many fathers/mothers/gender unspecified caregivers. True that. The second annual Film Fest Knox owes its success to a well-coordinated team of movie-mad mavens, not unlike To Kill a Wolf, the full-length feature film scooping the American Regional Cinema Competition. From the festival's resume-heavy jurists and selection
- [Going up! Film Fest Knox's Elev8tor Pitch](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/11/knoxville-film-festival-elev8tor-pitch/): (Today's article is by guest writer Robert Farago.) My elevator pitch: check out Inside of Knoxville's pithy peek at the aspiring moviemakers competing for cash and professional mentoring at the 2024 Film Fest Knox's Elev8tor Pitch contest. Eight finalists. One winner. Yes? A few months before Film Fest Knox opened for business, 21 filmmakers submitted
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (12/1 - 12/9/2024)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/12/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-12-1-12-9-2024/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Downtown Holiday Events Seriously Launch](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/11/downtown-holiday-events-seriously-launch/): I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. It's always been my favorite holiday, though not for the reasons you might expect. The pilgrim story was great for me, until I got a bit older and learned more about it. And while I am truly appreciative that I have so many great family and friends in
- [A Headless Governor and a Mystery on Gay Street](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/11/a-headless-governor-and-a-mystery-on-gay-street/): On a recent Sunday afternoon two families along with others gathered at 601 South Gay Street to unveil a piece of art, a window into Tennessee History, and a mystery all in one sculpture. Is it possible the mystery might still be resolved? The sculpture in question, Gen. John Sevier, 1745-1815, by East Tennessee sculptor
- [Tuesday Music Sessions at Boyd’s Jig and Reel Brings Appalachian Old Time Music to the Old City](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/11/tuesday-music-sessions-at-boyds-jig-and-reel-brings-appalachian-old-time-music-to-the-old-city/): Having grown up in Appalachia from birth, music has been inexorably woven into the fabric of my life (and the culture of East Tennessee). Musicians and fans of music often identify bluegrass as the indigenous music of Appalachia, however, there is a genre that pre-dates bluegrass. That genre is Old Time music. Old Time is
- [Art Dialogues With History in 'Greetings From Vestal IV' at Candoro Marble Building](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/11/art-dialogues-with-history-in-greetings-from-vestal-iv-at-candoro-marble-building/): The Candoro Marble Building is a study in contrasts. Nestled in South Knoxville’s proud, idiosyncratic Vestal neighborhood, it’s an unexpected architectural jewel—a 101-year-old Beaux-Arts landmark built as the office and showroom for the Candoro Marble Company. The building’s history is carved into its pink marble walls, but its present hums with the energy of contemporary
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/11/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-2/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [A Christmas Carol Returns to the Clarence Brown Theatre](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/11/a-christmas-carol-returns-to-the-clarence-brown-theatre/): The Christmas season kicks off this week as Knoxville’s cherished holiday tradition, A Christmas Carol, returns to the Clarence Brown Theatre (CBT) stage from November 21 to December 21. I sat down with managing director Tom Cervone to learn more about this year's production. Tom “has also served as executive director for both Dogwood Arts
- [Green Valley Dispensary to Open at 323 Union Avenue](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/11/green-valley-dispensary-to-open-at-323-union-avenue/): Green Valley Dispensary, owned by Alicia Douglas, will soon open at 323 Union Avenue, in the space recently vacated by New2Knox. She hopes to have the shop operational by early December. Originally from South Georgia, Alicia moved to Gatlinburg with her family in 1995 and attended middle and high school in Sevier County, graduating from
- [Welcome Center Opens at the Sunsphere](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/11/welcome-center-opens-at-the-sunsphere/): Yesterday, Visit Knoxville and the City of Knoxville unveiled the new Sunsphere Welcome Center, which continues the evolution of the Knoxville icon. Guests (of which there are many) will now be able to walk up and purchase a ticket for a ride to the top where a curated experience introduces them to the history of the
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (11/17 - 11/26/2024)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/11/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-11-17-11-26-2024/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Central Bottle Opens Today in Happy Holler](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/11/central-bottle-opens-today-in-happy-holler/): Like so many business openings or development projects, this one has taken longer than hoped, but D.L. Bergmeier, general manager and co-owner of the new Central Bottle, is happy to finally swing the doors open today at 10:00 am. What you'll find inside includes a wide range of wines you'll not necessarily find in other
- [I Took a Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Andrew Johnson Building - You Can Do the Same](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/11/i-took-a-behind-the-scenes-tour-of-the-andrew-johnson-building-you-can-do-the-same/): The Friends of the Library and Oliver Hospitality are hosting a behind-the-scenes sneak peek event at the Andrew Johnson Hotel before renovations begin. Meet Me at the AJ is set for 5:00 - 9:00 on Friday, November 15. Tickets are available here. Presented by First Century Bank, the one-time-only event is a fundraiser for Knox County Public Library's Tennessee Archive of
- [Reimagining the Downtown Connection to the Interstates and Reclaiming Human Space](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/11/reimagining-the-downtown-connection-to-the-interstates-and-reclaiming-human-space/): When originally imagined, the Interstate system was intended to connect cities. And it did. Small towns that once enjoyed passersby slowly began to die. Cities that had thriving centers were cut in half, with large swaths of city grids developed over a hundred or more years eliminated forever. Unintended consequences. Is the Interstate bad? Of
- [Southern Skies Festival Announces Headliner; Big Ears Adds to Lineup](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/11/southern-skies-festival-announces-headliner-big-ears-adds-to-lineup/): Charley Crockett to Headline 2025 Southern Skies Music & Whiskey Festival The fourth annual Rendition of the Southern Skies Music and Whiskey Festival is set for Saturday, May 10th, with headliner Charlie Crockett. The festival, held on the World's Fair Park will include the Grammy-nominated Crocket along with the Dirty Guv’nahs, Willow Avalon, Devon Gilfillian,
- [Knoxville Honors Veterans in the 2024 Veterans Day Parade](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/11/knoxville-honors-veterans-in-the-2024-veterans-day-parade/): The 2024 Veterans Day Parade made its way down Gay Street, yesterday. Stepping off at 10:40 in order to arrive at the grand stand by 11:00 am. The 11:00 am marker remains important as the day was originally celebrated as Armistice Day in honor of the cessation of hostilities that ended World War I at
- [Pier 865: New Art Emerges](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/11/pier-865-new-art-emerges/): I'll confess that my expectations for the new sculpture at the intersection of Gay Street and Summit Hill Avenue remained low up to the moment it began to emerge on the large platform where it will reside. I remain uncertain regarding my final judgement. I know a lot of readers have been displeased with the
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (11/10 - 11/19/2024)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/11/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-11-10-11-19-2024/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Kincannon Administration Puts Forth Parking Proposal](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/11/kincannon-administration-puts-forth-parking-proposal/): The latest round of parking conversation ensued yesterday, as Mayor Kincannon presented her proposal for changes to be made to downtown parking. The proposal is the outgrowth of the study commissioned by the city which I distilled from its full 163 pages in this article). Of the many recommendations in the report, it was the
- [Carpenter's Union Building Demolished, City Summit Moves Forward](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/11/carpenters-union-building-demolished-city-summit-moves-forward/): Atop a hill bounded by Vine, Locust, and Cafego Place, overlooking the city, the former Carpenter's Union Building has been demolished. Construction of City Summit will soon begin on the site, ultimately producing more homes downtown. The project developer is LawlerWood (DBA City Summit, LLC) with local architects, Design Innovation Architects and lead architect Oren Yarbrough. I
- [Public Space is Public Space: We Decide What Happens There](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/11/public-space-is-public-space-we-decide-what-happens-there/): It's easy to think of public spaces as immutable; set in their current uses forever. It simply isn't so. Market Square is pedestrian space, right? But it used to serve automobile and wagon traffic around the perimeter of a Market House. Parking lots and parking garages are for cars, right? But they used to hold
- [Housing Affordability and Historic Preservation, Related?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/11/housing-affordability-and-historic-preservation-related/): It is generally accepted that America (and Knoxville) has a housing shortage and, particularly, a shortage of affordable housing. At the recent Preservation Conference hosted by Knox Heritage, keynote speaker Katlyn Cotton, Associate Principal at PlaceEconomics, detailed the crisis and an interesting argument that historic preservation (though not of the grand type you might imagine)
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (11/3 - 11/12/2024)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/11/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-11-3-11-12-2024/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Spellbound Vintage Opens at 716 S. Gay St.](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/11/spellbound-vintage-opens-at-716-s-gay-st/): Knoxville has another nifty vintage shop for lovers of all things cool, old and thrifted! You can find Abby Hamilton and Gracie Terry, the girls behind Spellbound Vintage and Art booths around town in pop-up markets and inside Mood Ring Vintage when it opened in 2022, now open in their first storefront at 716 S.
- [Zombie Walk Returns with Spooky Family Fun for a Good Cause](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/10/zombie-walk-returns-with-spooky-family-fun-for-a-good-cause/): Zombies returned to Market Square on Saturday, October 26, bringing a spooky and fun event designed to be kid-friendly while collecting supplies for this year’s charity, Helping Mamas. Under the guidance of organizers Randall and Jennifer Pettiford, now in their second year as owners and operators, the event saw significant expansion. I had the opportunity
- [A Haunting Tour of Old Gray Cemetery - and of Knoxville History](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/10/a-haunting-tour-of-old-gray-cemetery-and-of-knoxville-history/): (Ed. Note: Today's article is by contributing writer Matt Hollingsworth.) I don’t believe in ghosts, but I must admit this one is quite entertaining. I’m listening to the spirit of Thomas O’Connor (1836-1882) played gleefully by Lee McCord, and he’s been the highlight of the trip so far. An engaging storyteller, McCord really gets into
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (10/27 - 11/5/2024)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/10/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-10-27-11-5-2024/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Knoxville Opera Presents Pirates of Penzance](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/10/knoxville-opera-presents-pirates-of-penzance/): Knoxville Opera presents Gilbert and Sullivan's "The Pirates of Penzance" tonight at 7:30 pm at the Tennessee Theatre and again Sunday afternoon at 2:30 in the same venue. Tickets start at $25. Last presented by Knoxville Opera in October 2016, the beloved opera is one of the most accessible and enjoyed operas by a wide
- [A Walking Tour of Henley Street with Bike Walk Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/10/a-walking-tour-of-henley-street-with-bike-walk-knoxville/): Bike Walk Knoxville, founded in 2012 by Caroline Cooney, focuses on improving biking and walking in the Knoxville area, ". . . to make sure all ages and abilities in the community have safe and accessible streets for walking and biking." As a part of that effort, they lead walks through a wide range of
- [Development Updates: Covenant Health Park (The Baseball Stadium) and Axle](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/10/development-updates-covenant-health-park-the-baseball-stadium-and-axle/): Continuing the thread from yesterday, here's the latest look at the other large-scale projects currently underway in the downtown area. Of the two, it's been longer since I looked at the Axle project and the differences are clearly visible. The last set of photographs I posted from the Central Street Project showed an open structure
- [Development Updates: 200 Block of Gay Street](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/10/development-updates-200-block-of-gay-street/): Here's the latest installment in the large development projects we're following. It's the first since July and a lot of progress has been made in each. Today we'll focus on the 200 block of Gay Street. The 200 block of Gay Street continues to evolve and develop into what it will become in its next
- [Interlopers, Scalawags, and Carpetbaggers](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/10/interlopers-scalawags-and-carpetbaggers/): I recently had dinner on a patio off Market Square. The food met all expectations, the early autumn Knoxville weather shined like a diamond, and I relished the sounds of a language I could not identify floating through the air from a nearby table. As we left, I expressed my pleasure at hearing the language
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (10/20 - 10/29/2024)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/10/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-10-20-10-29-2024/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Ice Cream Shoot-out on Gay Street](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/10/ice-cream-shoot-out-on-gay-street/): South Gay Street has three ice cream parlors within hailing distance of each other: Cruze Farm, Kilwins and The Phoenix Pharmacy and Fountain. The Eurythmics put it best: “sweet dreams are made of this.” When it comes to naming the best ice cream emporium of the South Gay Street Three, Annie Lenox’s other insight holds
- [News on the Pier 865 Sculpture in Country Music Park (and new Downtown EV Charging Stations)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/10/news-on-the-pier-865-sculpture-in-country-music-park-and-new-downtown-ev-charging-stations/): It's been a mystery as to why the pace of installing the new "Pier 865" sculpture by THEVERYMANY, a New York studio led by artist Marc Fornes seemed to slow to a stop. I'm pretty sure I remember being told installation would happen last December. The City of Knoxville website tracking the timeline indicates
- [Knoxville Expands Pedestrian Zone from Market Square](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/10/knoxville-expands-pedestrian-zone-from-market-square/): In 2016 I wrote an article asking "Is Knoxville the Boulder of the East?" My article was a response to an article declaring as much in Denver Life. Turns out I was able to make it to Boulder for the first time just over a year later and wrote "Is Boulder the Knoxville of the
- [Merchants of Beer to Close](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/10/merchants-of-beer-to-close/): The northwest corner of Summit Hill and Central Street has long offered a prominent example of the damage done to downtown in the 1970s and 1980s. Once filled with buildings, the half-acre space has offered a parking lot and, since around the 1990s, a faux diner. After the diner phase, the corner became an Enterprise
- [T. Ralph's Burgers is Open Inside Kern's Food Hall](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/10/t-ralphs-burgers-is-open-inside-kerns-food-hall/): Dustin Cochran is not new to the Knoxville food scene. He began making the famous Myrtle's Bakehouse cookies and popping up in markets and eventually the Marble City Market Food Hall in 2021. He also bought Richy Kreme Donuts in Maryville and later opened one in West Knoxville. He also purchased Donut Theory and
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (10/13 - 10/22/2024)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/10/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-10-13-10-22-2024/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Medical Arts Homes to be Sold: Fifty New Condos Added to Downtown](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/10/medical-arts-homes-to-be-sold-fifty-new-condos-added-to-downtown/): It was over eleven years ago I first wrote of the brothers Grace (Michael and Thomas) and their plans to convert an office building to apartments. The building, built around 1930, and owned by the brothers since 2006, had served as office space from its inception, but was struggling to keep the offices filled. Residential
- [8th Annual Maker City Summit: My Reflection on Social Media and AI and Community](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/10/8th-annual-maker-city-summit-my-reflection-on-social-media-and-ia-and-community/): The 2024 Maker City Summit, with its theme "Make It: GROW," recently brought together a diverse community of creators, entrepreneurs, and innovators at the Maker Exchange. The Maker City and the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center combine efforts each year to provide entrepreneurs in our community with affordable education and networking through this conference. The focus for
- [Jo Sandman Exhibit at Knoxville Museum of Art](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/10/jo-sandman-exhibit-at-knoxville-museum-of-art/): (Ed. Note: Today's article is by contributing writer Matt Hollingsworth.) Four times a year, the Knoxville Museum of Art hosts a new exhibit, and now through November 10th, guests can explore the abstract art of Jo Sandman in the current collection, "Traces." Most of the art in the exhibit is on loan from Sandman’s alma
- [Knoxville Pride Parade 2024](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/10/knoxville-pride-parade-2024/): The Pride Parade stepped off on Friday night on lovely Gay Street. Rains hit just a few minutes before the start, but stopped in time for the event. Last year a similar shower left a rainbow behind that added a perfect touch to the proceedings. I didn't see one this year. The parade, which coincides
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (10/6 - 10/15/2024)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/10/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-10-6-10-15-2024/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Otsu Opens at the Mill and Mine](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/10/otsu-opens-at-the-mill-and-mine/): Otsu, the latest restaurant by Jesse Newmister and Margaret Stolfi opened in the Mill and Mine last week, bringing a new twist on Asian-fusion restaurant offering a generous menu of dumplings and other Japanese and pan-Asian favorites. While its in the same family of cuisine with their ever-popular Kaizen, the staff described it as a
- [Lilienthal Gallery Presents "Street" in Conjunction With the Opening of Knox Walls (And More Tips for Your Weekend)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/10/lilienthal-gallery-presents-street-in-conjunction-of-the-opening-of-knox-walls-and-more-tips-for-your-weekend/): Lilienthal Gallery, a place known for stretching artistic boundaries in East Tennessee, continues doing so with their current exhibition, "Street." Debuting tonight for First Friday, the exhibition runs through December offering a new perspective on street art. While the words "street art" might spring anything to mind from tagging to the beautifully constructed murals in
- [The ET Community Design Center Highlights Work, Celebrates Projects](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/10/the-et-community-design-center-highlights-work-celebrates-projects/): The East Tennessee Community Design Center operates under the radar of most people in the sixteen counties they serve. The hundreds of people who have been involved in the projects they've helped get started know how critical their service can be. And then there are most of us. Tens of thousands of people who enjoy
- [Old City Performing Arts Center Sold: River and Rail Theatre to Relocate](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/09/old-city-performing-arts-center-sold-river-and-rail-theatre-to-relocate/): In the nearly ten years of its existence, Founding Artistic Director Joshua Peterson says River and Rail Theatre has launched itself twice: Once in the beginning and again after the pandemic. In 2019 the group purchased a building for $650,000, added $250,000 in renovations, and transformed it into the Old City Performing Arts Center. Continuing
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (9/29 - 10/8/2024)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/09/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-9-29-10-8-2024/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Discovering Downtown: A Farmers Market Date](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/09/discovering-downtown-a-farmers-market-date/): (Today's article is by contributing writer Matt Hollingsworth) It’s a bright, warm Saturday on Market Square, and the street is overflowing with more people than I’ve ever seen at West Town Mall or Turkey Creek. Recently, I’ve been on a mission to discover more of downtown Knoxville, and while I’ve visited Market Square before, I’ve
- [Alchemy Lounge and Cigar Bar](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/09/alchemy-lounge-and-cigar-bar/): (Today's article is by contributing writer Robert Farago whose blog you can find here.) I’m not sure when I started smoking cigars, but I know when I’ll stop: when they pry a stogie from my cold, dead hands. I know: mouth cancer. The ultimate irony for a man who never learned how to keep his
- [Knox Walls at Emory Place to Debut October First Friday](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/09/knox-walls-at-emory-place-to-debut-october-first-friday/): The largest art project in the history of the city, Knox Walls at Emory Place is currently wrapping up and will be unveiled at Emory Place (behind the northwestern row of buildings) at next Friday's First Friday Art Walk. You'll want to make the effort to make it to Emory Place and check it out.
- [In Search of Good Urban Design: Tiktoker Jon Jon Wesolowski](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/09/in-search-of-good-urban-design-tiktoker-jon-jon-wesolowski/): (Ed. Note: Today’s article is written by new contributing writer Matt Hollingsworth. Matt, a Knoxville native and Farragut resident, has written local interest articles for Farragut Life, Monroe Life, and McMinn Life, as well as science fiction stories for various magazines. Despite living so close, Matt is experiencing much of downtown Knoxville for the first
- [Hola Festival 2024](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/09/hola-festival-2024/): (Ed. Note: Today’s article is by new contributing writer Robert Farago, a Rhode Island native who moved to Knoxville from Austin, Texas. He's worked in media since age 13, serving as a video editor at CNN, and Managing Editor at an alternative newspaper in Atlanta. He has worked as a freelance writer and started several
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (9/22 - 10/1/2024)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/09/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-9-22-10-1-2024/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Farewell: Knox Brew Tours Makes Its Last Run](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/09/farewell-knox-brew-tours-makes-its-last-run/): We reported back in May that Zack Roskop, founder of Knox Brew Hub and Knox Brew Tours, podcaster and chef for Fred Beans and Rice, had decided to step back from Knox Brew Tours and close that 10-year, 2000-run chapter of his business. Having only been on one brew tour with my husband a couple
- [Free Parking at Kern's Food Hall Reinstated and Several New Eateries Now Open](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/09/free-parking-at-kerns-food-hall-reinstated-and-several-new-eateries-now-open/): The end of August saw some controversy as Kern Food Hall management rolled out (and then rolled back in) a new parking fee, leaving many with a bad taste in their mouth. Social media reflected the disillusionment of customers who already feel the pressure of higher costs everywhere. Meant to be a deterrent for people
- [Proposed Hill and Locust Development Gets Approval from City Council](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/09/proposed-hill-and-locust-development-gets-approval-from-city-council/): For those present at last night's City Council Meeting who have followed the ups and downs of the Hill and Locust tower development, not much new ground was covered. The project, for those who might have missed it, includes five stores of parking on the bottom, primarily accessed via Hill Avenue, but exposed to the
- [Why I Left Austin for Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/09/why-i-left-austin-for-knoxville/): (Ed. Note: Today's article is by new contributing writer Robert Farago, who introduces himself as . . . A media maven since the tender age of 13, Robert Farago began his professional career as a videotape editor for CNN. After years of quasi-faithful service, Atlanta’s alternative newspaper hired Farago as its Managing Editor. Following a
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/09/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [121 Tech Hub Opens and Invites New Members](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/09/121-tech-hub-opens-and-invites-new-members/): Brandon Bruce is no stranger to entrepreneurial ventures. One of the best descriptions I've seen of him is "connector and risk-taker." I would add adventurer to that description. (Ask him how he broke his leg a couple of years ago. It may be my favorite story of all time.) With a focus on tech companies
- [First First Friday](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/09/first-first-friday/): (Ed. Note: Today’s article is written by new contributing writer Matt Hollingsworth. Matt, a Knoxville native and Farragut resident, has written local interest articles for Farragut Life, Monroe Life, and McMinn Life, as well as science fiction stories for various magazines. Despite living so close, Matt is experiencing much of downtown Knoxville for the first
- [MarbleCity Vapor Opens on Gay Street](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/09/marblecity-vapor-opens-on-gay-street/): Marble City Vapor opened at 714 South Gay Street a couple of months ago, making the third hemp/THCA business to open there in the last couple of years. I met with co-owner Hapep Abuzahra (his partner, Moe Saleh owns two businesses in Nashville) to talk about the new business and to learn what distinguishes it
- [Initial Big Ears 2025 Line Up Announced: Tickets on Sale Thursday](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/09/initial-big-ears-2025-line-up-announced-tickets-on-sale-thursday/): It may seem like the time to think about football and beautiful leaves. If you like to plan ahead you may already be onto Christmas. But brace yourself: It's time to get set for Big Ears 2025, March 27 - 30. The first wave of artists were announced this morning, with more announcements to come
- [2024 Asian Festival Draws Massive Crowds on a Perfect Day](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/09/2024-asian-festival-draws-massive-crowds-on-a-perfect-day/): The 2024 Asian Festival has come and gone and will be remembered for the first time a small charge was added ($3) for attendance, for the best weather ever for the festival (and it will be hard to beat in the future), and for the year the ninjas invaded the proceedings. In other words, a
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (9/8 - 9/17/2024)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/09/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-9-8-9-17-2024/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Downtown Updates: Things To Do, New Eats, Anniversaries, and Grand Openings](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/09/downtown-updates-things-to-do-new-eats-anniversaries-and-grand-openings/): As usual, a lot is going on downtown, and we want you to know it all! Check out these updates, and let us know if you have one of your own! Things to Do! First Friday Art Walk is today! With the addition of the First Friday Block Party from 5-9pm, pedestrian-friendly streets and beautiful
- [Clarence Brown Theatre Presents "Knoxville"](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/09/clarence-brown-theatre-presents-knoxville/): James Agee's A Death in the Family, published in 1957, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1958. Set primarily at Agee's boyhood home in the Fort Sanders neighborhood of Knoxville, the book struck a chord with themes about childhood, family, community, and loss that have made the book a multi-generational favorite. The introductory portion, Knoxville: Summer, 1915 was
- [One Hundred Eighty Mixed Income Affordable Homes Added to the Downtown Area](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/09/one-hundred-eighty-mixed-income-affordable-homes-added-to-the-downtown-area/): Last week a ribbon cutting was held at First Creek at Austin to celebrate the opening of Phase Two of the development. First Creek at Austin, located a short walk from the new stadium, the Old City, and the rest of downtown, provides affordable, mixed-income housing. Some units are reserved for those with very little
- [Corte-Land Art House Now Open at 503 Clinch Ave.](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/09/corte-land-art-house-now-open-at-503-clinch-ave/): Kami Astro moved from Chicago, IL, to Knoxville, TN, in 2017. He came for opportunities in the vibrant television industry at the time and began a production company called FRVR Recordings. As that landscape changed and Kami got more entrenched in the community through social justice projects and cultural arts, he began to see the
- [The Vol Club Pops Up Downtown (and it will be back!)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/09/the-vol-club-pops-up-downtown-and-it-will-be-back/): A commercial space, added to ground floor of the Cal Johnson Building at 301 State Street (a block off Gay Street behind Chivo) has been used by The Vol Club, the UT NIL collective operated by Spyre Sports, as storage for their shirts, hats, tailgate supplies, and other paraphernalia is now being used by the
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (9/1 - 9/14/2024)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/09/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-9-1-9-14-2024/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [The Henley Bridge Lights Up in Orange and White (For the First Time in Six Years)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/08/the-henley-bridge-lights-up-in-orange-and-white-for-the-first-time-in-six-years/): Remember when the lights lining the Henley Bridge used to shine in a range of colors celebrating all manner of events? I'll always remember the night they turned purple in honor of Prince. But six years ago they went finally and completely dark. They succumbed to the weather and humidity from the river which rendered
- [It's Official: Our New Multi-Use Stadium is now Covenant Health Park](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/08/its-official-our-new-multi-use-stadium-is-now-covenant-health-park/): Members of the press gathered at the new multi-use stadium yesterday for a meeting with officials from all parties involved in the stadium, along with officials from Covenant Health. The purpose was to make official the word that had leaked the day before: Our new multi-purpose stadium now has a name. Covenant Health and Boyd
- [Harris Rally on Market Square Attracts Large Crowd](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/08/harris-rally-on-market-square-attracts-large-crowd/): A rally took place last Saturday on Market Square with the focus of electing Kamala Harris as the next U.S. president. Many of the themes from the Democratic convention, which ended just two days earlier, were present in the Knoxville rally, particularly centering on Freedom, with frequent mentions of a woman's freedom to control her
- [Soccer is On for Downtown's Smokies Stadium in 2025](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/08/soccer-is-on-for-downtowns-smokies-stadium-in-2025/): It's been clear for some time that the first pitch of the 2025 baseball season would be thrown from the mound inside the new multi-purpose stadium being constructed in downtown Knoxville. It has also been know that One Knoxville, which has been playing on the UT campus at Regal Soccer Stadium, would move to the
- [El Tarasco is Open at 145 South Gay Street, Serving Authentic Mexican Food](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/08/el-tarasco-is-open-at-145-south-gay-street-serving-authentic-mexican-food/): A new taqueria, El Tarasco, opened last month on the 100 block of Gay Street serving authentic Mexican food. It isn't necessarily what you'll find in most Mexican restaurants where the food has been Americanized. The restaurant is co-owned by Araseli Tehandon Herera and her aunt Margarita Herera Acuata. I spoke to Araseli who told
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (8/25 - 9/3/2024](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/08/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-8-25-9-3-2024/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Chismoso Adds a Chef, Introduces a New Menu](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/08/chismoso-adds-a-chef-introduces-a-new-menu/): Co-owner and manager Corbin Azambuja is excited about the evolution of Chismoso since its opening last May. The menu has slowly changed under the guidance of Chef Will Stagg and the recent addition of one of his friends and the city's major culinary talent's, Chef Mauro Chavez, the evolution continues. The two recently introduced a
- [Knox Heritage Announces Set of Endangered Buildings 2024](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/08/knox-heritage-announces-set-of-endangered-buildings-2024/): Each year, Knox Heritage announces their Fragile and Fading list to increase focus on some of our most endangered properties and to promote the support needed to preserve them for the next generation. While not all properties are downtown, many are downtown or nearby. I've written about each of them, some of them multiple times. Preservation
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (8/18 - 8/27/2024)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/08/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-8-18-8-27-2024/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Evolve Yoga Rounds Out Wellness Services at Baker Creek Preserve: Grand Opening Celebration on September 1](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/08/evolve-yoga-rounds-out-wellness-services-at-baker-creek-preserve-grand-opening-celebration-on-september-1/): Joanna Goan is a registered dietician who worked in the corporate scene for years, experiencing stress and anxiety that led to physical complaints along with mental health strain. She tried medications, and eventually, her doctor recommended yoga. With some trepidation, she decided to give it a whirl in 2015. That's all it took. She was
- [A Day at the History Hootenanny 2024](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/08/82450/): (Ed. Note 1: Thank you to everyone who donated this past weekend. Your support is critical to sustaining the website. We appreciate your donations and advertising as we try to bring you the latest from the city we love. Ed. Note 2: Today’s article is written by new contributing writer Matt Hollingsworth. Matt has written local interest
- [Not NPR or PBS . . . But Local Media Needs Your Support As Well](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/08/not-npr-or-pbs-but-local-media-needs-your-support-as-well/): I first came to you during the pandemic when advertising had virtually come to a standstill. Up to that point, ads had allowed the website to remain free to anyone wishing to read it and I was determined, and remain so, to keep it that way. While advertising has returned (though still not to pre-pandemic
- [Gay Street Bridge Update (Plus a Restaurant That Slipped Past Me)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/08/gay-street-bridge-update-plus-a-restaurant-that-slipped-past-me/): In case you've missed it, the Gay Street Bridge has been closed for the last month. Although it must pass routine inspections, the 126-year-old bridge was suddenly pronounced unsafe after TDOT said it found a "distortion of a steel truss." TDOT announced the bridge would be closed until further notice while a more detailed inspection
- [Knoxville References in Pop Culture](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/08/knoxville-references-in-pop-culture/): (Today's article is written by new contributing writer Matt Hollingsworth — who introduced me to the Kelsi Ballerini song below. Matt has written local interest articles for Farragut Life, Monroe Life, and McMinn Life, as well as science fiction stories for various magazines.) A lot of us enjoyed seeing Knoxville depicted in the Burt Reynolds
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (8/11 - 8/20/2024)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/08/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-8-11-8-20-2024/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- ["The Feeling of Being Alive" Josh Coates is Getting Back to His First Love](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/08/the-feeling-of-being-alive-josh-coates-is-getting-back-to-his-first-love/): Most of us know Josh Coates and his sister, Victoria Scott, through the culinary genius at Seoul Brothers and later Bubbles and Cream and Hong's Kitchen. They opened Seoul Brothers at Marble City Market in November 2020 and were the hall's longest-running and most successful food stall. Life changes for both Vic and Josh led
- [What About Parking for that Axle Project?](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/08/what-about-parking-for-that-axle-project/): A couple of weeks ago I shared photos updating the progress on the Axle Logistics building under construction on Central Street. For those who haven't been following along, in that article I shared the short version of what the company is up to: The completed building will include 85,000 square feet of mostly office space
- [Preservation Pub Wins USA Today "Best Bar in America" (Or at Least in the Top Twenty-Seven)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/08/preservation-pub-wins-usa-today-best-bar-in-america-or-at-least-in-the-top-twenty-seven/): When I wrote about Boyd's Jig and Reel winning one of the best bars in Tennessee last week, I mentioned that another bar also received recognition. That other bar was Preservation Pub, and it was not only recognized as one of the best in Tennessee, it was included in the "Best Bars in America" which
- [Moments Within Time](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/08/moments-within-time/): (Today’s article is by recurring guest writer and relatively recent Knoxville transplant Luke Frazier.) There’s the thought that every day is really a lifetime in and of itself. We are born when we emerge from sleep, and unto sleep we shall return. What we do in between makes for the such-ness of that lifespan. To
- [Pete's is Sold: Meet the New Owner](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/08/petes-is-sold-meet-the-new-owner/): There are a few iconic businesses around downtown that would leave a hollow place should they leave us. One is Pete's, which has had a couple of locations over the years but has served downtown since 1988. Here's a deep dive I took a few years ago with Pete and Joey talking about the restaurant
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (8/4 - 8/13/2024)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/08/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-8-4-8-13-2024/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Asian Festival One Month Away: Details (Including Changes) Announced](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/08/asian-festival-one-month-away-details-including-changes-announced/): The eleventh Knox Asian Festival is just over a month away and changes are afoot. The event will, once more, be held at the World's Fair Park, but the date, September 8th, falls a couple of weeks later this year, so here's hoping for a bit of cool weather. Many of the favorite delegations and
- [Boyd's Jig and Reel Recognized by USA Today as "One of the Best Bars in Tennessee"](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/08/boyds-jig-and-reel-recognized-by-usa-today-as-one-of-the-best-bars-in-tennessee/): What makes a really great bar? How do we pick our favorites and do we necessarily agree on the variables that produce a great night at a bar? Two Knoxville bars, both downtown, were recently recognized by USA Today as two of the best in the state. We'll look at the other (which was recognized
- [The Theatre! The Theatre! Everyone Loves the Theatre! What's Coming to Broadway at the Tennessee Theatre and Clarence Brown Theatre this Season](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/07/the-theatre-the-theatre-everyone-loves-the-theatre-whats-coming-to-broadway-at-the-tennessee-theatre-and-clarence-brown-theatre-this-season/): Summer break is coming to a quick close. Lucky for us, opportunities to experience culture and the arts never comes to a close in Knoxville! The Tennessee Theatre and the Clarence Brown Theatre never disappoint with the talent and the shows they bring to our community. In the midst of their exciting renovations, the Tennessee
- [Downtown Construction Updates: Axle Logistics](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/07/downtown-construction-updates-axle-logistics/): The last time I posted photographs of the Axle Logistics construction on Central street, the pictures showed a building rapidly rising. It's come quite a distance since those photographs in April and appears to be racing toward completion. The rendering above shows the eventual goal and, like Lone Tree Pass we looked at on Monday,
- [Elst Brewing Company to Become The Black Dog](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/07/elst-brewing-company-to-become-the-black-dog/): On July 6th, Elst Brewing Company, located at 2419 North Central Street, made this announcement on their social media platforms: "It is with mixed emotions that we share some important news about the future of Elst. After five wonderful years of serving this incredible community, we have decided to sell our building and transition to
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (7/28 - 8/6/24)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/07/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-7-28-8-6-24/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Raven Records and Rarities Closes a Long Run](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/07/raven-records-and-rarities-closes-a-long-run/): Raven Records and Rarities will close its doors at the end of August. It's been a long run. Depending on how you date it, Raven Records has been around, more or less, since 1985. The current incarnation with Jay Nations providing the records and Jack Stiles dealing in the pop collectables, has been around since
- [Downtown Construction Updates: Stadium](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/07/downtown-construction-updates-stadium/): I've found watching the stadium construction to be fascinating at every step. To see the previous buildings disappear and the new construction emerge on the massive site has been more than a little mind-boggling. The speed of the construction in recent months has been almost shocking. The idea that baseball could be played in the
- [Kidstuff Turns Thirteen, Presents Show With Billy Jonas At the Bijou This Saturday](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/07/kidstuff-turns-thirteen-presents-show-with-billy-jonas-at-the-bijou-this-saturday/): Kidstuff, broadcast by WDVX weekly at 10:00 am on Saturday mornings, hosted by Sean McCollough and in front of a live audience once a month, has been producing quality programing for children (and their adults) since the summer of 2011. Thanks to the Community Outreach Grant through the Bijou Theatre, Kidstuff will host a free
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (7/21 - 7/30/2024)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/07/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-7-21-7-30-2024/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Sunsphere Scents: Evoking Knoxville, One Scent at a Time](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/07/sunsphere-scents-evoking-knoxville-one-scent-at-a-time/): What's the smell of the Tennessee Theatre? What about a day on the lake? A hike up House Mountain or the Sunsphere at Sunset? How do you capture the experiences and places of the city you love in smell? These are the questions that Amber Rountree is out to answer with her new company Sunsphere
- [Downtown Construction Updates: Lone Tree Pass](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/07/downtown-construction-updates-lone-tree-pass/): Several months have passed since I've updated photos from the range of large projects happening in and around downtown. Each of the three major projects are scheduled for completion in 2025. They run the gamut from housing to sports/entertainment complex to office space. Today I have several from Hatcher Hill's Lone Tree Pass project. Originally
- [A Follow Up on Benny Smith and WUTK](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/07/a-follow-up-on-benny-smith-and-wutk/): Earlier this week I posted an article about Benny Smith suddenly being placed on leave from WUTK. Simultaneously shows, some of which had run for years, hosted by non-UT students or staff were canceled. No explanation was given for Benny's sudden change in status and none has been offered. Several days later, UT released a
- [Knoxville's Largest Mural Project To Date Set to Get Underway](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/07/knoxvilles-largest-mural-project-to-date-set-to-get-underway/): Murals can enliven a city, set a tone for a city, and simply provide a fun space to explore. Last week I wrote about Strong Alley between Market Square and Gay Street, which has long been a draw for locals and tourists alike. Now a group of local organizations, spearheaded by Dogwood Arts is thinking
- [Happy Holler Restaurant Becomes "The Marlowe"](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/07/happy-holler-restaurant-becomes-the-marlowe/): Two years ago Bistro By The Tracks moved temporarily to Happy Holler as the group awaited the next intended location, at the site of the former Orangery, to be ready for their move there. The intention all along was to have restaurants in both spaces and when the Orangery location opened (in February of this
- [Knoxville Ranks as one of CNN's "Best Towns to Visit" (And they get a lot right!)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/07/knoxville-ranks-as-one-of-cnns-best-towns-to-visit-and-they-get-a-lot-right/): Lists. Right? Continually pushed in front of us on social media, the lists range from the "GOAT" lists, to the best of every category imaginable. This includes, of course, cities. Best quality of life, best climate, most exciting night life, you name it. The reason we get so many lists is because we click them.
- [Two Downtown Businesses Close, A Local Music Icon is Placed on Leave by UT](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/07/two-downtown-businesses-close-a-local-music-icon-is-placed-on-leave-by-ut/): It can't all be good news, can it? Sorry to start your Monday off on a negative note, but there are several unfortunate events that need to be acknowledged. We'll get back to the positive news soon enough. Two downtown businesses have closed in recent weeks and it's always unfortunate to see the end of
- [YWCA Looks to Raise Additional Funds to Serve More Women- Renovate their 100-year-old Building](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/06/ywca-looks-to-raise-additional-funds-to-serve-more-women-renovate-their-100-year-old-building/): Many Knoxvillians may know the YWCA building as where they learned to swim or where they took dance lessons as a child. Or you remember that one scene in October Skies that was filmed there. But hundreds more know it as a haven, a miracle, or simply, “home.” In its 100-year history, this building
- [Downtown Knoxville Ten Day Planner (7/14 - 7/23/2024)](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/07/downtown-knoxville-ten-day-planner-7-14-7-23-2024/): If you want your event included, please make a Facebook event, invite me via the “invite” button on the event page (Alan Sims – you’ll have to friend me), and it will be included. I need enough lead time that the list can be put together the Wednesday before you want your event included. If
- [Lilienthal Gallery Hosts Opening Tonight for "Dreamscapes"](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/07/lilienthal-gallery-hosts-opening-tonight-for-dreamscapes/): Lilienthal Gallery at 23 Emory Place hosts the opening of its summer exhibition from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm tonight. "Dreamscapes" features three artists, Cynthia Zhou, John Paul Kesling, and Walker Antonio, and will run through September. Walker Antonio will be present for the opening and will give a brief introduction to his art. While the three artists
- [Grace, Ghosts, and the Return of Joy: Lucinda Williams at the Bijou](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/07/grace-ghosts-and-the-return-of-joy-lucinda-williams-at-the-bijou/): (Today’s article is by recurring guest writer and relatively recent Knoxville transplant Luke Frazier.) I was psyched to score tickets to see Lucinda Williams at the Bijou, having long been a fan but never having seen her live. I also knew that her show here was going to be a “Don’t Tell Anybody the Secrets”
- [New Art in Public Places Sculptures Bring New Interest to Krutch Park](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/07/new-art-in-public-places-sculptures-bring-new-interest-to-krutch-park/): You might have noticed in recent weeks that our annual display of new sculptures has arrived. If you've not walked through Krutch Park, it's worth the stroll to enjoy seventeen new sculptures placed there by Dogwood Arts through their Art in Public Spaces program. Krutch Park is not the only place you'll spot new works.
- [Seven New Murals Mingle with the Old in Strong Alley](https://insideofknoxville.com/2024/07/seven-new-murals-mingle-with-the-old-in-strong-alley/): A long time has passed since I thoroughly photographed Strong Alley. The art in the alley, which is located between Market Square and Gay Street, first had a string of murals when local artist Jayne McGowan semi-organized a group of artists and wrangled permission from building owners to create something locals and tourists alike have

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- [Sexual preference](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/sexual-preference/)
- [Greg Johnson](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/greg-johnson/)
- [Vance Thompson](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/vance-thompson/)
- [Kenneth Brown](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/kenneth-brown/)
- [Keith Brown](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/keith-brown/)
- [Clint Mullican](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/clint-mullican/)
- [City Council](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/city-council/)
- [The Casual Pint](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/the-casual-pint/)
- [Rococo](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/rococo/)
- [Nothing Too Fancy](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/nothing-too-fancy/)
- [Tree and the Vine](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/tree-and-the-vine/)
- [Knoxville Business](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/knoxville-business/)
- [Derby Day](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/derby-day/)
- [Cinco de Mayo](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/cinco-de-mayo/)
- [National Poetry Month](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/national-poetry-month/)
- [New York](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/new-york/)
- [Knoxville Photographs](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/knoxville-photographs/)
- [Photographs of the City](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/photographs-of-the-city/)
- [First Friday May 2012](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/first-friday-may-2012/)
- [Tracy Hartley](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/tracy-hartley/)
- [2 Many Pixels](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/2-many-pixels/)
- [Food Truck](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/food-truck/)
- [Savory and Sweet Food Truck](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/savory-and-sweet-food-truck/)
- [Cindo de Mayo 2012](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/cindo-de-mayo-2012/)
- [Kukuly](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/kukuly/)
- [Cinco de Mayo 2012](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/cinco-de-mayo-2012/)
- [Kentucky Derby](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/kentucky-derby/)
- [Duncan Law Center](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/duncan-law-center/)
- [UT Conference Center](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/ut-conference-center/)
- [Sue Renfro](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/sue-renfro/)
- [Bob Weir](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/bob-weir/)
- [Grateful Dead](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/grateful-dead/)
- [International Biscuit Festival 2012](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/international-biscuit-festival-2012/)
- [John Craig](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/john-craig/)
- [Knox Heritage Historic Downtown Walking Tour](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/knox-heritage-historic-downtown-walking-tour/)
- [Crohn's](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/crohns/)
- [Colitis](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/colitis/)
- [Rebori Building](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/rebori-building/)
- [Sterchi Building](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/sterchi-building/)
- [Sanitation](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/sanitation/)
- [Porta-potties](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/porta-potties/)
- [Wing Project](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/wing-project/)
- [Biz'Cirque](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/bizcirque/)
- [Ely Building](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/ely-building/)
- [Buddha](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/buddha/)
- [Corner Beer Pub](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/corner-beer-pub/)
- [Corner BP](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/corner-bp/)
- [Businesses in the City](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/businesses-in-the-city/)
- [Courtney Coffey](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/courtney-coffey/)
- [Benny Smith](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/benny-smith/)
- [Langhorne Slim](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/langhorne-slim/)
- [Callaghan](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/callaghan/)
- [Mariah McManus](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/mariah-mcmanus/)
- [Parking in the City](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/parking-in-the-city/)
- [Multi-use Construction](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/multi-use-construction/)
- [Garage District](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/garage-district/)
- [409 Gay Street](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/409-gay-street/)
- [Bars](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/bars/)
- [Craft Beer](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/craft-beer/)
- [Millie and Jerry](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/millie-and-jerry/)
- [Mobile](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/mobile/)
- [Alabama](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/alabama/)
- [Ornamental Ironwork](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/ornamental-ironwork/)
- [Iron](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/iron/)
- [Wrought Iron](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/wrought-iron/)
- [Cast Iron](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/cast-iron/)
- [Knoxville Ironwork](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/knoxville-ironwork/)
- [707 Market Street](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/707-market-street/)
- [709 Market Street](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/709-market-street/)
- [Blaconies](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/blaconies/)
- [Matthew](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/matthew/)
- [Drummer on top of Parking Garage](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/drummer-on-top-of-parking-garage/)
- [Matthew Howard](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/matthew-howard/)
- [Immigration](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/immigration/)
- [287g](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/287g/)
- [J.J. Jones](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/j-j-jones/)
- [Sheriff Jones](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/sheriff-jones/)
- [Protests](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/protests/)
- [Rallies](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/rallies/)
- [Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/tennessee-immigrant-and-refugee-rights-coalition/)
- [Knoxville Ornamental Ironwork](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/knoxville-ornamental-ironwork/)
- [Metalwork](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/metalwork/)
- [Karly Stribling](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/karly-stribling/)
- [Cynthia Moxley](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/cynthia-moxley/)
- [Sequoyah Hills](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/sequoyah-hills/)
- [8th Annual Bob Dylan Birthday Bash](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/8th-annual-bob-dylan-birthday-bash/)
- [Evan Carawan](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/evan-carawan/)
- [Mountain Soul](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/mountain-soul/)
- [Hot Shot Freighttrain](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/hot-shot-freighttrain/)
- [Dave Meer](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/dave-meer/)
- [Broadway Viaduct](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/broadway-viaduct/)
- [Three Feathers Building](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/three-feathers-building/)
- [Ebi Sushi](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/ebi-sushi/)
- [Saw Works Brewing Company](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/saw-works-brewing-company/)
- [Raven Records](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/raven-records/)
- [Incoming Freshmen](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/incoming-freshmen/)
- [Central Street](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/central-street/)
- [Steve Wildsmith](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/steve-wildsmith/)
- [Magic Hustle](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/magic-hustle/)
- [Jay Nations](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/jay-nations/)
- [Vinyl Records](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/vinyl-records/)
- [Sarah Bowles](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/sarah-bowles/)
- [Magic Hu$tle](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/magic-hutle/)
- [Cas Walker](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/cas-walker/)
- [Bradley Reeves](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/bradley-reeves/)
- [TAMIS](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/tamis/)
- [Portable Toilets](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/portable-toilets/)
- [Public Restrooms](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/public-restrooms/)
- [Humming House](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/humming-house/)
- [Will Hoge](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/will-hoge/)
- [Beer](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/beer/)
- [Adam Palmer](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/adam-palmer/)
- [Johnathan Borsodi](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/johnathan-borsodi/)
- [Dave Ohmer](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/dave-ohmer/)
- [Knoxville Pridefest](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/knoxville-pridefest/)
- [Mayor Rogero](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/mayor-rogero/)
- [Knoxville Gay Men's Chorus](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/knoxville-gay-mens-chorus/)
- [Night Skyline](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/night-skyline/)
- [River House Condos](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/river-house-condos/)
- [Church Street United Methodist](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/church-street-united-methodist/)
- [Baptist Hospital](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/baptist-hospital/)
- [Outlaws](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/outlaws/)
- [Shih Tzu](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/shih-tzu/)
- [Community Design Center](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/community-design-center/)
- [Silent Auction](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/silent-auction/)
- [Emporium Lofts](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/emporium-lofts/)
- [Three Feathers](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/three-feathers/)
- [JC Penney](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/jc-penney/)
- [Kimberly Clarke](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/kimberly-clarke/)
- [Rickshaw](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/rickshaw/)
- [Awning](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/awning/)
- [July 2012](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/july-2012/)
- [Fourth of July Fireworks](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/fourth-of-july-fireworks/)
- [The Mumbles](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/the-mumbles/)
- [The Arcade Building](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/the-arcade-building/)
- [Kevin and Melinda Grimac](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/kevin-and-melinda-grimac/)
- [Pop Culture](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/pop-culture/)
- [Jason Mitchell](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/jason-mitchell/)
- [Rita's Ice](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/ritas-ice/)
- [Medical Arts Building](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/medical-arts-building/)
- [Summer Heat](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/summer-heat/)
- [Martial Arts](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/martial-arts/)
- [Union Avenue Shops](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/union-avenue-shops/)
- [Alexia Pantanizopoulos](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/alexia-pantanizopoulos/)
- [Casual Pint](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/casual-pint/)
- [Window Displays](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/window-displays/)
- [Parking Garages](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/parking-garages/)
- [TVA](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/tva/)
- [Brian](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/brian/)
- [Briana and Turbo](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/briana-and-turbo/)
- [Man with a pit bull](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/man-with-a-pit-bull/)
- [State Street Garage](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/state-street-garage/)
- [Rick Emmett](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/rick-emmett/)
- [Marshall Stair](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/marshall-stair/)
- [Outdoor Escalator](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/outdoor-escalator/)
- [Pedestrian Bridge](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/pedestrian-bridge/)
- [Changes](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/changes/)
- [C.B.I.D.](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/c-b-i-d/)
- [Arby's Building](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/arbys-building/)
- [Cru Bistro](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/cru-bistro/)
- [Conversion Properties](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/conversion-properties/)
- [Joe Petre](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/joe-petre/)
- [McCamey Construction](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/mccamey-construction/)
- [Bernadette West](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/bernadette-west/)
- [Development](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/development/)
- [August First Friday](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/august-first-friday/)
- [What to Do Downtown](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/what-to-do-downtown/)
- [Knox County Schools](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/knox-county-schools/)
- [City-County Building](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/city-county-building/)
- [Taxes](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/taxes/)
- [Education](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/education/)
- [J.C. Penney Building](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/j-c-penney-building/)
- [Lil' Vinnie's](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/lil-vinnies/)
- [Parking Garage](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/parking-garage/)
- [Knoxville First Friday](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/knoxville-first-friday/)
- [First Friday August 2012](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/first-friday-august-2012/)
- [Larry Crowell](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/larry-crowell/)
- [Kristin Kendall](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/kristin-kendall/)
- [KMA](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/kma/)
- [Tinah](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/tinah/)
- [Ratchett](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/ratchett/)
- [Cruze Farms](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/cruze-farms/)
- [Indian Food](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/indian-food/)
- [Windows on the Park](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/windows-on-the-park/)
- [Holiday Inn](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/holiday-inn/)
- [Dining in the City](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/dining-in-the-city/)
- [Downtown Restaurants](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/downtown-restaurants/)
- [Underground Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/underground-knoxville/)
- [Jackson Avenue Viaduct](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/jackson-avenue-viaduct/)
- [100 Block of Gay Street](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/100-block-of-gay-street/)
- [Farm to Taco](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/farm-to-taco/)
- [Food Trucks](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/food-trucks/)
- [Vietnamese Food](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/vietnamese-food/)
- [Tennessee Stage Company](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/tennessee-stage-company/)
- [Julius Caesar](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/julius-caesar/)
- [As You Like It](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/as-you-like-it/)
- [Dale's Fried Pies](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/dales-fried-pies/)
- [Dale's Fried Pie Cart](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/dales-fried-pie-cart/)
- [Unveiling Party](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/unveiling-party/)
- [Pie in the City](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/pie-in-the-city/)
- [Food Carts](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/food-carts/)
- [Somewhere Beneath These Southern Skies](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/somewhere-beneath-these-southern-skies/)
- [Knoxville Music](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/knoxville-music/)
- [Dirty Guv'nahs CD Release Party](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/dirty-guvnahs-cd-release-party/)
- [James Trimble](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/james-trimble/)
- [East Tennessee History Fair 2012](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/east-tennessee-history-fair-2012/)
- [Reenactors](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/reenactors/)
- [James Park House](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/james-park-house/)
- [Gulf and Ohio Railroad](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/gulf-and-ohio-railroad/)
- [James Park](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/james-park/)
- [John Sevier](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/john-sevier/)
- [Old Homes in Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/old-homes-in-knoxville/)
- [Brent Thompson's Write Nite](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/brent-thompsons-write-nite/)
- [Crispy Watkins](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/crispy-watkins/)
- [Lil' Iffy](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/lil-iffy/)
- [Kidstuff](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/kidstuff/)
- [Sean McCollough](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/sean-mccollough/)
- [Pinklets](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/pinklets/)
- [Children's Music](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/childrens-music/)
- [Children in the City](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/children-in-the-city/)
- [Story Time](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/story-time/)
- [Caryn Schafer](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/caryn-schafer/)
- [Birke Baeher](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/birke-baeher/)
- [Children's Activities in Downtown Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/childrens-activities-in-downtown-knoxville/)
- [Miguel Carpizo](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/miguel-carpizo/)
- [Gerardo Torres](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/gerardo-torres/)
- [No Papers No Fear](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/no-papers-no-fear/)
- [Gospel on the Square](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/gospel-on-the-square/)
- [Gospel Music](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/gospel-music/)
- [Preston Davis](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/preston-davis/)
- [Whitney Davidson](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/whitney-davidson/)
- [Karl Hess](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/karl-hess/)
- [John Burnett](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/john-burnett/)
- [Dustin Burnett](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/dustin-burnett/)
- [Lisa Cyr](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/lisa-cyr/)
- [Boomsday 2012](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/boomsday-2012/)
- [College Football](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/college-football/)
- [LSU](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/lsu/)
- [Purple and Gold Birthday Cake](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/purple-and-gold-birthday-cake/)
- [Star of Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/star-of-knoxville/)
- [First Baptist Church](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/first-baptist-church/)
- [Church Street United Methodist Church](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/church-street-united-methodist-church/)
- [First Friday Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/first-friday-knoxville/)
- [First Friday September](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/first-friday-september/)
- [Donna Slinkard](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/donna-slinkard/)
- [Circle Modern Dance](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/circle-modern-dance/)
- [Harvey Chapeau](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/harvey-chapeau/)
- [Fire Performance](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/fire-performance/)
- [Knoxville Symphony Orchestra](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/knoxville-symphony-orchestra/)
- [Knoxville Opera](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/knoxville-opera/)
- [Hard Knox Rollergirls](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/hard-knox-rollergirls/)
- [Ice Bears Hockey](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/ice-bears-hockey/)
- [Alzheimer's](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/alzheimers/)
- [ESPN College Gameday](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/espn-college-gameday/)
- [Gameday in Knoxville](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/gameday-in-knoxville/)
- [Metrofest 2012](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/metrofest-2012/)
- [Lantern and Carriage Tour](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/lantern-and-carriage-tour/)
- [William F. Conley Building](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/william-f-conley-building/)
- [Time/Temperature Display](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/timetemperature-display/)
- [Knoxville Skyline](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/knoxville-skyline/)
- [Cemeteries](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/cemeteries/)
- [St. Francis](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/st-francis/)
- [The Lonetones](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/the-lonetones/)
- [O Youth](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/o-youth/)
- [Yung Life](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/yung-life/)
- [Coolrunnings](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/coolrunnings/)
- [Knoxville First Friday October 2012](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/knoxville-first-friday-october-2012/)
- [Go Contemporary Dance](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/go-contemporary-dance/)
- [Slut Walk](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/slut-walk/)
- [Womack Family Band](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/womack-family-band/)
- [Hola Festival 2012](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/hola-festival-2012/)
- [Dora the Explorer](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/dora-the-explorer/)
- [Soil Samples](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/soil-samples/)
- [Armstrong Alley](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/armstrong-alley/)
- [Artist Alley Revamp Project](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/artist-alley-revamp-project/)
- [City People Tour of Homes 2012](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/city-people-tour-of-homes-2012/)
- [2012 Tour of Homes](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/2012-tour-of-homes/)
- [Glencoe](https://insideofknoxville.com/tag/glencoe/)
- [B