by Emily Stooks | May 1, 2023 | All Articles, Downtown, Emilie Stooksbury, Lifestyle
We admit it – every time a new season comes around, we declare it our “favorite season in the Scruffy City.” But in our defense, they’re all really great seasons, okay?? 😂 As the temperatures climb up and the city wakes up, our happiness levels ramp right up as well. April was home to all things Dogwood blooms and flowery trails, but May certainly has her own springy thingys to bring[y] to the table. If you are a full Goldilocks like us and you’d like to make the most of this glorious moment between a lil too hot and a lil too cold, then keep reading for five things you absolutely must do this May in Knoxville, Tennessee!
Nothing wakes up a city like a musical alarm clock! (I admit, musical alarm clocks often lead to dreaming I’m a pop star instead of actually waking me up, but I digress…) There are a bunch of scruffy, springy ways to catch a show this season. One of our favorites is the Concerts on the Square series. You can catch jazz every Tuesday at 7PM on the Market Square stage starting in May. Bring a lawn chair or snag a spot on a patio (Cafe 4 seasonal cocktails, anyone??) and enjoy all that jazzy magic like the true local you are!
Not into jazz? Later on in May is the Southern Skies Music Festival. This bad boy upped from one day to twooo days which we’re assuming means it will be TWICE as delightful… and it already started out pretty stinkin’ delightful last year 😂🙌 Nothing makes us love Knoxville more than enjoying a show with a local beer in hand and the Sunsphere in our peripherals 😍 Pro-Tip: Live music in Knoxville goodness can always be found right here!
The Market Square Farmers’ Market starts up again this week! That would ooobviously be exciting enough information on its own, but she’s alsooo celebrating her 20th birthday this year. (They grow up so fast 🥲) If you’re not sure where you stand with Knoxville, we demaaaand you visit this market. She’s had twenty years to perfect her delightfulness and it’s all culminated into a wonderful frenzy of buskers and brunching and booths and bouquets – it’s all just TOO BEAUTIFUL 😭💛 This Farmers’ Market is ready to be a sunshine spot in your week, just trust us. But there are more markets where that came from! The Ole Sevier Market is back outside. Hey Bear Cafe is hosting markets in their big, beautiful backyard again. The Old City is hosting both daytime & nighttime markets now. The list goes on & yes, we do plan to be at every one 😍
3.) SPOOOORTS
You know what I don’t love? Having to go to the bathroom to warm up my hands in the dryer because it’s just that cold outside. You know what else I don’t love? Getting third degree burns when my bum hits a bleacher under the scorching sun. You know what I DO love? Springtime sports! Nothin’ makes us enjoy sports more than 68 degrees and partly cloudy sky 😂🙌 Thankfully, Knoxville has you covered. UT Baseball is hittin’ home runs on the field aaand in our hearts. One Knoxville SC is a brand new minor league soccer team in town and being part of a new fan base is a jooooy. (Pro-Tip: It is alsoooo a joy to pretend you’re Keeley Jones from Ted Lasso and speak in an English accent the whole time.)
OBVIOUSLY WE WERE GOING TO SAY PATIOS, PEOPLE. We live and breeeeathe for patio season here at New2Knox! Sitting on a patio with a book or a buddy and bevvie and an umbrella… consider us smitten. Smitten & sittin’, if you will 😉 Here are five of our favorites around town but just know there are pleeeenty more where that came from.
5.) HOLIDAAAAAYS
You MAY not think about MAY when it comes to holidays (holiMays? Too far?), but you MAY be surprised. Okay, we’ll stop that now 😉 BUT May is the proud mama of rockin’ celebrations like Cinco de Mayo, the Kentucky Derby (so many fun events happening around town for it this year!), Mother’s Day (we love a brunch-centered holiday) and the main event for an outdoorsy, scruffy city like ours: Memorial Daaaay! Get out on the water & say adieu to spring and bonjour to summer as you wait for us to inevitably declare summer our favorite season in the Scruffy City 😉
Want to take advantage of the weather with your fave furry friend? DISCOVER 5 DOG FRIENDLY HIKES HERE.
by Emily Stooks | Apr 24, 2023 | All Articles, Blake Trent, Downtown, Food & Drink
Fable Hollow Coffee and Bookshoppe is ✨Magical✨
WRITTEN BY: BLAKE TRENT
Is there anything more magical than coffee (okay, or tea) and a good book? We think not. Thankfully, Fable Hollow Coffee and Bookshoppe in Fountain City (North Knoxville) is on the same page (pun very much intended) and is here to provide all kinds of magic for everyone. This locally owned and operated fantasy themed bookstore is everything you could want in a bookstore – from the thoughtful and fun decorations that transport you to another world to the fantastic selection of coffee, tea, and books. I went by in early April to talk to the owners (Alissa and Casey – they’re wonderful) to find out what inspired them to open a bookstore for their local community to enjoy, as well as what menu item from their coffee tea shop they would be if they could choose. Yes, I asked that. We don’t shy away from the hard hitting questions here, people.
Tell us a little bit about you & your business!
Alissa: So, we’re a coffee shop and bookstore. We are fantasy themed, but we carry all genres of books. We’re a frontlist and a little bit of a backlist bookstore, which means that we carry good books that are either just now coming out or some favorites that are still in print.
What made you want to open a bookstore?
Alissa: We both love stories. We’re both writers too. I was in college as an English major; I switched to creative writing as soon as I could. I didn’t want to be a teacher, but I wanted something with books. I grew up in a family that ran their own business, so I thought I would enjoy running a bookstore. I went down that trail when I was 19 or 20 and hit a dead-end when I was discouraged by a mentor figure. I then went into corporate life. When I was furloughed in 2020, I went back to the bookstore idea. Casey and I met around this time in 2020. I always wanted a coffee shop element to it, but I knew nothing about coffee and I’m more of a tea drinker. Casey had experience with running and opening a coffee shop for someone else. She didn’t own it, but managed it. So, when we met and became friends, we found that our futures and skills aligned with what we wanted.
I love the serendipity there.
Alissa: Yeah, we actually met in our last in-person meeting (pre-covid) of the writing group that my husband and I run. It really was a serendipitous meeting.
Are y’all from Knoxville?
Alissa: I am. I’m from Fountain City, which is a big part of the reason for our location. I always wanted to open a bookstore here because I felt like it was something that Fountain City was missing.
Casey: I’m from Sweetwater, and I always wanted to live in Knoxville. So, this was an opportunity to move here and make it my home. I found a house close to the store, so it really worked out!
I’m impressed by that determination. I’ve been following you on Instagram for a while, and I’ve seen the hiccups along the way. It came across that nothing was going to stop you from making this store a reality.
Casey: We feel that is the only way to get something done like this. Just knowing that no matter what, you’re going to do it.
What sets you apart/makes you different from other businesses in this field?
We wanted to make sure that our store wasn’t just a shop, but a place to enjoy the space. We wanted it to be very community based. So far, we haven’t gotten the chance to do many activities with the community, but we want to start book clubs and reading times, things like that. Some have happened on their own. They didn’t know each other and started a group chat and now come together here. We want anyone who feels like an outsider to be comfortable coming here.
This sweet sentiment greets you as you walk in the doors of Fable Hollow
What are your wildest hopes & dreams for this business?
We would like to gradually have more space to invite the community into. We want to be a safe space – the perfect medium between being a big corporate space like Barnes and Noble, but having enough rooms and space for communities to come in and enjoy.
What are you each personally excited about with your new business?
Casey: Our coffee shop will have different homemade syrups, so we get to play with flavors. We name our flavors and specials on books that we want to draw attention to, but sometimes having that done and ordering books at the same time can be a bit stressful. Being creative with the flavors and names is consistently fun though. For example, we’ll have a special flavor for our grand opening (April 29th).
Alissa: We also make our own chai concentrate, which Alissa is more passionate about as she’s not as big of a fan of coffee. Casey is also so creative and was able to make this place feel magical, which is probably my favorite part.
Why do you love your specific Knoxville neighborhood?
Alissa: There are aspects of Fountain City that feel like being in a small town, but it’s still part of a big city. One thing that made me happy to be in Fountain City is that, being a lover of books, I always had to go downtown or out west for a bookstore. So, I knew there were people that are here that wanted a bookstore here. We’re happy to be a family bookstore that provides that. Even having a coffee shop that is locally owned was something our community wanted. We’re so happy to be able to provide both for Fountain City.
If you were a menu item in your coffee shop, which one would you be & why?
Alissa: We both actually have an answer to that! I would be an iced vanilla chai. Vanilla is one of my favorite scents and flavors, but it’s sweet and the spices of the chai just create this warmth. It’s what I drink often.
Casey: Mine’s boring, but I’d probably be an Americano. You can have a bunch of it, which I do 😂
After chatting with Alissa and Casey, of course I had to peruse Fable Hollow. The fantasy theme provides a real vibe throughout the whole store (you honestly have to come see for yourself!). There are several comfortable nooks and corners to sit and skim a story before you commit, and plenty of books for all ages – the selection is curated, but still very broad in appeal! (I ended up getting Acting Class by Nick Drnasso from the graphic novel selection. It was recommended by a friend and has been a great read!) As I was grabbing a coffee on my way out the door, a group was gathering at a table near the front of the store to hang out. It perfectly reflected what Alissa and Casey dreamed of creating for this Knoxville community. As an English teacher, there’s a special place in my heart for bookstores, and Fable Hollow would have had me content for hours as a kid. Come experience the magic for yourself at their Grand Opening on Saturday, April 29th!
DISCOVER OTHER COFFEE SHOPS AROUND TOWN RIGHT HERE!
by Emily Stooks | Mar 14, 2023 | All Articles, Downtown, Emilie Stooksbury, Food & Drink
It’s award season, babes, and when award season coincides with Daylight Savings, we are much more interested in bestowing the nation’s highest awards to coffee rather than cinema. Coffee is working so hard for us these days 🥲 That being said, we’re certainly not here to tell you what kind of coffee to like! SO without further ado, here is the official ceremony of Knoxville coffee shops ranked on everything but coffee. Think of it as local coffee superlatives. Okay let’s gooooo!!!! (That energy? Yeah, that’s the coffee talking.)
The award for BEST INSTAGRAM AESTHETICS goes tooooo: Remedy Coffee (North Knox)
We’ve taken photos of literally every corner of Remedy. That fan in the corner? Yep. That menu list? For sure. The bar seating facing the window? You betcha. She’s got great style, great lighting, and she overlooks a cemetery which is just the artsiest thing we could ever imagine. So snap away, pals, no judgement here.
The award for the BEST PLACE TO GO IF YOUR FRIEND WANTS TO MEET FOR COFFEE BUT YOU’VE ALREADY LOWKEY HAD FIVE CUPS goes tooooo: Honeybee Coffee (Farragut)
Honeybee Coffee takes this one by a landslide because of their brewery side aaaand their legit food menu. They will not be boxed in by your baked goods! (PS. They have other locations scattered around town as well, including their OG spot in South Knoxville!)
The award for FEELING TRENDY WHILE SHOWING YOUR FRIENDS AROUND TOWN goes tooooo: Old City Java (Old City)
Why, you ask? Well, why is the grass green? Why do birds sing? Old City Java is just cool. Maybe it’s the painted ceiling, maybe it’s the historic building, maybe it’s the spots to sit in the alley. Either way, it’s great (and the Old City neighborhood is the cutest place to stroll on a weekday morning… though on a weekend at midnight, “cute” is maybe not the word we would choose… IYKYK 😂)
The award for WHERE TO GO WHEN YOU DON’T KNOW WHERE TO GO goes toooooo: Likewise Coffee (East Knoxville)
Likewise Coffee is in an old renovated house which means it has SOooo many cozy corners to choose from. If you’re not sure what vibe you’re lookin’ for in the moment, just go to Likewise – they’re dripping with different vibes. Let future-you make that decision. (Their proceeds also go straight to their non-profit, Raising a Voice, which fights to end human trafficking locally and globally soooo that’s another pretty decent reason to go to Likewise 😂)
The award for BEST PLACE TO BRING YOUR MINI BFFS goes tooooo: The Empty Cup (West Knox)
The Empty Cup embraces your kiddos and all kiddos! First, their profits go to supporting adoption efforts. Second, they have kid-friendly areas all around the shop. (Really, the whole place is pretty kid friendly – so many comfy couches!) And third, they have a drive-thru if you’re just not ready to deal with your wild babes in public today, period. Other Nominees: Mahalo in Powell & Jack’s!
The award for MAKIN’ YOU FEEL ALL GOOD IN YOUR SOUUUUL goes tooooo: Treetop Coffee Shop (West Knox)
The last two coffee shops were in the running for this one, but Treetop took the top spot! (Say that last line five times fast.) Treetop Coffee Shop is woman-owned & purpose-driven as they set aside funds each month to go towards helping kids around the world in a variety of ways. They also have “Do Good, Drink Good” on their wall so you’re inspired to jump in and help too 😍 (Also, unrelated, but it’s just dang CUTE and in the cutest lil corner of Sequoyah Hills.) Other Nominees: Empty Cup & Likewise Coffee
The award for MOST MYSTERIOUS NAME PRONUNCIATION goes toooo: Five & Hoek Coffee (Downtown)
Is it Five & HOKE? Is it Five & HECK? No, my friends, Five & Hoek is Five & HOOOOOK. They are very friendly in there (like literally SO sweet 😭🙌) and will definitely tell you how to pronounce it if you ask… Or – hear us out – we can collectively decide to keep the mystery alive, thus allowing them to win this award for year’s to come.
The award for MAKIN’ ME NEED TO BUY NEW PANTS goes toooo: Wildlove Bakehouse (North Knox)
I’m sooooorry but those baked goods & pastries from Wildlove are just too good. We cannot and will not say no. Y’all, you can literally watch the magic being made through the window into the kitchen. And trust us when we say, every single doughy bite is magic. Enjoy everything they offer because you can always buy new pants, people! Other Nominees: KBrew for that cappuccino + bagel combo
The award for BEST STUDY BUDDIEEEES goes toooo: Awaken Coffee (Downtown/Old City)
Awaken Coffee is good for studying, period, but you can elevate the experience (literally 😉) and pop up the stairs to their peaceful “treehouse” or head into the back for even more space & quiet! Other Nominees: Backroads Market cuz sometimes they have SNACKS
The award for PRETENDING TO GO FOR THE COFFEE BUT DEF STAYING FOR THE SHOPPING goes tooo: Backroads Market (West Knox)
Backroads is half coffee shop and half home goods store and fuuuuuull cozy goodness. It is theeee perfect spot to hang on a rainy day because once you’ve finished your coffee, you can simply stroll & shop as you inevitably make it back to the counter for another cup. Other Nominees: Jack’s but in reality we go for the shopping & appreciate the coffee
The award for CAFFEINATION RELAXATION goes tooooo: Mahalo Coffee Roasters (Powell & Downtown)
Have you had one too many cups but you’re still jonesin’ for another? We feel this deeply in our bones (no, seriously. We can feel the caffeine coursing through our veins). Thankfully, Mahalo exists! They roast and brew and serve all kinds of caffeination… but the Hawaiian Island vibes in which they do it is aaall relaxation, baby.
The award for BEING TRANSPORTED INTO MYTHICAL, MAGIC LANDS goes toooo: Fable Hollow (Fountain City)
This brand new bookshoppe/coffee shop is fantasy themed and was liiiiterally built to whisk you away to foreign lands. The vibes alone will do the trick, but you can also go the extra mile and read a book – the classic way to be whisked away to foreign lands. That’s two magical, mythical world transportations for the price of one coffee, babyyyyy!
The award for BEST SUMMER VIBES goes tooooo: K Brew (North Knox)
Is it because of the hammocks? MAYBE. But tell us what’s more summery than swingin’ on a hammock with a dog at your feet & an iced coffee in your hand. NOTHING. And it’s all possible at K Brew on N Broadway. (They have other locations but the oldest one in North Knox is our favorite 😊) On the nicest days, they’ll also open all the garage doors for an easy-breezy-caffeinated-summer experience.
The award for LOVIN’ YOU NO MATTER WHAT, YES, EVEN BEFORE YOUR COFFEE goes toooo: South Press (South Knox)
South Press Coffee in South Knoxville has made a name for themselves for being one of the safest, most inclusive spots in Knoxville, period. No matter who you are or who you love, you can walk through those doors, grab a mug off the wall, and enjoy a cup of unlimited coffee in a space with unlimited quirky decor.
The award for FEELING FANCY LIKE A DOWNTOWN DWELLER goes toooo: Frothy Monkey (Downtown)
Popping into Frothy Monkey for a to-go coffee or sipping it on the dreamy front-patio just feels slightly elevated when doing it right on the hustle & bustle of Gay St. We suggest enjoying your coffee with sunglasses on your head and a chihuahua on your lap.
The award for CUTEST MASCOT goes tooooo: Capybara Coffee (Campus)
Have you seeeeen a capybara?? They are adorable (especially for a rodent *shudders*). You know who else is adorable? The owners of Capybara Coffee who will make sure seasonal drinks have appropriately themed garnishes. (We die over a themed garnish 😭🙌) They’re truly the sweetest and will tell you all about their coffee, their journey to Knoxville, and their love for capybaras – just ask!
The award for BUILDIN’ COMMUNITY goes tooooo: Golden Roast Coffee Roasters (West Knox + Campus)
Y’all KNOW building community is our absolute favorite thing & apparently Golden Roast is pretty into it too! 😂 They host book clubs and markets and concerts and craft nights and all kinds of community-centric goodness. In fact, even when they had to change locations, they made sure to stay in the same neighborhood so they could keep servin’ that community (*wipes forty-five tears*). Other Nominees: CommonPlace Coffee – it just feels like a warm hug in there! And South Press Coffee – it feels like a colorful, fun, inclusive hug in there!
The award for FRIENDLIEST NEIGHBORS goes tooooo: Coffee & Chocolate (Downtown)
Speeeaking of community! We may be biased (okay, we definitely are), but Coffee & Chocolate is our neighbor and we adore them. They’re so sweet (the people and the truffles) and they will even pick up our packages sometimes or let us borrow a trash bag now & then. (I wish I could say they let us borrow a cup of sugar but alas, we’ve never asked. Trash bags though? That we’ve needed 😂) Thank you so much for attending this year’s Knoxville Coffee Shops Ranked on Everything But the Coffee awards! Now go home and enjoy the rush only taking off heels after a long night at an awards show can give you. OR, hear us out, rally and get some coffee 😉
by Emily Stooks | Mar 8, 2023 | All Articles, Downtown, Emilie Stooksbury, Outdoors
Are we generally outdoor-adventure girlies? Ummmm that’s a no from us, dog. But are we definitely outdoor porch, patio, and park girlies? That’s three yeses; you’re going to Hollywoooood!! We are all about a mental-health walk, a picnic lunch, and an aesthetic spot to read a book under a tree. Thankfully, Knoxville’s love for the outdoors doesn’t end with hikes and biking trails – she is brimming with parks as well 😍 So without further ado (and in no particular order because we’re actually truly horrendous at picking favorites), here are our top five parks in Knoxville, Tennessee!
1.) Island Home Park
Ahh, Island Home Park (*pause for inner montage of pleasant afternoons spent here*). This lil park to the south isn’t particularly curated, but it still easily makes our top five. For one, it’s right by the river which is just peaceful by default. Second, you can peek at Downtown Knoxville in the distance which makes us happy. Third, it’s very close to the baby Island Home airport which means LITTLE PLANES FLY RIGHT OVER YOUR HEADS SOMETIMES AND IT’S SO COOL. We suggest a reading a book under a tree here.
2.) Lakeshore Park
Oh, you prefer curated? Look no further than the deliiiiicious Lakeshore Park. First, I have it on good authority from experts in the field that their playground is one of the best. (Said experts are fun-loving children, obviously.) Second, their 2-ish mile loop is great for runners, dog-walkers, and mental-health strollers alike. Third, you have mountain views and river views and fields for all sorts of sports & games. Fourth, there is a precious lil spot at the top overlooking the park with tables and string lights. Fun Fact: I am writing this article from that very overlook at this exact moment and trust me when I say, it is exceedingly pleasant. Come here for all of the above: walks, picnic lunches, books under trees, and pulling out the ole frisbee and pretending you’re in college again.
3.) Suttree Landing Park
Back in South Knoxville, Suttree Landing Park is another winner in our book. She is like a 90s model – tall, skinny, and making it in the big city. What this park lacks in size, she makes up for in a beautiful view of Downtown Knoxville across the river, a Smoky Mountain themed playground, and a perfect vibe for roller skating with your pals. I don’t know, y’all, it’s just nice and feels like a park we would hunt down while on vacation in a big city for ✨the shot✨ (ie. a selfie with the skyline to plant squarely on our IG feeds). We suggest Suttree Landing Park for a yoga sesh, a picnic lunch, or, obviously, an aesthetic Instagram Story.
4.) Victor Ashe Park
If you’re feelin’ bored on a sunny day, just get your ashe over to Victor Ashe Park because this is just a great place to plaaaaay! There are wide open spaces if you want to choose-your-own-adventure (picnicking is ALWAYS an excellent option) – but there’s also a playground, soccer fields, a disc golf course, a loop you can walk/run, a dog park, trails, water access, and sand volleyball courts. The options are limitless.
5.) World’s Fair Park
Dare I say it? There is nothing more pleasant than laying out a blanket and reading a book in World’s Fair Park with the scruffily iconic Sunsphere in the background. NOTHING. The lawns are equally good for games of catch as they are music festivals. There’s a playground and a mural and a splash pad and a stage. Bonus Points: You’re right in the heart of downtown Knoxville which is particularly wonderful if halfway through your time, you remember you’re really not outdoorsy at all and are in fact in need of a mojito on a patio. Losing Points: You’re not allowed to swim in the little pond area. We are tempted Every. Single. Time.
Oooobviously there are plenty more where this came from! Caswell Park, the Cove at Concord Park, and Sequoyah Hills Park are just a handful of other favorites. Ijams Nature Center is the queen of all things outdoors in our Scruffy City. Or head northwest to Norris Dam or east to Seven Islands State Birding Park! You get the point. See you outside 😂
Want to get in the water? DISCOVER TWO KNOXVILLE QUARRIES HERE.
by Emily Stooks | Feb 3, 2023 | All Articles, Downtown, Emilie Stooksbury, Lifestyle
February may still be winter, but at least it’s winter dressed in PINK, right?💕 It’s winter, but at least it’s winter that encourages flowers and chocolates and date nights. And thanks to our hero Leslie Knope, it’s winter that celebrates girl power and female friendship (Galentines, babyyyy!). So basically, it’s winter… but, hey, a little better! 😂 So in the spirit of love month, here are 7 (more) date night ideas to do in Knoxville, TN! (Curious about the first 7? Click here!)
1.) YOU MAKE ME HAPPY [HOLLER]
Happy Holler is a cute lil neighborhood on Central Ave and subsequently the backdrop of a great date night. Sure, it’s basically dinner and a movie… but trust us: our way is better. Kick off the night sharing a charcuterie board & flat bread at The Oak Room by Abridged. This cozy but elevated spot was quite literally made for date nights. Seriously – the owner, Jesse, loved the casual vibes of his original Abridged Brewing Co. but wanted to open something for when he and the missus wanted a nice night away from the kids. And, well, he totally nailed it. After your apps & drinks, walk around the corner to enjoy a show at Central Cinema!
2.) LOVE YOU, BREW, er, BOO
Anybody can hit up a brewery, but youuuu can impress your date by taking it to the next level with a Knox Brew Tour. (Next Level… haha… that’s a brewery in Knoxville… ha.. ANYWAY.) The bus tours are super fun for birthdays and parties, but a Downtown Walking Tour is a perfect option for date night! You get to stroll through downtown Knoxville sipping beers and learning about the local beer scene from a (highly entertaining) expert. BONUS: When you’re done, you’re already conveniently downtown for continued festivities!
3.) JAZZ IT UP
We are of the opinion that jazz makes pretty much any experience just a hair fancier. If you’re lookin’ for fancy, we’ve found you the jazz. Babalu has jazz on Monday nights, Knox Farmacy has jazz brunch on Saturday mornings while Water into Wine brings up the rear on Saturday evenings. (And even more are listed here.) If none of those tickle your fancy, check out Bistro at the Bijou who hosts live jazz pretty frequently as well. Live jazz followed by a concert next door at The Bijou? BIG win for date night. (Oh, you claaaassy! But you know what else is classy? Checking to verify that these spots are indeed hosting jazz before showing up with your date, just sayin’ 😉)
4.) HIKE IT UP
If you are absolutely not looking to class up your evening, you are in the right spot! This is the Scruffy City, after all. There are plenty of good trails to choose from around town (Fort Dickerson is another fun one!) but for this particular list, we’re going to spotlight Ijams Nature Center for your classic hike & dip combo. The Meads Quarry Loop trail (Tharp’s Trace is the official trail name) gives you a couple beautiful views of the quarry and is a nice hike without taking tooooo much time or leaving you tooooo sweaty. That being said, even if you do get sweaty, you can just jump right into the quarry afterward and wash it all away! It’s totally free to hike and take a dip – or during summer months, you can pay a few bucks to rent a paddleboard or tube and enjoy even more time lounging together on the water. End the excursion with a beer from their beer garden or head over to Sevier Ave and enjoy a brew at Alliance or Printshop or Hi-Wire. Voilà! Date night.
5.) TAKE FLIGHT (no, no, not that kind)
It’s flu season babyyyy so this is only a good date idea if you’re already smoochin’ BUT tackling some flights together is such a fun way to mix up a standard drink date! Most local breweries have flight options or you can go crazy and enjoy an ice cream (WHAT. Yes.) flight at Sugar Queen Creamery in South Knoxville. Orrrrr you can mix it up even more with these local flight ideas ranging from sours to coffees to wines! Do you remember the olive theory from How I Met Your Mother? Sharing a flight is the perfect way to streamline that theory. You love dark beers & he loves lagers? Perfect. Now you know 😉
6.) SPILL THE TEA, BABYYY
If Dry January has eased into Damp February, a tea session with the Tea Room is the ✨perfect✨ place for a cozy, sober date. Start the date with an hour-long gong fu cha experience where you’ll get to experience four to ten flash brews (equating to around one liter of tea) for you to drink during the ceremony (or take home with you because that ends up being a LOT of liquid, my friends 😂). After your Chinese tea ceremony, head to The Boocherie or Monkey’s Bar for a late-night mocktail. ADORABLE.
Image of Soccer Pool from Hi-Wire
7.) NOT HERE TO PLAY GAMES
LOL JK YES WE ARE DEFINITELY HERE TO PLAY GAMES. If you want to play some games (not games with hearts, people), there are plenty of fun spots all over town with a whole hooost of games. Suttrees High Gravity Tavern is in Downtown Knoxville on Gay St. and connected at the hip is Harrogate’s Lounge. They’ve got all the classics like pinball and skee ball (aaand do yourself a favor and try the ramen at Suttrees while you’re at it). Down in South Knoxville, Hi-Wire Brewing Co. has got “Soccer Pool” and ping pong and even board game night on Mondays! Never want to fight with your partner again? Head back north & release that anger by throwing axes at Craft Axe Throwing. Then kick it down a notch by meandering a block over & ending the night with board games at Craft Bastard Brewery. Over in West Knoxville, Token Game Tavern even has it in the naaaame so you know they’re serious. They’ve got new and vintage arcade games, more pinball, console games, truly everything. So snag a drink and a partner and start playin’ gaaames, you crazy kids!
Hopefully it’s obvious but events and concerts and UT games and such are always a super fun way to spend a night out in the Scruffy City. You can keep up with upcoming events weeee are personally super excited about right here. Now go have fun with your two loves (Knoxville and whoever it is you love) – and DM us if we missed your favorite local date night activity!
