by Emily Stooks | Oct 12, 2022 | All Articles, Lifestyle, Nena Potter
One thirty-something woman’s bucket list for things to do in Knoxville this fall.
CLICK HERE FOR AN UPDATED KNOXVILLE FALL BUCKET LIST
Call me basic but my absolute favorite season is FALL, Y’ALL 🍂 There’s just something about this time of year in Tennessee. The temperatures finally start going down while football ramps up, the return of all things pumpkin happens, the mosquitoes finally start to dieee (thank the Lord!), and two words: SWEATER WEATHER. I love it all. Give me colorful (yet dying) foliage; give me chili and a PBJ (yes, this is a thing and it’s delicious); give me spooky things; give me camping and bonfires and s’mores and boots and cozy blankets and… okay okay, you get it. Anywhoooo, without further ado, here’s my autumnal bucket list: 9 Things to Do This Fall in Knoxville!
1.) Get Sporty Spice at a UT Football Game
This is an obvious one – but if you live in Knoxville, fall equals football. Sorry, I don’t make the rules. I’m not even a huge sports ball gal myself, but I absolutely love attending a game at Neyland Stadium. Seeing the team run through the T, singing Rocky Top at the top of your lungs and eating some classic stadium food? C’mon! It’s a perfect way to spend a Tennessee Saturday. Even if you don’t go to an actual game, there is always tailgating! (Find out all the pro-tips for your first game or tailgate at Neyland right here.)
2.) Get Lost! (In a Corn Maze)
I can’t imagine a more beautiful thing. I mean, it’s corn! It’s got the juice. This one can be a little more on the spooky side if you do a haunted maze – but it doesn’t have to be! Personally, all the adrenaline I need can be found in the idea of getting lost in an endless maze, period. If you’re the same way, head over to Oakes Farm in Corryton or Walnut Springs just past Strawberry Plains for adorable fall goodness and an ah-MAZE-ing time! 😉
3.) ‘Gram it Up with Gourds
Let’s be honest, you could just buy a pumpkin at your local grocery store – but where’s the fun in that?! I want Instagram-able shots of my friends picking out our favorite gourds and I want to know I’m supporting the local farming community by buying all of their produce. This year, I’m looking to check out Deep Well Farm as they have cute photo ops, baby goats and other adorable farm animals, and you can pick a pumpkin AND go on a hayride for only $14. I mean, go big or gourd home, right? 🤪
4.) Eat [F]all the Autumn-Flavored Things
Knoxville’s local eateries are doing it right this year when it comes to incorporating all the fall flavors. “Spicy Maple” ice-cream collab from Sugar Queen Creamery and Simpl? Say less, fam. “Green Apple & Salty Caramel” ice cream from Cruze Farm? Don’t mind if I do. There’s also so many great local options for pumpkin lattes and donuts that you really can’t go wrong (Pro-Tip: Awaken has a seeeriously stacked fall menu). French Market has pumpkin crepes. Barrelhouse by Gypsy Circus has pumpkin cider on tap. Tomato Head has apple mimosas. You get the idea 😂
5.) Get a Little BOO-zy
After I try all the fall foods, I want to drink all the fall beer, especially at Last Days of Autumn Brewing BECAUSE C’MON ARE YOU KIDDING ME, THE NAME? It’s perfect. Besides that, Xul Beer Co is hosting their very first beer festival – Kill the Lights on October 22nd. There’s going to be music, food, new beer releases and over FIFTY breweries to sample from. Peep all the details here (if you daaaare muahahaha!)
puppy in a backpack omg like seriously are you kidding me
6.) Take a Hike! (And leaf peep along the way)
So, if you’re reading this and you’re under 30, I’m going to introduce you to a new term: *Leaf Peeping*. This is a real term used to describe the activity of traveling somewhere just to take pics of the fall foliage. I am a self proclaimed leaf peeper and (*insert salesman voice here*) you can be too! Knoxville is so close to a million great places to check out the changing colors (including, you know, that whole National Park that’s basically in our backyard 😂) According to a fall foliage forecast I found, leaves will turn to fall colors in higher elevations around mid-October, and continue into lower elevations until about mid-November. So, if you’re like me and want to see some unbe-leaf-able views, grab a buddy and make plans to get on the trails soon!
7.) Get Spooked at the Movies!
When it comes to scary movies, I’ll admit I’m a bit of a baby BUT there are still a couple of screenings on my to-do list or should I say… to-BOO list?😉 If you’re looking to find your community of horror-film-loving homies, then you can’t miss this year’s Knoxville Horror Film Festival at Central Cinema in North Knox (as well as the Parkway Drive-in Movie Theatre in Maryville). This four day fest is a marathon of the macabre and includes showings of this year’s hottest horror shorts and independents as well as a short film competition and award ceremony. This is guaranteed to get you in the Halloween mood. Speaking of…
8.) Do the Time Warp Again
Less spooky and more kooky but something I’ve wanted to do for over a decade now is go to a showing of the cult classic, Rocky Horror Picture Show! If you don’t know, this isn’t just a normal trip to the movies. It’s part dinner show, part interactive experience where you dress up, sing, dance, yell at the screen and throw stuff too! There are a couple places around town to join in on all these shenanigans including The Concourse where they will be doing a Shadowcast (where the movie will be shown and actors perform in real time along with what’s happening on-screen) and the always amazing Tennessee Theatre. This has been a Halloween tradition for decades (ever since the film came out) and I don’t think I can say I’ve truly done this holiday right until I can say I’ve done this.
9.) Get Evil! Specifically, Medieval!
Finally, something that has been on my bucket list in general for a while is going to a medieval faire. This is technically outside of Knoxville (in Harriman) but I’ve never been to any kind of Renaissance Faire as an adult. I mean, how often, pray tell, does one get to dress up in middle age attire (I’m a fan of pretty much any event where dressing up is recommended?), nom on a giant turkey leg AND watch live jousting?! Me thinks I shall make haste to go thither as it surely will be a beauteous event indeed (though I may need to beef up on my medieval speech before I go…😂)!
That’s my list of things to do in Knoxville this fall! I hope it inspires some of y’all to embrace this season when there’s so many fun things to do in our Scruffy City. What’s on your bucket list for this autumn? Whatever you’re planning, I hope you fall in love with Knoxville all over again like I do. Cheers!
PS. CLICK HERE FOR AN UPDATED KNOXVILLE FALL BUCKET LIST
by Emily Stooks | Aug 17, 2022 | All Articles, Downtown, West Knoxville
With Taylor Swift’s “august” on repeat, the countdown to the end of our Scruffy City summer has begun! BUT SHE AIN’T OVER YET. While there’s plenty to be excited for in the coming months (cooler temps and pumpkin spice, to name just a couple 😉), we can’t forget to cross some last East Tennessee activities off that summer bucket list. We’re here to help you take advantage of five things that are just plain better in the summer. Without further ado, here are five things to enjoy in Knoxville before summer ends!
1.) Get On the Water!
It isn’t summertime in East Tennessee if you’re not on the water! Meads Quarry is the perfect outlet if you’re looking for a change of scenery from the downtown area (and without having to travel very far.) At the quarry, you can rent paddle boards and kayaks or just jump in and swim for free. If that’s not your thing, bring a chair to soak up the sun, your favorite book, and even your pup. The water is sparkling blue and the tall rock cliffs make for an Insta-worthy story.
2.) Outdoor Eatin’
Warm weather means outdoor dining – that, my friends, is just a fact. Thankfully, Knoxville has plenty of restaurants with pretty memorable outdoor spaces. Babalu has a sidewalk dining area, perfect for observing the hustle and bustle of Gay St. Around the corner in the heart of Market Square, Oliver Royale has a stylish patio with French bistro chairs and twinkling string lights. Jacks is a fan-favorite coffee shop with two locations and two great patios. Take a seat outside while enjoying avocado toast and your favorite seasonal latte. (Or just pop over here to read about five more of the best patios in Knox!) No matter the occasion, Knoxville has the perfect outdoor setting to match your vibe this summer 🤩
3.) This Lil Piggy Went to Market
While there are technically indoor winter markets, nothing compares to a farmers’ market in the summer. In mid-August, you can find the most delicious tomatoes and other peak summer veggies. Knoxville’s most popular farmers’ market is the Market Square Farmers Market which runs every Wednesday and Saturday until 1 PM. Besides the freshest produce, you can find pastries, kombucha, art, plants, and much more. It’s honestly the best way to see what Knoxville offers – all while supporting your local makers and enjoying the summer air!
4.) Ice Cream From the Top of My Lungs
Listen, ice cream can be enjoyed any day of the year and that’s not up for debate. (We’ll scream it from the tops of our lungs 😉) However, there’s something extra nostalgic (and extra necessary 😂) about cold ice cream on a hot summer day. Knoxville has plenty of delicious ice cream spots such as Cruze Farm, Phoenix Pharmacy & Fountain, and the Sugar Queen Creamery (new to Knoxville as of this summer!) to help you cool down in the Tennessee heat. Treat yourself and check out those seasonal summer flavors before they are gone! I know I can’t get enough of anything peach flavored. (*pauses to wipe drool*)
Lakeshore Park
5.) Park It at a Park
Whether you like to hike, power walk with the gals, or enjoy a stroll with your dog, Knoxville has a park for you. Lakeshore Park is great because of the paved walkway, water views, and greenery. If you’re looking for something a little more woodsy, Ijams Nature Center has multiple hiking trails (some paved and some not) based on difficulty. Ijams is great in general if you’re looking to spend a good amount of your day outside. (Just be sure to check their website for trail closures/updates.) No matter which park you stumble across, stay hydrated and safe this summer!
Summer may be on her last leg, but we’re here to enjoy every last drop. And speaking of last drops, here are 10 Summer Cocktails you need to check off your list as well! 😉
by Emily Stooks | Aug 5, 2022 | All Articles, Downtown, Emilie Stooksbury
If you ask us, Knoxville is basically Taylor Swift. She’s reinvented herself a hundred times over, there are always new Easter eggs to uncover, every version rules, and she puts out some really great music. See? It checks out 😉 We’re here to look through some of Knoxville’s various versions and share more about the “then and now” of Downtown Knoxville.
Heads Up: this article is best paired with an iced latte from Coffee & Chocolate and the New2Knox window display at 323 Union Ave.
Also: Massive thanks to Paul from Knoxville History Project for all of his help in researching this article!
PHOTO #1: Cars on Market Square
Surprise! Did you have any idea this was Market Square?? The now iconic block is almost unrecognizable in this photo from the 1950s, so we’ll help set the scene. The photographer would have been standing on Union Ave (if you’re looking at the New2Knox window display, that’s the street you’re on!) near the current Oliver Hotel, looking towards the square. Instead of the stage and fountains/splash pads of today, you can see the Market House on the right side of the photo. This was a tall thin building that ran right through the middle of Market Square. Despite the cars pictured, this still wouldn’t have been a through street. Instead, vendors would be parked and selling things in the back. Honestly, not too different from the Farmer’s Market we know and love today!
The Kern’s Building Then
PHOTO #2: The Kern’s Building
The Kern’s Building was built in 1876, named after a German immigrant named Peter Kern.
Kern got stranded in Knoxville during the Civil War. He was put house arrest as a prisoner of war and spent his time selling molasses hoecakes to the troops. Ultimately, he chose to stay in Knoxville after he was released and opened up a soda fountain, ice cream parlor, and bakery. (He even became mayor for a year in 1890!)
The soda fountain was on the ground floor of the Kern Building, the ice cream parlor on the second floor, and the bakery was in the back of the building until 1930 when it moved across the river to Chapman Highway. Though Peter Kern passed away in 1907, he’s still got his mark in Knoxville. His portrait is prominently displayed inside Knoxville’s favorite speakeasy (the Peter Kern Library) and while there’s no longer a soda fountain in his building, you can enjoy brunch at Tupelo Honey which is almost as good 😉 The Kern’s Building is also now home to the Oliver Hotel. (Fun Fact: Elizabeth Gilbert finished the manuscript to Eat Pray Love in the Oliver Hotel’s predecessor, the St. Oliver Hotel!)
The 400 Block of Gay St in 1920
The 400 Block of Gay St now!
PHOTO #3: Gay St.
This photo of the 400 Block of Gay St. (looking south toward the Tennessee River) was taken in 1920. While the Tennessee Theatre wasn’t constructed yet here, you can see the Burwell Building (built in 1908) where she would one day call home. Across the street from the Burwell Building is the Holston Building – lowkey missing her two top floors! (Those came later, don’t worry 😂)
You can also see the Woodruff Building on the left where Downtown Grill & Brewery lives today. Due to the “Million Dollar Fire” wiping out much of Gay St in 1897, the Woodruff Building would have only been 20 years old in this photo. In fact, what is now Taylor Lofts is the only original building on that block left from before the fire.
A lot was changing in the early 1920s in Knoxville. In this one shot of Gay St, you can see early cars, street cars, AND horse and buggies. 1920s Knoxvillians really did get to choose their own adventure 😂
PHOTO #4: Gay Street & the Tennessee Theatre
Finally! Our beloved Tennessee Theatre has entered the scene. This black and white photo of Gay St was taken in the late 1920s. The Tennessee Theatre opened in October 1928. Fun Fact: the original organ that accompanied silent movies at the Tennessee Theatre back in the day is still played before various shows now!
Now look for the “Bankers Trust Company” sign on the Mechanics Bank Building in the bottom corner of the photo. In 1882, a family feud escalated into a a three way shooting right in front of this building. All three participants died. This story even appeared in Mark Twain’s book Life on the Mississippi. (You can learn more about the story in this book by Jack Neely.)
Beside the Tennessee Theatre, you can see the oh-so-elegant Farragut Hotel. She was only about ten years old in this photo, but the SEC would form there just a few years later in 1932. Not only that, the Farragut Hotel also hosted many meetings about the creation of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. These days, she’s home to the Hyatt Place and their classy rooftop bar.
Now move your focus to the other side of the street and locate the Holston building. Two more floors were built on after this photo was taken. You can see those extra floors in the photo from the 1950s and they’re still there today!
Speaking of that 1950s photo (with the orange Tennessee Theatre sign), do you notice anything missing? Krutch Park, home of Downtown Knoxville’s Christmas tree didn’t enter the scene until 2005.
The Sunsphere Then
The Sunsphere Today
PHOTO #5: The Sunsphere!
As Knoxville newbies, it’s hard to even imagine the Scruffy City without the Sunsphere. But it turns out, both the Sunsphere and the “Scruffy City” nickname were due to the 1982 World’s Fair! Construction on the Sunsphere started in 1981 as a “monument to the sun.” She had her fair share of issues between costs and being a casual, literal ball of gold 200+ feet in the sky – but she was ready to go by her debut at the 1982 World’s Fair!
As far as the “Scruffy City” nickname, Knoxville was referred to as a “scruffy little city,” in 1980 by the Wall Street Journal when news got out that they’d be hosting the World’s Fair. Knoxville’s worn that phrase like a badge of honor ever since 😉
After a few years of being closed, the Sunsphere is open again to the public. Now you can enjoy the new and improved observation deck for just $5/person or just enjoy the view from various parking garage for free 🙌
The New2Knox Office in 1933
The New2Knox Office Today!
PHOTO #6: The New2Knox Office!
Last but not least – there was no way could we write a whole “Then & Now” article without talking about our beloved office! As much as we love our lil office today, we’re not gonna lie – Knoxville’s missing out on a rad eatery that used to call this building home.
While the building could date as far back as the 1880s, we really fixated on The Biltmore Cafe. They opened in 1933 and served “red hots” (ie. hot dogs) and tamales of all things. Believe it or not, Knoxville actually has a long, rich history with tamales. Harry Royston is credited with popularizing tamales Knoxville as early as the 1880s – well before the rest of the country caught onto the good stuff.
They also served beer. During the Prohibition, Knoxville closed 106 saloons 🤯 – astonishing to consider today. You can see a couple of the women in this photo holding pints – showing they’re finally reopening with beer by the glass 🙌
We hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane! For all things Knoxville now, you’re in the right place 😉 New2Knox is here to help you connect with local businesses and new pals and fun events. But for all things Knoxville then, get to know the guys at Knoxville History Project! From books to events to tours, they’ve got you covered on all things Knoxville history.
Cheers to exploring our lil city, both then and now!
by Emily Stooks | Jun 19, 2022 | All Articles, Blake Trent, East Knoxville, Lifestyle
Over in East Knoxville (at 2340 E. Magnolia Avenue to be specific) lies The Bottom – a magical place where you can listen to book talks, join in on discussions, celebrate community, or even find a book of your own. It was founded by Dr. Enkeshi El-Amin, a local sociologist studying race, place, and Black Communities. Speaking of those communities, The Bottom was named after a Black neighborhood in East Knoxville – a neighborhood that isn’t listed over at on our Neighborhoods page because it was completely demolished in the 1950s by urban renewal and institutionalized racism.
Rooted in community interviews and archival research, El-Amin’s work uncovered a resounding feeling of displacement and loss of space that spanned all the way from Knoxville’s black elders to the youth. She found that urban removal (while technically ended in 1974) was still very real for the people living in its remnants.
But Dr. El-Amin wanted to do more than just conduct a study. She wanted to make an impact. That desire became reality via an unassuming house on 2340 East Magnolia Avenue. It’s now the site of The Bottom Knox, a nonprofit community and organization space located right in the historic neighborhood it’s named after.
The Bottom Knox is a place where El-Amin, the founder, hopes Black people will feel comfortable in their own skin. It always included the healing stories of those who specifically lived and grew up in East Knoxville.
It’s open to any and all visitors who want to be part of an inspiring community-building effort (homegrown right here in Knoxville) though.There are plenty of events occurring every month that include volunteer opportunities, guest speakers, study groups, a merch shop (with one of the coolest shirts I’ve seen pictured below), and local art exhibitions. The space also includes an art studio offering workshops, quilting lessons, and the “Sew It Sell It” program, which teaches children how to sew and sell products. There’s even a brand new tea room! Patrons can sip on unique teas and discuss the various cultures that make up our great city of Knoxville. The profits go directly to the many endeavors The Bottom participates in to build community and help local Knoxvillians.
The bookstore is my personal favorite part of The Bottom. It has a curated selection of Black authors. It directly supports the impact that Dr. El-Amin is striving towards. It’s open for you to come and browse every Tuesday through Saturday from 11am-6pm. AND while the selection is curated, The Bottom will special order a book for you – just ask!
Find your new summer read, have a good conversation, and be a part of something bigger – starting at The Bottom.
by Emily Stooks | May 27, 2022 | All Articles, Emilie Stooksbury, Entertainment, North Knoxville, West Knoxville
You are very cool and fun. We can just tell. When someone (such as yourself) is very cool and fun, people will inevitably want to visit Knoxville to hang with you. When people inevitably visit, they will probably want to do more than watch Netflix and eat food (I mean, maybe not much more… but still.) We’re here to help! Here are some things to do in Knoxville when family comes to town (and for every kind of visitor!):
1. FOR THE ART APPRECIATOR
Have family visiting? Make sure you hit World’s Fair Park! Start off your excursion by browsing through all the displays at the art museum. The museum is free – which means no one can judge you for splurging at the gift shop!
In the warmer months, reward younger family members for sitting through an art museum by going to the splash pad and playing in the water! Then cap the whole experience off by taking the elevator up to the observation deck of the Sunsphere for a beautiful view of East Tennessee. If you ask us, that view is the best art yet.
2. FOR THE HISTORY BUFFS
Knoxville is full of rich history, and you don’t have to go far to find it! Book a Knoxville Walking Tour (like this haunted one!). Or head to the East Tennessee History Museum for an overview, and then enjoy tours of historic places like the Blount Mansion, James White Fort, and the Mabry Hazen House.
Are you entertaining a large crowd? Go on Sunday when admission to the history museum is free!
one of the views from House Mountain
3. FOR THE FIRST TIMER
There are certain things you simply have to do when visiting East Tennessee for the first time. It’s a bit of a drive, but if any new visitors come into town, you must take them up to the mountains at least once! The Smoky Mountain National Park is consistently the most visited national park for good reason. Enjoy a drive through the mountains, go for a hike, and snap some pictures. Then head into Gatlinburg for a moonshine tasting or hit up Dollywood for some roller coasters! If you’re a hair short on time but still want a solid hike with a killer view, House Mountain is the tallest peak in Knox County & just about a thirty minute drive from Downtown Knoxville!
Once you’re home, head to Market Square for dinner. Not to be dramatic, but our darling square is ✨always✨ a hit when people experience Knoxville for the first time.
4. FOR THE FOODIE
Knoxville is full of delicious eateries. If parents are only in town for a few days, there’s absolutely no way to hit all the best ones. BUT you know we’ll still do our best 😂 Book a Knoxville Food Tour to hit a bunch in one swoop!
5. FOR THE BEER LOVER
Have a beer drinker in your midst? Grab the 21+ visitors and head over to North Knoxville. Within an easy half mile walk of each other, you can hit Crafty Bastard Brewery, Xul Beer Co, Barrelhouse by Gypsy Circus for some ciders, Next Level Brewing, Yee-Haw Brewing, and Schulz Brau Brewing with their dreeeamy German Biergarten. Each brewery brings something totally unique to the neighborhood so if you ask us, you gotta try ’em all! 😉
6. FOR THE SPORTY SPICE
Knoxville is known far and wide as the home of the UT Vols, but there’s more where that came from! Starting in 2025, you can head right to downtown Knoxville to catch three different minor league teams. The Smokies minor league baseball team is opening a brand new stadium on the east side of downtown. You’ll obvi be able to catch a baseball game there but rumor has it Knoxville’s minor league soccer team (One Knox SC) is setting up shop there as well! Last but not least, you can catch a minor league hockey game at the Coliseum a la the Ice Bears. Just past the Ice Bears stadium is the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame – open year round and great for all ages!
7. FOR THE SHOPPER
Money doesn’t count when you’re on vacation (right?😬😂) so we love to shop during our travels – and your visitors are probably no different!
Mast General has stuff for the whole family to enjoy (my mother does not come to Knoxville without hitting Mast), the old fashioned toys at Phoenix Pharmacy and Fountain are definitely a hit (though it’s imperative you also stick around for a larger than life sundae), Glitterville is an actual sparkly wonderland, and places like Rala highlight local artists and makers. If you want to watch those makers in action, head to Pretentious Glass – they make their pieces on site, so you just might catch them in action if you stop by!
8. FOR THE MUSIC LOVER
It doesn’t matter what day it is – if you’re in Knoxville, TN you can treat your visitors to some live music. (Seriously. We have 7 Days of Live Music listed right here and a whole stinkin Live Music Page here!)
The WDVX Blue Plate Special is a live performance radio show held almost daily at the Knoxville Visitors’ Center. Bands from all over come to play a free live show at noon Monday – Thursdays. Once the weekend hits, there are even more options for live music! The Tennessee Theatre and the Bijou are both historic, beautiful venues. Spots like Scruffy City Hall, Jig & Reel, and Ale Rae Gastropub all boast consistent line-ups of acts on weekends and throughout the week as well.
9. FOR THE OUTDOORSMAN
During the warmer months, the options are endless for outdoor lovers. Ijams Nature Center has hiking trails, a quarry for swimming, and more – making it a great stop for people of all ages. Knoxville Adventure Collective will get you set up to paddle-board on the Tennessee River or help you explore all of Knoxville via e-bike. If you’re out west, the Cove at Concord Park has kayak rentals, a free swimming section, playgrounds, and trails, making it another gem for the whole fam.
If it’s winter weather, fear not! Your guests can enjoy ice skating on Market Square, indoor rock climbing at RiverSports Outfitters, try their hand at Craft Axe Throwing, or enjoy some basement bowling at Maple Hall!
10. FOR THE RETURNER
Have your visitors lived in Knoxville before? Well, trust us when we say – she’s changed! Let them enjoy their favorite spots, of course, but make sure to highlight some of Knoxville’s up and coming areas. Explore all Sevier Ave has to offer in South Knoxville or be reintroduced to Happy Holler in North Knoxville. With breweries, thrift stores, a movie theater, and more – your visitors may be surprised to see how their lil Scruffy City has transformed!
Finally, make sure you’re following us at New2Knox on Instagram. We keep you up-to-date on events around town and the coolest businesses to check out. Whatever you decide to do, we know you’ll have an amazing time with your people in East Tennessee! Honestly, how could you not?😉
Only have your visitors for the day?? DISCOVER WHAT TO DO WITH 24 HOURS IN KNOXVILLE HERE
