by Emily Stooks | Jan 7, 2022 | All Articles, Emilie Stooksbury, Food & Drink
If you went into this new year wanting to eat a few more whole foods (or it’s simply time to address the smidge of lactose intolerance you’ve been ignoring for twenty years #guilty), we’ve compiled five health-conscious restaurants in Knoxville you should definitely check out! (Don’t worry, y’all – it’s us. Bread will still be involved.)
1.) Blossom Bowls
Blossom Bowls (formally known as “Java Juice” or “Juice Box”) just feels fresh when you step through the doors. With delicious smoothie bowls and toasts, it’s a great local spot to start – whether you’re looking to go vegan, dairy-free or you simply want to eat more fruits and veggies. Even if you couldn’t care less about those things, ask whoever is working about the best smoothies, juices, etc. to boost your immunity because let’s face it, coughing is officially embarrassing.
2.) KoPita Authentic Mediterranean
If you are looking to move to a vegan diet, KoPita has got you covered. They offer an extensive vegan menu including classics like falafel pitas and babaganoush bowls. Everything is fresh, fresh, fresh, everyone who works there is eager to educate, and they serve flavorful and free Turkish coffee I would happily spend plenty of money on (shhhh that stays between us).
3.) The Donut Theory
Looking to cut down on gluten? Enter: The Donut Theory. Everything they make is prepared with celiac-disease and actual deliciousness in mind. The Donut Theory doesn’t want to be “surprisingly good for gluten-free.” Their aim is to be, well, just dang good! (And spoiler-alert, they are – *drool*) They churn out delish donuts on the daily, including classics and specialty flavors – and with their new space inside Marble City Market, they also whip up hearty meals like fried chicken and mac ‘n’ cheese. We’re not even gluten-free but if we’re bein’ real, you’ll probably see us there. 😂
4.) Cook to Be Well / Vid’l
Tucked inside the effortlessly cool Glowing Body Yoga Studio, are tasty meals from Cook to Be Well. However, coming very soon, the bright mind behind Cook to Be Well will be opening her own brick and mortar in the Old City – Vid’l. Thankfully, at the heart of both concepts is delicious plant-based food. You’ll be able to grab and go, or sit and stay – either way, you’ll say hooray (because the food will be really good and legitimately really good for you. Sorry, we just really wanted that last sentence to rhyme.)!
5.) Free Reign Bakery & Cafe
(What does it say about us that 2 of the 5 spots on this list feature baked goods? Not important.) Moving right along, Free Reign Bakery & Cafe can get you set up with baked goods (and more!) free of the most common allergens, ie: gluten, dairy, soy, egg, peanut, tree nut, fish/shellfish, and corn. They’ve got locations in Bearden, Powell, and off Alcoa Hwy, so go get your bread on! It’s basically salad anyway, right? Right? 😬
Whatever your goals are for this year, we hope this helps you reach them with a whole lotta local love! Have other goals for this year? Discover Ten Things to Do Sans-Alcohol here. Discover 5 Ways to Live Sustainably in Knoxville here!
MUST-FOLLOWS:
@knoxvegan
@glutenfreeknoxville
by Emily Stooks | Dec 14, 2021 | All Articles, Emilie Stooksbury, Entertainment, Holidays
CHECK OUT 2023’s LIST RIGHT HERE
It happened again. Our eyes got dry, we finally caved and blinked, and 💥WHAM💥 it’s already the end of 2021. If you’re anything like us, you’ll be too busy stuffing your face with cookies to form any plans the week after Christmas – SO we’re giving you the NYE lowdown early this year! This list will continue to be updated as more events get announced, but in the meantime, here’s what do in Knoxville on New Year’s Eve:
TIME TO EAT:
⭐️ Simpl in South Knoxville is hosting their annual New Years Eve Dinner again this year! Grab a few friends and enjoy a delicious and locally-sourced five course dinner. Check out the menu and snag your tickets here!
🌟 Vida is also hosting a 5 course tasting menu on December 31st! Reserve your seat at one of three different time slots right here.
⭐️ Not to be outdone, the ever-stylish and delicious Babalu is hosting their own prix fixe dinner on NYE! You can even get a special wine pairing, ooh lala. Snag your seats here!
TIME TO PARTY:
⭐️ Pour Taproom is hosting a Studio 54 party! As they say, “Grab your dancing shoes, put on those gold hot pants, and polish that disco ball because this is gonna be the event of the new year!” They’ll have a DJ, plenty of NYE-worthy performances like drag performers and aerial artists, and a champagne toast at midnight. Ooh👏La👏La👏 Grab your tickets here!
🌟 Radius Rooftop Lounge is hosting a rooftop party starting at 9pm. Tickets are $30/person and can be purchased at the front desk of Embassy Suites downtown starting at 9am on December 31st!
⭐️ The Old City clubs are coming together to host a NYE Pub Crawl again this year! Your wristband will get you into Hanna’s, Old City Sports Bar, Wagon Wheel, and Southbound. Grab yours in advance here!
🌟 If clubs aren’t exactly up your alley, join the “club.” 😉 Thankfully, Pretentious Beer Co. just down the street is hosting a silent disco starting at 9pm. They’ll have three different DJs, delicious beer, and the chance to welcome in the new year from the Old City! Tickets are $20/person and can be bought right here.
⭐️ Back in South Knoxville, Hi-Wire Brewing Co. is putting on their own party! They’ll be spinning all vinyl sets of of soul, disco, house, world beats, electro swing, and electronica – and not one, not two, but three drag shows! Get a discount on the cover by grabbing tickets in advance here!
🌟 Worlds Fair Park is truly the place to be in the Scruffy City starting at 9pm. They’ll have food trucks, free activities, DJs, live music, and most importantly – a ball drop from the Sunsphere at midnight!
PLEASE NO, IT’S TIME TO SLEEP:
⭐️ Knox Brew Hub is here for all you Enneagram 9s out there. They’ll be hosting their second annual Fake New Year’s Countdown and Champagne (of beers) Toast at the party-animal time of 8pm. A little late for a school night? Sure, but it’s okay to have a little fun sometimes too 😉
by Emily Stooks | Dec 6, 2021 | All Articles, Emilie Stooksbury, Holidays, Lifestyle
Hi hi, we’re glad you’re here! But first, CLICK HERE FOR THE UPDATED 2023 LIST OF THINGS TO DO THIS CHRISTMAS IN KNOXVILLE 🎄 Now back to our regularly scheduled Christmas in Knoxville programming… 😉
Christmas is a magical time of year when calories don’t count and strangers are welcomed into our chimneys just as long as they leave presents. And while we’re convinced Christmas would be magical anywhere, we believe it’s particularly wonderful in Knoxville, TN 🤩
Here are some of our absolute favorite things to do in Knoxville throughout Christmas!
1. The Lights!
The Holiday Festival of Lights sets up shop every year at The Cove at Concord Park out in west Knoxville and it is absolutely delightful. The show is an illuminated three-quarter-mile greenway trail you can walk through with coordinating music. Oh and SOMETIMES SANTA COMES. If you’re into that. Which we are.
Since you’re already out west, pop over Honeybee for hot chocolate and then to Founders Park in Farragut for another walkable display of Christmas lights and holiday joy. Then head down the street to warm up around a fire pit at 35 North!
Don’t want to leave the car? We get it. The weather outside is frightful and all that. Grab that cocoa to-go-co and drive by this house in West Hills or this house in Fountain City.
2.) The Markets!
There’s no denying we’ll all end up spending too much money this month – so why not make our inevitable shopping trips festive and local? Knoxville has a ton of holiday markets where you can shop small, chat with the makers themselves, and come away with unique gifts for your loved ones.
Some of our favorite markets to hit up each year are the Market Square Holiday Market every Saturday leading up to Christmas, the Old Sevier Holiday Market in South Knoxville, and the Retropolitan Craft Fair (this one has passed, but keep her in mind for next year!).
3.) The Theat-ah!
If there’s one thing we love about Christmas (although there are actually a zillion things we love about Christmas), it’s all the excuses to feel fancy. Enter: The Theater.
Catch a classic in December like “The Unusual Tale of Mary and Joseph’s Baby” put on by River & Rail Theatre Company or “A Christmas Carol” put on annually at Clarence Brown Theatre. Finally, it may go without saying but if you can spend an evening at the Tennessee Theatre, omg do it.
Whatever you choose, we think you’re very classy for supporting the arts and by golly, you deserve a drink.
4.) The Christmas Cocktails!
Which brings us to our next point! A few bars in Knoxville understood the assignment and have decked their halls with all kinds of Christmas cheer.
The Christmas pop-up bar “Miracle on Gay Street” has returned this year with a twist. She’s back as “Miracle in the Old City”, set up in Brother Wolf with all the nostalgic, tacky, over-the-top holiday decor of your dreams. (The menu of exclusively seasonal cocktails ain’t bad either!)
Around the corner, down the street, and up a few floors is the Five Thirty Lounge rooftop bar. This classy bar did not hold back this year and pulled out all the stops with igloos, a fire pit, seasonal cocktails, and Christmas decor complete with fake snow.
Over on the north side, Schulz Brau Brewing Co. is bringing the holiday cheer in their charming German biergarten with their own igloo and fake snow situation. Germany is somehow a whole Christmas vibe on its own – so add in our favorite lil scruffy city and some delicious dunkel? We’re cold sold.
5.) The Shopping!
If you can’t make it to a market this year, you’re not out of luck. While markets are obviously adorable, plenty of local stores are holding their own when it comes to Christmas cheer and local makers. Step inside these spots and you might as well be whisked away to the gosh darn North Pole.
Glitterville is an actual Christmas dream. Just trust us on this one. Step inside to a magical fairy land of holiday wonder and whimsical ornaments galore.
Jack’s has two locations (one on the 100 Block and one on N. Central) and they both boast cool Christmas vibes. For extra cheer, order a Christmas coffee from the bar before browsing!
Finally, Bradley’s out in Cedar Bluff is known for going all out for holiday cheer. Come for the multiple Christmas trees, stay for the Knoxville Chocolates 😍
6.) The Train Rides!
Full Disclosure: We haven’t done this one before! But goshdarnit if this doesn’t seem like the perfect December evening🥲 The Christmas Lantern Express is a two hour festive train ride on the Three Rivers Rambler. Their website says to enjoy “festive decorations, holiday treats, storytime with celebrity readers and a special visit with Santa.” We give that description a resounding jingle “BELL YES.”
7.) The Downtown!
If you want your life to look more like a Hallmark movie, just head to Downtown Knoxville in December. Throughout Christmas, the middle of Market Square transforms into a colorful winter wonderland, complete with an ice skating rink. $12 gets you unlimited time on the ice ($9 for kiddos) and we think that’s a small price to pay for utter Christmas magic.
Afterward, keep an eye out for the “Peppermint Trail” as you stroll the city. Those little sidewalk peppermints make it simple to figure out who is serving up Christmas treats. While there are plenty of worthy pepperminty candidates, we suggest hot chocolate from Cruze Farm. (They add whipped cream AND marshmallows, so… you get it.) With cocoa in hand, you can walk by the Christmas tree on Gay St., through the beautiful lit up trees in Krutch Park, and all the way down to the candycane striped streetlights of the Old City.
However you celebrate, we hope your holiday season is full of hope, joy, and wonder! We think these things may help make that happen. If you have any other questions about Christmas in Knoxville, let us know! Merry Christmas!
CLICK HERE FOR THE UPDATED 2023 LIST OF THINGS TO DO THIS CHRISTMAS IN KNOXVILLE 🎄
by Emily Stooks | Nov 16, 2021 | All Articles, Emilie Stooksbury, Shopping
Stephen Brown is a rather unassuming name for one of the most vibrant human beings on the planet.
Like many other Stephens, this one was born in East Tennessee and went to school at the University of Tennessee. But this is where the similarities end. See, from there, Stephen Brown moved to New York to be a costume designer, became friends with Mariah Carey, did work with Oprah, welcomed home a fluffy white Silkie chicken named Dolly, and so much more.
Literally, so much more.
Because, according to Stephen Brown, “more is more.”
Speaking of more, Stephen also makes things.
But not just “things” – he creates whimsical and spectacular ornaments and decorations that can transform any occasion into a fairytale. These sparkly, wacky, and wonderful creations are part of his world called “Glitterville.”
What does this have to do with you? Well, do you like living in real life fairytales?
Because if you’re a visitor or resident of Knoxville, TN this can be your reality.
In 2018, Stephen Brown came back to Knoxville to open Glitterville’s very first retail location on the outskirts of downtown. Knoxville now gets to experience the magic and whimsy of Glitterville any ole day we want. We can walk through the store full of larger than life sassy geese, say hey to a sparkly unicorn, and take home a couple llamas balancing on watermelons. Trust us: after experiencing Glitterville, your Christmas, Halloween, and everyday parties will never be the same.
So grab a bite at Balter Beerworks and then cross the street to peruse the magic of Glitterville.
Knoxville’s always been scruffy… but we’re not going to lie – she’s also had a bit of a sparkle. Thanks for helping it shine, Stephen✨
by Emily Stooks | Aug 18, 2021 | All Articles, Emilie Stooksbury, Entertainment
When we sat down with Bailee Bridwell to learn more about The Star of Knoxville riverboat, we figured this thing you’re reading now would be about said boat. After all, it is one of only four authentic paddlewheel riverboats in the USA, right on the Tennessee River in good ole downtown Knoxville. Cool, right?
Very cool, yes. BUT y’all, >this family. They are precious. Settle in for the cutest story. (And then, once you’ve fallen in love with the Cheek/Bridwell fam, we promise we’ll tell you all about how you can bring your very own pizza and wine to deck of the boat. Cross our hearts.)
THE (ADORABLE) STORY:
Let’s start with the parents. Bailee Bridwell’s father, Mike Cheek, started working on riverboats in Nashville at the geriatric age of fifteen years old. (We assume he liked it okay, because he’s now been in the riverboat business for a mere 43 years.) After spending a few summers as a deckhand, in walked a new boat photographer: Tammy.
Because this is the cutest story ever, Mike and Tammy obviously fell in love, got married, and started a little family. (*sob*🥺💛)
Awhile later, this little family moved to Knoxville from Nashville so Mike could be the General Manager of, you guessed it, the Star of Knoxville. Mike made the trip in 1988, but get this: When the owners decided to move the riverboat in 1994, Mike offered to buy her so she could stay in our sweet Knoxville. Tennessee. (We could hardly contain ourselves when we heard this tidbit of information. Is this not a Hallmark movie waiting to happen?? Romance, risk, rivers – this story has it all!)
Okay, back to the story.
Bailee and her brother were just babies when the Cheeks moved to the Scruffy City, so they basically grew up on The Star of Knoxville. They went on all the cruises. They knew all the crew. They even ended up being on the crew as teenagers. (As a little kid, the “Boomsday Cruise” was her favorite. The boat would be so close to the fireworks, they’d all end the night covered in ashes. KNOXVILLE FREAKING GOALS.)
After college, Bailee left for a few years to gain experience on other boats (one of the biggest riverboats in the country in Savannah, to be exact), and when she finally came back to Knoxville in 2019, her parents handed her the keys.
This family affair has come full circle now. Bailee’s dad, brother, and husband are all captains – but it gets even cuter. You know how Bailee and her brother grew up on the boat? Well, if you see a stroller in the corner or some precious babies being passed around by the crew, you’re more than likely on a cruise with Bailee’s own sweet twins who are all set to grow up on the same boat as their mom and uncle. Some members of the crew have literally seen two generations of kiddos grow up on the boat. (*pause to sob from cuteness*)
Image by @tennesseeriverboat
