What to Do for Valentines Day in Knoxville, TN

by Emily Stooks | Feb 3, 2025 | All Articles, Downtown, Emilie Stooksbury, Holidays

WHEN THE SCRUFFY CITY IS YOUR VALENTINE…

The Scruffy City is our Valentine 😍 And we mean that, but we also doooo still have a soft spot for our, you know, human Valentines as well 😂 So if you feel similarly, we’re here to help you celebrate both your human AND city loves! Without further ado, here are a bunch of fun ways to celebrate Valentines Day in the Scruffy City:

EAT STUFF ON VALENTINES DAY IN KNOXVILLE:

Sure, sure, we’ll give you plenty more ideas of things to do on Valentines Day but we all know the main event: DINNER. However you feel about Valentines Day, we will never be mad about an excuse to have a bougie meal out on the town 😂 Here are some spots pulling out all the stops for V-Day!

SOUTH KNOXVILLE: Simpl on Sevier is holding down the fort on the south side with a 5-course dinner. Come for the food but stay for the freaking festive pink walls. Instagram-boyfriends, prepare yourselves. Snag your tickets here!

DOWNTOWN KNOXVILLE: Feeling Mediterranean? Head to Kopita for 6-courses for $50. Want to avoid the crowds? Check out the 5-course “Caymus Wine Dinner” at The Press Room on February 15th. Want to check out a newer spot downtown? Frothy Monkey is offering a 3 course “Frothy Love Valentines Dinner” for two for $65/couple on the 13th & 14th!

OLD CITY: Osteria Stella is offering a 6-course tasting menu on Valentines Day. You can tack on a wine pairing as well but weeee suggest saving some room for dessert – ie. an espresso martini next door at Brother Wolf. CHEF’S KISS, baby, CHEF’S KISS.

MARYVILLE: Get out of the city completely and take a lil jaunt to Maryville to experience Valentines Day in Diamondjack Wine Bar’s new space! They’ve got a 5-course dinner on the menu just for you.

WEST KNOXVILLE: The Plaid Apron has a dreeeamy 3-course farm-to-table menu for you tucked inside Sequoyah Hills.

Rom Com Trivia is happening at Xul Beer Co

LEARN STUFF ON VALENTINES DAY IN KNOXVILLE:

NORTH KNOXVILLE: Xul Beer Co is here for all Rom-Com fans! They’re hosting rom-com trivia on Valentine’s Day and anyone and everyone is invited to impress the masses with their rom-com knowledge. Not to brag but we’ve been preparing our whole lives for this…

THROW STUFF ON VALENTINES DAY IN KNOXVILLE:

NORTH KNOXVILLE: First up, throw some axes! Craft Axe Throwing has a cute lil date night planned for you and “the one” (or, you know, snag a pal and take the opportunity to let off some steam if “the one” turned out to be “the worst”). For $35, you get an hour of axe throwing for two, two beers, a gift, aaand a chance to win a giveaway if you book before 4PM on the 14th!

DOWNTOWN: Or throw some bowling balls in what is definitely Knoxville’s coolest bowling alley! Maple Hall is renting lanes for $45/hour, including shoe rentals and a sweet Valentines treat! (Or make it a double date and split that coooost, baby!)

DRINK STUFF ON VALENTINES DAY IN KNOXVILLE:

SOUTH KNOXVILLE: Alliance Brewing is back with a tradition we can get behind: Valentines Day Chocolate & Beer Pairing! Two of our favorite things in our favorite city 🥲 Each pairing includes four tastings of Alliance beers paired with four different chocolates from Lirio Chocolate. They’ll start at 3pm on Valentines Day and go until their sold out! Down the street and a few days before, Printshop Beer is hosting their own pairing with chocolate, beer, and cheese. It’s going down on Sunday, February 11th and you can get your tickets in advance right here.

MAKE STUFF ON VALENTINES DAY IN KNOXVILLE:

OLD CITY: What says love like making something super fragile and breakable? 😉😂 Pretentious Craft Co. is offering a Valentines Day special for ya! You’ll get 2 drink tickets, 2 workshops (total of 40 minutes), aaaand (of course) you get to take home whatever you choose to make – all for $225. You ALSO get a glass rose which is truly the perfect blend of Cinderella and Belle. We’re here for it. Email info@pretentiousglassco.com for details or to go ahead and book your spot!

BUY STUFF ON VALENTINES DAY IN KNOXVILLE:

Okay, okay these aren’t necessarily ON Valentines Day, but they are Valentines Day THEMED and thus… they’re makin’ the list.

WEST KNOXVILLE: On Sunday, February 11th, head to Hey Bear Cafe for their Valentines Market! As much as we love shopping, you definitely need to try some boba tea off their Valentines Day menu.

That’s all for now, ya lovebirds! What are YOU doing for Valentines Day in the Scruffy City? (PSSSST we’ve got even more date ideas right here.) And should we do a wrap up of Galentines Day tooooo? You know what, yes. We definitely should. K then, see you soon 😘😘

WEST KNOXVILLE: Or move some… pickleballs? The Pickleball Playground in Hardin Valley is hosting a Cupid & Couples Mixed Double Potluck Social on Friday, February 9th! Members AND non-members are invited, so learn more & snag your tickets here! Over in Bearden, Current Cycle will help you move your body on Valentines Day! They’re hosting “Bring Your Boo” rides all day where you can enjoy some treeeeats and fun theeeemes. Oh and EVERYONE WILL GET TO RIDE FOR FREE so that’s caaasual.

What to Do for New Year’s Eve in Knoxville

by Emily Stooks | Dec 23, 2024 | All Articles, Downtown, Emilie Stooksbury, Entertainment, Holidays

You can only imagine our surprise when people started asking our opinion on what to do for New Year’s Eve in Knoxville. New Year’s Eve?! Are you sure? Again? Turns out, yes, January is following December again this year. I know! It shocks me every time too. But we powered through the astonishment and compiled a list so that all you planners out there have a chance to get your lives in order ahead of time. All we ask if that you save us a seat when we inevitably forget to make reservations. (Honestly, who can think about NYE when there are still Christmas cookies to be baked and eaten?!) Without further ado, here is what to do in Knoxville for New Year’s Eve 2022!

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 four course dinner. Check out the menu and snag your tickets here! 🌟 Osteria Stella is hosting a 6 course Italian Dinner Experience in their swanky Old City space. Reserve your seat at one of two different time slots right here. ⭐️ If you’re looking for more of a Latin flair, the ever-stylish and delicious Babalu is the perfect spot for a NYE dinner. You can even rent one of their pods for your whole party to sit together. Snag your seats here!

TIME TO PARTY:

You can see the Sunsphere from Five Thirty Lounge!

the view from Five Thirty Lounge

ON A ROOFTOP:

🌟 Radius Rooftop Lounge is hosting a rooftop party again this year! Tickets are $30/person and can be purchased by calling 865-770-5989. ⭐️ Across the street, the Five Thirty Lounge is hosting their own rooftop soiree! This is a NYE Masquerade Party. You can bring your own mask or they’ll have one for you when you arrive. Secure yourself a swanky party and complimentary champagne toast by reserving your spot here!

IN THE OLD CITY:

⭐️ The Old City clubs are coming together to host an 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 or snag it at any of the location on New Year’s Eve for just a few bucks more. 🌟 If clubs aren’t exactly up your alley, join the “club.” 😉 Thankfully, just down the street Pretentious Beer Co. is hosting a silent disco! 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 (pssst they usually sell out) and can be bought right here.

ON THE SOUTHSIDE:

⭐️ Back in South Knoxville, Hi-Wire Brewing Co. is putting on their own party! They’re hosting NYE Drag Shows all night long and you can secure your spot for just fiiiiiiive dollars in advance right here. Want the VIP experience? You’ll need to spend more than $5 but you can reserve a table and get champagne and cookies to boot! 🌟 Around the corner from Hi-Wire, SouthSide Garage will be [dance] partying the night away as well. They’ve got a DJ all night long, a free champagne toast at midnight, and *drumroll please* NO COVER. Our absolute favorite price to pay for a fun night out (*dabs tear*)

TIME FOR THE MAIN EVENT

🌟 Worlds Fair Park is truly the place to be in the Scruffy City starting at 8pm. They’ll have food trucks, free activities, DJs, a silent disco, live music, and most importantly – a ball drop from the Sunsphere at midnight! That’s all for now, folks! You can find more events in Knoxville right here or every Monday on our “This Week in Knoxville” post on Instagram. In the meantime, make sure to add sparkly heels to your Christmas list so you can ring in the new year in Knoxville in style! 😉 PS. Discover our Local Knoxville Gift Guide right here!)

5 Spots for Igloos in Knoxville, TN

by Emily Stooks | Nov 29, 2024 | All Articles, Downtown, Emilie Stooksbury, Food & Drink, Lifestyle

Do you remember a time not too long ago when the end of patio season meant we had to do the unimaaaginable? (Secretly hoping you just heard that last word in Angelica Hamilton’s voice…) Yes, the end of patio seasons meant we had to eat and drink inside four walls. Ugh. It was a devastating turn of events each and every year. Now, however, these magical things called igloos pop up around patios all around Knoxville, and they let us be cozy, Christmasy, warm (and a little bougie) at our favorite bars and eateries all season long. Without further adoooo, we are here to give youuuu a cluuuue about igloooos in Knoxville, TN!

GET A CLUE ABOUT IGLOOS:

1.) FIVE THIRTY LOUNGE

We’re starting out at the very top, my friends – literally. Five Thirty Lounge is the rooftop bar above the Hyatt Downtown. We love this bar in every single season. but the igloos are definitely the reason for this particular (chilly) season. Five Thirty pulls out all the stops to make it a memorable experience with pillows and throw blankets, a little fireplace, even some Christmas decor placed inside your lil dome oasis. People often gape at $200 spending minimum, but there’s a way to crack the system. PRO-TIP: The igloos seat up to 8 people. Grab your 8 closest buddies (if you need some, just join a New2Knox Hop and we’ll help you find ’em 😉) and each of you will only have to spend ~$25. That’s a drink & a snack. Or you know what, just go on a total splurge date night because it’s Christmas and it’s magical and you’re a GROWN UP. Either way, you’ll want to make a reservation in advance. (PS. Check out other rooftop bars around Knoxville right here!)

2.) SCHULZ BRAU BREWING CO

Schulz Brau in North Knox is a local holiday favorite for about a million reasons but three of those reasons are definitely the igloos. (Another reason is their Christkindlsmarkt German Christmas Market which we will literally never shut up about because it is the most precious.) These igloos are first come, first serve so grab your dunkel and start eyein’ those bad boys. When one opens up, RUN, DON’T WALK, DON’T STOP & GET $200, JUST MAKE YOUR MOVE. Sorry for yelling – we just don’t want you to miss your opportunity. There are no additional fees – just cozy igloos for you and your pals amongst Christmas cheer & delicious beer. (They also have some lovely fireplaces while you wait for you beer. Check out our other fave patios for fireside hangs here.)

3.) BALTER BEERWORKS

Balter Beerworks has brought back their igloos yet again this year! Balter Beerworks is on the edge of downtown and while their beer is delish, the fooood is what we keep coming back for. These igloos are also first come, first serve with no extra fees or requirements. We, however, do have a requirement – you absolutely must try the hot chicken salad. It is delicious. That is all.

4.) POINT B

Point B has become quite a favorite out in West Knoxville! They’ve got smaller igloos (they’re calling them “domes”) and an absolutely adorable way to enjoy sips & snacks on the patio while staying cozy and warm. You can reserve them or cross your fingers and hope one is available when you come – either way, there are no extra fees or requirements!

That about covers it, friends! If you find out about other spots with igloos around town definitely shoot us a DM on Instagram and tell us alllll about it. We hope you have a cozy, bougie, most wonderful time of the year. DISCOVER 6 COZIEST COFFEE SHOPS IN KNOXVILLE HERE.

The Ultimate Knoxville Gift Guide

by Emily Stooks | Nov 29, 2024 | All Articles, Emilie Stooksbury, Holidays, Shopping

If you have already finished your Christmas shopping, we are fundamentally not the same kind of person. I probably have a lot to learn from you and I’m frankly not sure why you clicked on this article at all. However, if you have been quietly muttering to yourself, “Everything will be fine, everything will be fine,” as yet another December weekend passed by with no presents purchased, you’ve come to the right place.

We’re here with the ultimate Knoxville gift guide so when you are finally able to do some Christmas shopping, you can do so fully prepared to shop local, support our cute lil Scruffy City, and absolutely floor your loved ones (or, you know, general acquaintances you somehow got roped into buying a gift for) with your thoughtful and one-of-a-kind gifts. Without further ado, here is your ultimate Knoxville Gift Guide:

The Ultimate Local Gift Guide:

For the Fashionista:

⭐️ Statement Earrings from That Clay Girl

🌟 Leather Tote from Honeymouth

⭐️ Necklace for a Cause from MakesCents Jewelry

🌟 Custom Jeans from Marc Nelson Denim

⭐️ Pair of Shoes from The Quaint Ensemble

🌟 Knoxville Sweatshirt from The DW Designs

Image from @knoxfill

For the Friend Whose Self Care is #goals:

⭐️ Face Scrub or Bath Bombs from Harper Naturals

🌟 Aromatherapy from Tonya Rea’s Teas and Remedies

⭐️ Beard Balm from Coulis Beard Co.

🌟 Zero-Waste Body Starter Kit from KnoxFill

Image from Native Maps

For the Friend Who Moved Away (Rude):

⭐️ Neighborhood T-Shirt from Nothing Too Fancy

🌟 Map of Knoxville from Native Maps (peep that 20% off situation by the way👀)

⭐️ Cozy “Smoky Mountain Cabin” candle from 865 Candle Company

Image from Euphoric Cheese Shop

For the Aspiring Chef Who You’re Totally Friends With for More Than That One Reason But It is Still a Great Perk:

⭐️ Cutting Board from SoKno Woodworking

🌟 4-Pack of Olde Virden’s Spices

⭐️ Charcuterie Box from Euphoric Cheese Shop

Image from Scruffy City Letters

For the Trendy Homemaker:

⭐️ DIY Macrame Plant Hanger with Macrame Momma

🌟 Pretty Print from Allie Biddle

⭐️ Custom Wooden Sign from Scruffy City Letters

🌟 Plant & Pot from Oglewood Avenue

For the Beer-Lovin’ Buddy:

⭐️ “Local Mix Pack” (ie. a curated selection of Knoxville brews) from Knox Brew Hub

🌟 The Coolest Beer Glass They’ll Ever Own a la Pretentious Glass Co.

⭐️ Rad Freakin’ Merch from Xul Beer Co.

For the Friend Who’s Your Favorite:

🌟 Since it seems you legitimately like this person, we suggest giving a gift where you can actually spend time with each other! Check out our Experiential Gift Guide for gift ideas you don’t even have to wrap 🙌

For the Tiny Friend (ie. Child):

⭐️ Knoxville Puzzle from Paris Woodhull at Rala

🌟 Create Your Own Monster Kit from Monsters Made with Love

⭐️ Whimsical Wand from Glitterville

For the Teacher/Office Party/General Acquaintance You Don’t Really Know That Well but Still Have to Give Something To:

⭐️ Bag of Coffee from Mahalo, K Brew or Golden Roast

🌟 Cookie the Size of Your Face from Myrtle’s Bakehouse

⭐️ Sweet Treats from Knoxville Chocolate Co.

Thanks for shopping small and scruffy this season, friends. We hope this list has helped make the next few weeks of shopping feel a little less daunting! If you end up finding an absolutely obsession-worthy gift from a local maker, you better tag us on the ‘gram so we can see it 🤩

Not into spending money on stuff this year? Props to you 🙌🙌 Check out our gift guide full of experiences here!

9 Things to Do in Knoxville This Christmas

by Emily Stooks | Nov 29, 2024 | All Articles, Downtown, Emilie Stooksbury, Lifestyle, Our Writers

The holidays are a magical time of year. Calories don’t count. Strangers are welcomed into our chimneys just as long as they leave presents. Drinks are garnished with gingerbread cookies & peppermints instead of orange peels & rosemary. And while we’re convinced Christmas would be magical anywhere, we believe it’s particularly wonderful in cute & scruffy Knoxville, TN.

We are truly obsessed with this time of year, so you can trust us with this list (we’ve checked it twice!). Here are 9 things to do throughout the holidays in Knoxville!

1. The Lights!

We went to the Christmas Tree Lighting last year for the first time ever and our lasting thought was WHAT TOOK US SO LONG?! We’re talking lasers, fireworks, Christmas carols, the works. It happens the Friday after Thanksgiving every year so make sure it’s on your list! Thankfully, there are still plenty of lights to enjoy around the Scruffy City.

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. It’s also freeeee but if you do want to spread a little love, donations can be made to the Love Kitchen.

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.

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. (Definitely grab that cocoa in case you’re not the only cheery elf with this festive plan. We’ve heard traffic can sometimes be slooow.)

Image from @vagabondary.co

2.) The Markets!

Shopping is an age-old holiday tradition (or maybe we’re just suckers for capitalism but still…) which immediately escalates the Christmas spirit. However, nothing dampens those spirits quite like road rage in parking lots (we’re lookin’ at you, Turkey Creek & West Town Mall). THANKFULLY, Knoxville has a ton of holiday markets where you can shop small, chat with the makers themselves, come away with unique gifts for your loved ones, and essentially hit up many a store with one solitary parking job. HAPPY HOLIDAYS, INDEED.

Some of our favorite markets to hit up each year are the Market Square Holiday Market every Saturday leading up to Christmas, Christkindlsmarkt at Schulz Brau, and the Holiday Barn Sale at RiverView Family Farm but check out the events page for a full list!

Image from @thesparrowseye

3.) The Theat-ah!

Please tell me you read that in a fancy accent, because if there’s one thing we love about Christmas (jk there are clearly one zillion things we love about Christmas), it’s all the excuses to feel fancy. Enter: The Theater.

Catch a classic in December like “A Christmas Carol” put on annually at Clarence Brown Theatre. Other theaters with holiday options are River & Rail Theatre Co in the Old City with “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” ORRR Theatre Knoxville Downtown is also putting on “My Three Angels“. Who woulda thought little ol’ Knoxville would have so many fancy theatre options?!

Finally, speaking of fancy, it may go without saying, but if you can spend an evening at the Tennessee Theatre, omg do it. Whether it’s a Broadway Show or the freaking Nutcracker Ballet, you are clearly incredibly fancy (bravo for supporting the arts!) and by golly, you deserve a drink.

Miracle in the Old City pop up Christmas bar

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 and seasonal sips.

The Christmas pop-up bar “Miracle in the Old City” is back with all the nostalgic, tacky, over-the-top holiday decor of your dreams – and a menu of thematic drinks only. They understood the assignment. Head to Brother Wolf to experience all the festive goodness!

Around the corner, down the street, and up a few floors is the Five Thirty Lounge rooftop bar. This classy bar does not hold back when it comes to Christmas. They pulled out all the stops with igloos, a fire pit, seasonal cocktails, and Christmas decor complete with fake snow. FAKE. SNOW.

Finally, over on the north side, Schulz Brau Brewing Co. is bringing the holiday cheer in their charming German biergarten with their Christmas market every single weekend leading up to Christmas. Depending on when you stop by, there could be Santa, fake snow, live music, and definitely igloos & local vendors! 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.

BONUS! Knox Farmacy has their own holiday pop-up called “Santa Baby“ with deliciously holiday-themed cocktails like “Prosec Ho Ho Ho” 😂

sloth ornament

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 😍

Image from Three Rivers Rambler

6.) The Train Rides!

Full Disclosure: We haven’t done this one before. (*gasp!*) 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 Carols!

No youuuu cried when, at the tender age of eight years old, you found out Nat King Cole wasn’t alive and in fact had never been alive at the same time as you. What can I say, Christmas songs hit different, y’all 😂 There are countless festive Christmas extravaganzas to choose from, but here’s some festive live music at the top of our list!

Dave Barnes is back at the Bijou Theatre this year for “A Very Dave Barnes Christmas.” He is both witty and musical so you’re basically getting two shows in one. You can thank us later 😉 Those of you enjoying our fancy options will be positively tickled to know the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra is having a holiday concert at the Civic Auditorium. And if neither of those strike your fancy, then the Tennessee Theatre has a whole lineup of goodness, including Lindsay Stirlings Christmas tour!

Image from Cruze Farm

8.) The Theat-ah but Cheap-ah

We’ve already spent a questionable amount of hours consuming the Hallmark Christmas Channel. No shame in our cheesy holiday movie game. BUT if you want to elevate this tradition, plenty of local Knoxville spots make it easy for you!

Cruze Farm’s Asbury location periodically turns their parking lot into a drive-in movie theatre throughout December. Order a pizza from their Pizza Barn to enjoy from the front seat and then tune in to a nostalgic night of cinema! Central Cinema is hosting plenty of holiday movies (including Die Hard, so I guess that settles that?!) on their big screen. Snag a warm drink and some popcorn and settle in for an festive evening. Finallyyyyy, if you don’t want to splurge on a Broadway Show or the Nutcracker Ballet but you doooo want a holi-date at the iconic Tennessee Theatre, you can enjoy a classic Christmas movie on their big screen for just ten dollars.

Downtown Knoxville at Christmas

9.) The Downtown!

If you want your life to look more like the Hallmark movies you literally can’t stop watching (just us?😬), 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 easy 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 candy-cane 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, Knoxville!

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