by Emily Stooks | Feb 1, 2024 | All Articles, Emilie Stooksbury, Lifestyle
Whether you’re looking for a special evening with your significant other, a treat yoself adventure with numero uno, or it’s just high time for a girls night out: here are a few omg-it’s-been-a-year-since-I’ve-gone-out-and-my-social-anxiety-is-kicking -in-so-I-can’t-decide-what-to-do date night ideas to enjoy in good ole Knoxville, TN.
1.) SCOOTER TO SOKNO
Have you seen the Link scooters downtown? (If you’re worried about scooties – “scooter cooties” – so were we. Thankfully, Link was one step ahead! Hop on any scooter sporting a green light on the handlebars. Once you’ve ended your ride, the light will turn red and won’t become green again until it’s been sanitized by a Link staff member.)
Pick up your green-lit scooter, travel over the Gay St. bridge (stop for a photo opp, obviously), and head into SoKno.
Order a pie at South Coast Pizza and enjoy that sucker at Suttrees Landing Park. Feel free to impress your date by scootering while balancing an entire pizza… however, the park is also close enough to walk 😉
2.) TAKE TO THE SEAS
We were absolutely floored to find out you can book lunch or dinner on the Star of Knoxville riverboat any ole time. Book the whole shebang to experience a meal and entertainment – or simply sip your own two buck chuck while enjoying the Tennessee River views from the deck! Either way, the entire experience lasts about two hours, avoiding any need for “three hour tour” fears 😂
Photo From: RT Lodge
3.) (KINDA SORTA) GETAWAY
A trip to Europe this year may still be a bit of a stretch, but East Tennessee ain’t half bad! Have you explored our sweet neighbor to the south? Enjoy mountain views (anything to avoid looking longingly at the airport…) as you drive towards Maryville. Take a stroll through their historic downtown. Grab a drink from Diamondjack Wine Bar before enjoying dinner on the gorgeous patio of RT Lodge, tucked in a forest in the back of Maryville College’s campus. Voila! Date night.
(Already checked out Maryville? Explore Sevierville or Townsend instead!)
4.) OPT OUTSIDE
Sorry but there was no way we could pick just one outdoor activity. This is East Tennessee, after all. Pick any of the following:
A.) Spend the day hiking through Ijams and reward yourself by jumping in Meads Quarry! B.) Pack a picnic and hike up House Mountain to experience the tallest peak in Knox County. C.) Check out Sharp’s Ridge followed by some Señor Taco takeout. D.) Throw a couple rounds of disc golf or get in a game of sand volleyball at Victor Ashe Park!
(Maybe we should have named this “10 Date Night Ideas in Knoxville? Next time😂)
5.) ROOFTOP HOP
Mix date night up and go out on a weeknight to experience the gorgeous views and delish drinks at Downtown Knoxville’s rooftop bars – but with a fraction of the wait time. Rank them on views, vibes, and quality of drinks – then let us know who wins!
6.) WE VOLUNTEER [LANDING] AS TRIBUTE
If downtown is a little crowded for your taste, pivot your date over to Volunteer Landing! Start off strong by renting a paddle board from Knoxville Adventure Collective. Afterward, stroll along the river, turn left onto the greenway, and soon you’ll find yourself near World’s Fair Park. At this point, we suggest photo opps on the colorful steps (near Cumberland Ave and 11th Ave) and in front of our beloved Sunsphere. Follow those photos with frisbee and cartwheels on the lawn!
Photo From: @poppin.picnicco
7.) CAN WE GO BACK TO QUARANTINE?
Not over cozy date nights in? We get it! We also have Knoxville date night ideas for those I’m-done-with-people days 😉 Mix up movie marathon night by giving it a Knoxville theme. Grab some popcorn from Proper Popcorn and some crowlers of your fave local beer and then get cozy! You’re embarking on no small adventure. See how many you can watch in one sitting:
1.) MOVIE WITH DOLLY PARTON: (We choose Steel Magnolias every time.) 2.) MOVIE BY QUENTIN TARANTINO: (Maybe Pulp Fiction? Live your dreams.) 3.) MOVIE WITH AN ACTOR FROM KNOXVILLE: (Hands down, The Lizzie McGuire Movie. Thanks for being born in Knoxville, Jake Thomas.) 4.) MOVIE FILMED IN KNOXVILLE: (The Last Movie Star has a scene in the “Knoxville Grand Hotel” which we very much wish existed.)
Too nice outside for movies? Call up the Poppin’ Picnic Company and they’ll put together the luxury backyard picnic of your actual dreams.
There are plenty more ideas where these came from, so keep an eye out for future lists of date night adventures. In the meantime, however you date night, we hope you have bunches of fun exploring your city and living local this weekend! Want to have a musical date night instead? Discover 7 Days of Live Music in Knoxville!
by Emily Stooks | Jan 31, 2024 | All Articles, Entertainment, Nena Potter, North Knoxville
Knoxville may be known to some as a hidden gem of the south but it is quickly becoming a mecca for live music enthusiasts in the southeast. It’s one of the only places I know where you can catch live *and completely FREE* music acts pretty much every day thanks to the WDVX Blue Plate Special. On top of this, our festival scene continues to not just grow but thrive with annual events like the internationally known Big Ears Festival, Second Bell Music Fest, and the more recent addition of Southern Skies Music Festival. With all this and so much more, our scruffy little city isn’t messing around when it comes to live music.
It doesn’t stop there though. Once you start to dive a little deeper into the local music scene, you’ll quickly discover Knoxville’s music community isn’t just a few bands consisting of friends who all knew each other in high school. It’s made up of an amalgamation of musicians, producers, journalists, radio and podcast hosts, promoters, venue owners, general enthusiasts (aka the friends of the bands who end up going to countless shows to show support), and many other unsung heroes working tirelessly behind the scenes all for the love of music and each other. Enter WayneStock: For the Love of Drew.
WAYNESTOCK:
WayneStock is an annual local music festival that is honestly less of a music fest and more of a love fest of local Knoxville musicians. Now, you may be thinking to yourself, “Who, pray tell, is Wayne and why does he have a whole festival named after him?” Honestly, valid question. The first time I heard about it, I had flashbacks to old SNL skits (Party on, Wayne. Party on, Garth). However, the festival’s namesake comes from Wayne Bledsoe, a revered figure in Knoxville’s music community who has played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s musical landscape. With a career spanning decades as a music journalist, radio host, and fervent supporter of local artists, Bledsoe has become somewhat of a local living legend. His deep passion for music and tireless efforts to champion the local scene make him a pillar among Knoxville’s musical community.
While all of this alone might be enough for Knoxvillians to name a local music fest after him, the inaugural event was, sadly, conceived by Bledsoe’s friends as a way to honor his son, Andrew, after he suddenly passed away in 2010. The first festival came together within weeks in 2011 and the money raised went to Wayne’s family to help with costs associated with his son’s service. He had been so supportive of the music community for so long and this was the chance for the community to show their support back to Wayne. Every year since then, that same spirit lives on with proceeds from each annual event benefiting different individuals or organizations in need.
Why Is It a Fave Fest??
WayneStock is an annual testament to community, collaboration, and the unyielding spirit of Knoxville’s music scene. With a lineup that mirrors the eclectic influences of the city, WayneStock encapsulates the essence of Knoxville’s diverse and thriving musical community. Not only does the festival bring together musicians from various genres, it also offers a platform for both emerging talents and seasoned artists to share their craft with a passionate audience. Local musician Sarrenna, who will take the stage on night one of the fest, says, “Waynestock is the best weekend of the year for the local music scene. All my favorite people come together to create 3 special nights of fun while simultaneously raising money for some of our own. You will see the best of who’s playing in Knoxville right now, a reunion show of Dishwater Blonde (🙀) and a best of the best finale tribute set that’s never to be missed!” One of Wayne Bledsoe’s unstated missions is to, “Give Knoxville music the attention it deserves” and WayneStock definitely aids in this pursuit.
In addition to Sarrenna, acts in this year’s lineup include Maggie & Owen (they get a shout out because I sang Live Band Karaoke with them one time 😂), Econopop, Gamenight, Cruz Contreras and more.
Tips from your Festie Bestie:
👉 DO bring cash. It is CASH ONLY at the door and only $10 buckaroos each night (this is honestly a great deal). Cards are accepted at the bar but cash still reigns as king in these here parts.
👉 DON’T go to ONLY one night! I know, I know. If you’re like me, going out TWO… let alone THREE nights…IN A ROW is a very tall order but to get the full experience (and see all the great acts) you’re gonna have to plan on going the whole weekend. I’m sorry. I don’t make the rules.
👉 DON’T show up by yourself. I am a pretty big fan of flying solo to any and all events but if you’ve never been, this will most likely feel like you’re crashing a family reunion as it will seem like everyone knows everyone because well, they do. Bring a group of friends to hang out and enjoy the music.
👉 DO check out the other establishments in Happy Holler while you’re there! Grab dinner at Central Flats and Taps or a drink at The Oak Room beforehand.
👉 And finally, DON’T let the support for local music stop here. Find your new favorite singer-songwriters and bands and go to their shows (and buy their merch if they have it!).
So if you’re new to Knoxville or maybe just new to the local music scene, Waynestock is definitely a festival you’re gonna wanna check out. It’s one of those events that makes me fall in love with Knoxville all over again and hopefully will do the same for you. See you there!
Cheers,
Nena
by Emily Stooks | Jan 13, 2024 | All Articles, East Knoxville, Emilie Stooksbury, Lifestyle
Amidst the sea of breweries and songs about whiskey, it can sometimes feel like all Tennessee activities revolve around drinking. And you’re not so very wrong – fun runs, trivia nights, and live music are often held at bars. However, we also know there are plenty of reasons to step away from the drinking scene for any length of time – so if you ever find yourself in need of a sans-alcohol experience, we’re here to help. Here are ten fun and sober activities to enjoy in Knoxville, Tennessee!
1.) MAKE STUFF!
West Knoxville
Knoxville is the Maker City, after all – it’s only appropriate to make some stuff!
If you’ve only experienced painting canvases, you, my friend, have been missing out. Liza Moz Pottery in West Hills allows you to paint functional items like plates, mugs, and figurines (yes, figurines serve a function – making your desk 10x more adorable). You can even bring-your-own snacks and non-alcoholic sips with you to enjoy while you paint!
Would you rather eat your creation that eat off of it? Sign up for a private cookie class with Goody Two Chews! Alex will guide you through different techniques resulting in some beautiful cookies. We do, however, suggest being just slightly bad at it – you never want to make the mistake of creating a cookie too beautiful to eat 😉
A few other places to make are: Mighty Mud or Painting with a Twist!
Image from Noble Kava
2.) NON-ALCOHOLIC BARS
North Knoxville & South Knoxville & West Knoxville
Yes, this is a list of sober activities in Knoxville. Yes, the word “bar” showed up about two seconds into your scroll. But yes, we promise it’s not alcohol! The Noble Kava Bar is open from noon to midnight and has seriously cool vibes for anyone who still wants a night-life experience. (We felt like we were momentarily transported to Asheville, NC when we stepped through their doors.) Kava is an herbal remedy that helps ease anxiety and makes your mouth feel all tingly and numb in a really fun way. This is such a unique experience for Knoxville (in fact, Noble is the first full service kava bar in Tennessee) so we highly recommend checking it out.
Just down the street from Noble Kava Bar on Sutherland Ave is The Boocherie! They’ve got a wide array of kombuchas and mocktails in a delightfully colorful & quirky atmosphere. They’ve also got a wide range of events happening week to week to keep things interesting. We hiiiighly recommend snagging a pint of their Pineapple Jalapeño kombucha tp sip on while swingin’ on their hammocks outside. The whole vibe? *chefs kiss*
Hummingbird Hemp Cafe is another “sober bar” open late, but this one has TWO locations! Check out their north location up N. Broadway by Lost & Found Records and Harby’s Pizza or head down south & check out their space near Baker Creek Preserve. With plenty of teas and mocktails, you won’t feel like you’re missing out at all. However, just to make extra sure you’re not missing out, ask the friendly and knowledgable owners about off-menu goodies!
3.) THE ZOO
East Knoxville
We all know what a zoo is. But did you know a ticket to Knoxville’s zoo is only $25? Did you know that you could ride a camel?? Or that they have fun events like Feast with the Beasts where you can sample from some of Knoxville’s best restaurants while hangin’ with monkeys?
Yeah, Zoo Knoxville is pretty awesome.
4.) MAPLE HALL
Downtown
Okay, we admit alcohol is served at Maple Hall – but it’s certainly not the main attraction! This bowling alley is oozing with hip vibes and historic ambiance. It’s an awesome place to bowl – and their fried pickles aren’t bad either. (Is it bad if we mostly go for the fried pickles? That’s normal, right? Right?)
5.) EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS
South Knoxville (mostly)
Knoxville is the place for outdoor adventures. You can hike up House Mountain, Sharp’s Ridge, or the Bluffs. Try your hand at mountain biking or simply biking through the greenways all over town (Baker Creek Preserve is AWESOME). Or why not swim in the quarries, climb rocks at Navitat Canopy Adventures, or see what’s going on at Knoxville Adventure Collective? There are basically endless fun things to do outside in Knoxville – so start explorin’!
puppy in a backpack omg like seriously are you kidding me
6.) YOUNG WILLIAMS ANIMAL SHELTER
Marble City
Three words: DOGGIE DAY TRIP. Yes! This is not a dream! Through Young Williams Animal Shelter, you can hang out with one of their adoptable pups all day long. All you have to do is fill out an application – then enjoy a day of hanging out at a dog park, taking him for a walk, or playing fetch – the pupportunities are endless!
7.) ESCAPE ROOMS
West & Downtown
In case you haven’t spent enough time over the last couple years dreaming up ways to escape small spaces, why not try an escape room? You can crack codes and solve mysteries at Breakout Games out west or Escape Room downtown. Both offer fun (or at least high-adrenaline-inducing😳) sober activities in Knoxville!
8.) FOOD TRUCK PARKS
South & West Knoxville
Food truck parks take the necessary daily and drab event of “eating stuff” and turn it into an experience. They offer many of the same activities as bars (trivia, live music, and letting you sit and chat without being rushed out, to name a few), but with no expectation of drinking. Click here for three of our faaavoritttes!
9.) AXE THROWING
North Knoxville
This trend sweeping the nation finally hit our favorite target: Knoxville, TN. Head northeast to 865 Axe Throwing for an outdoor space with lawn games and fire pits. Orrr head to Craft Axe Throwing in Cedar Bluff! Whether you’re brand new to the sport or throw axes all the time (should we be concerned…?😳) there are people on hand to teach, help, and demonstrate at both spots. Either way, this is definitely an activity to enjoy stone-cold sober 😂
10.) ICE CREAM
Downtown & East Knoxville
Whenever we decide to take a break from alcohol, there is always, without fail, a new vice waiting for us: ice cream. And while we’ll gladly enjoy ice cream of all sizes and qualities, our favorite places to get scoops are the Phoenix Pharmacy & Fountain and Cruze Farm on Asbury Rd.
The Phoenix Pharmacy and Fountain allows you to truly step back into time. The ambiance is great, it doesn’t hurt that they serve sundaes the size of your face, and you can snag some cold medicine on your way out! (Yes, it’s an actual, functional pharmacy – not just a cute backdrop😂) And while we also love Cruze Farm’s downtown location, their big old house on Asbury Rd. is a must-visit. It just feels right to enjoy an ice cream cone on their huge front porch on a hot summer evening. If you time it right, they also tend to have fun events at that location – our favorite is the series of drive-in movie nights during Christmas!
We hope this list of sober activities in Knoxville helps you have plenty of fun as you lose the booze! If you’re interested in switching one brew for another, head here to read about Knoxville’s Coziest Coffee Shop Corners!
by Emily Stooks | Jan 12, 2024 | All Articles, Emilie Stooksbury, Lifestyle
Let’s be honest – the last few years have allowed time for far too many documentary binges. We’ve had two hour deep dives on everything from dairy and sugar to aliens and sustainability. Since writing about aliens feels like a bit of a leap for this site (it’s New2Knox, not New2Earth, after all), we figured we’d share all things sustainable living in Knoxville instead. If you’ve watched a few documentaries yourself, or you’re simply feeling motivated to live a more waste-free lifestyle, here are 5 ways to live sustainably in the Scruffy City!
1.) Waste-Less & Mackle-More
That was a less-than-clever way to say that Knoxville is stuffed with awesome thrift shops! From furniture to clothing to whozits and whatzits galore, there’s no need to buy it new. And the hunt can be pretty fun! You can always stick to the classics like Goodwill and KARM, but definitely don’t stop there. Pop Weasel, Retrospect, Ladies of Charity, and French Fried Vintage are some (of many) fun places to thrift in North Knoxville. In Bearden, check out spots like Nostalgia and Four Seasons. Head to downtown Clinton for essentially an entire street of antique shops. Did you know there’s even a Netflix show about thrifting in East Tennessee? (Or that we lowkey binged said show in about two days?🙃) Basically, this town was made for thrifting. Go forth, you sustainable babe, you.
2.) That Refill Life
We only heard about KnoxFill this past year (which isn’t terrible, since she only launched this past year), but we quickly became obsessed. KnoxFill provides refills on sustainably-made (and legitimately good) cleaning products, shampoo, laundry detergent, you name it. They work with super intentional suppliers (shout out to Knox Girl Soap) and will literally come to your doorstep to take empties and leave refills. (Or you can opt to take advantage of their pick-up locations, thus having an excuse to hang out at Jack’s or CommonPlace. No judgement here 😉) All that and she whips out fun and educational reels on the ‘gram?! Sign us up.
3.) Ride On, Cowboy
There are actually a handful of ways to reduce the carbon footprint your car is leaving around here! First, Knoxville is riddled with connecting greenways and sidewalks. These can literally get you from one side of the city to the other on your bike (or a nice, inconveniently long walk). We’ve got a guide to greenways for you here or another great resource for navigating these is Outdoor Knoxville! You can even get a recycled and restored bike from Two Bikes to feel two times better about yourself.
If sustainable living in Knoxville was your New Year’s resolution but exercising was decidedly not, there’s still hope. Knoxville’s getting 12 new all electric city buses early this year! The trolley-clad buses downtown are even free. (I so hope you knew those adorable trolleys were actually buses pretending to be trolleys before this moment…😬)
4.) I Love Eat Earth
We all need to eat – so why not do so sustainably? In peak season, there are various farmers markets all over Knoxville where you can shop local and support people right in your community. We’re particularly excited that Nourish’s Winter Market is staying in Market Square this year! (Because supporting your community and shopping sustainably is even better after enjoying a mimosa downtown😉) Between markets, you can hit up spots like Three Rivers Co-Op in North Knoxville (also great for a quick lunch) or take advantage of things like Market Wagon (they basically can bring the farmers market to your doorstep).
5.) Do The Most & Compost
Remember when everyone was saying, “There’s an app for that”? Well, there’s a local Knox biz for that. If you’re new to the world of composting, the Green Heron is the local business you need. They’ll set you up with what you need to get started, personally pick up your compost throughout the year, and then distribute it straight to area farms. Boom. [Com]posted.
