by New2Knox Ghost Writer | Jun 11, 2022 | All Articles, Lifestyle, Rachie Levy
If you’ve been on social media or have taken a trip down Chapman Highway in South Knoxville lately, you may have noticed a new resident in town – the Knox Pride Center! And if you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community in Knoxville and are looking for just that – community – then Knox Pride may just be the perfect place to start.
Knox Pride – formally East Tennessee Equality Council Inc. – is typically regarded as the “Grandparents” of the prides around town due to their longevity and reach in Knoxville. We had the chance to sit down with John Camp at their new Knox Pride Center to hear all about how they created such a strong community (and just in time for Pride Month!).
About Knox Pride Center:
First off, let’s give you the background on Knox Pride and their new Knox Pride Center. Here are some quick facts about them:
⭐️ Knox Pride is coming up on their 15th anniversary (aww🥺)
🌟 There are about forty freakin’ events happening in June for Pride Month 🤯
⭐️ And there are even more monthly events outside of Pride Month!🙌
Knox Pride has been around for 15 years – and what started out as a party to celebrate Pride Month ultimately turned into an actual community. Camp likes to say they are “queer 365 days a year.” Now instead of just one yearly party, Knox Pride is out helping the LGBTQ+ community on a daily basis through their Knox Pride Center and outreach groups.
The new Knox Pride Center (it opened in the fall of 2021) is their central hub. It’s where their board and committees can meet – but it’s also truly a safe space for all to come, to connect with one another, to host events to meet others in the community, and honestly to just be yourself. If these aren’t enough reasons to love ‘em, know they’re also helping individuals in the community through their food pantry (and soon to be community garden), clothing boutique, and computer and WiFi lounge. And if that’s not enough, the space is also occupied by volunteers during the day who can direct anyone to the resources they need.
By having this brick and mortar space available to them at any time, Knox Pride has been able to host an array of events from life skill classes to karaoke, while still utilizing spaces in the city (like their monthly themed bingo at Maple Hall!).
We could go on and on about all of the great things happening at the center (oh hellooo, support groups, life skills classes, affirmation days – how cute is that?!) but we’ll let you take a gander at their website ✨ knoxpride.com ✨ and give the center a visit for yourself!
Pride Month Roundup:
Now, countless events for Pride Month might sound overwhelming, but trust us – finding the right events for you is not. Knox Pride has their usual monthly and weekly round up of events (like their life skills series, karaoke, affirmation days, and BINGO) but they also have other special events happening in June like:
⭐️ Knox Pride Zoo Night
🌟 Knox Pride Night at One Knox Soccer
⭐️ Pride Night Market
🌟 Craft Night at the Barrelhouse by Gypsy Circus
If you’re wondering what the deal with Pride Fest is and why it’s not on this list, worry not. This major event will be happening in the fall! It gives you a Pride festival outside of just June to emphasize their “Queer 365 days a year,” slogan – plus the cooler weather is perfect for spending the weekend outside in East Tennessee. If you don’t want to wait quite that long, SoKno Pride is a blast in South Knoxville in June!
Get Involved:
Whether you’re looking for resources or want to help others in the community, Knox Pride Center is your one-stop-shop to do so. They are here to give you a community, connect you to the right resources, and as a non-profit they are always looking for volunteers to help the community. Be sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date with events and continue to get to know Knox Pride!
DISCOVER 7 Ways to Find Community in Knoxville here!
by New2Knox Ghost Writer | May 9, 2022 | All Articles, Food & Drink, Rachie Levy, South Knoxville, West Knoxville
When you think of the South, vegan food isn’t necessarily the first thing that comes to mind. No, it’s more like biscuits and BBQ or bust. Needless to say, when moving to Knoxville from a very vegan-centric city, I was super nervous about the vegan and plant-based scene. But let me you, Knoxville has got it going on in the vegan world! After many, many Google searches and tons of scootin’ around the city, we found a whole list of plant-based options that are both vegan and carnivore approved. (Yes, a carnivore did come along on this delicious journey and loved every bite of it!) It’s time to eat our way around the city, pals! Without further ado: Here are five vegan meals in Knoxville you absolutely must try.
Here are Five Vegan Meals in Knoxville You Absolutely Must Try:
KoPita Authentic Mediterranean – Sabich Pita
DOWNTOWN
Mediterranean restaurants always have a whole smorgasbord of vegan options *queue all those falafel filled thoughts* but KoPita Authentic Mediterranean takes it to another level with an entire vegan menu to look through. Yeah, their menu is split into a vegan side and meat side – but the best part? You can finally eat some non-falafel based meals that are more than just onions and hummus in a wrap! The Sabich Pita is an explosion of flavors that’ll keep you dreaming about it for days. Plus, their baklava is even vegan, how cool!? PRO-TIP: If you compliment the chef, you may even get a little extra of that tasty vegan treat.
Landing House – Chili Crisp Noodles
SOUTH KNOXVILLE
Okay, South Knox just may be this vegan gals new favorite hang out spot. Most businesses and restaurants here have vegan options – and not just a house salad with balsamic vegan options. No – we’re talkin’, like, options. I know, crazy! The Landing House has a whole array of vegan options that everyone will crave. Their Chili Crisp Noodles were too good to share and we each ended up with our own bowl of the spicy and savory goodness😂 And they get bonus points for the easy to read, allergy/diet menu so you always know if a meal is right for you!
Good Golly Tamale – Vegan Soul
OLD CITY
Between the chill atmosphere, low-key vibes, and the absolute best vegan tamales, what isn’t there to love about Good Golly Tamale? Order yourself a Vegan Soul tamale with a side of black soup beans and curtido and you have yourself the best rainy day dinner – seriously, we chowed down while watching rain flood Old City. These tamales were so good, nothing could bother us and our stuffed mouths!
Tomato Head – The Vegan
MARKET SQUARE & BEARDEN
It’s hard to choose just one vegan option at Tomato Head (just like it’s hard to choose which location to hit up) but we’re going to go with The Vegan! Tomato Head is a plant-based favorite in town – seriously, pretty much every vegan we’ve encountered has told us to try it. Basically every category on their menu comes with a vegetarian and vegan option – meaning you’ll always have something to eat. The Vegan is their, well, vegan sandwich, with a super original name!😉😂 It’s stacked high with veggies and a massive block of tofu (and surrounded with chips). After you finish your dinner, you get to chow down on one of their delicious vegan cookies. Oh yeah, they even have the sweet stuff 🙌
Emilia – Campanelle con Funghi y Pinoli
MARKET SQUARE
Who knew we would find the most amazing Italian meal right here in Knoxville – and that it’d be vegan?! Praise. Think creamy, authentic, and just *chef’s kiss* delicious. Word on the street is it’s one of their most ordered dishes – for both vegans and non-vegans. Pair it with a big glass of wine, and you’ll have yourself a night.
You also absolutely must ask about their vegan desserts. Honestly, we just told the waiter that I was vegan and she came back saying, “You have to try this.” Now we’re telling you to do the same 😂🙌
Bonus Find – Next Level Brewing Company
NORTH KNOX
Beer may not be a meal exaaactly, but vegans can rejoice at Next Level Brewing Company! The beer board is clearly labeled with vegan and non-vegan options so you don’t have to do a deep dive into each beer’s ingredient list before choosing. (If you’re reading this wondering how beer cannot be vegan, have fun on that lil Google deep dive! Here’s a spot to start.)
Next Level Brewing has been known to host some great vegan food trucks in their parking lot as well – so look out for the next time you can have a cold one with a vegan chickky sandwich!
This list is only a few of the amazing plant based options in Knoxville, and more are popping up everyday! Knoxville is going through a lil vegan renaissance and we are totally here for it. In the meantime, the chefs in town are super accommodating. So what’s stopping you?? Get on out there and get your vegan fix!
Orrr DISCOVER 5 more health-conscious restaurants right here.
by New2Knox Ghost Writer | Feb 2, 2022 | All Articles
We were so insanely honored (and if we’re being honest, pretty starstruck) to be interviewed by someone who loves Knoxville as much as we do: Knoxville Urban Guy 🙌 His website is another amazing resource for anyone wanting to know more about Downtown Knoxville. Check out his article about our new downtown office space below!
Originally Posted by Knoxville Urban Guy on Inside of Knoxville:
A unique hybrid business model, grown over the last six years, has resulted in New2Knox and Move2Knox opening an office at 323 Union Avenue, beside Coffee and Chocolate. Behind the company is a trio of energetic women, Emilie Stooksbury, Emily Stevens, and Bailey Rose. What started with a small conversation about the difficulty making friends in a new city grew to an effort to help others do just that with New2Knox, and then, in late 2020 a relocation service with a real estate component was added as Move2Knox, which is affiliated with Realty Executives.
In 2016, after the initial conversation between Emily and Emilie, the two decided to do something about it and hosted a party at Bearden Beer Market, throwing the invitation open on social media. The response was so strong that they realized there was a need. The two started New2Knox and began offering “small groups” to people who wanted to meet others.
[CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE]
by New2Knox Ghost Writer | Nov 30, 2021 | All Articles, Shopping
WRITTEN BY: Priscilla Pittman
It’s the time of year for ribbons, bobbles, and credit card debt (or however that Christmas song goes 😂). When it comes to gifts though (and credit card debt for that matter), we prefer experiences. You get to share it with your loved one, make lasting memories, and up your ‘gram game. 😉 What’s not to love?? We believe three things go into the perfect gift experience and throughout this article, we’ll be calling it “THE CHECKLIST.” The Checklist is: atmosphere, taste and feeling. Without further ado, here are Top 5 Experiential Gift Ideas in Knoxville, Tennessee:
Gift Idea 1: Holiday Tea
This luxe and elevated high tea experience is hosted by East Tennessee’s premier luxury hotel, The Tennessean. Teas are sourced from highly esteemed tea purveyor Rare Tea Cellars located in Chicago, Illinois (and casually served at many Michelin-starred restaurants around the country🤯).
Will gifting this lock you in for favorite family member? Why, yes. Yes it will.
THE CHECKLIST:
Y’all, the Tennessean delivers on every single item on my checklist: atmosphere, taste and feeling. Tea is served in the Drawing Room of the hotel which boasts great views of downtown Knoxville. As far as ambience, seating is intimate and comfortable in the Drawing Room. Think leather couches, elevated art and high wing back chairs. The place settings are festive with fine china and specially made French holiday linens. No, really – don’t miss the small details from this experience, all the way down to the linens featuring a map of Knoxville embroidered in gold thread. Ooh👏La👏La👏
MY FAVES:
The Gingerbread tea feels like Christmas morning in a cup. Pair it with one of the freshly baked scones with chef prepared lemon curd and jam preserves. The presentation of these (and so many more) delicious treats elevates the experience even more. A true high tea experience🤩
If you’re like me, you pretend you’re in a Hallmark Christmas movie for the whole month of December. Imagine this Christmas movie scenario: I’m meeting my partner or fiancée’s family for the first time and don’t know them well enough to get them gifts yet. I charm them with a high tea experience where the tea feels like a warm hug. We banter and laugh; they tell me embarrassing stories of my partner’s childhood while we sip tea so good that we all collectively hum after each sip. We have a fabulous time and I win the affection of the family with my delightful charm. When they think of me they think Gingerbread tea and warm pastries.
Who is this for? The Bridgerton lover, the 18th century romance book reader who doesn’t need another book, your mom or mother-in-law, your partner who loves tea, the cozy-seeking friend… or your partner’s parents 😉
Gift Idea 2: Fancy Shmancy Dinner
A great gift that won’t collect dust or create clutter in someone’s home is a really, really great meal. I come from a Cuban family and sharing a meal with someone is an experience that communicates care, intimacy and attention. I recently gifted my foodie best friend a night out to J.C. Holdway and we still talk about this meal. If you’ve got a foodie in the fam, this is the place to take them.
THE CHECKLIST:
If the weather is fair, sit out on the patio, the warm lights on Union Avenue come on and the sights and sounds are just perfection. You *almost* forget you’re in Knoxville. Indoor seating is just as comfortable and full of ambiance as well. Remember to take this meal slowly and genuinely catch up with your loved ones. With the smell of wood-fire in the open kitchen and the overall rustic warmth, this place delivers on atmosphere with the smell and coziness alone.
But it’s not just a great atmosphere – the food does not disappoint. From appetizers to main courses, it’s all decadent and tasty (but you’ll be sad if you don’t pair your meal with a side of warm skillet-style cornbread. You’re welcome.).
All in all, this experience checks every box on the must-have experience list. Pro-Tip: Make reservations as this James Beard award winning chef usually books out, especially during the holidays. Also, maybe it’s just me but I love it when someone has a reservation – it always makes the experience feel even more intentional 💛
Who is this for? The foodie, a romantic night out with your partner, a family member, a best friend, or anyone with working taste buds.
Gift Idea 3: A Night at the Theatre
>Next on the list is a night at the theatre for the story/arts enthusiast in your circle. Grab tickets to the ever popular and folksy retelling of the Christmas Story, The Unusual Tale of Mary and Joseph.
THE CHECKLIST:
This experience gift scores high on the feeling and atmosphere side of the scale. It’s a family friendly show – a whimsical and comedic retelling of the traditional Christmas story, tucked in an intimate venue in the Old City neighborhood. I love this gift for families or for someone looking to set a tradition in lil’ ol’ Knoxville. Hot chocolate at Awaken, a stroll through the candycane lit sidewalks, and a folk musical to boot? Sign me up.
Pro-tip: This is a Knoxville holiday tradition for many so book your tickets soon!
Who is this for? This is a great experience gift for someone who enjoys live theatre and the arts, or for the kiddos on your Christmas list!
THIS IS NOT A DRILL. Yes, you read IGLOO! ❄️☃️ Reserve an igloo overlooking downtown on the rooftop of the Hyatt for you and your friends this holiday season!
THE CHECKLIST:
The Five Thirty Lounge has igloos for reservation now through the end of the winter season. From inside your personal igloo, you have the full beverage and food menu at your disposal. Did we mention the Christmas themed cocktails yet? I’m personally ordering a “FRA-GEE-LAY” and a “Clark W. Griswold” for sure!
The Hyatt has also decorated their rooftop into a Christmas wonderland with fire pits, blankets and even snow?! (*pause to scream from happiness*) This gets a 100 on the experience scale👏👏👏 Feels, taste, and atmosphere are firing on high Christmas cheer at The Five Thirty Lounge.
Pro-Tip: These igloos require both a reservation and food/beverage minimums, so plan ahead!
Who is this for? This would be a great twist on a holiday party between friends, family, or co-workers – or a special twist on date night. Hosting out of town guests? This would easily be the highlight of the trip!
Gift Idea 5: Pottery Class
Rounding out the list is a Friday night out at Mighty Mud in North Knoxville! Although this doesn’t necessarily shine in the taste category, you can always book a Wine Night event and pick up a bottle to sip on while throwing clay.
THE CHECKLIST:
This experience does, however, score high on both atmosphere and feeling. It’s got that local pottery vibe, taught by people who go out of their way to make you feel comfortable even if it’s your first time. As far as the feeling category, the excitement of trying something new definitely checks the list! This is promised to be a fun night with a small keepsake to boot.
Pro-Tips: Dress comfortably and in clothes/shoes you don’t mind getting muddy water splashed on. If you book a wine night, come prepared with your wine! Finally, book in advance as these classes are well attended and often sell out.
Who is this for? The crafters, the hobbyists, and friends who are always up for a Girls Night Out would all love this!
Why Gift Experiences?
All in all, gifting experiences allows you to create connection, make lasting memories, (avoid dusting more things) and enjoy exploring the cutest lil city in the south all in one fun swoop. 10/10 better than underwear every time 😉 Let us know what unique experiences you end up gifting this season!
by New2Knox Ghost Writer | Oct 25, 2021 | All Articles, Entertainment, North Knoxville
Have you ever been walking through the Old City and felt a chill… on an 80 degree night? What about attending a concert at the Bijou, when a stall slams in an otherwise empty bathroom? Knoxville was once a place riddled with battles, riots, and subsequent deaths. Some of those who walked our streets in times passed seem to have unfinished business… and they are said to haunt Knoxville to this day. (oooOOOOooo!) That’s right – Knoxville’s haunted.
We sat down with author, history bluff, and founder of Knoxville Walking Tours, Laura Still, to hear about the top haunted places in Knoxville, get thoroughly spooked out, and in turn let you know all about these haunted spaces so you too can get spooked at your leisure.
1.) City County Building
Right near the Gay Street Bridge, this site was the location of multiple hangings and hundreds of murder trials. In fact, the entire block was full of criminal activity and conviction. Nowadays, people don’t like to work at the City County building after dark due to the haunted activity. They’ve seen shadows on the way to their cars, heard doors slamming after everyone else has gone home, and heard footsteps when no one was there. While this does seem like an efficient way to maintain a work/life balance – we prefer not being kicked out of our office by actual ghosts 😬 We’re just getting started, pals. Keep reading to learn about the most haunted spot in Knoxville!
2.) The Old City
Back in the day, the Old City was known as the saloon district. Laura says, “If every person who died there had a ghost, they wouldn’t need air conditioning; it would be cold all the time.” Um, OKAY. Back then there were dive bars, brothels, and a lot of poverty. Attendees on Laura’s tours often experience dodging shadows and the feeling of being watched/followed – but to top that, people have seen the ghost of a little girl in a white dress crying. Laura suspects that this ghost is related to the 1919 race riot. Spooky for SURE.
Here’s One Haunted Old City Story:
There used to be a bar down on Jackson Ave. owned by a woman named Nettie. One night, her good friend Jack McPherson came in, already very drunk. Nettie denied him another drink (understandably) and he became enraged. Jack ended up being hanged – but rumor has it he still roams Jackson Ave. looking for Nettie so he can apologize to her. If you’re ever grabbing a drink at Pour or Post-Modern Spirits, be aware of any ghostly-sightings or feelings. It’s probably Jack! At least he’s sorry? 🙃
3.) Old Grey Cemetery
We had to include at least one cemetery on a list of haunted places! What can we say? We’re purists 😉
Laura’s self-proclaimed favorite ghost (she even dedicated her book to him) haunts the Old Grey Cemetery: Abner Baker. Abner was lynched by Union soldiers, and was eventually hanged on a tree by the river in 1865. The area around the tree was so haunted, sixty years later when it fell, people were so sure it was haunted that no one would even salvage the wood. These days Abner haunts his gravesite – if you sit quietly near his grave on a full moon, he shows up after the clock strikes midnight. You can count us out for that!
4.) Blount Mansion
William Blount (Blount County’s namesake) lived in this mansion until his death in 1792… UNLESS HE STILL LIVES THERE? Tour go-ers have seen William staring out the mansion’s windows and some have even taken pictures of his silhouette. Boo-yah, that’s creepy. (Get it? Boo-yah? Like Boo, theres a ghost? Okay, moving on…)
5.) The Craighead-Jackson House
This historic home has several stories. A particularly ghastly one happened in 1818 when one of their servants fell into the fire and burned to death. As a house servant, her duties included opening doors and windows to keep the air fresh. Current employees say she still likes to do that today. Often they’ll lock up the house for their lunch break or close up at the end of the night – only to return to open doors and raised windows. It must be pretty chilling (literally 😉)
6.) Gay Street Bridge
The illuminated glory of the Gay Street Bridge has some haunting history as well. In 1815, a man was running from a lynch mob and ended up falling off the bridge. Today he plays with the electricity on the bridge. For over one hundred years, the third light on the bridge has continually gone out, no matter what the city does to prevent it. In the early 2000s, the city of Knoxville went so far as to completely re-wire the electrical system, but this ghost won’t be stopped. The third light still flickers and goes out to this day. When Laura is leading tours and mentions how the third light doesn’t flicker “as much anymore,” it often starts to flicker right then, as if he’s saying “Hey look, I can still make the light go out if I want to.” We get it, man. Everybody deserves some rest from their ghostly duties – especially after a hundred years. Flicker when you want to and not a moment more.
7.) Bijou Theatre
THE MOST HAUNTED PLACE IN KNOXVILLE
There are not one, but two known ghosts haunting this landmark! Before it was a theatre, the Bijou was a hotel during the Civil War. General William Pitt Sanders died there in the Bridal Suite… but people today still hear his footsteps, feel things touch them, and hear unexplained noises. Later, the Bijou had a well-known theatre director named “Smiley” who has now died. Several members of the public today have seen his ghost as well. Let’s just hope (for everyone’s sake) he’s as smiley in the after-life as he was before!
Sooooo which Scruffy City spooky spot are you heading to first?? Thank you again to Laura Still for sharing all of Knoxville’s spooks & giving us plenty of fuel for our nightmares this season! 😆
