by New2Knox Ghost Writer | Jun 7, 2021 | All Articles, Food & Drink, Iliana Rocha
Irregular pink marble floors, original exposed beams, the vestiges of the old church kitchen—these are just some of the charming architectural features welcoming customers at The Golden Roast Marble City. This newest space, counterpart to the “fast-and-furious” location on Melrose established in 1994, opened in January of 2020. What is evident in speaking with Don Payne, owner of this Knoxville franchise, is not only his commitment to the best coffee, what he calls “farm to cup,” but also his support for community—“locals supporting locals.”
If the brief mention of 2020 just made your skin crawl, here’s a cozy memory to offset: Don had his first cup of coffee at six years old, and he remembers it vividly, sipping it with cream and sugar. “One of my oldest brothers gave it to me, and I thought it was the best thing ever.”
While coffee began as Don’s hobby, it transformed into a passion for its chemistry—Don says his heart is in the roasting process, and shortly after the original Golden Roast opened, they began roasting their own beans on a Royal No. 4 machine from 1914, displayed at the front of the shop. Nostalgia is everywhere, and Don pays tribute to history: local, national, and global.
The original Royal No. 4 machine from 1914
“I get to read about the families, the farm, how much they’re producing, what went on this past year for their family and how their farms got affected,” Don says, and he is incredibly thoughtful about the geographical journey the beans take to get into your morning latte. Seeing Don’s excitement about a cross-country motorcycle ride he’s planning for the summer highlights just how much he cares about people and places.
Even before opening the Marble City coffee shop, Don and his team participated in the Knoxville Open Streets event where they handed out free coffee and engaged with the neighborhood to get a sense of their needs. And when asked about what he wanted the Sutherland site to be he admitted at the time, “I can’t answer that. It’s all going to be dependent on the people here in the community and the customers, and from there, it’s going to get its DNA.”
What was once Marble City Methodist’s congregation hall is now a space lined with exposed brick, indie music, live edge tables, and textured couches. Throughout the shop, you’ll find wares from local artisans such as Knox Girl Soap, Knox Paper Scissors, Janine Does Pottery, and Cass Collective, so you can shop Knoxville businesses as you enjoy Don’s favorite coffee, the Nitro, made of Mexican Chiapas beans.
Outside, is an impressive wooden deck with string lights, and Don plans on live music, patio poetry, and food trucks on the weekends throughout the summer. The general manager, Taylor (we absolutely adore her and she may or may not be a writer for New2Knox as well – okay, she is. Check out one of her pieces here.), is responsible for seasonal drinks and a unique signature menu. Right now, they are featuring the Banana Nut Latte, Tea-Painkiller, Kookaberry, and the Coconut Chai Latte. *drool*
After the unprecedented year we have had, Don invites us all to Golden Roast Coffee to relax, to stay awhile, to “come in and just breathe.” With the local love, vibrant patio, and caffeine for days, we plan to do just that.
See you at Golden Roast, Knoxville!
by New2Knox Ghost Writer | Jun 3, 2021 | All Articles, Caitlyn Tate, Entertainment, Outdoors
Navitat is a hidden gem and a super cool adventure course built high in the canopy of the green forest of South Knoxville. It is an entire setup of multiple adventure and zipline courses, ranging from beginner, moderate, to difficult levels – legitimately something the whole family or friend group can enjoy.
by New2Knox Ghost Writer | May 11, 2021 | All Articles, Food & Drink, Nena Potter
What makes a good bar great? A bartender who can juggle pint glasses? The physical bar itself? At Jig and Reel, I would say it’s the overall essence that makes it so unique. Just as scotch is one of those special spirits that manages to distill the essence of Scotland into a bottle, Jig and Reel has managed to capture the spirit of the Old City into a bar.
by New2Knox Ghost Writer | May 6, 2021 | All Articles, Lifestyle, Taylor Payne
Here are two things you quickly learn after having kids: first, it is imperative you find kid-friendly places you also enjoy (good news: we’re here with the scoop on kid-friendly spots in Knoxville. You’re in the right spot😂); and second, the questions buzzing through your head never stop. Things you never considered fixating on now enter your brain space and multiply daily.
In fact, if you’re not careful, you’ll almost certainly find yourself holding a baby at 2am, red-eyed and sleep deprived, scrolling through fifteen different diaper bags you are now convinced will change the game for you. They won’t, most likely — but that’s okay because what that new bag might attract is one of the greatest things you could ever hope for: a mom friend.
Here’s how easily it can happen:
You’re at the park with your new bag. You’re feeling great, feeling organized; and a kindred spirit who is a few days behind you on the bag search sees that sweet beacon of sanity and says, “How do you like that bag? Tell me everything!” That convo, if you’re lucky, turns to shared struggles and belly laughs, and ultimately a camaraderie unlike any other.
Mom friends are vulnerable, empathetic, and wildly honest – but getting mom friends together with their kids in tow can be challenging no matter how great that tote is. We want to celebrate these budding tribes and raise a glass not only to the women who gave us life, but also to the fellow travelers alongside us just trying to figure it all out. Cheers to you, mamas! Without further ado:
Here are 10 Kid-Friendly Spots in Knoxville (You’ll Actually Enjoy!)
Photo from @heybearcafe
1.) Hey Bear Cafe
West Knoxville
This place has it all: a variety of drinks, frequent food trucks, and a playground! You really don’t even have to like bubble tea to be a regular here (though it’s definitely worth a shot). Their create-your-own menu lets you customize basically any coffee or tea drink you can dream up, but they also have a few bottled and canned beer options too. You can find out more about their weekly events on Instagram and their food truck schedule is available on their website.
2.) Jacks of Knoxville N. Central and Central Filling Station
North Knoxville
I paired these neighbors up because with their forces combined you’ve got everything covered. You want amazing coffee and an indoor vibe? Check out Jacks! Let the kiddos color while you try not to adopt all the house plants. For weekday evenings and weekends, Central Filling Station is one of our favorite spots. They have kid-focused areas with chalk and adorable tiny picnic tables only kids can fit in. Hang out, eat food, even watch live music sometimes. There are always new and different food truck options to try, BUT BE WARNED: (*cue scary music*) Your Sugar Therapy is the most adorable van selling sweets and you will give them all your money. Chocolate covered key lime pie on a stick?? Are you serious?? How are you supposed to not get two of those?
3.) Steamboat and ELST
North Knoxville
The shared outdoor patio behind Steamboat and ELST Brewing Company is a hidden gem of Knoxville. Grab a sandwich at Steamboat before they close at 3pm Wednesday-Saturday and then head over to ELST for your drinks. Their blondes are light and refreshing and the perfect pair with a sub. The patio out back is fenced in, half graveled, and even pet-friendly. My kids love the picnic tables!
by New2Knox Ghost Writer | Mar 5, 2021 | All Articles, Food & Drink
Birthdays, holidays and good ‘ole football days are just not the same without sugary delicious treats. Thankfully, Whimsy finally opened the doors to its first Knoxville location and now offers beautiful and delicious cookies for every occasion imaginable!
