Events Archives - Knoxify

#BecauseLizSaidTo – An Insiders Guide on what to do in Knoxville

Liz Floyd — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 13:52:03 +0000

Below are the top 10.5 things I do in my hometown – Knoxville, TN – Follow along on twitter or instagram…why? #BecauseLizSaidTo

Listen, Google is a great tool to help you find all the tourist traps (read: must do at least once) in East Tennessee such as the Three River’s Rambler and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Dollywood and World’s Fair Park, and they are all great! BUT if you want an insiders guide to what us locals really like to do in our not-so-little town of Knoxville … You know besides watch football … check out the list below.

Sidebar: Want that awesome t-shirt right there? Y’all can get it here.

1. Go Shopping. It’s my number one always, I LOOOOOOVVE to shop in Knoxville. There are plenty of creative boutiques, especially in The District in Bearden. My two favorites are Serendipity and Ironic. And then of course you must go to Turkey Creek for some real, intense shopping. If you get off at Lovell Road, stay in the right lane.

2. Eat at Aubrey’s. “Real comfort. Real food. Real good.” DISCLAIMER I DID work there over the summer before college … but all favoritism aside, they have some “real good” food. Check out their daily specials before you go and don’t be surprised if your favorite dish from Sunspot shows up now and then.

3. Get a “SMAY” – pronounced “smay” – from Tin Roof on the strip. Don’t ask me what they put in it, and whatever you do, DO-NOT drink more than two. All I know is that it’s pink and that is all I need to know.

4. Get gay on Gay street! No really, every year, Knoxville has Pride Fest. And every year, they have an awesome parade! However, Gay St. isn’t just for Pride Fest, there are tons of places to check out even on a week night for shopping, food, and drinks.

5. Speaking of Gay Street, go to Coolato Gelato. Get a pistachio macaroon for me. Tweet/Instagram a photo of you with a pistachio macaroon #becauseLizsaidto & I will so RT you. Pistachio MacaroOOOOON!! If Tennessee doesn’t have an official Gelato, this should be it.

6. Run (or walk) on the Greenway. There are bunches of trails on Knoxville’s Greenway. My favorite starts here and goes either to the UT gardens, or toward Bearden. It’s an absolutely gorgeous, physically rewarding trip (read: a workout), but it’s fun.

7. Sex Week at The University of Tennessee. It’s SEAT (Sexual Empowerment and Awareness at TN). We are currently in “The Red Zone” which according to the website is “statistically when students are most at risk for sexual assault.” It starts at the beginning of Fall semester, and goes to Thanksgiving Break. Their goal is to get the word out about things like sexual assault prevention through programming and resources provided by the organization.

8. Fifth from the right. This is the game I like to play at The Casual Pint. Whatever beer is on tap, get the fifth one from the right. It will never do you wrong. It’s kinda like Roulette, except, you always win!

9. Run free at PetSafe Dog Parks. There are three around Knoxville and even if you have to steal your neighbor’s cousin’s hell hound for the day, it’s so worth it. I don’t know about you, but watching dogs run around is therapeutic to me!

10. Karaoke at Twisted Mike’s Taproom. It’s a good mix of age groups, a few Over The Hill, a few barely 18, and a ton in the middle. They do a great job and they’ve got that necessary age balance. It’s at 8pm every Wednesday. I’ll be the one singing Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl”

10.5 Finally, Sam & Andy’s. The Vol Burger. Bring cash. That is all.

#BecauseLizSaidTo – An Insiders Guide on what to do in Knoxville originally appeared on Knoxify. Knoxify is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.

The HBAGK Home Show is back!

Knoxify Staff — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 13:00:28 +0000

It’s time again to join the Home Builders Association of Greater Knoxville (HBAGK) Home Show from March 2nd through 4th at the Knoxville Expo Center on Clinton Highway. The Home Show is for home owners, and people shopping for new homes, to find products or services in their homes. Lots of exterior products like doors, windows, siding, guttering, but also interior design, full scale remodeling, decorating and much more. Plus there are financial services like mortgages, refinancing and loans of all types. $2 coupons are available at all ORNL FCU branches, sponsors of the event. This tremendous event features anything and everything for the home!

Admission
Children’s Admission is Free
Adults $10 per day or $8 with coupon
Senior Day Friday, March 2nd – $8 Dollar Admission or $6 with coupon
Free Parking

Fun Kid-Friendly Projects for Free
Lowe’s will run their Build And Grow Clinics all weekend long at no cost. Kids can build their own special project, having fun while parents look-on or browse around.

Remodeler’s Showcase
This year’s main show feature will be the Remodeler’s Showcase. Located at the rear of the show, attendees are cordially invited to look, touch, feel and walk through this inside-out house showcasing beautiful remodeling projects throughout your home!

Workshops, Special Topics & Stage Demonstrations
See the show schedule to see a full list of workshops, special topics and stage demonstrations on all manner of subjects from remodeling basics, to financing and new home construction as well as how to make your home greener and more efficient!

About The HBAGK
The Home Builders Association of Greater Knoxville, established in 1951, is a non-profit trade association for the homebuilding industry. The primary function of the Home Builders Association of Greater Knoxville is to serve as the homebuilding industry watchdog. Each year HBAGK fervently responds to attacks on housing affordability. In addition to monitoring issues that could negatively impact housing affordability, the association provides member services such as networking opportunities, educational programs, marketing events, and community service projects.

For more information on the Home Show, feel free to visit their official site or Facebook page.

The HBAGK Home Show is back! originally appeared on Knoxify. Knoxify is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.

Who’s Hungry? Knoxville’s Restaurant Week (2.0) Starts February 26

Laura Braden — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:00:05 +0000

Kitchen / Food / Bokeh by Cuba Gallery

This is basically an updated piece from last year’s event. Like last year, Knoxville’s Restaurant Week (KRW) offers two or three-course meals at a fixed price ($25 or $35), with a $5 donation going to benefit Knoxville’s Second Harvest Food Bank. The Food Bank estimates that one in six East Tennesseans go hungry every night, and they feed approximately 158,000 people in our community…a month!

With over 30 participating restaurants, there’s no shortage of options, but here are my picks for this year…

31 Bistro (American) – Boasts a “farm to table” dining experience – sounds very California. Game on.
Brazeiros Churrascaria (Brazilian)– Meat is one of my favorite food groups. Enough said.
Chez Liberty (American) – Cheese is my other favorite food group and Chez has one of the best menus in town. Bonus: wine pairings with each course.
Le Parigo (French) – Another local establishment I haven’t tried yet. Bonus: they offer two choices per course.
Nama Sushi Bar (Sushi) – Hands down, favorite sushi place in Knoxville. It can get pricey so this is a great way to load up without busting your wallet.
Northshore Brasserie (French/Belgian)– I’ve only been there for brunch (AMAZING) so it’ll be fun to try other items on their menu.
The Bistro at the Bijou (American) – As a progressive Republican (yes we exist), I was impressed with how the owner Martha Boggs stood up to bigotry. She won my business forever.

For more information visit Knoxville Restaurant Week on their official website, Facebook, Twitter, and on WBIR: City leaders dine out to kick off Knoxville Restaurant Week.

What’d I miss? Which restaurants are you planning on visiting? And let me know your post-Restaurant Week reviews by leaving a comment or emailing me at lauraebraden@gmail.com.

Who’s Hungry? Knoxville’s Restaurant Week (2.0) Starts February 26 originally appeared on Knoxify. Knoxify is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.

HoLa Festival this Saturday!

Jody Collins — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:00:12 +0000

Hola Festival 2008 (15) by Jon Gustin

HoLa Festival is returning this Saturday, September 24. The HoLa Festival is a one-day celebration in part of the Hispanic Heritage Month. We chatted with Belinda Woodbury about the event.

Knoxify: How many years have you all been having the HoLa Festival?

Belinda Woodbury: This Saturday marks the 12th Anniversary of the HoLa Festival. Admission is free from 11:00 A.M. until 8 P.M. at West Depot Avenue, by Regas Square, in downtown Knoxville.

K: What kind of events and festivities should people look forward to?

BW: People can expect to have a great family time enjoying a street fair suited for the entire family. There will be fantastic food cooked as close to home as it is allowed. From our vendors kitchens to you!

K: Will there be any special performs in attendance?

BW: The festivities will include live, latin rhythm music. Performers include Orchestra MaCuba, Local 34, the new sound of Miami, Zulmara Torres, among others.We will also feature the 3 time World ESPN Salsa Champions Abel Pena and Zulmara Torres. They are arriving directly from Los Angeles, and will be offering a master seminar in Salsa Dancing at our After Party at the Old City Entertainment Venue.

K: You all are taking donations for Second Harvest. What should people bring?

BW: Canned food and non perishable items are suggested.

For more information feel free visit the official site, or join the Facebook Group.

HoLa Festival this Saturday! originally appeared on Knoxify. Knoxify is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.

Wendy’s offers free hamburgers at Boomsday!

Knoxify Staff — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:00:02 +0000

Wendy’s is setting out on a “Taste Tour across America,” and plan on making a stop in Knoxville this coming Sunday. They will be celebrating in the Boomsday fun and firing up its grills at the UT Boathouse on Neyland Drive at Volunteer Landing to hand out 1,500 free Hot n’ Juicy Cheeseburgers with Frosty from 1:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Folks will also have a chance to win prizes and participate in on-site interactive experiences, such as live performances, contests, games, and photo and video opportunities. So swing by and get a free burger and Frosty!

Did you know: Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s, got his start in the food industry right here in Knoxville? At age 12 he began work at Regas restaurant.

Wendy’s offers free hamburgers at Boomsday! originally appeared on Knoxify. Knoxify is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.

Scott Miller to keynote at The Mountain Heritage Literary Festival

Jody Collins — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 12:00:24 +0000

One of our favorite musicians, and interviewees, Scott Miller will be the keynote musician at the upcoming The Mountain Heritage Literary Festival in our neighboring-to-the-north of Harrogate, Tennessee, this coming weekend. This will be the sixth annual Mountain Heritage Literary Festival, which is put on by Lincoln Memorial University. Miller will be teaming with Silas House (MHLF Founding Director and author of the novels Clay’s Quilt, A Parchment of Leaves, The Coal Tattoo, and Eli the Good), wherein “Miller and House commence in a live on-the-fly collaborative effort with Scott swapping verses of songs mirrored by ancillary book excerpts read by Silas.”

Other notable participants at the festival include Kathryn Stripling Byer, former NC Poet Laureate and author of Wildwood Flower, Catching Light, and Coming to Rest, Dr. Grace Toney Edwards, Professor of Appalachian Studies and former Director of the Appalachian Regional Studies Center at Radford University and Jason Howard, co-author of Something’s Rising: Appalachians Fighting Mountaintop Removal and the editor of We All Live Downstream: Writings About Mountaintop Removal.

Should be an interesting event, and we hope to see fellow Knoxvillians make the short jaunt up to Harrogate. If you would like further information about the festival, please visit the official site.

As a bonus, Scott has shared with Knoxify a song off of forthcoming, as-yet-untitled album. The track is “Lo Siento, Spanishburg, West Virginia” and can be heard below.

You can follow Scott on his official site, Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.

Scott Miller to keynote at The Mountain Heritage Literary Festival originally appeared on Knoxify. Knoxify is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.

Union Avenue Books brings bounded volumes to the heart of downtown.

Jody Collins — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:00:19 +0000

Union Avenue Books, which has already hit the ground running with a soft opening, is about to launch a major push to show Knoxville what they’re all about. We spoke with Flossie McNabb about her vision for the bookstore.

Knoxify: I noticed a mixture of new and used books. What do you see the balance being?

Flossie McNabb of Union Avenue Books: Since selling used books is new to us we are waiting to see what people are wanting and buying. So far, new books are outselling used books dollar wise but numbers wise it’s about equal. So, maybe 50/50. We’ll see as we go along.

K: Will people be able to bring in books to sell?

FMoUAB: We’ve put in a call for used books and are asking for gently-read current fiction and non-fiction mostly in paperback but would like hard covers of recent bestsellers or popular titles. We’re offering trade credit on the books we accept.

K: Will there be any reoccurring events centered around local authors?

FMoUAB: Yes, we already have authors lined up for events and hope to have book clubs and other events and workshops as well.

The Grand Opening Events are as follows:

Thursday, June 16th at 5:30 P.M.: Reception for Ros Taylor, bestselling British author, discussing and signing her newest book Confidence at Work: Get it, feel it, keep it.
Friday, June 17th from 4:00-7:00 P.M.: Reception to “Meet Local Authors” sponsored by UT Press with music by Nancy Brennan Strange, David Slack, and Kenton Martin.
Saturday, June 18th at 11:00 A.M.: Children’s Story time with Linda Carlini, for kids of all ages.
Saturday, June 18th from 5:00-8:00 P.M.: Grand Opening festivities including refreshments, door prizes, and music with Y’Uns.
Sunday, June 19th at 3:00 P.M.: Poetry Reading and signing with Linda Parsons Marion, author of Bound, of her newest collection of poetry.

Find Union Avenue Books at their official page for more information.

Union Avenue Books brings bounded volumes to the heart of downtown. originally appeared on Knoxify. Knoxify is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.

Biscuitfest 2011 wrap up

Jody Collins — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 12:00:57 +0000

There’s not a whole heck of a lot to say in wrapping up the Second Annual International Biscuit Festival. It was wonderful, lots of people showed up, and many tonnage of biscuits were “et.” Below is a video and photo gallery offering, showcasing some of the moments had at Biscuitfest. Be sure to share your thoughts in our comments section.

For that day, the main drag was deemed Biscuit Boulevard

Like we mentioned, lots of folks.

The Cafe4 tent was a'hoppin'!

One block was pretty much dedicated to vendors...

...even some farmers strayed from the concurrent Farmer's Market.

Behind-the-scenes look at a Biscuit Booth.

These biscuits were minis, but filled with bacon-ey goodness!

This may be, in fact, the center of the universe.

The Cam Man enjoying some Cruze Farm ice cream!

Shoulda been serving white russians, man.

Biscuitfest 2011 wrap up originally appeared on Knoxify. Knoxify is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.

Knoxville 24 Hour Film Festival is back!

Jody Collins — Thu, 26 May 2011 12:00:54 +0000

Upon the success of the first annual Knoxville 24 Hour Film Festival in 2010, Knoxville Films is bringing the festival back beginning this Friday. The festival kicks off at 6:00 P.M. on Friday, May 27, at Relix Variety Theatre, where the organizers will announce the three criteria for the entries. The filmakers then have 24 hours to write, shoot, and edit a 4-minute film. From 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. on Saturday, May 28, the festival will accept submissions. A party is to follow with Knoxville musical staples the Jaystorm Project, Taylor Brown, and Jonathan Sexton and the Big Love Choir.

On Saturday, June 4 at the Bijou Theatre, the finale commences with the showing of all films in competition, with an award ceremony to follow. The gala will be hosted by Lauren Lazarus and Brent Thompson of Knox ivi, with a performance by The Black Cadillacs.

For more information, please visit the Knoxville Films site here.

Knoxville 24 Hour Film Festival is back! originally appeared on Knoxify. Knoxify is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.

Git Your Biscuit On

Laura Braden — Tue, 24 May 2011 12:00:31 +0000

Vegan Herbed Buttermilk Biscuits by Harald Walker

The number of Knoxville’s special events and festivals are, thankfully, growing.

One newcomer to the scene is the second annual International Biscuit Festival! This Thursday through Saturday (May 26-28), head downtown to celebrate one of the best parts of Southern cuisine. Over 3,000 people attended the festival in 2010, and they’re expecting an even larger crowd this year.

From multiple types of biscuits to jams for sale to biscuit-inspired artwork, there’s a bit of something for everyone. For music lovers, the festival starts with the Cleverlys at the Square Room and ends with the Black Lillies with Tift Merritt at the Bijou Theatre.

The full schedule can be found here, but below is Knoxify’s rundown of the not-to-miss-events. While some events are free, you should check the website to buy any needed tickets in advance.

Friday, May 27th:

7:00 P.M. – Biscuit Benefit Fundraiser at the S&W (Hosted by Blackberry Farm, proceeds benefit Second Harvest. $150)

Saturday, May 28th:

Be sure to swing by the vendor area on Clinch Avenue (9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.) and the tasting area on Market Street (10:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.). $5 will get you five tastings.
1:00 P.M. – Biscuit Bake Off at the Biscuit Big Top Tent (folks will compete in four categories: traditional, dessert, most creative, and kids’)
2:00 P.M. – Miss and Mr. Biscuit Pageant at the Krutch Park Tent (folks will be judged on: Biscuit Making Fashion, Poise, and a Biscuit-related Talent)

Be sure to friend them on Facebook and Twitter for updates/news. Have fun at the festival? Be sure and buy the poster from Yee Haw Industries, a local print shop on Gay Street.

Git Your Biscuit On originally appeared on Knoxify. Knoxify is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.