As we’re sure our loyal fans know, Knoxify is powered by 3 hard-working Knoxvillians that often times let real work get in the way of their hobbies. This site is a labor of love built to serve as a beacon of light for the city of Knoxville. On the backend we built a rather complex process of keeping the site lively and in recent months we’ve turned to other outlets that let us promote Knoxville in short bursts.

If you didn’t know already, here are 2 outlets to follow to know that Knoxify if alive and Knoxville is still a vibrant place to eat, sleep and play.

Twitter – we’re just over 100 followers away from 3,000 which is proof that our Twitter stream is flowing with awesome sauce.

Facebook – we recently crested the 1,000 likes mark with our FB page where we post pictures of local eats, treats and holiday feats.

2 Ways to Know Knoxify (and Knoxville) are Still Alive originally appeared on Knoxify. Knoxify is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.

A West Tennessee native, Kim Bumpas came east to Knoxville 22 years ago and never looked back. She was drawn to the mountains, the climate and the casual, laid-back campus at The University of Tennessee. Now president of Knoxville Tourism & Sports Corporation in the aftermath of the Gloria Ray debacle, Bumpas is philosophical about the future of her adopted city and the direction of Knoxville’s de facto destination marketing organization.

“Forget the acronym,” Bumpas said. “Whether it’s KTSC or something else, we have to get past the drama of the last 10-15 weeks and get together as a community to define the leisure marketing initiative.”

Bumpas zeroed in on three points she believes are critical to Knoxville’s success in tourism: transparency, community involvement and education of what destination marketing is and can be. “Do all that, and Knoxville will be unstoppable,” she added.

Unstoppable describes Kim Bumpas as well. Honest, direct, unorthodox – she’s all these things and more. She’s also passionate about Knoxville. Since her predecessor stepped down amid a firestorm of controversy about contract provisions and compensation, Bumpas has been the voice of reason and the guiding hand of KTSC.

“Sometimes something bad has to happen to get to the good,” said Bumpas.

Flash back two decades to her first foray into tourism & lodging – there was no hospitality major at UT “back in the day” pointed out Bumpas. But that didn’t hinder this persistent student from getting hands-on operations experience in the hotel business, working her way from the front desk up to manager of the Holiday Inn at Cedar Bluff while completing her marketing degree at UT. Next came a sales position at the Downtown Holiday Inn and then a five-year stint with Hyatt Regency. The Hyatt job led to a position at Knoxville Convention and Visitors Bureau under the tutelage of mentor Mike Carrier. That was 11 months prior to the CVB’s “aggressive merger” with the Sports Corporation folks.

Fast forward ten years – a lot has changed. A decade ago, tourism marketing was all about groups. Market Square had not yet undergone its renaissance. There was no “walk out of hotel” experience for visitors. Bumpas credits Scott Schimmel, co-owner of Bliss and Bliss Home, John Craig, president of the Market Square District Association and Biscuitfest visionary, and Governor Bill Haslam, two-term mayor of Knoxville, with morphing Market Square and downtown into a unique destination with crossover appeal for leisure travelers as well as groups.

Now our beloved Scruffy Little City is sitting pretty, poised for breakout success as a leisure and group tourism destination.

Meanwhile, Knox County’s Audit Review Committee has completed its analysis of KTSC’s financials commissioned by Mayor Tim Burchett. Pugh and Company will present the findings on May 22 at 9 a.m., in a public meeting at the City County Building. Bumpas said she welcomes the opportunity for openness and community dialogue. She’s about building consensus and moving forward.

Bumpas is currently overseeing the imminent separation of KTSC and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, operated by Sports Management, Inc. This strategic uncoupling is part of KTSC’s efforts to define its purpose and chart its course under her leadership.

“I like to sleep good at night, so I try to make decisions that don’t keep me up,” said Bumpas. “I really care what people think. I care about Knoxville. That’s why I do what I do.”

Destination Knoxville originally appeared on Knoxify. Knoxify is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.

We Are On Sabbatical originally appeared on Knoxify. Knoxify is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.

SODA by Casey Fox

View of Knoxville, Vol. 160 originally appeared on Knoxify. Knoxify is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.

Solitary by Tony Wayman

View of Knoxville, Vol. 159 originally appeared on Knoxify. Knoxify is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.

Since September, Betty White has been participating in UT’s amazing HABIT (Human Animal Bond in Tennessee) program.

• Quick recap from my previous article: HABIT trains dogs (and their humans) for animal-assisted activities (AAA) and animal-assisted therapy (AAT). This includes visiting schools (kids feel more comfortable reading to the dogs and the dogs think they’re getting attention – adorable!), nursing homes, retirement centers, mental health facilities, youth rehab centers and hospice programs. Dog-lovers can attest to the healing powers of playing with a sweet furball, but research shows that AAA and AAT can decrease emotional/physical pain, improve confidence/socialization and reduce anxiety.

Every Friday morning, Betty White visits patients at the Cancer Institute and the oncology floor at UT Hospital. We take a lap through the Institute’s waiting room before heading into the chemotherapy room. The set-up is pretty comfortable: recliners line the parameter of the room and nurses offer drinks and snacks. Patients read, watch TV, visit with nurses and/or sleep while they receive their treatment. The process can take hours so having a pup visit helps break up the monotony. We then trek across the hospital (where we ‘re stopped at least a dozen times by folks astonished and pleased to see a dog) to the oncology floor where folks are in beds in private rooms.

She typically visits with about 40-50 people each week. The interaction varies – some folks are confused why she’s there…and then light up when I say she’s there for whoever needs a “puppy fix.” Some want to talk about their pets or their treatment or their kids or how their day is going…and many talk to her directly/exclusively. Some want her in their laps, and some just need a quick hug before sending her on to the next patient. Every now and then you encounter someone who doesn’t like dogs, but the folks who shriek or ooh/ahh at the site of her quickly overshadows them.

Betty White with Chemo Bear (the Cancer Institute's mascot)

The focus is really (and rightly) on Betty White. She’s the star of the show – I’m merely the chauffer and human on the end of the leash. What’s amazing is that she always knows exactly how to act – gentle around tubes and machines…gives kids kisses…and curls up and falls asleep on hospital beds as if she were at home on her favorite couch. She’s fallen in love with one lady in particular – Miss Minnie – who we see at the Institute every other Friday. Without fail, Betty White makes a beeline for her, hops in her lap and proceeds to snore for about 20 minutes before I force her to move on.

The time commitment is minimal (approximately one hour/week), and the reward is beyond expectation. Betty White is bringing joy and comfort – even if it’s for five minutes – to someone’s day … and she knows it. It’s really made her more confident and social (she came from the shelter pretty skittish towards strangers). And when I tell her we’re “going to work,” she goes nuts!

There’s no one-size-fits all model. Some of the “craziest” dogs make the best HABIT workers, while some of the most laidback pups get depressed or stressed out from the work. Betty White probably wouldn’t do well with their reading program (she loves kids and she’d just want to play with them the entire time), but she does great in hospitals (largely because machines, wheelchairs and loud noises don’t phase her).

I’d encourage everyone to check out HABIT and attend their next orientation session on April 21!

Betty White is officially a TN Volunteer! originally appeared on Knoxify. Knoxify is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.

Confession – I’ve lived in Knoxville for 20+ and never ridden KAT. In fact, the only time I’ve taken the trolley was from a wedding to the reception downtown… and that was a private rental courtesy of the bride’s family.

It’s not that I’m opposed to mass transit, far from it. I was car-free the four+ years I lived in California and got around easily on my beach cruiser, two feet, Amtrak and light rail. And I used to love taking the Chinatown bus from DC to Manhattan while living in our nation’s capital.

So I was psyched to hear that Megabus had expanded service into Knoxville and was offering rides to DC, Nashville, Memphis, Atlanta, Chattanooga and Christiansburg. Per KNS, Megabus launched in 2006, is a subsidiary of Coach USA and bills itself as one of the largest intercity express bus service providers in North America.

In other words, it’s the hipper, cleaner and safer version of Greyhound.

I took the Knoxville to Nashville route – here’s the lowdown…

Megabus leaves from the Knoxville Transit Center (301 E. Church Ave) so you can bus there or park your car at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum garage across the street ($10, 621 Howard Baker Jr. Blvd). They pick up on the Church Avenue side of the Center, and if you have time to kill, check out the café on the lower level (coffee, snacks, etc).

To board, either hand the bus driver your printed confirmation or show him the confirmation number (via mobile device from the reservation email). He/she will write down the number, load any luggage and then you can board. Not the most sophisticated system, but the line moved pretty quickly.

I chose the back of the bus on the second level because the ceiling is one giant sunroof. The bus was about 2/3 full so I had the entire row to myself. My new transit friends included young professionals, families, seniors, a couple of tweens traveling by themselves and none other than the esteemed local blogger/photographer Dan Andrews (great catching up with you Dan!).

The trip took less than three hours (no stops). Megabus dropped us off in downtown Nashville (Commerce and 5^th St.) right across from Panera (401 Commerce St.) and a block from the Renaissance Hotel (611 Commerce St.). I walked a block to Broadway to easily catch a cab, but check out the Taxi Magic app to schedule one to come directly to you.

The return trip was equally enjoyable so I’m officially a fan/loyal customer. I felt completely safe the entire time, the driver was friendly and helpful, and the bus was immaculately clean. I’ve already booked another trip to Nashville and an overnight trip to Memphis for a wedding in June. Friends have raved about the overnight bus to DC, so I plan on utilizing it the next time I have to be up there for clients.

For me, Megabus saves time, money (GAS PRICES!!!) and the environment. I usually have to drive to Nashville super early or late in the day to avoid missing client emails, deadlines, etc. So I loved being able to pop open my laptop and keep on working like I was sitting in front of my desk. I encourage everyone to check it out!

A few recommendations…

• Be flexible – there’s only one or two routes per day. My return options were 2:40am (???) or 3:00pm so I ended up working during the day at Panera across the street.
• Arrive 15-20 minutes early – they’ll be there and you can board early.
• Try not to have more than one bag/suitcase.
• Print off your confirmation email/reservation to make it easier on the driver.
• Don’t count on the Wi-Fi. It wasn’t working during my trip, and I’ve heard similar complaints from friends. Be sure to take your wireless modem/laptop card just in case.

Bottom line? Megabus is clean, safe, green, convenient and super cheap.

• Ticket: $9 (round-trip – but rates vary from $1-50)
• Parking in Knoxville: $10
• Taxi to my destination in Nashville: $11 (my brother dropped me off for the return trip)
• Grand total: $30

What does everyone else think? Had a bad experience? What are the other routes like? Leave your comments below or email me at lauraebraden AT gmail DOT com.

All Aboard the Mighty Megabus originally appeared on Knoxify. Knoxify is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.

Sneak play by Jeremy Lowery

View of Knoxville, Vol. 158 originally appeared on Knoxify. Knoxify is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.

Earlier last month, Shuck Raw Bar and Ale (135 South Gay Street) opened its doors to join the amazing and ever-growing 100 block of Gay Street.

This review follows a long line of raves and accolades – but I had such a great experience, I had to give it a quick shout-out.

For starters, the space is small, and decorated in warm colors, which give the place a cozy and intimate feel. It’d be great for dates, dinner with the girls and/or to lay a foundation for a night of bar-hopping. Our server was also absolutely amazing – friendly without hovering and knowledgeable without pretension.

• Bonus #1: Valet parking on Friday and Saturday.
• Bonus #2: Open late: Monday through Thursday from 11:00 A.M. until Midnight, Friday through Saturday from 11:00 A.M. until 2:00 A.M. and Sunday from 11:00 A.M. until 9:00 P.M.
• Bonus #3: The owners are the same geniuses behind Nama and Cru Bistro & Wine Bar. AND they’re building another Cru next door to Shuck.

We decided to splurge and try a bit of everything. First up was a round of Classic Oysters ($market price), which tasted like Knoxville lived next to the ocean. We paired them with a bottle of their house white wine (Vin de Maison, $26), which was light and refreshing (think hot summer day) and complemented everything we tried.

Round two included the Chimi Oysters (fresh jalapeño, lime, cilantro chimichurri, $market) that had just the right amount of crunch and spice to offset the texture of the oysters. I then dug into the Sicilian Tuna Crudo (fresh basil, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, lemon, $12), which is essentially fresh sashimi with a fusion twist. And my partner-in-crime sampled their oversized lobster roll ($18). Which, somehow, had enough butter/seasoning to put it in the “comfort food” category, without putting you into a food coma.

I also really appreciated that, while they specialize in oysters, their menu was aquatically diverse enough to serve most palettes and cravings. Other offerings included: salmon, fish & chips, crab tacos and shrimp ceviche. If you don’t like fish, well… you may want to look elsewhere. But with the level of quality and selection, Shuck would be a great place for a first-timer to dive into the ocean.

Bottom Line? Run – don’t walk – down to Shuck tonight for dinner!

For more information visit their official website, or on Facebook, Twitter, Urban Spoon and Yelp.

Shuck Raw Bar & Ale is Shucking-Good! originally appeared on Knoxify. Knoxify is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.

bird on wire bw by Elizabeth McCalley

View of Knoxville, Vol. 157 originally appeared on Knoxify. Knoxify is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 United States License.