HANDMADE CHOCOLATES AND BEAUTIFUL GIFTS TO MAKE
EVERY DAY A LITTLE
BRADLEY’S GIFT & HOME
has been serving the Knoxville community for 30 years. Owners Brad and Joy Hamlett are excited to have opened a second shop in the Biddle Farms Town Center in Farragut. This location joins their popular Knoxville shop in the Town & Country Commons Shopping Center on North Peters Road. The heart and mission of Bradley’s will remain the same at both shops while offering two similar yet unique experiences. Their core product lines and signature chocolates will be available at both locations, with a more streamlined chocolate selection at the Biddle Farms shop to make space for new flavor compositions and creativity and an exclusive line of
handcrafted bon bons made by Bradley’s head chocolatier, Chelsey Dimpel.
Have a wedding, baby, or birthday celebration? Need a gift of comfort or support? Bradley’s also has an extensive selection of client and corporate gift offerings. Whether you’re closing on a home, looking for referral gifts, or staff appreciation, Bradley’s Gift & Home can help you put together something sweet and beautiful for life’s big and small moments.
Everything Knoxville talked to Joy on the opening day of the new shop - already buzzing with clientele - about Bradley’s beginnings and vision.
How did you originally get into the chocolate business?
SWEETER
Brad had been running Bradley’s Chocolate for about five years when he opened shop next to the store where I was working. I always say that our love story would make a great Hallmark Movie! After we married, I joined the company with a handful of retail business knowledge from my dad: Always prioritize people over production, don’t be afraid to change things up and diversify your selection - along with the old adage “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” So, when business was slow, we began to “change things up” and added gifts to the shop along with making our guests feel valued.
To what do you attribute to Bradley’s success in the beginning?
We honestly asked the Lord to guide us and our business endeavors. We believe He blesses obedience, and we have stepped out in faith many, many times. Yes, we have worked tirelessly; yes, we have poured out “blood, sweat, and tears” as they say; and yes, we have sacrificed more than we ever thought we’d have to, but the Lord has blessed our obedience, and we are thankful. Brad’s amazingly delicious chocolate certainly helps!
Photos by Lori Beth Mattheis
Someone would come in and say, “I received the nicest gift from here, and that chocolate popcorn is delicious !” or “My neighbor had the cutest wreath on her door and said she got it at Bradley’s.” The Lord began to answer our prayers with a handful of amazing customers that really believed in what we were doing. Slowly but surely, our business began to grow, as did our family, and the love and support that our community has shown us throughout the years has been a priceless gift.
Joy, is there anything else you’d like to add for our readers?
It has been a true joy and privilege serving this community for 30 years. It’s rare that small businesses like ours make it to this milestone, and we realize that we wouldn’t be here today without the love and support of all of you - our friends and family, our amazing community. You have shown up in countless ways beyond lining up at our cash registers. Our “sweet friends” have literally created a circle around this business, and we stand back in awe of how the Lord has orchestrated each of our paths to connect in this little corner of the world.
Thank you for showing us that it really is a sweet life together! The best is yet to come!
Bradley’s Gift & Home
138 Biddle Farms Boulevard Farragut, TN 37934
865.384.6840
141 N. Peters Road Knoxville, TN 37923
865.694.0400
ShopBradleys.com
ShopBradleys | BradleysatBiddleFarms
“Bradley’s has become a gathering placesomewhere to come on good days and bad days. Even if you don’t buy a thing, you can linger in our shop and just breathe. We’ve become a special part of childhood memories, holiday traditions, and lifelong friendships. We’re deeply grateful for that.”
TRUE LOVE AND HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Brad Hamlett enjoyed working in a chocolate shop during his high school and college years. After graduating, and with encouragement from his dad, Jim, Brad opened his namesake chocolate shop, Bradley’s Chocolate, in West Knoxville in 1995 - with very little business training but a lot of love for chocolate and community!
After years in a difficult retail location, they were going to close up shop. But by God’s providence, they found a “for lease” sign in a shopping center on North Peters Road and committed to moving the shop there for five years to try to make it work. It was that little shop that just “happened to be” next door to where Joy was working retail. Joy would wander over on her lunch break and after work for chocolates. He only let her pay one time and stocked the cooler with her favorite drinks. It was over that chocolate counter (and many sweet conversations) that they fell in love. In 2002, when Brad and Joy got married, she joined the shop full time.
A slow season led them to begin bringing in small gift collections to complement the chocolate. Pretty tea towels, bowls, mugs, candles, and more started filling the shop. Bright curtains were added, and Joy began going to gift markets while Brad painted the shop in fun colors to draw attention to their efforts.
With a deeply rooted in faith in Christ, they asked the Lord to establish the work of their hands to bless their community while providing for their growing family. Both had a heart for making their guests feel welcome and loved - working hard to remember names and chocolate choices! The Hamletts wrote thank you notes, handed out free samples, and soon word began to spread about Bradley’s Chocolate.
In a broken world that can come with lots of heartache, Brad and Joy’s strong desire to create a beautiful place known for kindness and filled with hope, joy, and peace slowly became a reality. Bradley’s calls their customers “sweet friends” in the belief that we are all made for community - and what better way to get to know someone than over a chocolate counter? Bradley’s really is the sweetest shop in town!
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Schedule your free design consultation today! One of our talented ShelfGenie designers will come to your home and create a design plan customized just for you - no obligation required. Call us at 865-409-1197 or sign up online at ShelfGenie.com.
Finally, There Is Hope
BY MISTY COTTRELL, MC WELLNESS & AESTHETICS
IF YOU’RE in your mid 30s, 40s, 50s - or beyond - you may have heard the phrase “your labs are normal.” Yet, you know something isn’t right. Fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, anxiety, hot flashes, or just not feeling like yourself… it can feel like your body is in chaos while you’re told everything looks fine.
As a board-certified family nurse practitioner through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, I began my nursing career in 2000 and have spent the past five years as a primary care provider. While I loved caring for my patients in primary care, I saw firsthand how time constraints in traditional medicine made it difficult to truly address the deeper concerns of midlife - especially for women navigating perimenopause and menopause. Midlife can be incredibly challenging for so many reasons, and I have walked through those challenges myself. I know what it feels like to hear, “You’re healthy, your labs look great,” yet still wonder, “Then what’s wrong with me?”
That question became my driving force. At MC Wellness & Aesthetics, I understand because I’ve lived it, too. That’s why I’ve dedicated my practice to helping women (and men) thrive through every stage of midlife. I have devoted myself to advanced training in menopause care and recently sat for the rigorous certification exam through the North American Menopause Society (now The Menopause Society).
Today, you can get a hormone prescription at almost any med spa, and I am so glad to see more focus on perimenopause and
menopause. But there is a difference. This isn’t just about aesthetics - it’s about restoring balance, energy, and confidence. From hormone optimization and personalized weight loss programs to aesthetics that help you look as good as you feel, every service I provide is designed with one goal: helping high-performing women (and men) feel amazing in midlife and beyond.
Midlife is a crucial time to address hormone balance and sexual issues - and that is the main reason I became a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. Having acquired the very latest knowledge, expertise, and understanding on this topic, I am able to prioritize these often-overlooked years to provide specialized, evidence-based care that is personalized, empowering, and designed to help patients feel their very best. My goal is to help women and men navigate changes in hormones, energy, weight, mood, sleep, and confidence, because these are some of the most important years of your life. Having experienced many of these changes myself, I know how transformative it is to have care that truly meets you where you are. You don’t have to settle for “normal.” You deserve to feel your best - body, mind, and metabolism.
MC Wellness & Aesthetics
102 S Campbell Station Road, Suite 26 Farragut, TN 37934
MCWellnessandAesthetics.com
LUXURY RENOVATIONS DELIVERED
AFTER 35 YEARS in Florida, Bill McFee and his wife, Maria, were ready to “come back home” to a more mellow lifestyle. After searching all over Knoxville and surrounding regions, they were able to find a home in Farragut that just happened to be a little over a mile from Bill’s father’s family home in Concord! Not only was the home in their price range, it had all the features they were looking for - a single story, well-built home with room for visiting family and enough yard to “not be looking directly in the neighbors windows and vice versa!” The interior did need updating, particularly the kitchen and master bath, so before they made the move to Knoxville, it was decided that a renovation was in order.
The McFees asked their realtor to recommend local interior designers as well as contractors. Shae Seeber of Shae Design Studio was on that list, and after interviewing several contractors, Bill and Maria felt an early comfort level with Shae and her husband, Greg Seeber of Willow River Design and Build. It also made sense to them to use a husband and wife team for design and build, as they provided a “soup to nuts” solution. The update to the kitchen and master bath was expanded to include removing some interior walls for better access and flow. It would also involve updating the flooring throughout and the ceilings (including adding a high-tech lighting system), along with refacing the fireplace. This would make the home completely move-in ready when Bill and Maria relocated from Florida.
While Shae assisted the McFees with design recommendations and finalizing the overall layout with 3-D construction renderings, Greg handled all the cost estimates, feasibility evaluations, and subcontractor scheduling for the now more complex project. As Bill and Maria were still commuting from out of state, trust and communication became a very important part of the remodeling job. “Good communication is key to the success of any project,” said Bill, “and Willow River’s team are great communicators.” Not only was Greg quick to respond to phone calls and emails, he would periodically send the McFees “fly through” videos showing the progress. “Which we loved!” Maria added.
When they were in Knoxville, the McFees spent a lot of time in the home with the project’s subcontractors - electricians, tile crew, painters, etc. - and found them all to be very skillful at their various professions. Having worked with other contractors on both residential and commercial jobs, Bill found Willow River Design and Build to be “honest and knowledgeable, and their work is on par with contractors from much larger operations.”
How do they feel now that they are Knoxville residents in their newly remodeled home? “Every project like this one will have its snags, but Greg promised us that he would not sign off on the job until we were satisfied, and he kept his word. We are so very pleased with the end results.”
Willow River Design and Build
9700 Kingston Pike, Ste. 11 Knoxville, TN 37922
865.755.4365
LuxuryKnoxHomes.com
Maria and Bill McFee
INTERESTED IN ENHANCING your outdoor living space? Getting Ladybug Blinds motorized screens installed on your deck or patio increases comfort and functionality. The milder climate here in East Tennessee means more available days spent in our outdoor spaces. Fine mesh screens provide a clear view of the surroundings while keeping pests at bay. Imagine spending the warmer months with a screen barrier against mosquitoes, flies, and other bugs, ensuring that you can enjoy your time outside without constant interruptions.
Screens also expand your living space. It’s like adding usable square footage to your home for entertaining, dining, lounging, or snuggling up with grandkids to read a special storybook. A screened area offers valuable, sheltered space for a peaceful retreat - free from bugs but still open to fresh air, the sights and sounds of nature, and beautiful scenery. Whether it’s enjoying a morning coffee while listening to the birds or unwinding in the evening with a good book, a screen room provides a peaceful retreat where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. From convenience, insect protection, and energy efficiency, investing in durable outdoor screens can provide a great return on investment now and in the future. Usable outdoor spaces are increasingly popular with buyers who value the blend of indoor and outdoor living.
The team at Ladybug Blinds is dedicated to providing unparalleled service and expertise, ensuring every project, no matter the size, is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is why they’ve been a trusted name in window treatments for both homeowners and businesses for decades.
Ready to upgrade and update your outdoor living spaces? Contact Ladybug Blinds or come by one of their two locations to see their selection of stylish window treatments plus flooring, cabinetry, and countertop options. The renovation possibilities are endless - and beautiful!
Ladybug Blinds
Johnson & Sons Flooring
The Spice & Tea Exchange
BY ANNETTE MOREJON, OWNER
AS A SEASONED traveler (pun intended!), I am excited to bring The Spice & Tea Exchange ® to Knoxville. Proprietary spice blends, seasonings, and rubs, as well as loose leaf teas, offer food lovers and tea enthusiasts a shopping experience filled with unique ingredients and culinary delights from around the world. The focus is on providing high quality products and accessories to home cooks, chefs, and tea lovers in an old-world spice traders’ atmosphere. It’s a flavor journey waiting to begin!
Your first stop should always be the in-store Tea Bar - sip a perfectly steeped cup of tea while perusing familiar and exotic flavors. The store highlight is the hand-mixed spice blends made with gourmet spices and herbs, salts, and sugars. Browse more than 100 gourmet spices, peppers, herbs, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious novice, let’s embark on this culinary adventure together. Discover the wonderful selection of loose leaf teas, offered for their quality and palate appeal. Begin with a traditional Earl Grey or something a little more daring like Cinnamon Plum or Blueberry Black. Then explore the incredible collection of gourmet teas: all different types of tea, including organic and bulk tea options, are available. Our tea leaves are carefully prepared to maintain their flavor and nutrients. Tea lovers (and those who love a tea lover!) will appreciate the fantastic tea accessories. An assortment of tea mugs and infuser teapots to suit any style make it difficult to choose a favorite!
The Spice & Tea Exchange offers teas, spices, exclusive hand-mixed blends, naturally flavored sugars and honeys, gift sets, home and kitchen accessories, along with an array of salts from around the world. Our mission: “Creating & sharing the experience of a more flavorful life.” Find us on Facebook at The Spice & Tea Exchange of Knoxville, SpiceandTea.Knoxville on Instagram, visit the downtown store, or stop by our booth at the Dixie Lee Farmers’ Market every Saturday. We also host a variety of in-store events and workshops, including cooking classes, tea tastings, afternoon tea, art classes, and more. Check out our Facebook Events page to see the latest offerings and join the fun!
The Spice & Tea Exchange 522 S. Gay Street Knoxville, TN 37902
865.985.0913
SpiceandTea.com/Knoxville
How To Think About the New Tax Bill
BY ADAM KORNEGAY, ADAM@APCPLAN.COM
I’M NOT QUITE willing to say that tax returns are as singular as snowflakes but they’re close. It’s amazing how everyone’s tax situation is unique. It’s important to keep this in mind when thinking about the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (often referred to as “OBBBA”) that was signed into law in July.
Will you see a difference in your 2025 taxes compared to 2024? Maybe a bit. Would your tax situation in 2026 be different if the law hadn’t passed? Probably.
Financial planners often like to joke that the answer to every financial planning question is “It depends.” Because your tax situation is different from everyone else’s, the answer to “How will this tax bill affect me?” is also “It depends.” Here are a few key items to know about the OBBBA:
No expiration of the 2017 tax cuts. This should be the big takeaway for most people as the law permanently extended the tax cuts that were implemented in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Without the new law, most people in the 22% tax bracket would have moved to the 25%. Those in the 12% would end up in the 15%. And if you were in the 35% bracket? Maybe the 39.6% bracket! Depending on your situation, this could be thousands in tax savings.
Enhanced senior deduction. Taxpayers 65 or older are eligible for an additional deduction of $6,000 per person. This deduction is available even if you don’t itemize. But your eligibility depends on your adjusted gross income. Your income needs to be $75,000 or lower (as a single filer) or $150,000 or lower (for married filing
jointly) to take full advantage of the deduction.
Increased deduction for state and local taxes. The bill increased the cap on a taxpayer’s ability to deduct state and local taxes (SALT). The value of this change depends on your income, whether or not you itemize, and where you live. Since Tennessee has no state income tax, it may not make a big difference for Knoxville residents.
Changes to charitable deductions Charitable giving can be a great way to support the organizations you care about, but the new law brings some changes in 2026, including a “cap” and “floor” on charitable deductions (depending on your income).
Deductions on tips and overtime. OBBBA allows taxpayers to take a deduction on income received as tips and overtime. The benefit depends on factors such as your overall income and the type of work.
So will the new bill benefit you? It depends! No matter where you are, the best way to find your answers is with a professional advisor who knows you and your life!
Adam Kornegay is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and a Certified Kingdom Advisor® with APC Financial Planning, which is celebrating its 50th year of serving clients in East Tennessee and beyond. He can be reached at 865-690-1231 or adam@apcplan.com. APC Financial Planning is a registered investment advisor. The information provided is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment or tax advice and it should not be relied on as such.
The Employee Healthcare Alternative to High Priced Insurance
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Being a small business owner is never easy, and today’s economy only adds to the challenge. Rising insurance premiums are forcing employers to cut back on benefits - a decision no one wants to make. But there is another, more affordable way to extend medical benefits when the budget doesn’t allow for medical insurance: Direct Primary Care
MBody Healthcare specializes in offering comprehensive medical care plans for just $75 per employee per month, with benefits starting on day one. Your team will gain a true partner in their health - someone who sees the person, not just the chart - while you can rest easy knowing they have reliable care that reduces downtime and boosts productivity.
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Better care, lower costs
of
Xül Beer Company
Crafted in Knoxville • Never Settle for Ordinary
XÜL,PRONOUNCED
ZUL, has been the talk of the town for a few years now, and I’m excited to share my experience! Xül is a local brewery with two locations - one off 5th Avenue downtown and the other in Hardin Valley. The downtown location is in an old auto showroom built in the 1960s. It has an eclectic vibe and a great view of the skyline. The Hardin Valley location is dark and chic inside with a back media room to watch big sporting games. Xül brews sours, seltzers, lagers, IPAs, pilsners, and stouts. And they’re pretty dang good at what they do.
Another area where they really excel is their merchandise. Whoever is behind the creativity of the graphics needs a raise! Xül always has the absolutely coolest t-shirt and hat options for sale. You’ll be sure to get compliments when you’re wearing Xül merch out and about.
If you haven’t already heard of the infamous PB&J Mixtape, let this be your sign to make the trip and taste it for yourself. This sour takes you back in time to your childhood. I don’t know how they do it, but you
BY KELLY JO GROSSER LARSEN
can taste the bread, the peanut butter, and the jelly all at different times. It’s incredible. It’s magical. They’ve released a few versions of their peanut butter and jelly sour like raspberry, blueberry, strawberry, peach, orange marmalade, banana, and a few other
flavors mixed with peanut butter to make an incredible sour beer - it’ll be unlike anything you’ve had before.
They have limited release days where you can buy a few cases of the peanut butter sour beer and other beers they brew. However, I’d come early, because there is always a line wrapped around the building. Everyone wants to get their hands on this
peanut butter beer. It’s that good. Trust me! All this talk about PB&J is making me hungry. In the same boat? You can head out back to the Abridged Burger food truck. They’re serving smash burgers like it’s nobody’s business. They’re absolutely excellent, and you will not be disappointed. They have monthly specials or stick with the OG Abridged Burger - it’s a classic.
Moral of the story: We love Xül, and we are so glad they are here in Knoxville. Both locations offer a great environment and plenty of space to enjoy a cold beer with friends and family. This is a great spot to bring those picky drinkers who might not love the taste of a regular beer. Xül’s sours and seltzers are game changing. There’s something for everyone here! Check them out and let them know that Kelly’s Belly sent you! Cheers!
AS THE CRISP air of fall settles over East Tennessee, Random Acts of Flowers is embracing the season with gratitude and giving. September marked the wrap-up of our Nourish the Soul initiative - a heartwarming annual partnership with Knox County Mobile Meals. Together, we delivered breathtaking floral arrangements to homebound seniors, brightening their days with beauty and compassion.
October brings a playful twist to our mission with the return of our cheerful BOO-quet deliveries! These spooky-themed arrangements bring smiles and seasonal cheer to recipients across the community, particularly our pediatric patients! If you have Halloween-themed mugs or vases like pumpkins, cats, ghosts, and more, we’d love to repurpose them into festive fun for unsuspecting recipients. Donations can be dropped off at our workshop located at 2936 Middlebrook Pike.
Looking ahead, November holds a special place in our hearts as we prepare for our Veterans Week special deliveries. This is our little way of honoring the brave women and men who have served our country. Through the generous support from our sponsors at Senior Helpers and The Pilot Company, we are able to continue on this annual tradition of delivering patriotic arrangements to veterans in local healthcare facilities and senior centers across Knox and surrounding counties.
At RAF, every season is an opportunity to connect, uplift, and celebrate our neighbors in need through flowers. Whether you’re donating a vase, volunteering your time, or simply spreading the word, you’re helping us make our community bloom brighter, kinder, and more beautiful. To learn more, visit us at RandomActsofFlowers.org.
Got Grill?
MANY
GRILL owners may not realize the crucial role that professional grill cleaning services play in maintaining a safe, long-lasting grill. Eddy Perez brought locally owned and operated Bar-B-Clean to introduce comprehensive grill cleaning, repair, and sales services to the Knoxville area.
Professional Grill Cleaning
Bar-B-Clean’s core service is its thorough, professional grill cleaning, including steam cleaning of the entire grill. Simply turning up the heat to burn off residue fails to eliminate all germs and gunk. Bar-B-Clean’s steam cleaning process ensures that every part of the grill is meticulously clean by removing harmful carcinogens and charred droppings that could otherwise fall into your food during cooking.
Repairs
Bar-B-Clean offers expert repair services for any broken or malfunctioning parts. From faulty ignitions to damaged burners, Eddy and his team provide the necessary repairs to restore your grill to optimal working condition.
New Grill Sales
In the market for a new grill? Bar-B-Clean also has a selection of high-quality grills for sale. The team can assist you in choosing the perfect grill to match your needs and preferences.
Why Grill Cleaning Matters
• Protect Your Investment: A clean grill lasts longer. By removing grease, rust, and other debris, professional cleaning helps extend the life of your grill and maintains its performance.
• Health and Safety: Burning off residue at high heat doesn’t fully sanitize your grill. Professional cleaning eliminates harmful rodent droppings and built-up carcinogens for a healthier cooking environment.
• Improved Safety: Regular maintenance reduces the risk of grease fires. A wellmaintained grill operates more safely, giving you peace of mind during your favorite family cookouts.
“At Bar-B-Clean, we’re passionate about grilling and committed to helping our customers understand that our professional cleaning process goes beyond what you can achieve with a normal cleaning brush, ensuring a truly clean and safe grill that is clean to the touch, inside and out.” - Eddy Perez, owner
Race Day Schedule:
• Registration: 1 - 2:30 pm
its 32 years, the race has raised more than $8 million dollars! Proceeds help to provide medical screening and to fight cancer within our local community.
• Survivor March & Photo: 2 pm
• Tribute to Survivors: 2:15 pm
• Race Begins: 3 pm
For more information about Bar-B-Clean’s services or to schedule an appointment, visit Bar-B-Clean.com/Knoxville or call 865-737-4028. Bar-B-Clean
865.737.4028 Bar-B-Clean.com/Knoxville
32nd ANNUAL
INSIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS &
MC WELLNESS & AESTHETICS
Elevate your skincare with professional-grade solutions from SkinMedica. Improve visible signs of aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, and uneven tone and texture. Available by appointment only at MC Wellness & Aesthetics, 102 C Campbell Station Road, Suite 26 or online anytime at MCWellnessandAesthetics.com.
INTERNATIONAL FLAIR JEWELERS
Find all your favorite (or soon to be your favorite!) UNOde50 styles - earrings, bracelets, and rings. These geometric, double sterling silver-plated hoop earrings have a single central white topaz. Choose from many select name brands or find a unique, one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry. Available at International Flair Jewelers, 11124 Kingston Pike #113 in Knoxville, 865.777.1181, InternationalFlairJewelers.com.
THE SPICE & TEA EXCHANGE
Stop in to The Spice & Tea Exchange in downtown Knoxville to sample one of their many fallinspired teas and spice blends. Pumpkin Cake Herbal Tea, Cherry Pie Herbal Tea, and Pumpkin Chai Latte Black Teas are on the menu! Available at The Spice & Tea Exchange, 522 S. Gay Street in Knoxville, 865.985.0913, SpiceAndTea.com/Knoxville.
BRADLEY’S GIFT & HOME
Our Pumpkin Spice Caramels are dipped in milk or dark chocolate and sprinkled with sea salt. Comes in our signature bag for easy snacking and cute gifting! Available at Bradley’s Gift & Home, 138 Biddle Farms Boulevard in Farragut, 865.384.6840, ShopBradleys.com.
MANGO’S DÉCOR & CO.
SHAE DESIGN STUDIO
A charming trio of cotton tea towels presented on a natural mango wood cutting board. The stonewashed, waffle weave towels tied to a sturdy wooden handled serving board. Its rustic charm is an ideal addition to any farmhouse, cabin, or French country kitchen. One of the many decor items available at Shae Design Studio Showroom, 9700 Kingston Pike, Suite 11 in Knoxville’s Franklin Square, 865.313.2656, ShaeDesigns.com.
Bring some coziness to your home with this quaint lamp. With it’s whicker shade and pottery base, it is sure to fill any space with charm. It boasts a sturdy base and brass accents to add warmth. Whether it’s beside a bed, couch, or on a buffet, it instantly elevates any space. Come wander our 7,000-squarefoot warehouse space to find this and more unique things at Mango’s Décor & Co., 145 Hwy 70 W, Building B in Lenoir City, 865.317.1190, MangosDecor.com.
TOWNS TOFFEE
Give the unexpected gift of artisanal toffee this season with the Towns Toffee Holiday Sampler. Includes six 2-oz. bags of toffee in classic and seasonal flavors. Available in-store at The Copper Cellar Marketplace (214 Sherlake Lane in Knoxville) and at Towns Toffee, 1006 N. Main Street in Sweetwater, 865.368.8365, or online at TownsToffee.com.
Promoting a Nature-LovingAdventure-Seeking-Artsy-Kinda-Town
BY KRISTEN COMBS, VISIT KNOXVILLE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & SOCIAL STRATEGIES
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, is a vibrant Southern city where creativity, history, and nature all meet. Nestled at the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, it offers the charm of a small town with the energy of a college city - home to the University of Tennessee and its proud Volunteer spirit. (Go Vols!) From the lively streets of downtown and the Old City to eclectic neighborhoods like Bearden and Happy Holler, Knoxville has so much to offer. Blending outdoor adventure with a thriving arts and music scene, delicious local food, and a strong sense of community, Knox County is truly a standout place to work, live, and play.
A glimpse through the years:
2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Establishment of Visit Knoxville. Hosted National Horseshoe Pitchers Association World Tournament and the Ozone Invitational.
Hosted the Southern Food Writers Conference as part of the International Biscuit Festival. Partnered with the Public Arts Committee, the Arts & Culture Alliance, the East Tennessee Design Center, and the Central Business Improvement District to spearhead the Knoxville Mural Project with the initial mural painted at the Visit Knoxville Visitors Center.
Established the Visit Knoxville Film Office. Hosted the Governor’s Conference on Tourism, the Professional Outdoor Media Association’s Annual Conference, and the Academic Games Leagues of America’s National Tournament.
Hosted the Medal of Honor Convention at the Knoxville Convention Center. Partnered with the Knoxville Chamber and the University of Tennessee to produce a new Visitors & Relocation Guide and a new UT Visitor Guide.
Established the Visit Knoxville Sports Commission. Claimed Blue Ridge Outdoors “Best City” award. Partnered with the Knoxville Area Brewers Association to create and distribute the Knoxville Ale Trail Map. Welcomed one of Burt Reynold’s final projects of his career, The Last Movie Star.
Launched “Knoxville Will Surprise You” branding. Renovated the Visitors Center. Purchased 50,000 square feet of Sport Court flooring to create 10 basketball/14 volleyball courts. Launched the Visit Knoxville Housing System. Partnered with Greetings Tour for the mural on Broadway. Hosted the first USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships.
Photo by Kevin Wilson Photography
Photo by Bruce McCamish Photography
But how does this translate to visitors?
The same amenities that make Knoxville an incredible place to live make Knoxville an amazing place to visit! Sharing about Knoxville as a unique destination is why our organization exists. Visit Knoxville’s mission is to accelerate sustainable economic growth and development by increasing visitor and convention/ event business to our community.
Visitor Center located at 301 S. Gay Street in downtown Knoxville and manages the Sunsphere Welcome Center and the 4th Floor Observation Deck in partnership with the City of Knoxville and Knox County.
Visit Knoxville (VK) is the official Convention and Visitors Bureau for Knoxville and Knox County. As a 501(c) (3) nonprofit, VK works together with the community, business leaders, and local and state government to further develop Knoxville as a premier destination for visitors, meetings/ conventions, sporting events, and film production. VK owns and operates the official Knoxville
“Marking a decade as Visit Knoxville is an incredible personal and professional honor,” said Kim Bumpas, President of Visit Knoxville. “Our organization has been consistently committed to ou r tourism partners - our stakeholders, our community, our city, and our county - by promoting this nature-loving-adventureseeking-artsy-kinda-town. Our passion is evidenced by our name: We are dedicated to encouraging everyone to VISIT KN
2018 2019
Designed and coordinated graphic installation at the World’s Fair Exhibition Hall. Partnered with Zagster and the City of Knoxville to launch the Pace Bike Share Program. Partnered with Knoxville History Project, the Knoxville Museum of Art, and the City of Knoxville on the Downtown Art Wraps.
And into 2025 and beyond, Visit Knoxville continues to spotlight Knoxville as an incredible place to live, work, and visit! Learn more at VisitKnoxville.com.
Hosted the National Association of Sports Commissions Annual Symposium, the TYR Pro Swim Series, and Bassmaster Classic. Partnered with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) to host the first Tennessee Songwriters Week Showcase. Listed in MovieMaker Magazine’s as “Best Places to Live and Work as a MovieMaker.”
Hosted Garth Brooks at Neyland Stadium (resulting in Knoxville being named as Vivid Seats’ 2020 Concert City of the Year).
Launched new branding and “a-nature-loving-adventureseeking-artsy-kinda-town” campaign.
Included in CNN Travel’s “2024 America’s Best Towns to Visit.” Hosted the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Diving. Hosted Morgan Wallen at Neyland Stadium. Opened the Sunsphere Welcome Center.
2023
Hosted the highest attended Bassmaster Classic to date. Hosted the AAU Girls Basketball National Championships. Received the Purple Iris Award for DMO (Destination Management Organization) of the Year. Hosted the inaugural FILM FEST KNOX. Painted the Sunsphere back to its original blue.
2020 2021 2022
Hosted Alpha Kappa Alpha’s South Eastern Regional Conference and the NAIA Swimming & Diving National Championships just prior to the start of the COVID19 Pandemic. Partnered on the KNOXTOGETHER community initiative in response to COVID-19. Launched “For the Love of Knoxville” CARES Act campaign.
Celebrated 225 years of Tennessee Statehood. Hosted the Mid-Atlantic CrossFit® Challenge and the first Visit Knoxville Open. Redesigned the VK Gift Shop to highlight local Makers. Partnered with TDTD to host a series of Sunsphere Sundays concerts in World’s Fair Park.
Reopened the 4th Floor Observation Deck of the Sunsphere. Partnered with Live Nation on Paul McCartney’s Get Back Tour. Partnered with the City of Knoxville, Knox County, the Downtown Knoxville Alliance, and Block by Block to launch K-Town Connect. Hosted the 40th Anniversary of the 1982 World’s Fair Celebration.
Photo by John Becker Photography
Photo by Ben Finch
Photo
Photo by Bruce McCamish Photography
Make Life Sweeter with Custom Garage Design
BY CARRIE MCCONKEY, CARRIEMCCONKEY.COM
HALLOWEEN CANDY isn’t the only thing making life sweet this October. Made-to-measure storage in your garage can transform this underutilized room into a haven for relaxing activities, a helper with your daily routine, and a showplace that will accent your home’s décor. Thoughtful storage design can create a multi-use space that adds more value to your home - and to your quality of life.
Designed to Meet Your Needs
Make room for more fun with an upgraded garage. Do you wish you had an area to entertain or a space for hobbies and crafting?
An epoxy polyaspartic floor and countertops with LED lighting expand the pleasant possibilities in your garage.
Designed to Make Life Easier
A smoother daily routine awaits with custom garage design. Keep your interior areas clean and tidy by adding a mud area, hang garden equipment up and out of the way with convenient slatwall, and store cleaning equipment in made-to-measure cabinets.
Designed to Fit Your Taste
Beautify your garage and complement your home’s décor with custom design. Try an attractive butcher block countertop, pick from 50 cabinet finishes, and create a natural flow into your
interior using the endless color and style combinations of durable epoxy polyaspartic flooring.
Designed to Fit Your Budget
There’s nothing scary about the cost of garage storage design, because no project is too big or too small. Try an economical upgrade, plan your updates in stages, or transform your garage into a powerhouse performer with a floor-to-ceiling overhaul.
Your New Favorite Room in the House
Visit the locally owned and operated Designer Garages showroom in West Knoxville and banish the toil and trouble of an underused garage. Owner Chris McKenry and his experienced and knowledgeable team are ready to help you make the most of this versatile room. Let Designer Garages sweeten your life with custom garage design, and watch the magic happen today!
Designer Garages
201 Center Park Drive, #1080 Knoxville, TN 37922
865.268.4868
DesignerGarages.com
This dolphin epoxy/polyaspartic floor is the foundation for this garage with toasted oak cabinets trimmed in black and black slatwall.
Garage drop zone is convenient by the house door.
Brooms and mops tucked away inside beautiful cabinets.
Custom cabinets and workbench with storage and refrigerator.
How to Spend One Week in Greece… or a Bit More If You Have the Time!
BY ANNETTE MOREJON, OWNER OF TRAVELER’S CAFFE
WHENMOST PEOPLE
think of Greece, two images usually come to mind: the blueand-white houses of the islands and a plate of fresh Greek salad topped with feta. But Greece is so much more than that - it’s one of Europe’s most fascinating destinations. With more than 300 sunny days a year, 6,000 islands and islets, 18 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and nearly 10,000 miles of coastline, Greece blends breathtaking landscapes, ancient history, and incredible food into one unforgettable experience. Of course, one week is never enough - but if that’s all the time you have, here’s how to make the most of it.
Suggested Itinerary
Athens (2-3 nights)
Start (or end) your trip in Athens, Greece’s vibrant capital. The Parthenon atop the Acropolis is a must-see, offering a glimpse into Ancient Greece’s glory. Afterward, wander through the Plaka neighborhood, which is filled with boutiques, jewelry shops, and cozy tavernas. In the evenings, enjoy sidewalk cafés and lively bars. While destinations like Meteora, Thessaloniki, and Mount Olympus are also worth visiting, you’d need extra days to include them.
Islands (4-5 nights)
From Athens, hop on a short flight or ferry to the islands. With a week, I recommend splitting your time between two islands - or spending all four or five nights on one for a more relaxed pace.
Top Island Picks
Santorini (3 nights)
Santorini is famous for its dramatic caldera views, terraced whitewashed houses, bluedomed churches, and stunning sunsets. The town of Oia is picture-perfect and an absolute must. Beyond the views, you can sample excellent local wines, hike along the caldera, explore volcanic beaches, or simply relax and soak it all in. Summer can be very crowded, so spring and fall are ideal times to visit.
Mykonos (2-3 nights)
Mykonos has a flatter landscape and a lively, cosmopolitan vibe. It’s known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, charming Little Venice, and boutique-filled streets. From here, it’s easy to visit nearby islands like Paros, Naxos, or Delos, the mythical birthplace of Apollo. Sailing trips and catamaran excursions are also popular ways to explore.
Other Island Options
If you’d like to go beyond the “big two” or if you have a few more days to spare, consider Corfu (lush and green with Venetian influence), Rhodes (rich in medieval history), Naxos (laid-back with fantastic beaches and food), or Paros (a charming mix of culture and relaxation). Each has its own personality, so you can’t go wrong.
Travel Tips
• Trip Style: Want variety? Split your week between Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos. Prefer relaxation? Stay a day longer in Athens and focus the rest of your time on just one island.
• Flights & Ferries: Athens International Airport is your main entry point. From there, flights and ferries connect you to the islands. Travel times vary, so plan connections carefully.
• Seasonality: The best months to visit are May through October. July and August are peak season - expect crowds and higher prices. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and better value.
• When to Book: Now is the perfect time to start planning for next year to get the best choice of hotels before prices go up and availability becomes more limited.
In just one week, Greece offers a taste of history, culture, beaches, and unforgettable food. While you’ll almost certainly want to come back for more, this itinerary will give you a perfect first introduction to this sunsoaked, enchanting country.
By Dressing Up Your Windows
The Ritual of Tailgating
COMPILED BY SUSAN CAFFERTY
AS KNOXVILLE experiences another college football season, complete with tailgating and game parties, I was curious about how the whole tradition of gathering behind your vehicle with other like-minded fans and family came about. Here is a little history on the subject that I gathered from NCAA.com, CollegeFootballPoll.com, and History.com.
College football’s very first game was between Rutgers University and the College of New Jersey (now Princeton) in 1869. More a mix of rugby and soccer at that time, football wouldn’t get official rules and guidelines until 1876. Newspapers as far back as the 1880s reported that well-heeled fans sipped champagne and enjoyed other refreshments while watching the annual Yale-Princeton Thanksgiving game in New York from the luxury of horsedrawn coaches parked on the sidelines. In 1906, when automobile registrations surpassed 100,000 for the first time, numerous fans traveled to Connecticut for the Harvard-Yale game, including motorists who indulged in what might be the first actual pre-game tailgate. Beginning in the 1930s, wood-sided station wagons let fans use the rear fold-down tailgate for seats or as a buffet table as pre-game parties became increasingly known as “tailgating.” Portable grills and plastic coolers began being mass produced in the 1950s and the rest, as they say, is history.
Tailgating continues to be a college football tradition and has become such an integral part of the fabric of America that Tonya Williams Bradford, PhD, an associate professor of marketing and Inclusive Excellence Term Chair professor (2021-2024) at UCI (University of California Irvine) Paul Merage School of Business, co-authored a study titled “A Cultural Analysis of Tailgating.” No, really!
“Tailgates are seen as an essential part of the game-day
Broccoli Salad
COURTESY OF “COOKIN’ SAVVY” ON CULINARY.NET SERVINGS: 4-6
Ingredients:
• 2 medium heads broccoli
• 2 apples
• lemon juice
• 1 carrot
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup sunflower seeds
• 1 cup pecans
• 1 package (2 1/2 ounces) real bacon pieces
Dressing:
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
Directions:
Columbia University Class of 1887 Freshman Football Team
experience,” states Dr. Bradford. “There is… the fandom with football that is not as prevalent with other sports - particularly with collegiate sports. There are often multi-generation familial relationships with universities and teams, which result in annual pilgrimages of alums to return home and enact tailgate rituals.
“But in our studies, we’ve found that many [fans] confessed that the act of tailgating felt like their opportunity to give a little mojo to their home team,” continues Dr. Bradford. “In our research, we heard it so many times that we realized this must be a thing: Fans can’t necessarily play the sport, but they can support their teams in a tangible, visible way so that the team will know they’re there for them.”
To say all this a little more informally, tailgating began as football became more popular and people started traveling to get to the games, and it continues as a bonding connection with friends and family to show support for your favorite team. Not to mention all the fun and great food traditions!
Here are a few recipes from Family Features that can be added to your next game-day party or tailgate - tasty sides to please any
Coarsely chop broccoli and place in large bowl. Coarsely chop apples and brush with lemon juice to prevent browning; add to bowl. Shred carrot and add to bowl with blueberries, cranberries, sunflower seeds, pecans, and bacon. For dressing: Mix mayonnaise, milk, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and poppy seeds. Pour over broccoli salad and mix well.
Photo courtesyWikiCommons/DamianGadal
Photo courtesy flickr/switz1873
Hamburger Baked Beans
COURTESY OF BUSH’S BAKED BEANS (BUSHBEANS.COM)
SERVINGS: 4
Ingredients:
• 1/2-1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 small onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 teaspoon spicy mustard
• 28 ounces Bush’s Original Baked Beans
Directions:
In skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef with onion. Drain fat. Add ketchup, mustard, and baked beans. Stir together until heated through.
Easy Lemon Blueberry Bars
COURTESY OF “COOKIN’ SAVVY” ON CULINARY.NET
SERVINGS: 24-25 BARS
Ingredients:
• 1 stick butter, melted
• 1 box lemon cake mix
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup fresh blueberries
• 2/3 cup white chocolate chips, divided
• 1/3 cup chopped pecans
Directions:
Heat oven to 350º F. In bowl, combine butter, cake mix, eggs, blueberries, 1/3 cup white chocolate chips, and pecans. Butter 7x11 inch pan (a 9x9 will work also) and spread mixture evenly into pan. Bake 30-35 minutes. Let cool, then melt remaining white chocolate chips and drizzle over bars. Tip: If melted white chocolate chips are too thick, add a little oil before drizzling.
Mini Corn Dog Bites
ADAPTED FROM WILTON SERVINGS: 24+ BITES
Ingredients:
• 1 package all-beef bun-length hot dogs
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 stick butter, melted
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 eggs
Dipping Sauce:
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
Directions:
Heat oven 375°F. Prepare a muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. Cut each hot dog into six pieces. In large bowl, whisk flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Then in medium bowl, whisk melted butter, milk, sour cream, and eggs. Combine butter mixture with flour mixture. Fill each muffin cavity halfway with batter. Place one hot dog piece in center of each cavity. Bake 14-16 minutes. Cool completely.
Selling Secrets You Can’t
Afford
to Miss
WHEN I FIRST ventured into the real estate industry 20 years ago, my goal was simple: to help sellers avoid the headaches so often tied to selling a home. Throughout the years, I’ve not only helped countless clients reduce stress, but I’ve also gained valuable insights into how to sell homes for the highest price in the shortest amount of time.
Now, I’ve gathered that knowledge into one resource designed to help you. In this book, I’m sharing “Selling Secrets You Can’t Afford to Miss” - a collection of proven strategies and insider advice to guide you through every step of the selling process.
My goal is to help you have the best possible home-selling experience. That means selling quickly, for top dollar and without unnecessary stress. Inside, you’ll discover:
• Secret strategies to help you sell your home for more money
• Marketing techniques used by top agents to attract serious buyers
• Tips to appeal to today’s buyers and stand out in a competitive market
• Expert advice to help you avoid common mistakes and costly delays
Whether this is your first time selling or your fifth, these strategies will give you the edge you need to achieve your ultimate real estate goals.
Nancy is the best in the business. She gives great advice and responds promptly to any and all questions. She has sold 2 houses for us over the last few years with the first one being in a really tough market. We wouldn’t think of using anyone else and couldn’t have asked for a more positive experience. When we move back to the Knoxville area we will definitely be calling on her to find us our forever home.
UNDERCONTRACT
OCTOBER
THROUGHOUT THE MONTH
Exhibition: Sleep Cycle by Lauren Adams at the Dogwood Gallery (123 W Jackson Ave) through the 17th.
Dirty Ones - The People of GaduhviTsu’Ni’Ga’Da’Ha “What does it mean to be a Cherokee person?” at the UT Downtown Gallery (next door to the Emporium) through the 18th.
Lisa Soland’s PAT - the one-person play on the life of Coach Pat Summitt at the Old City Performing Arts Center through the 26th. Benefits the Pat Summitt Foundation. For info or tickets visit PatThePlay.com. Farragut Fall Trail in Farragut through the 31st. Passport style adventure with fall flavors, shopping, and seasonal activities for all ages. Go to VisitFarragut.org for info. Exhibition: Givin’ the What For curated by Michael Dickins at the Emporium Center through November 1st.
OCTOBER 7
Preschool Story Thyme at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum from 10 to 11 am. Every Tuesday through October.
Samantha Fish at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm. ZZ Top at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm.
OCTOBER 8
An Acoustic Evening with Rick Springfield and Richard Marx at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm. Melvins at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.
OCTOBER 9
The History Parlor at the East Tennessee History Center at 10 am. Free! For more info visit EastTNHistory.org. Boo! at the Zoo at Zoo Knoxville from 5:30 to 8 pm. Also the 10th-12th, 16th-19th, and 23rd-26th.
Dan Soder at the Bijou Theatre at 7 pm.
Zach Top at Food City Center’s Thompson-Boling Arena at 8 pm.
OCTOBER 10
3rd annual Show Your Love Fashion Show at Regas Square (333 W. Depot Ave.) from 6 to 9 pm. James Bond-themed local fashion, hors d’oeuvres, and cocktails to benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley. Taste of Turkey Creek at the Pinnacle at Turkey Creek from 6 to 9 pm. One of Knoxville’s tastiest nights of the year! A benefit for The Pat Summitt Foundation. One Knoxville Soccer Club vs. Portland Hearts of Pine SC at Covenant Health Park at 6:30 pm. John Crist at the Civic Auditorium at 7 pm. Concerts For Our Own benefit concert: The Purple Xperience: Tribute to Prince at the Tennessee Amphitheater in World’s Fair Park at 7:30 pm. ConcertsForOurOwn.org.
Ice Bears vs. Birmingham Bulls Exhibition Game at the Civic Coliseum at 7:30 pm. Gaelic Storm at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm. The Head and the Heart at the Tennessee Theatre at 8 pm.
OCTOBER 11
UT Vols vs. Arkansas Razorbacks at Neyland Stadium.
Kidstuff Live: Sarah Pirkle at WDVX (301 S. Gay St.) from 10 to 11 am. Free!
OCTOBER 12
East TN PBS: Costumes, Characters and Cartoons! Spooky Steam at the Tennessee Theatre at 11 am. Free event! Sensory reduced experience at 10:30 am.
Epilepsy Awareness Walk at World’s Fair Park from 11 am to 1 pm. A benefit for the Epilepsy Foundation of East Tennessee. For info visit EFEastTN.org.
Second Sunday Art Activity at the Knoxville Museum of Art from 1 to 4 pm. Hands-on art for K-6th grade.
A Haunting History of Ijams Hike at Ijams Nature Center from 2 to 4 pm. Also the 14th, 16th, 21st & 23rd from 7 to 9 pm and 19th and 26th from 2 to 4 pm.
Second Sunday Docent Tour at the Knoxville Museum of Art from 2 to 3 pm.
Amadeus Concert Ensemble: Polish Classics at the Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (711 S. Northshore Drive) at 5:30 pm. Free reservations at SHcathedral.org.
World Ballet Company: Cinderella at the Civic Auditorium at 6 pm.
Eric Johnson with Daniel Kimbro & Andy Wood at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.
OCTOBER 13
Little History Lessons: Tennessee Volunteers at the East Tennessee History Center from 10:30 to 11:30 am for ages 2-5 and their caregivers.
OCTOBER 14
History Hour: David Smoak, Town of Farragut Administrator, at the Farragut Museum from 11 am to noon. Free!
Knoxville Jazz Orchestra: Satchmo Swings with Byron Stripling at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm.
OCTOBER 15
Peter Rowan + Sam Grisman Project at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.
OCTOBER 16
Brandon Lake at Food City Center’s Thompson-Boling Arena at 7 pm.
The Top Notes Big Band Dance and Concert at the Tellico Village Yacht Club from 7 to 9 pm (doors open at 6 pm). Enjoy an evening of music, dancing, and community. Cash bar will be available.
Eddie 9V & Paul McDonald at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.
For Knoxville’s andMarketFarmers’dates seelocations, page39
Knoxville Symphony Orchestra: Elgar Cello Concerto at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm. Also the 17th. Penny4Arts program; children and students cost one penny. UTK Wind Ensemble at World’s Fair Park at 7:30 pm.
OCTOBER 17
Trick or Treat in the Cave at Historic Cherokee Caverns from 5 to 8 pm. Also the 18th & 19th from 3 to 8 pm, 24th from 5 to 8 pm, and 25th & 26th from 3 to 8 pm.
Big Ears: Knoxville Broadcast at World’s Fair Park at 6 pm. Hundreds of area musicians of all ages and musical backgrounds will transform the park into a living stage. Free! Also the 18th at 11 am & 2 pm.
Grace & Glory Tour: Crowder, Passion Music, Louie Giglio, Kari Jobe Carnes & Cody Carnes at the Civic Coliseum at 7 pm.
Melodies of the Middle East at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.
Steve Martin and Martin Short at the Civic Auditorium at 7:30 pm.
OCTOBER 18
Historical Newspapers Online Workshop at the East Tennessee History Center from 10 am to noon. Tips for searching for your family history in historic newspapers online. Pre-registration required.
Native Medicinal Garden Walk at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum from 10 to 11:30 am.
10 Years with Snakes of Russia, Kamenar at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.
OCTOBER 19
Buddy Walk at World’s Fair Park from 1 to 4 pm. A benefit for the Down Syndrome Awareness Group of East Tennessee. For info visit DSAGTN.org. East Tennessee Bluegrass Association Monthly Jam at Ijams Nature Center from 2 to 5 pm.
Bijou Imagination Series: Billy Goats Gruff & Other Tales at the Bijou Theatre at 2:30 pm. Penny4Arts program; tickets for children and students cost one penny.
One Knoxville Soccer Club vs. Texoma FC at Covenant Health Park at 3 pm.
OCTOBER 21
Fellowship of Christian Athletes Night of Influence with Patriots’ Director of Development & Former UTK Football Chaplain James Mitchell at the Expo Center at 5:30 pm. For info visit FCAKnoxville.org.
FILM FEST KNOX: How to FEST at the Square Room on Market Square from 6 to 8 pm.
OCTOBER 23
A Victorian Séance Experience at Mabry-Hazen House from 6:30 to 10 pm with séances every 20 minutes. Also the 24th & 25th from 6:30 to 10 pm and the 26th from 6:30 to 8:50 pm.
THINGS TO DO • PLACES TO GO • PEOPLE TO SEE
Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons at the Civic Auditorium at 8 pm.
OCTOBER 24
The Crucible by the Knoxville Children’s Theatre through November 9th. For show times and tickets visit KnoxvilleChildrensTheatre.com.
Fall Heritage Days at the Museum of Appalachia from 9 am to 3 pm. Also the 30th & 31st.
Women’s Equality Summit by the Girl Institute at World’s Fair Park from 5 to 8 pm. Also the 25th from 10 am to 4 pm and 26th from noon to 4 pm.
Freaky Friday Fright Nite at Mayor Bob Leonard Park in Farragut from 5:30 to 7 pm. Free trick-or-treating event, donations are requested for the Ronald McDonald House.
140th Anniversary Gala: A Night at the Speakeasy at Bridgewater Place (205 Bridgewater Rd.) from 6 to 9 pm.
A benefit for the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley.
Lainey Wilson at Food City Center’s Thompson-Boling Arena at 7 pm.
Ice Bears vs. Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Opening Night at the Civic Coliseum at 7:30 pm.
Knoxville Opera: Bizet’s Carmen at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm. Also the 26th at 2:30 pm. Penny4Arts program; tickets for children and students cost one penny.
Jo Koy at the Civic Auditorium at 8 pm.
OCTOBER 25
Monsters at the Museum at the East Tennessee History Center from 10 am to 3 pm. Halloween-themed children’s crafts & activities and trick-or-treating. Free - don’t forget to wear your costume!
Kill the Lights Beer Fest at Covenant Health Park from 11 am to 4 pm featuring 100 incredible breweries, food vendors, and DJ.
Ijams Enchanted Forest: Hallo-week at Ijams at Ijams Nature Center from 3 to 8 pm. A night of tricks, (lots of) treats, Animal Ambassadors, crafts, and games.
One Knoxville Soccer Club vs. Greenville Triumph SC at Covenant Health Park at 7 pm.
OCTOBER 26
12th annual Howl-O-Ween Pooch Parade & Pet Expo at the University of Tennessee Gardens from 1 to 5 pm.
Fall Festival & Plant Sale at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum from 1 to 5 pm. Music, crafts, games, hay rides, face painting, food, plant sale, and local & botanical artisan wares.
Harvest Fest at the Village Green Shopping Center in Farragut from 2 to 6 pm. Vendors, food trucks, entertainment tent with seating, trick-or-treating, and costume contest.
The Spirits of Old Gray Tour at Old Gray Cemetery from 3 to 6 pm featuring re-enactors, walking tours, bagpiper, food trucks, wine & beer, and more.
OCTOBER 27
Little History Lessons: Medicine at the East Tennessee History Center from 10:30 to 11:30 am for ages 2-5 and their caregivers.
In The Sky: Clouds Lent Out Use Discipline (CLOUD) exhibit at the Ewing Gallery of Art and Architecture through December 2nd.
OCTOBER 29
Not Quite Roots: Finding My Immigrant Ancestors at the East Tennessee History Center from noon to 1 pm.
OCTOBER 30
Harvest Jam at the Pinnacle at Turkey Creek from 5 to 8 pm. Music, trick-or-treating, vendors, photo ops, giveaways, and more! Concerts For Our Own benefit concert: Here Come The Mummies at the Tennessee Amphitheater in World’s Fair Park at 6:30 pm. ConcertsForOurOwn.org.
Knoxville Choral Society Cathedral Concert at Sacred Heart Cathedral at 7:30 pm. Classic sacred choral music in a sacred setting.
Macy Gray at the Tennessee Theatre at 7:30 pm.
The War and Treaty at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.
OCTOBER 31
Halloween
59th annual Foothills Craft Guild Fine Craft Show at the Knoxville Expo Center from 10 am to 6 pm. Also the 1st from 10 am to 6 pm and 2nd from 10 am to 4 pm.
Halloween Town in Lenoir City from 6 to 10 pm. Family-friendly spooky fun! Push Back the Darkness: A Community Movement to Shine the Light of Christ at the Hardin Valley Event Center from 6 to 8 pm.
Ice Bears vs. Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs Puck or Treat at the Civic Coliseum at 7:30 pm. Big Something at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm. The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Tennessee Theatre at 11 pm. The cult classic is celebrating its 50th anniversary!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
NOVEMBER 1
UT Vols vs. Oklahoma Sooners at Neyland Stadium.
NOVEMBER 2
Race Against Cancer 5K Walk/Run at World’s Fair Park. Survivor ceremony at 2 pm, race begins at 3 pm. A benefit for the patients and families of Thompson Cancer Survival Center.
The Psychology of Cults: A Live Event at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm. Recommended for ages 13+.
NOVEMBER 3
Knoxville Challenger Tennis Tournament at the University of Tennessee Goodfriend Tennis Center through the 9th. Benefits the McNabb Center. KnoxChallenger.com.
NOVEMBER 4
Knox County Schools Student Holiday Morning Pointe Foundation: Seniors Got Talent at the Bijou Theatre at 7 pm.
Jonas Brothers at Food City Center’s Thompson-Boling Arena at 7:30 pm.
NOVEMBER 5
WDVX: Tennessee Shines Live at the Bijou Theatre at 7 pm.
NOVEMBER 6
FILM FEST KNOX at Regal Riviera Stadium 8 (501 S. Gay St.) through the 9th.
Sip N Shop in Lenoir City from 4 to 7 pm.
Lincoln’s Proclamation: The Origin of Thanksgiving at Blount Mansion from 6 to 7 pm.
The Wood Brothers at the Bijou Theatre at 7:30 pm.
Warren Zeiders at the Civic Coliseum at 7:30 pm.
NOVEMBER 7
Fall Heritage Days at the Museum of Appalachia from 9 am to 3 pm.
Holiday Open House in Lenoir City showcasing new seasonal retail items. Also the 8th.
Christmas Fair at the Expo Center from 2 to 8 pm. Also the 8th from 10 am to 8 pm and 9th from 12 to 5 pm.
First Friday on Market Square, Gay Street, The Old City, and Downtown North beginning at 5 pm.
Ice Bears vs. Pensacola Ice Flyers Military Appreciation at the Civic Coliseum at 7:30 pm.
Emily Ann Roberts at the Bijou Theatre at 8 pm. Also the 8th.
NOVEMBER 8
Christmas Marketplace at Historic Ramsey House from 10 am to 4 pm. Hand-crafted gifts, entertainment, food, children’s activities, and visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus. Kidstuff Live: Sarah Pirkle at WDVX (301 S. Gay St.) from 10 to 11 am. Free!
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert at the Civic Auditorium at 7:30 pm.
Ice Bears vs. Pensacola Ice Flyers Corgi Races at the Civic Coliseum at 7:30 pm.
NOVEMBER 9
Second Sunday Art Activity at the Knoxville Museum of Art from 1 to 4 pm. Hands-on art for K-6th grade.
Second Sunday Docent Tour at the Knoxville Museum of Art from 2 to 3 pm.
Stavros Halkias at the Bijou Theatre at 7 pm. All event dates and times subject to change.
If you would like to receive the Events Calendar in your inbox every month, simply send a request to info@everythingknoxville.com. You can also go to EverythingKnoxville.com to view the current month’s Events Calendar.
TESLA’S FRANK HANNON:
FINDING HIS VOICE THROUGH SIMPLICITY
BY RANDY PATTERSON, BOOMEROCITY.COM
FRANK HANNON has spent four decades as the co-founding guitarist of Tesla and is known for his fiery riffs and heartfelt songwriting. But his newest solo album, Reflections, came together in an entirely unexpected way - born out of loss, reflection, and a desire to play music for its purest reason.
“After Dickey (Betts, Frank’s late father-in-law) had passed and it had been about nine months and the hurricane started coming last season, our property was flooded out,” recalled Hannon. “My wife and I got pretty concerned that the horses there were going to be in trouble, so we packed them up and evacuated. One of them had gotten sick from the grass in Florida, and we had to travel really slow. It took us a month to get across the country, and it was quite an ordeal. We ended up losing that horse, and we had lost Dickey and I had lost some other friends. And anyway, it was a year of loss and heartache.”
By the time they returned home, Hannon knew what he needed most. “I was like, ‘Honey, all I want to do - I don’t want to do anything - but I just want to play guitar and relax.’ She was really supportive of me just focusing on guitar rather than all these million other things I had been trying to do.”
That desire led him to a tiny tool with big impact. “I started receiving these ads for a company called Audigo, which they were boasting that it’s a simple solution for recording music. And I was intrigued by that because I did not want to record. I wanted to just play guitar and not look at a computer - Pro Tools or tape machines or go into my studio or anything. I just wanted to set up right here in this bedroom and just play guitar and make some decent recordings for social media.”
The results were striking. “As a songwriter, for me, it’s really just basic how I’m feeling. If I’m feeling kind of sad, I’ll strum an E minor chord and I stumble on some basic chord changes, and then I’ll play a guitar melody over it. And I was doing that and capturing it very easily with this system. People were saying, ‘Wow, that sounds really good.’ People were giving me positive feedback on these moody guitar instrumentals that I was doing.”
Soon, Hannon realized he had enough material for a full record. “Next thing I know, I’ve got like 12 of them [songs] and they’re all
different and they’re all really unique. And my wife encouraged me to put them on a record, so that’s what I did.”
The project surprised even him. “This was different all from the very beginning in a sense of how I approached it. I wasn’t intending on making a record. I was just recording music and playing the guitar as a voice to express notes in a way that was different than I had done before, staying away from trying to noodle and play too many tricks on the guitar. No wah-wah pedals, no distortion pedals, just a Gretsch hollow body guitar that has a nice tone and a very simple thing that captured it with no preconceived intentions of making a record or anything.”
At nearly 60, Hannon says he’s still learning. “That’s what I love about guitar - you can continually discover something new about it and a new way to play it and approach it. Actually, there’s times where I’ll play a note on the guitar and then I won’t play, and I’ll just let it sit for a second to contemplate what I just played.”
The feedback proved the effort was worth it. “I was surprised when [Tesla bassist] Brian [Wheat] came to me and said, ‘Wow, Frank, this is really different and this is really cool.’ He liked it. I had a writer from Vintage Guitar magazine reach out to me and email me because he had heard one of the songs, and that was a surprise.”
For Hannon, the album isn’t about virtuosity or flash - it’s about healing and honesty. “I was making the conscious effort to play guitar as a voice and expressing my feeling in a moody way rather than playing licks and showing off and tricks and how many hammer-ons I can do, the ’80s stuff that all of us guitar players are guilty of doing in the past. I wasn’t making a record - I was healing.”
The entire interview can be watched on Boomerocity.com, its YouTube channel, or on your favorite podcast platform. Frank Hannon’s Reflections can be purchased on his website FrankHannon.com.
Launched in 2009, Randy’s Boomerocity The Fan Experience has more than 500 positive, sincere, one-on-one interview conversations that show fans the true heart of the Baby Boomer generation of musicians, entertainers, and their associates, as well as today’s icons, influencers, and up-and-comers in music.
UT GARDENS’ PLANT OF THE MONTH
Delight in a Cascade of Delicate Foliage with
‘Silver Falls’
SUBMITTED BY JAMES NEWBURN, MANAGING DIRECTOR, UT GARDENS, KNOXVILLE
AS THOUGHTFUL gardeners, we think of form, color, and texture - as well as environmental conditions - when selecting plants. Whatever your style of gardening, these structural elements, either alone or in combination, can provide the basis for your desired garden design. A plant that has interesting qualities in all these categories is Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls.’
Naturally found as a creeping, trailing, groundcover, this native of West Texas is related to the green version of the plant, commonly referred to as ponysfoot, which thrives in shady or moist areas and is often found growing in turf. But ‘Silver Falls’ is noted for its striking silver, almost metallic foliage color.
Its trailing form is very versatile in its use in the garden, as it is ideal as a companion plant in mixed containers, where it provides the “spiller” effect we often desire in effective plant combinations. This cascading habit provides a dramatic touch to otherwise mundane containers. Conversely, it can be used as a groundcover where its habit forms a dense mat that is often thick enough to inhibit weed growth.
When applied to its color, “silver” is certainly appropriate. Unlike some plants described as silver that turn out to be more gray or bluish white, this plant’s color can truly be described as silver. This allows it to be easily included in a variety of plant palettes as a complementary or contrasting plant color.
The flowers are inconsequential, so it is the foliage that is the desirable characteristic in the garden. The texture of ‘Silver Falls’ also provides garden interest, as the leaves are somewhat pubescent or “furry.” The small leaves, usually less than an inch in width, add to the effect of a soft, delicate, almost fragile appearance. That seeming fragility is hardly the case though. ‘Silver Falls’ can be quite vigorous in growth with the length of the cascades reaching an impressive six or seven feet long in hanging baskets. What a statement this would make hanging at the entrance to your home!
It can be quite carefree as well, requiring full sun to partial shade in almost any type of soil. It tolerates heat extremely well and is somewhat drought tolerant, though in a container or hanging
Whether in a container or as a groundcover, ‘Silver Falls’ provides structural pizzazz with its striking metallic silver color.
basket more care may be needed in terms of watering.
Throughout Tennessee, ‘Silver Falls’ is sometimes described as a tender perennial or half-hardy annual. We typically treat it as an annual, though as its hardiness is unpredictable. We have had microclimate pockets, however, where it has survived for two or three years. Hanging baskets can even be brought inside in winter and treated as a houseplant.
Easy to propagate from seed or available in nurseries and garden centers, usually in 4-inch pots, this is an ideal plant to add pizzazz to your ground beds, mixed containers, or hanging baskets. Examples of the versatility of this plant can be seen at the Knoxville and Jackson campuses of the State Botanical Gardens of Tennessee.
The UT Gardens includes plant collections located in Knoxville, Crossville, and Jackson, Tennessee. Designated as the official botanical garden for the State of Tennessee, the UT Gardens are part of the UT Institute of Agriculture. The Gardens’ mission is to foster appreciation, education, and stewardship of plants through garden displays, educational programs, and research trials. The Gardens are open during all seasons and free to the public. For more information, visit utgardens.tennessee.edu.
‘Silver
New Exhibitions Opening
THE ARTS & Culture Alliance is pleased to present five new exhibitions at the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville October 3 through November 1. Many of the works on exhibition will be for sale and may be purchased by visiting in person or the online shop at KnoxAlliance.store.
AIA East Tennessee | Art Salon in the Lower Gallery
Hosted by the American Institute of Architects - East Tennessee Chapter, the Art Salon is a vibrant showcase of creativity that reaches far beyond the built environment. This annual exhibition celebrates the original works of architects, designers, students, emerging professionals, and allied collaborators throughout East Tennessee. Here, the region’s most inventive minds reveal another side of their talents: woven textiles, hand-thrown ceramics, expressive oil paintings, and custom-crafted musical instruments. The Art Salon is a rare opportunity to see how those who shape our spaces also shape culture, ideas, and artistry in unexpected forms. Each year, a curated collection of submissions is unveiled during a First Friday opening, inviting the community to discover and celebrate the breadth of creativity within our profession.
Emporium Center October 3
aesthetics and visual understanding of the world having grown up in East Tennessee.
My work is an exploration of my southern roots and the relationships I have cultivated as an adult. Carefully crafted topographies are woven together in quilt-like patterns, telling the stories of the people I love or have loved. The bright and saturated colors are inspired by the memories and impressions of events, both how they did and did not actually appear. These vibrant colors, coupled with serious titles, evoke a feeling of whimsy and heaviness that we all face as human beings.
Hanna Seggerman: Noteworthy on the North Wall Artist statement: Noteworthy is a new body of work exploring how light and shadow can be a means to further understand experiences of grief and the ephemerality of life. Artworks noting quick glimmers, micro moments of joy, observed in paused moments of everyday life. Grounded in an investigation of a personal collection of images that pay attention to the shadows created when sunlight passes through foliage. Moments of temporary darkness created only because of light.
Nhora Ortiz: Brushstrokes of Freedom in the Atrium
Artist statement excerpts: My art is an act of liberation. I paint with my fingers, without tools, allowing every emotion to flow directly onto the canvas. Guided by sensation, intuition, and faith, I create worlds of color that transform silence into voice and vulnerability into resilience. Inspired by artists such as Kandinsky, Pollock, and Frida Kahlo, I embrace both freedom and struggle in my work. Each piece reflects a search for connection - between people, cultures, and the spirit - and a celebration of beauty and freedom through color. Each color is an expression of freedom, a burst of combinations that reflects my free will and my complete devotion to art. These are abstract, impressionist, colorist, and cubist paintings through which I explore and embrace diverse artistic movements.
Ortiz’s work has been recognized internationally for its humanitarian values and exhibited in Venezuela, the United States, Bolivia, Colombia, Italy, South Korea, and India.
This collection of works on paper and fabric address both light and shadow simultaneously through a variety of media and techniques. Shadow often represented through India ink and graphite. Light existing within the negative spaces of each composition and piercing through the darkness as free motion embroidered metallic thread.
Givin’ the What For curated by Michael Dickins in the Upper Gallery
Givin’ the What For takes its title from a Southern colloquialism that expresses stern disapproval or a serious reckoning. It’s a phrase rooted in confrontation, calling for accountability and highlighting the weight of one’s actions. This exhibition showcases the work of six women artists - Erika Diamond, J. Leigh Garcia, Katie Hargrave, Stacy Kranitz, Susan Alta Martin, and Liz Trader Williams - living and working in Southern Appalachia. Using a mixture of media and materials, these artists tackle urgent global concerns such as social justice, environmental degradation, personal and collective identity, and political unrest.
Hannah Hancock: Memory Piecing in the Display Case
Artist statement excerpts: Memory Piecing is the title of a series of works focused on exploring traditional barn quilt painting and other quilt inspired pieces based around personal memories and life events - an ode to the arts and crafts that have shaped my personal
Michael Dickins is an interdisciplinary artist, curator, and gallery director whose work has been widely exhibited.
The exhibitions will be on display October 3 through November 1 at the Emporium Center, located at 100 S. Gay Street. In October, the Emporium is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm, and October 10, 17, 23, and 31 from 5 to 7 pm for Gallery 1010 openings. For more information, call 865-523-7543 or visit KnoxAlliance.com
Grow Michelle Barillaro
Hints of Gladness Ashley Pace
The Iconic Burwell Building and the Curious Case of THE HUMAN FLY
ONAPRIL 7, 1918, spectators lined Gay Street to catch a glimpse of George G. Polley, a.k.a. The Original “Human Fly,” attempt a most spectacular stunt - climbing all 10 stories of the 1907 Burwell Building on Gay Street. The climb was in conjunction with the Great Liberty Parade, which was to take place right after the stunt. Polley planned to scale the outside walls by hanging on to crevices in the bricks, window ledges, cornices, and any other projection he could find.
George Polley, a native of Richmond, Virginia, was born in 1897 and grew up a star athlete. His career originated at the age of 12 when a local businessman promised him a new suit if he would climb to the top of his building. Polley was triumphant and never looked back, becoming best known for his “buildering,” work as a vaudeville magician, and raising charitable contributions during World War I.
After arriving in Knoxville on April 5, Polley secured a permit from the City of Knoxville to climb the Burwell Building. Two days later at 1:30 pm, “The Human Fly” began his climb, and within 30 minutes he had reached the top and proceeded to stand on his head with his feet extended over the edge of the roof before scaling the flagpole too! Five thousand people looked on in amazement.
Known throughout the country as “The Human Fly” who risked his life countless times in spectacular climbing stunts, Polley never fell but part of his act was to pretend to slip or lose control. During World War I, he served as
an Army sergeant and became nationally known for raising funds for U.S. soldiers overseas, the Salvation Army, and many other charitable organizations here in the States. George Polley is said to have climbed more than 2,000 buildings throughout his short career. His greatest achievement might have been his daring attempt at climbing the Woolworth Building in New York City in 1920. At that time, it was the tallest building in the world at 792 feet. He made it to the 30th floor before being arrested for failing to secure a permit. Sadly, Polley died in 1927 during an operation to remove a brain tumor.
The iconic Burwell Building was built in 1907 as the Knoxville Banking and Trust Building at the corner of Gay Street and Clinch Avenue. It was the tallest building in Knoxville at a height of 166 feet until 1913, when the Holston National Bank was built across the street. The building was designed by the architectural firm of Richards, McCarty, and Bulford of Columbus, Ohio, in the Second Renaissance Revival style. The Knoxville Banking and Trust Company ceased operations in 1912, and the Southern Railway Company established its main Knoxville ticket office in the building’s lobby. In 1917, the C.B. Atkin Realty Company purchased the building and renamed it “Burwell” in honor of Mrs. C.B. Atkin’s family name. Clay Brown Atkin (1864-1931), who at the time was one of Knoxville’s wealthiest citizens, also purchased land for the Tennessee Theatre and an expansion of the Burwell Building.
Since the Burwell was not the tallest building in Knoxville at the time (Polley’s preferred climbing subject), he most likely was asked to scale the building at the request of C.B. Atkin to increase publicity and excitement for his new real estate ventures. “The Human Fly,” however, wasn’t the first to “scale” and stand atop the building. One of the essential members of the construction crew was a mule called Maud - named for a funny comic strip character that would kick someone high into the air at the end of each strip. After the iron work structure was completed on the building in 1907, Maud the Mule was hoisted to a platform at the top of the building to the cheers of thousands of onlookers!
The next time you’re strolling down Gay Street, look up at the Burwell Building. Can you see George Polley swinging from a cornice or window sill? Can you see Maud the Mule being hoisted above the roof? We sure can!
Knox Heritage preserves structures and places of historic or cultural significance for our community. Founded in 1974, Knox Heritage is a non-profit dedicated to historic preservation education, advocacy, and technical services. It also owns and operates Historic Westwood and the Airplane Filling Station. Knox Heritage is supported by members who value preserving historic places in our community. Learn more and become a member at KnoxHeritage.org.
Maud the Mule
George G. Polley, a.k.a. “The Human Fly”
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