FOOD + BEVERAGE
HOW TO BUILD A NEIGHBORHOOD BAR (AND INCLUDE YOUR DOG)
TRAVEL
FIVE THINGS TO DO IN NYC (AND THREE OF THEM ARE FREE!)
LIFE + CULTURE
BOOK YOUR NEXT LUXURY STAYCATION AT THE TENNESSEAN HOTEL
85 years ago, Children’s Hospital made a vow to treat every child, regardless of race, religion or ability to pay. And in return, the community promised to support our mission. Neither promise has ever wavered. Children’s Hospital stands at-the-ready when children need them the most and the community has always stood with them.
As our number of patients grows each year, so does our need for more equipment and larger facilities to serve our community. Your giving helps us make a difference.
We trust you, your family, and your friends are having an enjoyable summer. Thank goodness it is watermelon time in Tennessee! One friend of ours likes to keep count of the watermelons they eat each summer. Last summer, the count was 82! We hope you are enjoying this summer's bounty and making lasting memories surrounded by friends and family at your table.
Each August, we like to feature kids and pets in our community who bring a smile to our faces. This month, we’re introducing you to Wyatt Ellis, a 14-year-old mandolin player who is well on his way to building an incredible career in bluegrass. We also introduce you to Monkey, whose mom, Elle, built a local bar and named it after him. (Monkey would love to meet you and is ready to accept all the pets.)
We also feature two destination ideas – one near, one far. If you’re interested in a luxury staycation this fall (perhaps on a UT home game weekend), then you’ll want to check out our experience at The Tennessean Hotel. We were treated to an indulgent couple of days that we couldn’t wait to share with you. However, if you’re interested in boarding a plane, then we have some suggestions for your next trip to New York City. (Trust us – three of the things are free!)
As always, we’re grateful for the partners and columnists who contribute to our magazine each month. We work to share interesting stories with readers that spotlight the goodness in our community. That said, we’d love to hear from more of you! If you have a story idea or want to partner with our magazine, drop us a line or engage on social media. We are always eager to hear from readers and tell new stories.
With appreciation,
AMY CAMPBELL & MARC ROCHELSON, PUBLISHERS @WESTKNOXVILLELIFESTYLE
PUBLISHER
Marc Rochelson | marc.rochelson@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Jennie Treadway-Miller | jennie.miller@citylifestyle.com
MARKET SUPPORT MANAGER
Carol AuBuchon | carol.aubuchon@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Patricia Broyles
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Eric Foster, Jack Neely, Paul James
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Shawn Poynter, Ben Finch
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
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IV nutritional therapy includes anti-aging, improved immune system, minimized anxiety, reversed symptoms of hangovers, fatigue, dehydration and more. This type of therapy provides the quickest and safest route to restore natural balance by replenishing essential vitamins and nutrients. Physicians believe IV nutritional therapy is effective and restorative, and can be customized to suit the unique needs of each patient individually. At Live IV Wellness from Within, our goal is to help improve your quality of life while promoting overall health and wellness. We have several formulas that are designed to target your specific concerns. We offer a relaxed environment and will guide you through the decision-making process on what best fits your needs. We are committed to providing the safest and highest quality of care to each patient. Your wellness journey starts here, join us for a healthier you.
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Has your motion sensor light stuck or stopped working? Doorbell camera not functioning like it should? Smoke or carbon monoxide detectors getting old? Many of the security and safety devices in our homes are sensitive to power surges and will sometimes malfunction after an electrical episode. Often, it just requires a reset, or you might need to call an electrician to evaluate the situation.
With time or after a power blink, motion sensor lights may become less responsive or quit working altogether. To reset a motion sensor:
1. Turn off the fixture's circuit breaker for at least 30 seconds.
2. If the fixture has a light switch, turn the switch on for 2 seconds, then off for 2 seconds, and then back on.
3. Once the light remains on, turn the switch off for five seconds, and then turn it back on.
4. Try adjusting the device to be less sensitive to motion. It just needs to be sensitive enough to detect someone on your property.
5. Replace the light bulbs to determine if the problem is a bulb issue. You will soon know if your motion sensor light only needed a reset, new light bulbs, or if you should call an electrician to update your outdoor lighting.
There are different types of doorbell cameras—some are hardwired and others battery operated. If you choose a wired doorbell camera, it’s a good idea to make sure it is installed properly by hiring a professional electrician.
- Most people don’t have the proper equipment or knowledge to safely tackle the electrical work, which may result in serious injury or safety issues later on.
- Hiring a professional is more efficient since purchasing tools, time and costly mistakes can quickly add up. Electricians with Mr. Electric of Knoxville will make an appointment, arrive on time and accomplish the
task quickly. Plus, they are equipped to handle any unforeseen difficulties like faulty wiring or improper voltage.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends replacing smoke detectors every 10 years. Carbon monoxide and combination alarms should be replaced every seven to 10 years. If your carbon monoxide detector has batteries, they should be replaced every 6 months. There are different types of smoke detections systems. A qualified electrician can make sure your detectors are installed properly in the right locations to meet code requirements.
Are you ready to upgrade your home’s security systems?
Mr. Electric of Knoxville can help. Call 865-213-1213 or visit MrElectric.com/Knoxville to schedule an appointment.
In July, Ross the Boss Salons celebrated our 45th anniversary. Forty-five years of serving Knoxville’s hair needs in the salon industry! In last month’s issue we highlighted 4 employees who’ve been at Ross the Boss Salons for over 40 years. This month, we want to feature four more who’ve recently celebrated a milestone anniversary with us.
Every year we are thankful for the hard work from our stylists, front desk staff, and office staff. As mentioned last month it is rare to see employees stay in a company for so long. This is certainly a testament to Ross Badgett III and what he created all those years ago. His son, Ross Badgett IV, is taking his dad’s legacy and building on to it with new generations of hair artists.
Thank you, Knoxville. Without your support we would not be the company we are today.
“Forty years ago, I applied for a job as a stylist at Ross the Boss because it had a reputation for being a secure Christian-based, family-owned business. It’s been a place that’s helped contribute to my growth and success. It’s a company with contagious positive attitudes, a great environment, and believes in teamwork. We are a family.”
“Ross III recruited me out of high school and said that he would make me the best stylist possible. And he made good on his promise. It went from being just a place to work to being family. I have made some amazing friends in my coworkers and clients. It has been a pleasure to work for this company.”
“I came to work for Ross in 1982 and never could have imagined all the experiences I would have. Traveling, extended education and training classes, plus all the great people I’ve met. These are relationships I’ll cherish forever. What a great ride!”
“Ross ‘THE’ boss hired me in 1983 as his Executive Assistant. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the job turned out to be exactly what I needed. Ross III always believed in his people and wanted them to be their very best. He gave us the tools and opportunities to help us succeed. I am equally as thankful and proud to work with his son, Ross IV. This is truly a great place to work and grow personally and professionally. Here’s to you, Ross the Boss and Company.”
We are here to serve as friends, allies, loyal and trusted advisors during what is often a difficult time for our clients, their families or their business.
The word Amicus is synonymous with what sets our attorneys apart and truly defines the weight we place in our relationship with our clients.
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We provide strong legal representation to help athlete with contracts, negotiations and compliance. We also help the athletes as they transition into life after sports, branding and business.
When Wyatt Ellis was barely able to talk, he’d sing along to “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash. His mom, Teresa, has a video of her two-year-old singing “Rocky Top,” perfectly on key, albeit with a few muffled toddler words. By five, he was taking piano lessons, which went on to form his earliest concept of music arrangement.
“He was obsessed with this blue toy guitar, but he’d hurt himself – his fingertips on the strings – so I put him on piano, which I bought at an auction for $300,” says Teresa. “He has a natural ability to hear notes. He could tell us what note the toilet flushes in or what note the blender was, so learning about music, in general, made it a lot easier to pick up the mandolin.”
By all accounts, Wyatt’s early childhood looked typical. There was travel soccer, Boy
Scouts, and Taekwondo, and he attended a private Christian school. However, by the third grade, David and Teresa Ellis decided to homeschool their son. When the pandemic hit in 2020, the transition to staying home was easy. Wyatt continued with Taekwondo (he’s a second-degree black belt), dropped his other outside hobbies, and jumped fully into exploring music, specifically playing the mandolin. As the pandemic wore on, music became his sanctuary.
“Hearing Bobby Osborne play the mandolin in ‘Rocky Top’ inspired me to get one.
I liked the sound of the music, so I started taking lessons locally when I turned ten,” says Wyatt, 14. “Then after that, I heard Bill Monroe, who’s the father of bluegrass and the first person ever to play music in that style.”
CONTINUED >
With plenty of time on his hands during the pandemic, the young musician started making connections online and earning a few accolades, such as receiving a Tennessee FolkLife Apprenticeship through the Tennessee Arts Commission. This grant afforded one-on-one lessons via Skype with Paul Brewster of the Knoxville Grass, a relationship that still continues today.
In addition to online lessons and participating in local jams – musicians getting together to form a circle and play – Wyatt started writing his own tunes, the bluegrass version of an instrumental. In fact, he’s written more than 30 tunes with Danny Roberts, an award-winning mandolin player who’s recorded with George Jones, Hank Williams Jr., Charlie Daniels, and Dolly Parton.
“[Danny] felt like Wyatt was beyond being taught, so as soon as they started meeting, they wouldn’t even talk to each other with words. They’d communicate with the mandolins. It was so creative,” says Teresa. “For Wyatt to get to do that, it created a monster.”
“Some of the first tunes I wrote were not that great, but they were our ideas,” says Wyatt. “They kept getting better over time.”
A few key things happened for Wyatt that set his trajectory toward composing his first album, Happy Valley, due out this month. First, in December 2021, he sat on the front row of a Marty Stuart concert at the Bijou wearing a Bill Monroe t-shirt. Marty saw it and gave Wyatt his pick. Then, once Wyatt had an idea for an album in early 2022, he wrote Marty a letter and asked if he’d record a few songs with him.
“Marty invited me to the opening of his theater down in Philadelphia, Mississippi, so I played a tent show outside,” says Wyatt.
Then, in February of this year, Wyatt – like Marty Stuart, coincidentally – debuted at the Grand Ole Opry at 13 years old. He played alongside Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent on stage, then jammed with Vince Gill and Mark O’Connor backstage.
“I was slightly nervous,” says Wyatt. “Being the first act out there, with the curtain raising, it was so big. There’s no rehearsal. You just get out there and go to town.”
The young teen received a standing ovation, which he calls the highlight of his musical career thus far.
The following month, Wyatt was invited by Billy Strings to play in front of 15,000 people at the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Doc Watson in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. For bluegrass fans, Wyatt made a splash. The timing for an album seemed right.
“During the pandemic, I’d always go fishing down at Abrams Creek in Happy Valley, and I thought that would make a good name for a tune. But, when we went into the recording studio, it was on Happy Valley Road. So, it was a sign,” he says. “I saw Happy Valley everywhere.”
The first single off Happy Valley, called “Grass Cove,” was released last month and features singer-songwriter and mandolinist Sierra Hull.
“All the tunes are named after East Tennessee and Nashville, which is the tradition of bluegrass. They’re usually named after places,” says Teresa. “It’s mountain music. It’s a tradition that will die off if more kids don’t play it.”
Fortunately for Wyatt, he has connected with other young musicians online over the years, and some of those relationships led to the building of a band, Wyatt Ellis and Friends. Though these teenagers live elsewhere –Florida, New Jersey, Georgia – they get together at festivals and, last year, performed at the PBS musical series Bluegrass Underground
Still, it’s not lost on musicians that the generations are shifting. In late June, the day after this interview, Bobby Osborne passed away at 91.
“I want to keep putting out albums, play more gigs, and keep writing music,” says Wyatt.
Learn more at WyattEllis.com
“Being the first act out there, with the curtain raising, it was so big. There’s no rehearsal. You just get out there and go to town.”
Spend
We already know East Tennessee is picture-perfect come autumn, so staying in town this season is a no-brainer. However, maybe it’s time to change it up and enjoy a bit of pampering. If you’re looking for a luxury retreat but want to stay close, look no further than a weekend getaway at The Tennessean Hotel, your new home away from home.
Founded by Nicholas Cazana and opened in April 2017, The Tennessean Hotel boasts 82 guest rooms across five floors, plus two floors of residences, complete with the kind of concierge services that only comes with an experienced, dedicated staff. With their service-forward concept, every guest is welcomed in a true Southern hospitality fashion. Luxury is personal, so no detail is left undone.
It’s here where tradition intersects with what’s on trend. The linens are from France and there’s tea service in the Drawing Room, but there are also electric bikes available for use, and the hotel is pet friendly (check out the Paws in the City package). Whether you want a world-away experience, or you want to capture the essence of what makes Knoxville home, there is a warm, friendly staff ready to welcome you.
Hotel
One glimpse at an Executive King room will convince you to pack up and spend the weekend downtown. (Seriously, two king beds in one room? Yes, please.) Regardless of the sleeping arrangements you require, each space is outfitted with fine linens, pillow-top mattresses, and marble floors designed to reflect the aesthetic of our Tennessee River town. Look closely and you’ll notice every design has movement and flow to reflect our topography. Even the hotel floors are named after segments of the Tennessee River. From Classic Queens to panoramic King suites, every guest will experience an elevated level of comfort.
Location-wise, it doesn’t get any better than the corner of Henley and Clinch. The World’s Fair Park is your backyard, and the Sunsphere is your view. You have walkability to Gay St. and Market Square, the Knoxville Museum of Art, and, if you have tickets to the UT home game, concierge and valet services can get you to Neyland Stadium on time.
The Tennessean Hotel
Location-wise, it doesn’t get any better than the corner of Henley and Clinch. The World’s Fair Park is your backyard, and the Sunsphere is your view.
© The Mayfield Group
TOP: Two-King Room
But, there is plenty to do on the property if there’s inclement weather or you simply feel like taking it easy. Anchoring The Tennessean and its attached neighbor, Marriott, is a sweeping gathering space for the Maker Exchange , a displayed collection of local wares and pieces curated by Dogwood Arts. The Curio features textiles, pottery, woodworking, paintings, and many other locally made works, many of which are available for purchase. Local artistry is also on display throughout the gathering spaces between the two hotels. Much of the leather work, carpentry, and lighting fixtures were all made by local artisans. (Look for QR codes as you walk the property.)
This open area is ideal for small gatherings or finding a nook to tuck into for some solo time. Adjacent to the space is a game room, complete with a pool table, shuffleboard, foosball, couches and chairs, and a few flatscreens for all your game-day watching needs.
No staycation experience is complete without good food, and there are two primary options on the property for guests to enjoy. Located in the Maker Exchange is Tavern, an upscale bar with an imaginative, pub-style food and drink menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It overlooks World’s Fair Park on one side and a two-story mural and convention lobby on the other. (The twostory mural, designed by Robin Easter Design and painted by Megan Lingerfelt and Curtis Glover, served as the palette inspiration for the Maker Exchange.)
For a more intimate gathering, take to The Drawing Room on the second floor, which boasts a stunning view of the Sunsphere. Here, guests can enjoy an elegant meal, a quick bite, or crafted cocktail in the company of friends. It’s where breakfast is served for guests each morning, and where they can return each evening for a proper, farm-to-table dining experience.
Not to be left out is Perk Up, which serves Vienna Coffee daily from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Maker Exchange.
This fall, embrace Knoxville from a new point of view. Celebrate our city at Knoxville’s only FourDiamond Hotel. For the full experience, opt-in for a VIP package and let the staff treat you to the luxurious staycation you’ve been waiting for.
TOP: The Curio/Maker Exchange
RIGHT: Ring Around the Rosé, Smoked Old Fashioned, and Espresso Martini in The Drawing Room
Special thanks to The Tennessean Hotel, Maker Exchange, and Marriott. TheTennesseanHotel.com , @TennesseanHotel MakerExchangeKnox.com , @MakerExchangeKnox Marriott.com/en-us/hotels/tyskn-marriott-knoxville-downtown/overview, @MarriottKnoxville
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIE TREADWAY-MILLER
Sometimes the best-laid plans unfold when you go with your gut. At least, that’s how things have gone for Elle Nelson.
The Knoxville native pursued a degree in secondary education at the University of Tennessee, partly out of interest, but also because she didn’t have a strong calling for anything else.
“I did my freshman year at Lipscomb in Nashville but transferred to UT my sophomore year. I loved working with people and students, so I figured I was naturally a coach in terms of persona. It made sense since I didn’t have anything else I was gung-ho about,” says Elle. “I was close with people on staff and was even a spokesperson for the program, and then I quit when I finished my undergraduate. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to spend the money on a master’s. I wasn’t sure if I was set up to do it for 40 years. I wasn’t ready to make that decision. I know myself.”
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in December 2016, Elle worked as
a substitute teacher for more than a year and realized she wasn’t meant to be in a traditional classroom. So, she started waiting tables and then worked as a bartender, all the while taking notes and learning on the job.
“I needed a job, and I’d joked a lot throughout college that I wanted to see how much money I could make in tips, so I started in the service industry. I didn’t expect it to be a long-time commitment,” she says. “The question I got asked the most was, ‘Are you in school?’ It was always about what I was doing next. Those are the stereotypes people operate with, but I was making significantly better money serving than I would make teaching. I was more financially stable bartending.”
She enjoyed working in the service industry, particularly from behind the bar – the people you meet, the stories they tell, the energy in the room. By 2021, Elle saw the direction her life could go, so she started
scoping the scene for a place she could own, either outright or in a partnership. Devoted to research, Elle worked at as many bars as possible – a bourbon bar, a tequila bar –studying cocktail construction and learning about different types of beer. This was, in essence, a degree of her own making. She loves, as she puts it, being paid to research.
A door opened for Elle when she started tending bar at Central Depot in December 2021. She loved the location and saw the potential, and after learning that the owner was looking to sell the bar, or entertain a partnership, all signs pointed in one direction.
“Everything was confirmed for me. I knew the location could do more. I was trying to get to know the regulars and build those relationships since those people are the lifeblood of a neighborhood bar,” says Elle. “I started talking with the owner and was upfront with him from the start. He knew I was interested.”
Mocktails (L-R): The Old Cuban, Sk8ter Boi, and Lady Pterodactyl
Though he and Elle never reached agreeable terms for a partnership, she continued bartending and doing her own research. In June 2022, she also accepted a full-time position as a project manager for a government contract company, all while continuing to scope the Knoxville scene looking for a location for her own bar.
Then word came that Central Depot was closing in October, so Elle jumped at the chance to buy the place she’d wanted for months. She registered the business on October 21, 2022, and started renovations the first weekend in November. Since she was still working a full-time job, it was an all-hands moment with friends and family helping Elle turn Central Depot into Monkey’s Bar.
“My open date was as soon as possible,” says Elle. “We opened December 23 with a beer license, and then got our liquor license the day before New Year’s Eve. We had 300 people in and out on New Year’s Eve. It was a whirlwind.”
In less than a year, Monkey’s Bar has become a true neighborhood bar, a place where locals go at the end of the day or to celebrate life events with friends. In addition to its extensive cocktail, beer, and wine list, it also boasts a hefty mocktail menu.
“I wanted to create a space that’s welcoming to everybody. Going out for a drink is a social activity, but not everyone will want booze. It might be that they don’t drink alcohol at all, or someone is pregnant, or maybe someone is just drinking less,” says Elle. “There’s a trend towards sobriety right now, so I wanted to be in tune with it. Natasha (Orsi) is my bar manager
and Mike Cooke is our beer manager, but my other full-time bartender, Karlee (Mayers), is sober and helped make our mocktail menu.”
Of course, this story isn’t complete without a nod toward the bar’s namesake. Monkey, Elle’s golden retriever, is the company mascot and the “most impulsive purchase” she’s ever made.
“One of my good friends went up to a breeder in Kentucky to get her dog and was told that two people backed out of getting a puppy. So, they had six-week-old puppies, and she was really pushing it, and I was thinking, I work at three different bars, work weird hours, and live in a 500-squarefoot apartment,” says Elle. “My agreement with my friends was that they had to help take care of Monkey while I’m working. When I worked at Central Depot, I’d bring him to work with me. I’d said I’d call my place Monkey’s Bar originally as a joke, but it was just funny enough.”
Monkey was adopted on January 21, 2022, exactly ten months before she would register his name as a business, a name she pulled from an episode of Gossip Girl .
“One of the ways we’ve expanded is to host small events and parties. We have the space for it and love to do it,” she says. “I try to work on my business and not in it, so I am not there that often. I bring Monkey with me whenever I go. When we park, he bolts towards the door. He gets a round of applause when he enters. He wants all the pets.”
Read the full cocktail and mocktail menus at MonkeysBarKnox.com
“WHEN I WORKED AT CENTRAL DEPOT, I’D BRING HIM TO WORK WITH ME. I’D SAID I’D CALL MY PLACE MONKEY’S BAR ORIGINALLY AS A JOKE, BUT IT WAS JUST FUNNY ENOUGH.”
- ELLE NELSON
My wife and I have four kids, who are mostly grown up at this point, mixed between the last year of high school and out working in the real world. Animals have always played a role in our family, and I’ve attempted more than once to limit the number of animals that end up as part of our family. I’ve said things like, “We don’t need a second dog” and “We aren’t going to get a pig” and “We don’t need any more chickens.” Those have all been battles that I’ve ultimately lost.
I was recently killing time in an airport scrolling through my Twitter feed when I came across a video of a beaver that had been rescued and was living in someone’s home. The video shows the beaver pulling various things from the house and building a dam in the hallway. What makes that even more unique is that the beaver was rescued when it was just a baby and had never actually seen anyone build a dam. It just knew.
I shared the beaver video in our family text group along with the declaration that “No, we aren’t getting a beaver.” Then it dawned on me that my family might be the one most likely to actually have a beaver live in our house. What had I done?!
Beavers build dams to create a pond of water. They then construct a lodge that has an underwater entrance that provides safety from predators. The inside of the lodge gives them shelter and a place to store food. If trouble comes, they can escape through underwater tunnels connected to the lodge. How does a beaver rescued as a baby know how to do this? Why does a sea turtle head for the ocean after hatching or a dog shake violently when it gets wet? All instinctual behavior, which is pretty fascinating to think about. Humans have instincts too including the drive to survive, fear, and anger among others.
What comes to mind when you think about your financial instincts? Fear jumps out to me when I hear people discuss the stock market. Looking back at US stocks since 1926, various rolling time periods for the S&P 500 are positive 94.55% of the time according to Nick Murray’s Simple Wealth, Inevitable Wealth . Odds go to 99.7% positive at 15-years and 100% at 20 years. When you look closer, investing in stocks starts to look less like something that requires a fear response.
With money, it’s helpful to have a plan of action which simply tells you what to do just like the beaver does. We need dams and lodges, too, in order to protect our own goals and interests. As of now, my family does not have a beaver. I’ve tried to rely on it being illegal in the state of Tennessee as my main argument. In fairness, none of my past “We are not getting a” arguments have ever worked, so we’ll see…
The opinions expressed are those of PYAW’s Investment Team. The opinions referenced are as of the date of publication and are subject to change due to changes in the market or economic conditions and may not necessarily come to pass. Forward looking statements cannot be guaranteed.
PYA Waltman Capital, LLC (“PYAW”) is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about PYAW’s investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2, which is available upon request. PYA-23-28.
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Planning a trip to the Big Apple always involves the usual suspects – the Statue of Liberty, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum –and they are all worthwhile. But, if you’re interested in seeing a different side of New York City, consider adding these spots to your itinerary.
Built on a historic, elevated rail line, originally destined for destruction, The High Line has become a 1.45-mile-long walkable green space lined by native trees and flowers. The structure runs from Ganesvoort St. in Chelsea to 34th St. along Manhattan’s West Side and is entirely funded by a non-profit organization, Friends of the High Line. With multiple elevators along the way, The High Line is accessible to all and free to the public. A stroll through the native plants softens the surrounding concrete and creates an oasis of color and birdsong in the middle of the busiest place on Earth. www.TheHighLine.org
Towards the south end of The High Line is Little Island, another free, accessible green space with sprawling flower beds, walking paths, and an amphitheater. Built on the historic Pier 54, Little Island presents a new story to the Hudson River harbor. Originally, this is where the Lusitania , a British ocean liner, departed on its first voyage in 1906 and was ultimately sunk by a German U-boat in 1915. It was where Titanic survivors returned to after being rescued in 1912. Today, New Yorkers and visitors can enjoy a stroll through Little Island, catching a new view from each path and hill. On a clear afternoon, visitors can catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty. https://LittleIsland.org
Situated in a 19th-century bank in lower Manhattan, which served as an aid center in 2002 after the 9/11 attacks, the Hall des Lumières is an immersive feast for the eyes. Culturespaces, the European creator and manager behind Atelier des Lumières in Paris, converted the old bank into a digital art center and
opened in 2022 with its inaugural exhibition Gustav Klimt: Gold in Motion . Like any museum, the exhibits change throughout the year. Over the summer, patrons enjoyed Destination Cosmos, followed by Hip Hop Til Infinity Chagall, Paris, which spotlights the young Russian painter Marc Chagall, begins in October. www.HallDesLumieres.com/en
In the heart of the Financial District is Federal Hall, a free museum where patrons can learn about some of the most notable moments in American History. It was here, in June 1788, where nine states gathered to ratify the Constitution. It was also here where the first Congress convened and inaugurated General George Washington as the first president on April 30, 1789. Inside Federal Hall are documents and artifacts for history buffs to enjoy. With plenty of other tourist spots in the area, Federal Hall offers a quick look at what was going on in New York City more than two hundred years ago. https://FederalHall.org
There are a handful of observation decks, old and new, to enjoy in Manhattan – Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, One World Observatory. (If you visit the Met, be sure to explore the rooftop space!) However, one observation space is going unmatched: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt in Midtown East. Opened in October 2021, SUMMIT is approximately 65,000 square feet across three floors, surrounded by glass and mirrors, with both indoor and outdoor spaces more than 1,200 feet above the street. The observatory is a multi-sensory experience with light, sound, and motion, with plenty of room to navigate among other visitors. Here’s a tip: It’s totally worth aligning your visit with the sunset. SummitOV.com
“It was in Federal Hall, in June 1788, where nine states gathered to ratify the Constitution. It was also here where the first Congress convened and inaugurated General George Washington as the first president on April 30, 1789.”
The Little Island
Summit One Vanderbilt
Summit One Vanderbilt
The Little Island
The High Line
Federal Hall
View from Summit One Vanderbilt
Hall des Lumieres
This month, the Knoxville History Project is revisiting its popular photographic book, Downtown Knoxville, published by Arcadia Publishing as part of its popular “Images of America” series.
The 126-page photographic book chronicles the story of downtown Knoxville, the site of the city’s most memorable stories and legends, through a fascinating collection of 180 vintage photos, maps, and illustrations. The photographs here can all be found in the remarkable Thompson Photograph Collection at the McClung Historical Collection. Jim Thompson (1880-1976) began his long career photographing the aftermath of the catastrophic Gay Street Fire of 1897, and later developed a lifelong interest in documenting the mountain peaks, streams, and other natural features of the Great Smoky Mountains. Indeed, without Thompson’s arresting panoramic prints, park commissioners, who, in 1924, were in charge of recommending locales for a new national park in the east, may never have even visited the Smokies.
Downtown Knoxville is available at knoxvillehistoryproject.org and local bookshops and gift stores, including the Museum of East Tennessee History and Union Ave Books.
Keystone Studios cameramen were at the Farragut Hotel in August 1924 to shoot Park Commission members here visiting the Great Smoky Mountains to determine its potential to become a national park. Col. David Chapman, leader of the Great Smoky Mountains Conservation Association (at right in central cluster), led efforts to make sure it was a success. This December will mark the 100th anniversary of the official birth of the robust movement, which ultimately involved more than 6,600 separate property acquisitions to create the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The park opened unofficially in 1930, and is now the most visited national park in the nation. (Thompson Photograph Collection, Calvin M. McClung Historical Collection.)
The Rebori Building, at Gay Street at Vine Avenue, was occupied by Moser’s Furniture as shown here in December 1940. When completed in 1886, the building served as Knoxville’s first public library. It was purchased in 1915 by Italian street vendor Fiorenzo Rebori, an immigrant from Genoa, who sold roasted peanuts from dawn until midnight in the low-slung building alongside it until his death at age 82 in 1946. The edge of the building on the right was part of the 200 block that was demolished in the 1970s to make way for Summit Hill Drive. (Thompson Photograph Collection, McClung Historical Collection.)
This circa 1935 photograph of Walnut Street looks south toward Union Avenue. In the middle of the busy block is a Chinese-owned business, the George Loo Hand Laundry, as well as a shoe shop, a billiard parlor, and an early location of Greenlee’s Bicycle Store. Today, this section of Walnut is occupied by a parking building and a surface
parking lot. However, the Daylight Building, on the corner of Walnut and Union Avenue (at the top of the picture) is today a vibrant retail and restaurant space with high in-demand condominiums above. The taller building across the street from the Daylight is the Pembroke apartment building, formerly the New Sprankle building where TVA once had its main offices. (Thompson Photograph Collection, McClung Historical Collection.)
“In 1915 the company built a large, freestanding factory at the western end of the Clinch Avenue viaduct where they employed 200 candy makers.”Candy Factory
Founded by Henry Littlefield and Arthur Steere around 1890, Littlefield & Steere offered a wide range of sweets for a national market. In 1915 the company built a large, freestanding factory at the western end of the Clinch Avenue viaduct where they employed 200 candy makers.
The mission of the Knoxville History Project (KHP) is to research, preserve, and promote the history and culture of Knoxville, Tennessee. Donations to support the work of the Knoxville History Project, an educational nonprofit, are always welcome and appreciated. KHP’s publications also include Historic Bearden: The 200-year story of Knoxville’s Fourth Creek Valley, and numerous story collections including the “Knoxville Lives” series. Copies are available at KnoxvilleHistoryProject.org and local bookstores, including Union Ave Books.
It closed during the Depression and served as a warehouse until the 1982 World’s Fair, when its candy-making heritage was revived. A chocolate-making operation survived in the building until the early 21st century. It’s now a luxury residential building. (Thompson Photograph Collection, McClung Historical Collection.)
Chickens have become increasingly popular as pets in both suburban and urban areas during the last 20 years. Backyard chickens may seem to be an unsuspecting animal to keep as a pet, but the tried and true egg producers are back in fashion as food costs are soaring and families are looking for more food independence in light of recent supply chain shortages. There’s a lot to like about raising chickens in your backyard. Surprisingly, chickens are relatively low-maintenance. And bonus—unlike dogs, they don’t need to be bathed or groomed, and they don’t shed on your clothes or require training. Could backyard chickens be the perfect pet/producer to add to your home?
First, check local town ordinances to ensure that keeping chickens is even allowed in your neighborhood or if there is a limit to the number of chickens you can keep at once.
Make sure you have the space for a henhouse or a full-size chicken coop. It has to hold a feeder and water containers, a roosting area, and a nest box for every three hens. A proper coop should be large enough that you can stand in it to gather eggs and shovel manure comfortably, but a simple henhouse can be quite a bit smaller. Plus, any housing must be sturdy enough to keep your chickens safe from all the predators out there. Gorgeous coops are aplenty on places like Pinterest if you’re building your own, but many pre-made options are available through various farm supply stores as well.
Chickens need food and water daily. Feed is about $20 per 50-pound bag, but prices vary depending on your location and the quality of the feed. How long a bag lasts depends on the number of chickens you have.
Hens will lay eggs through spring and summer and into the fall, as long as they have 12 to 14 hours of daylight. Expect to collect eggs daily, or even twice a day.
Everything you need to get started on your backyard coop.
Chickens are sociable creatures, so plan to keep three to six birds at least. With this amount, you’ll always have a steady supply of eggs, since an adult hen lays about two eggs every three days, on average. Local ordinances also dictate how many chickens one household can keep.
All of this costs money, of course. The materials to build and furnish a coop and a 20 x 5-foot run—including wood, fencing, and hardware—are going to set you back at least $300. If you can’t do this work yourself, you’ll also be buying skilled labor.
Overall, expect to spend between $500 and $700 when getting started depending on the size of your flock, coop and run. For prefabricated coops, expect to pay $600 or more.
Chickens need to have an enclosed coop that provides adequate space, protection from the elements and predators, and good ventilation. A modified shed, barn, or stable with an outdoor run is a good option for a coop. The outdoor run should be fully enclosed if you have predators like hawks or owls nearby. Ideally, coops are slightly elevated off the ground to prevent flooding and have windows on each side, enough nest boxes to allow several chickens to nest simultaneously, outlets for lighting, fans if they’re needed, air inlets or ventilation holes on the roof, and a concrete floor treated with a pet-safe waterproof coating that allows for easy cleaning and drainage.
Search Pinterest for “chicken coop building plans” if you’re building your own, or consider going the luxury route with a gorgeous custom-built coop from a company like CutestCoops.com.
Most hens will start laying eggs when they’re about 18 to 20 weeks old, although it may take more time for them to reach their peak output. Often, the first eggs are laid irregularly or are smaller or oddly shaped when compared with a typical egg. This is nothing to worry about! Once a cycle is established, most hens will lay one egg per day.
AUGUST 3RD
THE SHOWROOM AT FIVE POINTS | 6:00 PM
Enjoy carnival games, cold drinks, and a great dinner by Calhoun's BBQ! Participate in a silent auction throughout the evening, followed by an over-the-top live auction at the end of the night. All funds benefit Blount Memorial Foundation. Learn more at BlountMemorialFoundation.org/upcoming-events/pork-cork-bbq.
AUGUST 11TH
TENNESSEE THEATRE | 7:00 PM
Cap off the summer with four of your favorite movies at the Tennessee Theatre: The Empire Strikes Back (Aug. 11), Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory (Aug. 13), Clueless (Aug. 25), and Sleeping Beauty (Aug. 27). Prior to each screening, hear the Mighty Wurlitzer organ fill the auditorium with magnificent music. Friday films start at 8 p.m., Sunday movies begin at 2 p.m.
AUGUST 18TH
TENNESSEE THEATRE | 8:00 PM
With a legendary career spanning five decades, KANSAS has firmly established itself as one of America’s iconic classic rock bands. Along with constant touring, KANSAS continues to remain a fixture of Classic Rock radio and popular culture. Doors open at 7 p.m.
AUGUST 25TH
Knoxville Flea Market
KNOXVILLE EXPO CENTER | 2:00 PM
The Knoxville Flea Market is your chance to find treasures old and new. Shop 300 booths of antiques, collectibles, jewelry, clothes, bath & body, surplus and more. Friday 2-6 p.m., Saturday 10a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.. Free admission.
AUGUST 26TH
WORLD'S FAIR PARK | 10:30 A.M.
Celebrating its 10th year, this exciting outdoor event involves exhibits of culture, food, performances, and more from China, Japan, Korea, India, Thailand, and other countries. Enjoy authentic Asian cuisine from vendors throughout the festival. Learn more at KnoxAsianFestival.com
AUGUST 31ST
TENNESSEE THEATRE | 7:30 PM
The great ones endure, and Gladys Knight has long been one of the greatest. Very few singers over the last fifty years have matched her unassailable artistry. This seven-time Grammy winner has enjoyed No. 1 hits in Pop, Gospel, R&B and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, television and live performance.
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