⚾ A ballpark win that’s big for downtown + wows this weekend!

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We’ve been loving your recs lately: whether it's hidden eats, secret parking tips, or which vintage market vendor always has the best stuff.

So here’s ours: take a stroll downtown and taste some balsamic pairings at Tree & Vine, then swing by J.C. Holdway for a dinner you’ll be talking about for weeks.

And if you’ve got a knack for writing or content creation, we’d love to work with you! Leave a comment when you rate at the bottom of this issue, simply let us know how we can reach you.

✨ Smoky flavors, Southern soul, downtown flair

Right in the heart of Union Avenue, J.C. Holdway shines as the crown jewel of wood-fired cooking.

Chef Joseph Lenn, a James Beard Award winner, brings Appalachian roots to refined plates like whole grilled trout, Benton’s bacon bolognese, and that unforgettable slow-cooked farm egg.

The warmth of the staff matches the glow of the Josper oven, making every visit feel celebratory. Recently, the New York Times named it one of America’s 50 best restaurants. Learn more here.

🫒 Tasting before buying is half the fun!

If you’ve ever dreamed of drizzling liquid gold on your salad or upgrading pasta night with a splash of something special, Tree & Vine is your flavor playground.

This charming shop specializes in premium olive oils and balsamic vinegars (yes, you can taste before you buy!), along with thoughtfully curated kitchen tools.

The owners, Terri and Paul, make shopping here feel like visiting friends, and their suggested pairings might just become your new weeknight staples. Learn more here.

⚾ Covenant Health Park Wins National Honor

The Gist: Covenant Health Park in downtown Knoxville has been named 2025 Ballpark of the Year by BallParks.com, edging out new stadiums from Utah, Georgia, South Carolina, and Maryland. The award recognizes excellence in professional baseball venues.

Why It Matters: The park, which opened in April, has already boosted attendance by 50% and become a favorite gathering spot for families and fans. Beyond baseball, the stadium will host concerts this fall and transform into a winter wonderland with lights, sledding, and Santa visits starting Thanksgiving. Read more here.

🚗 Knoxville Children’s Theatre: Game Days Are Parking Days

The Gist: Knoxville Children’s Theatre won’t hold performances on UT football home game days but is making the most of its new downtown location by offering parking just 1.4 miles from Neyland Stadium. Season-long passes are available for a $400 donation per space, while single-game parking is $40, first-come, first-served.

Why it matters: It’s a smart way to support local kids’ theatre while solving a game day headache for fans. Email [email protected] for season pass details. See their announcement here.

Say hello to Hendrix, a goofy mixed breed pup weighing just under 50 pounds.

At around 1.5 years old, he’s bursting with playful energy but just as quick to curl up for snuggles when the day winds down. This social guy thrives with a doggy friend to romp with and has a wonderful mix of smarts and sweetness that makes him easy to love.

Available through Young Williams Animal Center, he’s ready to find his forever family.

To learn more about this quirky boy, click HERE.

🪑 Vintage Market Days | Expo Center | Knoxville | 09/19–09/21 | More
A fall shopping event featuring vintage décor, artisan goods, food trucks, and live music.

📚 Roll & Read | Safety City | Knoxville | 09/19 | More
A fun, free morning of reading, play, and learning for kids under 5 and their families.

🟣 Walk to End Alzheimer’s | Zoo Knoxville | Knoxville | 09/20 | More
Walk together to honor loved ones and raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Association!

🍂 Hello Market: Fall Edition | Cotton Eyed Joe’s Parking Lot | Knoxville | 09/20 | More
Shop local vendors, enjoy food & crafts, plus a free kids’ activity area.

🐾 Red Panda Day | Zoo Knoxville | Knoxville | 09/20 | More
Learn about red panda conservation and see the cubs explore their new home.

🎶 Beethoven’s 9th | Tennessee Theatre | Knoxville | 09/18–09/19 | More
Knoxville Symphony opens its 90th season with Beethoven’s epic “Ode to Joy”.

🍣 Labubu Party Week | Zukku Sushi (Kern’s Food Hall) | Knoxville | 09/18-09/24 | More
Snag a free Japanese chef outfit with purchase, and enter to win rare Zimomo prizes!

🍻 Live Music Weekend | Trailhead Beer Market | Knoxville | 09/19–09/20 | More
The Vertical Birds (Fri) and Rodney Lee & Cory Kimbro (Sat) keep the Trailhead stage!

👑 Mr. & Miss SoKno Pride Pageant | Hi-Wire Brewing | Knoxville | 09/19 | More
Drag queens and kings light up SoKno in a fierce pageant night.

🎸 Parker McCollum Live | Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center | Knoxville | 09/25 | More
A night of chart-topping country anthems featuring Ashley Cooke and Kassi Ashton.

If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.