🗺️ Amsterdam, Barcelona... and South Knoxville?

July seems to have hit its stride about now. Kids are squeezing every bit out of summer break, weekend calendars are filling up fast, and those spontaneous evening plans somehow become the best ones.

One of our favorite things about putting this newsletter together is finding the stories you probably would not have stumbled across otherwise. This week, that includes a Knoxville restaurant earning global recognition, a village that feels like a fantasy novel, and a blood drive with a pretty incredible reward.

🩸 Dollywood tickets for blood donors

The Gist: MEDIC Regional Blood Center is teaming up with Dollywood from July 20 to 24 to help boost our local blood supply during the summer slump. If you successfully donate at a drive, you will score a free ticket to Dollywood as a thank-you.

Why It Matters: These donations do incredible work keeping the shelves stocked at 24 local hospitals, including Dolly Parton’s Children’s Hospital. It is a super easy way to save a neighbor's life and get a fun theme park day out of it. Because this drive is so popular, Kristy Altman from MEDIC noted they cannot take walk-ins, so you will need to book an appointment. Call 865-524-3074 or:

🍗 Gluten-free chicken shop ranks third in the world

The Gist: Disco Chicken and Donuts, tucked inside Kern's Bakery in South Knoxville, currently sits at number three on the Find Me Gluten Free app's global rankings, behind only spots in Amsterdam and Barcelona and ahead of New York City. The shop has 393 reviews and a five-star rating on the app.

Why It Matters: Owner Dustin Cochran runs the whole kitchen as 100 percent gluten-free, which is rare enough anywhere and unheard of at this level. For families dealing with celiac disease, that means anything on the menu is safe.

What's Next: Disco Chicken celebrates its one-year anniversary Saturday, July 18, at Kern's with festivities and gluten-free specials.

🌮 A taco joint with serious main-character energy.

Chivo Taqueria is the ultimate spot for patio season. This locally owned favorite channels a truly unique energy right downtown, serving up Knoxville’s best margaritas alongside creative fusion tacos like the Limp Brisket and Piggy Smalls.

It is the place to share a brisket quesadilla or the new Mango #5 cocktail on a warm summer evening. Snag a first-come high top, bring your dog, and soak up the sun.

🧺 Where storybook paths lead to picnics

Just fifteen minutes southeast of downtown Knoxville, Ancient Lore Village sits quietly in the foothills of the Smokies. Visitors can explore the gardens, waterfalls, and stone paths with a daytime discovery pass.

Enjoy a summer picnic, archery, or the Gremlin Gameyard before the July evening events begin. The upcoming calendar includes Sunday brunches, outdoor starlight movie nights, and element-themed dinners featuring fresh strawberry salad!

Daisy is a 4-year-old shorthair waiting for her next chapter.

With her sleek gray, silver, and white coat, she brings a calm, steady presence to any home. At a medium size of about eleven pounds, she is an easygoing companion who is already spayed and fully vaccinated.

Her adoption fee is $50, and she is looking for a space to call her own.

To learn more about this beautiful girl,

🦸‍♂️ Fanboy Expo | Knoxville Convention Center | Knoxville | 07/10-07/12 | More 
A celebration of pop culture featuring colorful cosplay and creative vendors.

🎪 Whimsical Woodlands Aerial Circus | Ijams Nature Center | 07/11 | More Gravity-defying acrobatics and mystical silks performances under the trees.

🐶 FREE Pet Vaccine Clinic | Northgate Plaza Shopping Center | 07/11 | More 
A drive-thru wellness initiative offering essential care for furry companions.

🎨 Tennessee Triennial Weekend | Knoxville Museum of Art | 07/11-07/12 | More Giant puppets marching to lively rhythms followed by cozy classic film screenings.

🎈 Kid A' Riffic Fun in the Park | West Hills Park | 07/15 | More 
Cheerful morning games and creative crafts alongside bustling local food trucks.

🍫 Hershey Park & Chocolate World Whirlwind | meet at Walmart Kinzel Way | 07/17-07/19 | More 
A chartered overnight bus journey packed with thrill rides and sweet adventures.

🎣 Tight Lines & Tall Tales | Sitka Store | 07/09 | More 
An engaging storytelling evening: fly-fishing river wisdom and backcountry art.

🌲 Terror in the Woods: Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Wrong Turn | Ijams Nature Center | 07/10 | More 
Chilling open-air cinema under the stars with craft brews and food trucks.

🔥 Live Glassblowing Demonstrations | Pretentious Glass Co. | 07/10-07/11 | More
Watch molten glass shaped by hand in the Old City hot shop.

🎷 Jazz on the Square | Market Square | 07/14 | More
Free Tuesday night jazz booked by Mark Boling Trio.

🍹 Grand Opening Event | Stem to Stem | 07/17 | More 
Cocktails paired with aromatic floral displays in a stylish new space.

🌊 Niagara Falls Whirlwind | meet at Walmart Kinzel Way | 07/17-07/19 | More 
An excursion to witness breathtaking natural wonders and evening fireworks.

Thanks for reading Our Newsletter! We’ll have more updates for you next week!

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