🧁 Cookies, culture, cold drinks & a Knoxville kind of weekend

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The subs have been rolling in, and we’re inching closer to 10k readers. That’s wild. Big thanks to everyone sharing the love, hitting forward, and telling your friends.

We’re keeping things local and lively this week: rivers running smooth, rooftops with views, and a tiny home story that'll hit you right in the heart. Knoxville shows up, and we love to see it!

Recommended

🍪 Myrtle’s Bakehouse

If you think you know cookies, Myrtle’s Bakehouse will make you think again. From their cheerful corner inside Kern’s Food Hall (and at the Market Square Farmers Market), they turn out nearly half-pound creations that are as beautiful as they are downright satisfying.

Local favorites like the tangy Lemon, peanut-buttery Marble City, and chocolate-loaded High Five are worth planning your visit around, because these treats have a way of selling out before the day’s done. Learn more here.

🍿 Proper Popcorn

The moment you enter Proper Popcorn, you’re met with a warm, buttery aroma that’s hard to resist. This Knoxville favorite serves more than 50 small-batch flavors, from creamy cheddar to tangy dill pickle, all made with non-GMO kernels.

Samples are part of the fun, and the friendly team offers recommendations that hit just right. With vintage sodas, playful gifts, and a true local feel, it’s a place worth savoring. Learn more here.

• $2,880,000

• 4 beds

• 3 baths

• 6,033 sqft

• 2,178 Square Feet Lot

A Knoxville landmark reimagined. The Ely Building offers luminous living with white oak floors, marble details, and a steel staircase centerpiece. Enjoy a rooftop terrace with skyline views plus flexible space for home, office, or income. View property here.

🏡 Veteran Wins Tiny Home, Gives It to a Friend

The Gist: Retired Air Force Master Sgt. Bill Hobbs of South Knoxville won the “Tiny Home for a Hero” contest, taking home a fully furnished 300-square-foot house, plus gift vouchers and a check. Instead of keeping the prize, Hobbs is giving the home to his longtime friend and fellow veteran, Everett Norris, who recently lost his wife and gave his own house to family.

Why It Matters: A win for one veteran turned into a blessing for another, showing the power of friendship and generosity in our community. Know more here.

🚤 TVA Says River Running Smooth After Local Downpours

The Gist: Heavy downpours across East Tennessee last week brought more than six inches of rain in some spots, but the TVA says the Tennessee River system hasn’t been impacted. Local flooding was mostly confined to creeks, streams, and a few roadways around Chattanooga, while the nine main river dams from Knoxville to Paducah remained unchanged.

Why It Matters: Neighbors near smaller waterways may still notice higher levels, but the Tennessee River is flowing steady and strong. Read more here.

✨ Neon Glow Party | Ball Camp Park | Knoxville | 08/22 | More
Foam pits and splatter/neon body-paint stations: wear something bright!

🥨 11th GermanFest | First Lutheran Church and School | Knoxville | 08/23 | More
Family fun all day with kids’ games, church tours, and sing-along moments!

🌇 Sunset On Central | Filling Station | Knoxville | 08/23 | More
Roll through food trucks, local vendors, and after-parties: grab a bite & stake a spot!

❤️‍🔥 12th Asian Festival | Worlds Fair Park Drive | Knoxville | 08/24 | More
Parade kicks off at 10:30 on the lawn, then a full day of culture, bites, and music.

🏍️ Weenies on the Walkway | Harley-Davidson Clinton Hwy | Knoxville | 08/23 | More
Hot dogs on the grill, cold drinks, chips, and easy sidewalk hang with the H-D crew.

💥 TableTopKnox | Hi-Wire Brewing | Knoxville | 08/26 | More
South Knox vibes: rooftop views of downtown and dog-friendly taproom.

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