🌲 Last-minute spring break plans that beat the couch!

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We have been hearing from more of you lately, and we love it! From restaurant tips to favorite trails, it is clear everyone is ready to be out and about again.

This Scoop pulls together a little bit of everything, including a new patio worth checking out and some easy ways to enjoy the outdoors. Keep the recommendations coming, we are always listening.

🥭 Mango aguachile and sunny patio sessions

Just in time for the spring thaw, Casa Mar has opened its doors on Kingston Pike with a bright, seafood-forward energy. It simply is a breath of fresh air, especially when the Mariachi band is in full swing and the patio is buzzing.

The Mango Aguachile is the early standout: vibrant, crisp, and exactly what March in Tennessee calls for. It is a polished, welcoming spot that brings a much-needed splash of coastal flavor to the neighborhood.

🌲 High altitude fun for the whole crew

Navitat Knoxville is the perfect way to spend those long spring break afternoons when the humidity is low and the forest is just about waking up. Tucked into the lush acreage of Ijams Nature Center, these trails through the canopy offer everything from gentle zips to rigorous climbs that leave your forearms humming.

They have seasoned pros helping nervous climbers find their footing, especially on the challenging purple course. If you want to see the woods transformed, the night climbs use glowing lights to guide you through the branches.

Just don't forget a few dollars for parking and a tip for the guides who keep everything moving smoothly!

🎷 Big Ears brings a big boost to Knoxville

The Gist: Downtown is sure to be buzzing as the Big Ears Festival returns from March 26 to 29. Beyond the world class music, the event pours millions into our local economy by partnering with neighborhood bistros, bike shops, and printers. From extra KAT buses on the streets to hands on training for local college students, the festival’s footprint helps our community shine long after the final encore.

Why It Matters: Supporting this event means reinvesting in the local shops and creators who make our city a vibrant place to live all year round. The festival kicks off Thursday, March 26, with local restaurants extending their hours to welcome the crowds.

🥾 Spring Hikes in Our State Parks

The Gist: Tennessee State Parks will host free guided hikes on March 21 to celebrate the new season. Park staff will lead various treks through local spots like Seven Islands State Birding Park and Panther Creek. These outings range from short walks to all day adventures, focusing on the unique nature and history of each area.

Why It Matters: It is a simple way to enjoy the fresh air and explore the beautiful landscapes in our own backyard. If you plan to go, wear closed toe shoes and bring water. Registration is available online through the state park schedule.

🐾 Regal is two-year-old Terrier mix weighing 63 pounds

This sturdy tan fellow is the perfect companion for brisk morning walks through our East Tennessee neighborhoods. He is already neutered, fully vaccinated, and ready to settle in.

While he needs a home without cats, he is famously friendly with other dogs and brings a calm, reliable energy to every room he enters. The adoption fee is $150.00 through the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley.

To learn more about this handsome boy,

🍦 Free Cone Day | Dairy Queen | Knoxville | 03/19 | More 
Enjoy a complimentary small vanilla soft-serve cone to celebrate the arrival of spring.

🎨 Family Fun Day | Knoxville Museum of Art | Knoxville | 03/21 | More 
Creative hands-on art activities and live entertainment for curious young minds.

🥚 Easter Egg-stravaganza Hunt | Painted Tree Boutiques | Knoxville | 03/21 | More
Search for hidden eggs while shopping local vendors for a $100 prize.

📖 Family Program: A Celebration of Storytelling | McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture | Knoxville | 03/21 | More 
Immersive cultural tales and vibrant narratives in a historic museum setting.

📽️ Banff Mountain Film Festival | Bijou Theatre | Knoxville | 03/23-03/24 | More
Outdoor cinematography showcasing global adventure and majestic mountain landscapes.

🤖 Tech Time! | Muse Knoxville | Knoxville | 03/25 | More 
Coding and circuit exploration for curious young minds.

🎸 Old Crow Medicine Show | Tennessee Theatre | Knoxville | 03/20 | More 
Rowdy string band energy with soulful Appalachian roots.

🎤 Lily Rose: I Know What I Want Tour | The Mill & Mine | Knoxville | 03/21 | More
Empowering pop-country anthems with bold vocals and high-octane modern energy!

🪄 Lucy Darling: Simply Darling | Tennessee Theatre | Knoxville | 03/21 | More 
Elegant show blending sharp-witted comedy, skillful magic, and cocktail-hour mischief.

💆 Partner’s Thai Massage for Readers | Fable Hollow Coffee and Bookshoppe | Knoxville | 03/22 | More 
Wellness workshop teaching therapeutic stretches to soothe book-loving aches and pains.

🎭 The Royale | The Jenny Boyd Theatre | Knoxville | 03/25-04/12 | More 
Poignant and powerful stage drama exploring history and human resilience.

🎺 Big Ears Festival | Various Downtown Venues | Knoxville | 03/26-03/29 | More 
Avant-garde musical exploration and artistic discovery across the historic downtown.