🫖 Matcha flights behind a secret door? Count us in.

You may have noticed things look a little different around here. We recently switched to a new newsletter tool to make things easier on our end, and it gave us a good excuse to freshen up the design too.

The content is still the same kind of stuff you’re used to, but the new format lets us make the newsletter a little cleaner, more visual, and more fun to read.

Be sure to check out the featured home section, we're pretty proud of it!

🎡 Fair Season heads back to Chilhowee Park

The Gist: The Tennessee Valley Fair is officially open at Chilhowee Park, running through Sept. 20 with classic rides, daily food vendors, and a full concert series featuring artists like T.I. and Tracy Byrd. Tickets range from $7 for kids to $46 for multi-passes, alongside special packages like a $22.95 combo ticket for a One Knoxville soccer match.

Why It Matters: Beyond the funnel cakes and Ferris wheel rides, it is a cherished tradition that directly supports our community. Proceeds from events like the Cotton Candy 5K go to the TN Valley Fair Foundation.

🍔 Could Pal's Sudden Service come to Knoxville?

The Gist: Property records show Cro-Bar, LLC, an affiliate of Kingsport-based Pal's Sudden Service, purchased a vacant plot at 7602 Strawberry Plains Pike near I-40 in May 2026. While buying the land does not guarantee construction, the regional favorite has operated its iconic, brightly decorated drive-thrus across 31 locations since 1956.

Why It Matters: A new location would finally bring the beloved fast-food chain into Knox County. Local fans would no longer have to drive out to Jefferson City or Morristown just to grab Frenchie Fries and a hamburger.

🍵 Matcha flights, secret lounges, and community

Bestia Blooms Café has quickly transformed its West Street space into a vibrant neighborhood fixture. Beyond the leafy outdoor deck lies a secret door lounge, house-made syrups, and early 7 AM doors for morning runs.

Drinks range from build-your-own matcha flights to a seasonal strawberry horchata matcha topped with cold foam. With book exchanges, mobile ordering, and community markets featuring local vendors and salsa dancing, it easily feels like home base.

🏋️ A gym where everybody knows your name

Landing Health & Performance gives South Knoxville a refreshing alternative to standard gyms. The real pull is the intentional setup: instead of guessing your way through a workout, coaches guide purposeful, cycle-based programming like BASE, BUILD, and PERFORM. From semi-private training for busy adults to teen athletic development and Thrive for adults 55+, everything runs on flexible month-to-month memberships without long-term commitments.