✈️ Memphis to Knoxville and back: no gas stops, just go!

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Big shoutout to everyone who’s been sharing this newsletter with friends lately: we see you, and we appreciate it! More readers means more love for local businesses, more rescue pups finding homes, and more reasons to keep doing this every week.

If you’re new here, welcome. If you’ve been here a while, thank you!

Now let’s get into the good stuff.

🥯 Where Babka Meets the Smokies

Potchke Deli feels like stumbling into your grandma’s kitchen, if your grandma had a flair for retro charm and a knack for modern twists.

From smoky whitefish salad tucked into a cloudlike bialy to matzoh ball soup that warms you clear through, every dish feels both comforting and fresh. The lox bagel alone is worth the trip.

With cheerful staff and local art lining the walls, this deli is pure Knoxville soul, served on a plate. Learn more here.

🪙 A Treasure Trove at Kern’s

Mellow has the spirit of a modern-day curiosity shop, only with better lighting and friendlier faces.

Lauren and Jessica fill their shelves with pieces that surprise you: a lavender vase in just the right shade, mugs that spark conversation, jewelry that manages to be playful and polished, even a speaker disguised as a record player.

You might walk in hunting for a gift, but odds are you’ll walk out with a story. Learn more here.

🛫 Memphis to Knoxville, No Pit Stops Needed

The Gist: Allegiant Air has kicked off a new seasonal nonstop flight connecting Memphis International and Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson airports. The first flight touched down in Knoxville September 4 at 7:59 pm, with the return leaving Memphis at 8:49 pm. The route will run through December 1, giving travelers, especially UT students and alumni in Memphis, a quick and affordable alternative to the long drive.

Why It Matters: This is the only nonstop service between the two cities, making weekend visits, football games, and holiday trips a whole lot easier. Read more here.

🚧 Final Weekend Closure on I-275 in Knoxville

The Gist: I-275 near downtown Knoxville will close from 7 p.m. Friday until 6 a.m. Monday as TDOT crews finish replacing the bridge over Elm Street and Bernard Avenue. This marks the third and final weekend of work, following earlier closures in July. Crews are using accelerated construction methods to speed things along.

Why It Matters: Drivers headed through downtown should plan ahead and use I-40 or I-640 as detours. This closure should wrap up the long-running project. Read more here.

Meet Draco, a 3-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix with a big heart!

Weighing in at 51 pounds, this handsome guy is equal parts goofball and cuddlebug. Draco adores attention, especially booty scratches, and thrives in a home where he can be the star of the show as the only pet.

He’ll do best with a fenced yard or a strong leash handler, and older kids (13+) would be a great match. Fully sponsored, Draco’s adoption fee is waived!

To learn more about this handsome boy, click HERE.

🍇 Greek Fest 2025 | St. George Greek Orthodox | Knoxville | 09/26–09/28 | More
A Knoxville tradition since 1977: enjoy Greek cuisine, culture, and so much more!

🎶 Fall Fest | SouthEast Bank – Fountain City | Knoxville | 09/27 | More
Community event with live music, kids’ activities, and a food drive for Second Harvest.

⚡ Knoxville Drive Electric Festival | Pellissippi State CC | Knoxville | 09/27 | More
See 40+ electric cars, trucks, bikes & buses, plus test drives, live blues, and family fun.

💄 Beauty Explorers Day | Tennessee School of Beauty | Knoxville | 09/27 | More
Kids ages 6–13 enjoy hands-on hairstyling, makeup, and skincare workshops!

❤️ Heart Walk | Zoo Knoxville | Knoxville | 09/27 | More
Walk for heart health and enjoy free zoo admission while supporting lifesaving research.

🎉 HoLa! Festival | World’s Fair Park – Performance Lawn | Knoxville | 09/27–09/28 | More
Celebrate Hispanic & Latinx culture with food, music, dancing, art, and Parade of Nations.

🎶 Oktoberfest | Schulz Bräu Brewing Co. | Knoxville | until 10/12 | More
Authentic Munich brews, steinholding contests, and polka bands bring Bavaria here!

🏁 Mario Kart Tournament + Tattoos | Idle Hands Tattoo | Knoxville | 09/26 | More
Compete in heats, cosplay it up, and win swag, giveaways, or even free tattoo time.

🎤 Punk Rock Flea Market | The Mill & Mine | Knoxville | 09/27 | More
All-ages punk party with local bands, DIY vendors, and festival vibes till 9PM.

🥒 Wickles Pickle Party | Hi-Wire Brewing | Knoxville | 09/27 | More
Sour brews, pickle flights, BBQ, and the UT game on the big screen: dill-icious fun all day.

🍷 Green Thumb Gala | Botanical Garden | Knoxville | 09/28 | More
A magical night in the Secret Garden featuring food, music, & unique auction experiences.

🚲 WDVX Fundraiser & Beer Market @ 10 | Trailhead | Knoxville | 09/28 | More
Celebrate with free live shows, bike activities, a float parade, and great eats & drinks.

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