Monthly Archives: June 2009

Haslam event nets record donors, funny moments

The fund-raiser Jim and Kay Clayton hosted at their Sequoyah Hills home Monday for Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam’s gubernatorial run raised more than $200,000 and broke a record: More individuals have contributed to the Haslam campaign than have ever given … Continue reading

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Why I love downtown life

One of the questions Alan and I are most frequently asked by our suburban friends is this: What’s the big deal about living downtown? You can do the same things in West Knoxville as you can do there. Our answer: … Continue reading

Filed under: Downtown, Knoxville | 10 Comments

Owners ask: What will make “The Met” special?

The folks behind the Metropolitan Plaza development in downtown Knoxville are taking a unique approach in planning what amenities it should include. They are asking potential customers. Earlier this week, the developers, Nick, Justin and Ryan Cazana of Commercial and … Continue reading

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Downtown’s big loss: several stalwarts departing

One of downtown Knoxville’s most familiar sights – lawyer Dennis McCarthy walking his adorable beagle, Lily – is about to be just a memory. Dennis and his wife, Judy, are leaving downtown to move to a farmhouse in Loudon County. … Continue reading

Filed under: Downtown, Historic preservation, Knoxville | 7 Comments

Wine-ding down on Cherokee Boulevard

In Napa or Sonoma, you might own an entire vineyard. But in Burgundy, France, you are more likely to own a few rows in a vineyard. That’s why some of the best French wines are produced in miniscule amounts. That’s … Continue reading

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Bruce Pearl to grads: This is not a dress rehearsal

When Bruce Pearl arrived in Knoxville in 2005 to take over the men’s basketball program at the University of Tennessee, he quickly identified his biggest problem: expectations were too low. He raised them. Since then, Pearl has presided over the … Continue reading

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“Bonnaroo Light” satisfies in its own unique way

“Leave your cell phones on because they don’t work here anyway! Isn’t it wonderful?” “Apply an extra layer of sunscreen – even if you just put some on.” “Drink some water – even if you’re not thirsty!” Welcome to what … Continue reading

Filed under: Events, Historic preservation, Knoxville, Music | 5 Comments

Sundown controversy mars my party plans

The argument over whether Sundown in the City is good for downtown Knoxville’s Market Square is about to ruin a party I’m planning – and I’m not happy about it. The problem: I have friends on both sides of the … Continue reading

Filed under: Downtown, Events, Knoxville, Music | 15 Comments

Special love story holds valuable lessons

Last Saturday evening, J. and Marion Allan were sitting on the porch of their home in Powell shortly before dinner. Eighty-year-old J. told Marion, his wife of just two years, that these were the happiest days of his life. And … Continue reading

Filed under: Uncategorized | 9 Comments