Tag Archives: Natalie Haslam

‘We are going to be dreaming big.’

That’s what just-hired UT-Knoxville Chancellor Donde Plowman announced recently at a community reception held in her honor at the beautiful new Student Union on the University of Tennessee campus. The reception, sponsored by Pilot Flying J, Cherokee Distributing Company, The … Continue reading

Filed under: Business, Knoxville | 4 Comments

Dining on pinto beans at Blackberry Farm. No kidding.

Blackberry Farm, of course, is the elegantly rustic Relais & Chateaux property located on 4,200 acres in Walland adjacent to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. A 45-minute drive from downtown Knoxville, it features gourmet dining as well as rooms … Continue reading

Filed under: Events, Food, Music | 6 Comments

Chopin and champagne: as elegant as it gets

For a few idyllic hours on this past rainy Sunday, a couple dozen music lovers were transported from West Knoxville to a lovely salon in mid-19th century Paris by virtue of music, dainty nibbles and flowing champagne served in fine … Continue reading

Filed under: Events, Food, Knoxville, Music | 5 Comments

Testerman for Council: Make the best better!

It seemed like a good excuse for a party. Our friend Janet Testerman is running for an at-large seat on Knoxville City Council and needed a fun fundraiser. We have our new condo downtown that we haven’t yet occupied. (I … Continue reading

Filed under: Downtown, Events, Food, Knoxville, Politics | 7 Comments

A light goes out in Knoxville, but look for the signs

I was at a Knox County Commission meeting last week when I began receiving worried text messages and, ultimately, a phone call with the news about the incomparable Mickey Mallonee’s passing. Mickey has been a wonderful part of my and … Continue reading

Filed under: Events, Knoxville, Public Relations | 20 Comments

Natalie Haslam: East Tennessean of the Year

The East Tennessee Historical Society honored Natalie Haslam last week with its highest honor. She was named East Tennessean of the Year and feted during a sold-out banquet at Cherokee Country Club. She was surrounded by friends and family members … Continue reading

Filed under: Events, Historic preservation, Knoxville | 11 Comments

Governor Bill Haslam: It’s been the honor of a lifetime.

With exactly 100 days left in his term of office (as of today), Gov. Bill Haslam and his wife, Crissy, last night had a casual chat with 100 or so community leaders who are the biggest donors to the United … Continue reading

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A good ‘thyme’ at the UT Gardens Gala

Well, it’s officially garden party season in East Tennessee. One of the first and largest of them is the UT Gardens Gala held in the sprawling UT Gardens — yep, the ones you pass on Neyland Drive on your route … Continue reading

Filed under: Events, Food, Knoxville | 5 Comments

Ken Burns: U.S. needs ‘less pluribus; more unum’

Historian Ken Burns was in Knoxville recently, appearing on behalf of the East Tennessee Historical Society and Lincoln Memorial University’s Duncan School of Law. The $300 per seat dinner at the downtown Hilton featuring Gov. Bill Haslam interviewing Burns was … Continue reading

Filed under: Downtown, Events, Journalism, Knoxville, Media | 4 Comments

Notable night with two of Knoxville’s biggest stars: Chris Blue and the tantalizing Tennessee Theatre

Of course, Knoxville’s newest star, Chris Blue, is a great draw for a fundraiser — even at $400 per ticket. But another element that made the Stars on Stage event so successful last Sunday was the unique chance to eat … Continue reading

Filed under: Downtown, Events, Food, Historic preservation, Knoxville, Music | 4 Comments