Category Archives: Downtown

Partying with the preservationists!

For 50 years now, starting with the Bijou Theatre, Knox Heritage has been working to preserve historic buildings in the Greater Knoxville area. As someone who lives downtown and who is actively involved with the annual Big Ears Festival, I … Continue reading

Filed under: Downtown, Events, Historic preservation | 4 Comments

The biggest star of the Big Ears Festival? Knoxville.

The 11th Big Ears festival ended its 4-day run late Sunday and one thing was very clear. Although there were quite a few musical and creative luminaries on the playbill, the biggest star of all was the city of Knoxville. … Continue reading

Filed under: Downtown, Knoxville, Music | 6 Comments

Beloved manager of downtown theaters retires big!

The hardest working man in show business retired earlier this month and, boy, what a party that generated! Tom Bugg was general manager of both the Bijou and Tennessee Theatres for nearly two decades doing everything from dealing with artists … Continue reading

Filed under: Downtown, Events, Knoxville, Theater | 5 Comments

Celebrating an old building and a slightly younger man!

There were so many reasons to celebrate that we just HAD to have a little drop-in party last Friday to raise a glass. Here are some of them: My new office building, the beautiful, historic Arcade Building on Gay Street … Continue reading

Filed under: Downtown, Events, Historic preservation | 18 Comments

“A Michelin-quality meal” — without a plane flight!

I understand how paying $296 per plate for dinner in Knoxville, TN, might seem a bit extravagant. But my friends and I felt like we got a bargain when we shelled out that amount for New Year’s Eve dinner (and … Continue reading

Filed under: Business, Downtown, Food, Uncategorized | 6 Comments

Lilou: A trip to France in downtown Knoxville

Bon appetit! Welcome to downtown Knoxville’s first upscale full-on French restaurant. Lilou, located at 428 S. Gay Street, will open to the general public on Jan. 4. It already is taking reservations. After attending a “friends and family” soft opening … Continue reading

Filed under: Business, Downtown, Food | 13 Comments

Martinis at the Mansion: Cheers to William Blount!

I love a martini. Especially if it’s for a good cause! So “Martinis at the Mansion” was the perfect place for us last Thursday. It was a fundraiser for Blount Mansion — “the birthplace of Tennessee” — and it was … Continue reading

Filed under: Downtown, Events, Historic preservation, Knoxville | 2 Comments

A progressive dinner for history

A group of downtown friends has been hosting progressive dinners for more than 10 years now. It started as a way to enjoy each others’ condos and invite guests to come see what downtown living was like. We usually had … Continue reading

Filed under: Downtown, Events, Food, Knoxville | 8 Comments

‘Lobster Roll Night’ at J.C. Holdway: damn good!

I am writing this blog post against my better judgment. I like to share great Knoxville experiences with everyone. But, on the other hand, when those experiences are very limited, I don’t want to create so much demand that I … Continue reading

Filed under: Downtown, Food, Knoxville | 10 Comments

Wine, moonshine and help for our neighbors

Volunteer Ministry Center, a non-profit organization founded more than 35 years ago to prevent and end homelessness, has found a way to combine fun and fundraising — and honor a longtime benefactor in the process. The group recently hosted the … Continue reading

Filed under: Downtown, Events, Food, Knoxville | 4 Comments