Surface Doc

Reclaim Your Tile & Grout Floors

BY CHRISTINA FITZWILLIAM, CO-OWNER OF SURFACE DOC, INC.

IF YOUR FLOORS are dingy no matter how much you clean them, we can help!

Did you know that the more often you clean your tile and grout floors, the dingier and dirtier they appear? Over time, dirt and contaminants are absorbed into the porous surfaces of your floor. Cleaning chemicals often have the same effect. Your floor acts as a sponge and absorbs all sorts of foreign matter and locks it deep within where no amount of scrubbing will help its appearance. The unsuspecting homeowner will often try all sorts of cleaning chemicals in hopes of success, all the while making it worse. Sadly, traditional cleaning methods simply are not able to extract the grime that is embedded in your surfaces. If you are wondering how dirty your floors really are, simply compare the grout in an unused corner to the rest of the floor. You may be shocked.

It takes a three-step process to extract the grime embedded below the surface. High heat opens the pores in your floor. Powerful suction draws the dirt out to be whisked away. High pressure and a quality emulsifier are also needed to complete the process of removing all the junk below the surface. ONLY the perfect combination of heat, extraction, and pressure will be effective.

Many homeowners opt to have their newly cleaned floors sealed. Surface Doc’s sealer provides the ultimate protection for most hard surfaces, including natural stone floors, tile and grout, and concrete. The sealer’s molecules penetrate deep within and bond permanently together, creating a deep barrier of protection.

John and his crew are experts at cleaning inside and out. They can tackle the biggest jobs, from kitchens and bathrooms to the driveway, pool, and deck. Surface Doc has become the leader in this area for hard surface restoration, as well as carpet restoration. The estimate is free, and the service is affordable and effective. Visit www.surfacedoc.com to see before and after photos, as well as streaming videos of John’s cleaning tools in action. Give Surface Doc a call today to request a free, no hassle home demonstration.

We Light Up Your Nights

BY HEATH MYRICK, OWNER OF LIGHTHOUSE OUTDOOR LIGHTING - KNOXVILLE

WHETHER YOU HAVE recently built your dream home or if you are busy updating your newly acquired existing home, each of us has a goal of accentuating the many positive features of our home’s exterior architecture and landscaping plan. But at night, most people passing by will only see a few of these otherwise unique characteristics of your home dimly illuminated by the entrance and garage door lighting. Sadly, your home’s unique character, which likely is even more dramatic at night, is hidden under the cover of darkness.

At Lighthouse Outdoor Lighting, we can help you light up your nights. We’ll help you transform your dimly lighted home into a spectacular panorama that accentuates all of the qualities that truly makes your home and its surrounding landscape unique.

Rated number one in the nation, our architectural and landscaping lighting designers represent a team of trained, certified, and award-winning consultants recognized among their peers as leaders within the lighting industry. We offer homeowners a complete turnkey experience, including design, sales, installation, service, and maintenance. Also, each of our exterior fixtures is designed and manufactured by us from solid cast brass.

From project conception all the way through finished installation, you will discover a level of personal service that is uncommon in today’s hurried world. And the only thing our expert installation team leaves behind is your new work of art – your lighting masterpiece – all backed up by one of the best warranties in the marketplace.

You’ve seen how dramatic other homes look at night. Isn’t it time you discover just how Lighthouse Outdoor Lighting can light up your nights? Why not let our designers demonstrate how you can capture your home’s dramatic visual appeal? You’ll see your home in an entirely new way as brilliant sunlight transitions into your nightscaping® landscape and architectural lighting design. Call me today to discover for yourself just how a landscape and architectural lighting plan from Lighthouse Outdoor Lighting can transform your home’s nighttime appearance from dull and dreary to a dramatic showcase look.

Lighthouse Outdoor Lighting of Knoxville

11519 Kingston Pike, Suite 156 Knoxville, TN 37934 865.484.4011 Lighthouse-Lights.com/Knoxville

Turning Chaos into Calm

IS YOUR CLOSET a jungle of clothes? Here is the thing about cluttered closets: Most people think of closets as “out of sight, out of mind.” Just close the door. Nobody will see it. However, YOU see it!

There’s lost time scouring the closet for missing items and a financial drain of replacing things you can’t find. In fact, research shows there is a physiological impact as well. If you’ve got closet clutter, you’ll experience negativity and frustration because of the physical chaos.

“If your closet is organized and everything is easy to find, it starts the day on a positive note,” said Kathryn Norton, co-owner of Tailored Living of Knoxville. “Having a closet designed for your specific needs is worth the time and investment.”

When it comes to closet design and features, depending on the size of your closet, there are probably more options available than most people realize. Besides rods to hang your clothes, some of the most common features people want in their closets are:

Dedicated Shoe Storage

Shelving for shoes makes it easy to see each pair you own instead of constantly bending down and searching the floor for the match to the shoe you want. Slanted shoe racks are one of the most popular ways to store shoes since it is easy to see each pair. Straight traditional shelving provides easier adjustability when you need to transition from winter boots to flip-flops.

Drawers

Once considered a luxury, drawers in a closet are now part of a basic design. Drawers not only increase storage inside the closet, but they allow you to get dressed without having to walk back and forth, back and forth, from your closet to a dresser in the bedroom. Keeping all your clothes in one place is definitely a time saver. And, of course, while shelves and hanging rods put your shoes or clothes on display, drawers conceal items - an essential for things like underwear and pajamas.

Accessory Display and Storage

If you don’t have the proper storage for items like jewelry, belts, and other accessories, they often get lost or they’re hard to find when you want them. For jewelry, a dedicated lined drawer with compartments keeps jewelry organized and away from damaging dust. Jewelry drawers can also have locks installed. The most popular accessory is a slide-out valet rod mounted to the side of a panel. It serves as a temporary place to hang clothes as you move them around or place your next-day clothes at night on the valet rod to make getting ready in the morning even faster.

Tailored Living of Knoxville can help you discover closet organization that brings calm to the chaos.

Tailored Living

865.947.8686 TailoredLivingKnoxville.com

INSIGHTS&HIGHLIGHTS

PREMIERE CONSIGNMENT

First produced in 1999 and retired in 2009, this lovely Lladrό “Declaration of Love” handmade porcelain figurine measures 13 1/2" high x 7 3/4" wide x 5" deep at the base, making it the perfect gift for a couple about to be wed or for an anniversary. Available at Premiere Consignment, 320 Lakeside Plaza in Tellico Village, 865.458.9721, PremiereConsignment.com.

DECORATING DEN INTERIORS

This cathedral style arch mirror is made of lightly burnished, reclaimed pine with a light gray wash, accented with hand forged, wrought iron details. Available at Decorating Den Interiors | Kozar Design Team, 521 Lovell Road, Suite 205 in Knoxville, 865.392.6222, SandyKozar.DecoratingDen.com.

MEADOW VIEW GREENHOUSES & GARDEN CENTER

Wouldn’t your little garden helper love one of these adorable Sunny Patch Watering Cans by Melissa & Doug®. Available in a variety of styles at Meadow View Greenhouses & Garden Center, 9885 Highway 11E in Lenoir City, 865.986.7229, MeadowViewGreenhouse.com.

Bring in the sounds of a spring breeze with aluminum wind chimes available in two sizes. For a light gentle sound, the 24" is perfect; for a bolder sound, try the 38" (from hanger to weight). Available at The Town Framery & Gifts, 12814 Kingston Pike in Farragut, 865.671.6627, TheTownFramery.com.

DESIGN DECOR

The stars and stripes are shining bright with this lighted flag. It’s the perfect piece for patriotic parties this July 4th. Available at Design Decor, 627 American Glass Way in Knoxville, 865.769.0039, DesignDecorKnoxville.com.

NOUVEAU CLASSICS

Tactile and plush burnout velvet pillows are available in a rainbow of colors and creative designs at Nouveau Classics Contemporary Furniture & Interior Design, 101 S Gay Street in Knoxville, 865.525.4755, NouveauClassics.com.

2022-23 Could Be the Most Exciting Season Yet

New subscription packages go on sale June 27

THE EXCITEMENT, emotion, and energy of Broadway reaches new heights at the Tennessee Theatre with a 2022-2023 lineup poised to entertain and delight. With six titles and a total of 56 performances, the complete lineup of the upcoming season of Broadway at the Tennessee Theatre includes: • Dear Evan Hansen Nov. 15-20 (8 performances) • Jesus Christ Superstar Nov. 29-

Dec. 4 (8 performances) • Tootsie Jan. 3-8, 2023 (8 performances) • Hamilton Feb. 7-19, 2023 (16 performances) • CATS April 11-16, 2023 (8 performances)

• Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and

Times of the Temptations July 18-23, 2023 (5 performances)

In addition, the Tennessee Theatre has released a sneak peek of the 2023-2024 season, revealing that the lineup will include the smash hit WICKED. The best way to guarantee tickets to WICKED is to purchase a season package for the 20222023 season. Subscribers will then have the opportunity to renew for the 2023-2024 season and can secure their seats for WICKED before tickets become available to the general public.

Starting June 27, subscription packages go on sale to the public. Subscriber benefits include first notification of season lineups, the opportunity to purchase tickets to shows before the general public, reduced ticket fees and the best available prices of the season.

To renew a current subscription now through June 24 or to purchase a new subscription starting June 27, call the Tennessee Theatre box office at 865-684-1200, ext. 2, or visit the Clinch Ave. box office in person Monday - Friday from 10 am to 5 pm.

Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album, Dear Evan Hansen is the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it. The Washington Post calls it “Theatrical magic. One of the most remarkable shows in musical theater history.”

With lyrics and music by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, Jesus Christ Superstar is a theater classic set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Judas. This production pays tribute to the historic 1971 Billboard Album of the Year while creating a modern, theatrical world that is uniquely fresh and inspiring.

A laugh-out-loud love letter to the theater, Tootsie is the story of Michael Dorsey, a talented but difficult actor who struggles to find work until one show-stopping act of desperation lands him the role of a lifetime. Tootsie is a joyful delight. Hamilton is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hiphop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, Hamilton has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre - a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. Audiences and critics alike are rediscovering the beloved musical CATS with breathtaking music, including one of the most treasured songs in musical theater, “Memory.” CATS tells the story " roadway at the Tennessee is expanding of one magical night when an each year, entertaining thousands of returning and new patrons at Knoxville’s extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn. Grand Entertainment Palace. As our Broadway The original score, scenic, and cosseries continues to grow, we are able to attract bigger titles for more performances, tume design are combined with all-new lighting and sound design and updated choreography and ensuring that more people have the chance direction to make this new producto experience and enjoy the best of touring Broadway right here in Knoxville. tion for a new generation. Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations is the Becky Hancock, Tennessee Theatre Executive Director electrifying new smash-hit Broadway musical that follows The Temptations’ extraordinary journey from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Nominated for 12 Tony Awards® and the winner of the 2019 Tony Award® for Best Choreography, it’s a thrilling story of brotherhood, family, loyalty, and betrayal during a decade of civil unrest in America. Set to the beat of the group’s treasured hits, Ain’t Too Proud tells the unforgettable story of the legendary quintet that Billboard Magazine named the greatest R&B group of all time. But wait…there’s even more! The Tennessee Theatre announced that in addition to the 2022-23 Broadway season titles, 9 to 5 The Musical will be a featured add-on show! This smash-hit musical features an Oscar, Grammy, and Tony nominated score by the Queen of Country herself, Dolly Parton. 9 to 5 The Musical tells the story of three co-workers pushed to the boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. Inspired by the iconic ’80s film and brought to you by Dolly herself, this hilarious new production is about teaming up, standing up, and taking care of business! While 9 to 5 The Musical is not included in the 2022-23 subscription season, this show will go on sale in 2023 and subscribers will have early access to tickets. For more information, please visit TennesseeTheatre.com.

BY CARRIE MCCONKEY, WWW.CARRIEMCCONKEY.COM

AS MANY homeowners choose to renovate their homes due to Knoxville’s competitive housing market, garage updates have become a creative and economical way to add square footage to their living space. The perfect first step is to install an epoxy polyaspartic floor. Learn more about this popular flooring choice, along with the many “room additions” you can make to spice up your own abode.

Home Office

If remote working has become a permanent option for you, transform your garage into an attractive and functional home office with an epoxy/poly floor.

Gym

Installing a home gym is a great way to save on membership fees, and a durable epoxy/ poly floor will absorb the shock of dropped weights. (Just watch out for your toes!)

Children’s Play Area

Impervious to Kool-Aid, finger paints, or Play-Doh, an easy-to-clean epoxy/poly garage floor gives your kids (and you) something to smile about.

Family Room

For TV watching, movie streaming, or impromptu dance parties, your garage can become a gathering place with a poly/epoxy floor that takes just one to two days to install.

Entertainment Space

Don’t worry if someone spills a drink at the party - indoor entertaining in an outdoor environment is easy with a stain-resistant epoxy/poly garage floor.

Give your family more space to work, play, and relax with an updated garage. Contact Designer Garages today for a free consultation, and make the transformation complete by adding custom cabinetry and slatwall to add useful new space to your existing home.

Designer Garages

201 Center Park Drive, #1070 Knoxville, TN 37922 865.268.4868 DesignerGarages.com

Designer’s Choice: Top 3 Closet Conveniences (and Beyond!)

BY CARRIE MCCONKEY, WWW.CARRIEMCCONKEY.COM

IN THE CLOSETS by McKenry West Knoxville showroom, you can explore full-size closet displays equipped with LED lighting, designer cabinet doors, and an endless array of shelving options. But with all that today’s wardrobe systems have to offer, where should you start? Read on to learn about Chris McKenry and his design team’s three most recommended closet conveniences (with a few more thrown in for good measure).

1. Valet Rod

After you’ve picked out and prepared clothes for a special occasion (or even the average workday), hang them up to keep them in view and wrinkle-free with a telescoping valet rod.

2. Jewelry Storage

Untangle those necklaces and match up your pairs of earrings in partitioned, velvet-lined drawers custom-designed to house your entire jewelry collection.

3. Clothes Hamper

At the end of a long day, change into something comfy in the privacy of your own closet, and keep the day’s dirty clothes off the floor with a convenient hamper.

More Closet Must-Haves:

• Retractable ironing board • Steamer cabinet • Full-length mirror • Motorized descending hanging rods • Tie or belt rack

“By adding any or all of these simple conveniences, you can maximize the versatility of your closet,” said Chris. “They will save you time and help you create a more organized life.”

Chris and his team invite you to schedule a free consultation to explore the world of closet systems. “We’re excited to show you our favorite features and to find out which ones will become yours,” said Chris.

Closets by McKenry

201 Center Park Drive, #1070 Knoxville, TN 37922 865.249.6382 ClosetsbyMcKenry.com

WHAT’S FOR DINNER? TIPS FOR MAXIMIZING LEFTOVERS

COURTESY OF BPT

LEFTOVERS ARE an easy solution to the common question, “What’s for dinner?” A recent survey found that 72% of Americans identify as pro-leftovers - but how can we cook and store these foods for maximum mealtime “yum” and less food waste? Whether you’re proleftovers all the way or need some convincing, follow the tips below for a more sustainable approach to enjoying meals.

Keep an organized fridge

An organized fridge is key to making the most of your leftovers and limiting food waste. Give your fridge interior a refresh so you can best find food items and develop a system that works for your family.

A recent Bosch survey found that 61% of people believe they would waste less food if their fridge had more useful storage capacity. Utilize flexible storage and shelving solutions (like the FlexBar from Bosch) to make space for taller items so every inch of your fridge interior is maximized.

Label your leftovers with the date they were made, and store them in airtight, glass containers. It’s easy to forget what’s in your fridge until it’s too late - glass storage containers are not only reusable and sustainable, but also allow you to see what’s inside.

Cook meals that you already know will make great leftovers

Many Americans choose their meals based on whether or not they will make good leftovers for future meals. In the survey, Americans noted that eggs and sushi are by far the worst things to keep as leftovers (42% and 33%), whereas soups (79%), meat (62%), and pasta (60%) are among some of the best leftovers. Rather than making that egg frittata for your at-home brunch, consider sweet potato hash browns or cheesy pasta bake that you can enjoy for days to come.

Treat “extras” as a foundation for new meals

For example, repurpose vegetable scraps to make a soup or stock. Toss extra carrots, onions, and the like in a gallon zip-top bag in the freezer. If you prepare twice the vegetables you’ll need for a meal, you’ll have a starting point for a soup or pasta salad later in the week, such as Leftovers Creamy Veggie Soup.

Maximize freshness with the right appliances

You can freeze leftovers if you want to extend their life for a longer period of time. An easy storage hack for leftover soup or sauce is to freeze them in muffin tins or ice cube trays for small portions to easily use for other meals.

When buying a refrigerator, choose one that features freshness technology specifically designed to extend the shelf life of your food. The Bosch French door bottom mount refrigerator with VitaFreshPro drawer optimizes both temperature and humidity to keep meat, fish, and produce fresher, longer.

Reheat your leftovers like a pro

There are a number of ways to best reheat leftovers, and 41% of survey respondents said reheating ability is a key factor that would incentivize them to eat more leftovers.

Your cooktop is a good method for making your leftovers feel like a brand-new meal. While microwaves are handy, they might give your leftovers an undesirable consistency, whereas cooking on the stovetop on low heat maintains its original taste and texture. You can also reheat leftovers on an induction cooktop or in an air fryer for fast reheating that ensures your leftovers don’t have any cold spots.

Steam cooking is another great way to reheat leftovers, as it retains nutrients, moisture, and the original integrity of your food. Try reheating foods like fish and veggies in a steam oven - your leftovers will always come out fresh and flavorful!

LEFTOVERS CREAMY VEGETABLE SOUP

By Teri Fisher (SpoonForkBacon.com), Bosch home appliances brand partner

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds vegetables (like carrots, potatoes, parsnips - anything really!) peeled and roughly chopped • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided, plus more for garnish • 3 shallots, chopped (or 1/2 yellow onion, chopped) • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 2 tablespoons minced thyme, plus more for garnish • 2 teaspoons cumin • 5 cups vegetable or chicken stock, plus a little extra as needed • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter • salt and pepper to taste • splash of cream, optional

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375º. Spread carrots (or root vegetable of choice) onto a baking sheet and toss in 2 tablespoons oil. Season with salt and pepper and spread into a single layer. Roast for 25-35 minutes or until fork tender, tossing around 15 minutes into the roasting process. Remove from oven.

Place Dutch oven onto stove over medium heat. Add remaining oil to pot. Add shallots (or onions) and garlic to pot and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, then add thyme and cumin and continue to sauté for 3 to 4 minutes. Next, add the roasted vegetables and stock to pot, simmer for 15 minutes.

Allow mixture to slightly cool. Carefully pour mixture into a blender (this can be done in batches), add butter, salt, and pepper, and puree - adding more stock if mixture is too thick - and continue to puree until smooth.

Pour mixture back into the pot and adjust seasonings. Simmer for about 5 minutes. Ladle into bowls and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and fresh thyme leaves. Serve.

AS A NEW “bonus dad,” I’m relatively new to the “dad game.” Still, I’ve been training for it for years... rocking New Balance 1990s, telling bad jokes, judging others’ grilling acumen, and a passion for a well-manicured yard. My beverage suggestions for Father’s Day are going to be focused on what’s on the menu.

BBQ

Even if underwear is labeled “one size fits most,” there is no one-size-fits-all beverage for BBQ. If you’re firing up the smoker, especially if you favor hickory wood, you’ll want to pair it with something that can go toe-totoe with the smoke flavor. My go-to would be a Miller Lite with a lime wedge, but if I’m looking to impress, I will snag a Trousseau. This is one of the few red wines served cold. They have a smidge of citrus. Its herbaceousness can take the place of a beer as a solid summertime BBQ drink. Trousseau goes with whatever you throw on the grill, pork, or red meat and will pair 10/10. • 2018 Domaine Rolet Pere & Fils Arbois

Trousseau – Jura, France ($23.99)

Burgers

There are very few things more dad than flipping burgers over a hot grill. I’m not going to get involved in the debate between cooking over charcoal and gas. The only thing you’ll want to avoid is turning that burger into a coal briquette. Those dads need to turn in their “grill card.” A burger should be big and bold with all the fixings… mayo, bacon, cheese with spicy mustard. There are many flavors in there, but you have to match the wine to the dominant flavor. Most people think of Argentina when they hear Malbec, but the varietal calls Southern France its home. Go with that. • 2018 Antisto Malbec Cahors – Cahors, France ($16.99)

Beer Can Chicken

Beer can chicken is always fun and depending on the beer you’re into, super flavorful. For this pairing, I’d suggest you cook the chicken with an IPA. The hoppiness will bring out the marinade and/or seasoning, and it’ll add another layer of flavor. You can either double down on the IPA or go with a Burgundian Chardonnay. I’d recommend something from Chablis. The minerality would pair well, and the structure of the wine would lead to one hell of a meal. • 2018 Jean Goulley Chablis – Chablis, France ($34.99)

I owe a lot to my dad, and I hope to be as good as a dad as him to my amazing bonus kiddos. Hopefully, I’m well on my way with my beard and a passion for ruling the grill whenever possible. Whatever you choose to drink, toast to good dads everywhere cause you wouldn’t be here without them. Cheers!

Always a Good Time for Dad’s Favorites

BY JEFF GOTCHER

Jeff Gotcher is a graduate of the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, member of the Wine Scholar Guild, and a winemaker who resides in Knoxville.

FINDING BEAUTY, HEALING, AND FRIENDSHIP IN Franklin

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY KRISTI PARSONS

“MY HUSBAND just retired from the military, and after being stationed in Southern California for 20 years, we made a crazy decision to move across the country, buy a farm, and build a naturebased glamping retreat.” That was my introduction to Jessica Merritt, founder of Nurture + Nature Retreat in Franklin, NC. The Merritt family also began Special Liberty Project, a non-profit that works to connect Gold Star Kids and Families, Wounded Warriors, and Veteran Suicide Spouses to the healing benefits of nature.

Jessica mentioned in her first message to me that she had been following along with my travels and wanted to know if I would be interested in visiting Nurture + Nature Retreat and possibly consider helping to share my experience. Two of the things I’m most passionate about are folks that chase their dreams and giving back to our communities, so less than a week later, I was making my way to Franklin, NC, for the first time.

I began my journey to Franklin with a sunrise at the top of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, explored the Kephart Prong Trail when I reached Oconaluftee, had breakfast in Cherokee, and then rolled into Dillsboro, NC. It was there that I finally met the beauty of the Tuckasegee River and wondered to myself why I had not taken time to visit the area in the past. I slipped into Sylva, NC, where I found delicious grub at Lucy in the Rye, a never-ending selection of vintage books at Harry Alter Books, a chill vibe at Innovation Brewery, the location of the Jackson Arts Market, and many other spots that I did return to months later after my quick stop during my search for Franklin. After falling in love with Sylva, I knew once I reached Franklin that I would have to check out the downtown area, and I wanted to pick up a gift for the Merritt

family. And, just as I suspected, Franklin was another mountain town filled with charm, hospitality, history, and an ambiance that would make anyone feel welcome. A large mural of signatures from Appalachian Trail thru-hikers that had passed by on their way to Maine and Springer caught my attention, as did the mention of gems that seemed to be around every corner. Lazy Hiker Brewing, Scottish Tartans Museum, Ruby City Gems & Minerals, and Brooklyn Bagels stood out. I found the perfect gift at Blackberry Market Boutique and Gifts, then headed out for a 15 minute drive to the Merritt’s Nurture Nature Retreat.

Going to the Mountains is Going Home As I drove down the gravel road in the Nantahala National Forest to Nurture + Nature Retreat, I felt as if I was going home. My mind became clearer, joy flooded my heart at the sight of wildflowers along the way, and my spirit was overcome with peacefulness. When Jessica and her friend greeted me, it seemed as if we were old friends seeing each other for the first time in years. As I approached the glamping tents, campfire area, barn, farm animals, and my home for the night, I knew that I had discovered a place that would stay with me for many years to come.

Buddy the mini-donkey made me laugh, the Nantahala National Forest that borders the property called me to explore, the Merritt family inspired me, and the glamping tents were far more beautiful than my pop-up Kelty tent that I often use when camping. I toured the property and heard countless stories of the incredible work that Nurture + Nature Retreat and Special Liberty Project does in the lives of those that truly need a connection with a community and nature. A delightful dinner was served around a cracking fire, we made dream catchers out of grape vines, and as the sun sank into the horizon, I found myself in a new favorite place. A place of beauty, nature, healing, and, most of all, hope.

The primary reason for Nurture + Nature Retreat being created was to provide a safe haven in nature to welcome Gold Star Families through the Merritt’s non-profit, Special Liberty Project. However, this little piece of heaven in Southern Appalachia is also available as an AirBnB. You can also sign up for one of the themed all-inclusive nature retreats that Jessica hosts throughout the year. In late May, I co-hosted a Wildflowers & Honey retreat, with all funds going towards sponsoring retreats for Gold Star Widows. On June 8th - 10th, The Art Studios of the Smokies from Sevier County will be joining Jessica for a Nature & Art Retreat. Yoga, autumn, and equine are a few other focus points that guests have been immersed in while visiting Nurture + Nature Retreat.

Are you interested in an AirBnB Stay, an all-inclusive retreat, or learning more about the Special Liberty Project? Visit NurtureNatureRetreat.com to connect with the Merritt family. Kristi Parsons is a local photographer and writer with a love for the mountains, art, music, travel, and all things local. @Kristi_Parsons

Open Chord Music Shop

Your Place for All Things Music™

YOU ARE probably already aware that the Open Chord is a great place to see live music, but did you know that the Open Chord Music Shop is also a great place to pick up new guitar strings, find the perfect guitar strap, or try out some of the coolest pedals?

As the largest Taylor Guitar dealer in our area, Open Chord Music Shop is a full-service music store offering a great selection of all things stringed - electric and acoustic guitars from Taylor, Fender, Gibson, D’Angelico, Cordoba, in addition to electric basses, ukuleles, banjos, mandolins, and more!

Open Chord Music Shop is your one stop shop for All Things Music! The staff are also musicians so they can help answer your questions, direct you towards the best accessories, and even perform repairs - all right in the store! Whether you are looking for a capo, picks, cables, amp tubes, new strings or a repair, Open Chord Music Shop has it.

Need a gift for the musician or music lover in your life? Open Chord’s knowledgable staff can help with suggestions and recommendations. They are open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm. When you stop by, be sure to check out their selection of Vinyl LPs - from recent releases to classic and rare finds from the 60s and 70s.

8426 KINGSTON PIKE, KNOXVILLE, TN 37919 865-507-3857

Open Chord Music Shop

8426 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919 865.507.3857 OpenChordMusicShop.com