The Scout Guide Knoxville, Volume 7

It’s been said that there would be no Texas if not for Tennessee. I suppose this applies to me as well. No wonder a native Texan feels so at home in East Tennessee—the birthplace of Davy Crockett, country music, and the SEC.

The Scout Guide Knoxville, Volume 7 is a celebration of this special place—its history, its heritage, and, most of all, its people. The pages that follow serve as an introduction to unique individuals, entrepreneurs, makers, and creators who have followed their passions.

Whether you are a visitor, newcomer, or longtime local, this guide is intended to inspire discovery and connection. Browse it, display it, share it—but most importantly, use it! It is my hope that it will help you connect with the people of Knoxville and East Tennessee on a deeper level and, in doing so, enjoy our community to the fullest.

To the businesses that appear in The Scout Guide Knoxville, Volume 7 , I’d like to extend my heartfelt gratitude. Each of you has made putting down roots in Knoxville so special. It’s an honor to tell—and be a part of—your stories.

I look forward to supporting, nurturing, and cherishing our community. And I hope you’ll join me. Love,

KNOXVILLE Vol. 7

LOCAL’S ALMANAC

TENNESSEE ROOTS

WHETHER YOU’RE HOMEGROWN OR JUST PUTTING DOWN ROOTS, HERE ARE THE ESSENTIALS TO LIVING LIKE A LOCAL, FROM WHERE TO GO TO WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

VOLUNTEER STATE | By most accounts, Tennessee became the “Volunteer State” during the war of 1812. The nickname was reinforced by droves of Tennesseans who fought in the Battle of New Orleans and again in the MexicanAmerican War, when in response to a request for a few thousand soldiers, Tennessee sent nearly 30,000. The University of Tennessee adopted the name as its o cial sports team name in 1902, and Tennesseans have been cheering on the Vols from Knoxville ever since.

HEADWATERS OF THE TENNESSEE RIVER | Tennessee’s namesake river originates just east of Knoxville, where the Holston and French Broad rivers converge. The name of the river itself is thought to come from a Cherokee Indian village, though the certainty of the origin of our state’s name has been forfeited to the ages.

APPALACHIA | Spanning 423 counties across 13 states, Appalachia’s reach – both geographically and culturally–is vast and its influence, on Knoxville and East Tennessee is palpable. From our maker culture to our mountain scenery, our culinary tastes to our spirit of grit, these mountains raised us.

HOMEGROWN FAVORITES

SUNSPHERE

Built for the 1982 World’s Fair, the Sunsphere was the symbol of the World’s Fair that became a Knoxville icon. Glass panels covered in 24-karat gold dust give the Sunsphere its unique, sunlike appearance and the 4th Floor Observation Deck o ers a 360-degree view stretching from downtown to the Great Smoky Mountains.

DOLLY PARTON

The Queen of Country was born and bred in East Tennessee, Sevier County to be exact. And her roots in the region run deep. You might know her for classic country anthems like “9 to 5” and “Jolene,” but we love her for her prolific philanthropy, including the Dollywood Foundation and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which benefit East Tennessee and beyond.

SMOKEY

In 1953, the University of Tennessee Pep Club held a contest to select a coonhound, a favorite Tennessee breed, that would serve as the school’s mascot. The late Rev. W. C. “Bill” Brooks entered his bluetick coonhound, “Brooks’ Blue Smokey” who won over fans by howling when his name was called during the hal ime selection. And thus, the legendary and beloved live mascot was found.

HIKES & TRAILS

HIKES | DAY TRIPS | CULTURE

CADES COVE | A broad, verdant valley surrounded by mountains, Cades Cove is one of the most popular destinations in the Great Smokies. An 11-mile, one-way loop road circles the cove o ering motorists sightseeing at a leisurely pace. Allow at least two to four hours to tour Cades Cove, longer if you walk some of the area’s trails. Tra c is heavy during the tourist season in summer and fall and on weekends year-round.

Hiking, Driving, Camping, Horseback

HOUSE MOUNTAIN NATURAL AREA | 9601 Hogskin Road, Corryton

Located 30 minutes from downtown Knoxville, House Mountain’s 2,100-foot crest is the highest point in Knox County, but certainly worth the 5.8 miles of moderate trail.

Hiking, Biking, Birdwatching

IJAMS NATURE CENTER | 2915 Island Home Avenue, Knoxville

Located in South Knoxville, the nonprofit Ijams environmental education center o ers ample trails and outdoor activities. Paddle and swim at Mead’s Quarry Lake, hike or bike 12+ miles of trails, and climb the Ijams Crag. Don’t miss natural wonders like The Keyhole and Hayworth Hollow.

Hiking, Biking, Swimming, Ecology, Climbing

GREENEVILLE | The second oldest town in Tennessee, the launching point of President Andrew Johnson’s political career, and the birthplace of Davy Crockett, Greeneville is a destination for history lovers. And, with easy access to Cherokee National Forest and its 600 miles of trails, Greeneville welcomes nature lovers and hikers, too.

DAY TRIPS CULTURE

MARYVILLE | Located just 20 minutes south of downtown Knoxville, the charming town boasts big flavor and cool stays. Peruse seasonal farmers markets and flower farms, pop into locally owned boutiques, and refuel with a locally brewed beer from Blackberry Farm Brewery. Extend your stay to enjoy RT Lodge, a culinary-forward lodge with beautiful accommodations and equally stunning surroundings.

SEVIERVILLE | A short drive east of Knoxville, Sevierville boasts a quaint downtown with great dining, shopping, and sights. Keep an eye out for Dolly Parton, mosey around The Old Mill, grab a bite at The Appalachian or Trotter’s BBQ, and drink up at Ole Smoky Distillery.

MUSEUM OF APPALACHIA | 2819 Andersonville Highway, Clinton The Smithsonian a liate and living museum lends a voice to the people of Southern Appalachia through the stories and artifacts they le behind. Roam 65 picturesque acres and experience a recreated Appalachian community complete with historic log structures, several exhibit buildings filled with thousands of authentic Appalachian artifacts, multiple gardens, and free-range farm animals. It’s a unique, immersive experience that beautifully captures the spirit of our Appalachian ancestors.

MUSEUM OF EAST TENNESSEE HISTORY | 601 South Gay Street, Knoxville

Located in the heart of downtown, directly across from the iconic Tennessee Theatre, the Museum of East Tennessee History tells stories of the people, places, and events that shaped the region. With award-winning exhibits showcasing over 13,000 artifacts, the Museum is a testament to Eastern Tennessee’s rich history and even richer culture. It’s a must-visit for history lovers and those who want to truly know East Tennessee.

604 SOUTH GAY STREET | KNOXVILLE, TN TENNESSEETHEATRE.COM

i@TNTHEATRE | f TENNESSEE THEATRE

MAKE MEMORIES TO LAST A LIFETIME AT THE OFFICIAL STATE THEATRE OF TENNESSEE

AN ALWAYS EVOLVING CONTEMPORARY BOUTIQUE

5609 KINGSTON PIKE | KNOXVILLE, TN | 865.588.1588

EST8TE.COM | i @EST8TE_STYLE

Alice + Olivia | Amanda Uprichard | Anna Cate Collection | Chan Luu

Crosby by Mollie Burch | Crush Cashmere | Krewe | Lele Sadoughi

Lisa Todd | Marie Oliver | Paige | Ramy Brook | Shoshanna

Tanya Taylor | Tory Burch | Xírena | & More

BEAUTIFUL SPACES ARE ROOTED IN GOOD DESIGN

As a boutique firm based in the Southeast, we work with clients seeking to invest in thoughtful, highest-quality landscape architecture services. With projects ranging from private gardens and public plazas to reimagined community parks and award-winning resorts, we take each client on an individualized journey to create a space that embodies their unique vision of beauty, functionality, and sustainability.

Please visit us on Instagram i @ hedstrom_la

110 West Magnolia Avenue Knoxville, TN

DBE Certified Firm 865.329.0012 hedstromdesign.com

Sara Pinnell, Founding Partner

Andrew Spatz, Partner

Donna Cress, APRN

Laurel Asher, RN, BSN

Tom Gallaher, MD, FACS, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

STORAGE FACILITY FOR CAR COLLECTORS OFFERING COLLECTION MANAGEMENT, SALES AND CONSIGNMENT, AND LAND ROVER DEFENDER EV CONVERSIONS

TRIPP KING OWNER

85 years of community support helped save Victoria’s life. We need donors like you to make a big di erence for our tiny patients. Donate today at etch.com/donate.

Children’s Hospital is planning for a strong tomorrow by investing in today. We’re inspired by Vice President of Institutional Advancement Adam Cook, whose experience and passion are bringing big ideas to help us build better futures for families in East Tennessee and beyond.

Artwork by: Diane Fox

Shannon Harper, Owner

An 18-hole, par-70 golf course nestled in a cozy valley of the Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee. Wild Laurel Golf Club is proud to be Audubon International Certified, maintaining environmentally sound practices.

921 FOCH STREET | SUITE 9 | MARYVILLE, TN 865.268.4422 | ASTRAAESTHETICSCLINIC.COM | i@ASTRA.AESTHETICS.CLINIC KIRK BASS, MD, MEDICAL DIRECTOR

MOLLY MUECKE NP-C, FOUNDER

Heather Lowe

Laura Lowe

Photos courtesy of: Meredith Benton, Sean Thomas, and Caroline Trotter

Tucked into lush, quiet woods in the quaint town of Maryville, RT Lodge offers an idyllic setting to savor a fine Southern meal, enjoy a cozy getaway, or celebrate a special occasion.

Photos courtesy of: Jillian Adams, Bethany Anderson, amd Cody Myers

United Way of Greater Knoxville (UWGK) unites people and resources to strengthen communities and solve systemic issues. In 2022, we celebrated a century of mobilizing the caring power of our community and offering a hand up to our neighbors in need. UWGK is part of United Way Worldwide, the largest charitable organization in the world. Through more than 170 programs with 75+ agencies, we are dedicated to creating a more equitable Greater Knoxville region with stable housing, financial security, quality early care and education, access to food, and more.

f UNITED WAY OF GREATER KNOXVILLE

Friends of the Smokies assists the National Park Service in its mission to preserve and protect Great Smoky Mountains National Park by raising funds for needed projects. One way Friends fulfills its mission is through events like “Plein Air Smokies,” which brings nationally acclaimed artists to paint “en plein air” throughout the national park. This year, visitors are welcome to watch artists paint September 24-27. The one-of-a-kind paintings will be available for purchase at the ticketed Collector’s Soiree September 29 and the public sale October 1.

f FRIENDS OF GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK

East Tennessee Children’s Hospital exists to improve the health of children through exceptional comprehensive care, wellness, and education. We provide a network of care for children in our region to treat any illness, from colds to cancer. Thanks to generous support from our community, we’ve been leading the way to healthy children for more than eight decades.

f ty EAST TENNESSEE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

i @ UNITEDWAYKNOX

i @ EASTTNCHILDRENS

i @ SMOKIESFRIENDS

LIVE HERE GIVE HERE

SCOUTED CHARITIES ROOTED IN THE COMMUNITY, GIVING BACK TO EAST TENNESSEE

ONE OF TENNESSEE’S OLDEST JEWELRY STORES

The Kimball’s team’s greatest pleasure is to work together to serve our patrons, friends, and the community with world-class brands and service, built with hometown Southern hospitality.

David

Marco

offers brands such as:

Kristine Griffin

vegetable centered meal preparation services and cooking lessons

Jenna Baker, a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, helps health-conscious people experience the joy and physical benefits of cooking and eating plant-based foods. Meal prep services focus on celebrating the flavors of regional, farm direct produce through approachable dishes. Cooking and eating well is essential to our physical and emotional health as well as our connection to others through culture and community. Chef Baker combines her culinary knowledge with practical resources for time-starved families, giving home cooks the skills they need to Cook to be Well!

865.394.1430 • i@cooktobewell.com • i@vidl_knoxville | @Cooktobewell

PORTRAITS | INTERIORS | FOOD

917.613.0254

BEALLANDTHOMAS.COM

i @ BEALLANDTHOMAS

Laura Da Ponte, Owner

Since 1801, the Williams family has laid claim to RiverView Farm. Today, as sixth-generation farmers, they raise Black Angus cattle on the banks of Fort Loudoun Lake. Sustainable agriculture, land integrity, and a vast knowledge of farming yield a deep sense of place. In addition to farming, they have opened their doors to provide an event venue and farm store, offering their famous RiverView beef as well as other local products, delicious ice cream, and unique finds from across the region. Roots run deep at the historic RiverView Family Farm, and the Williams family is thrilled to share more of their story with you.

Rachel Williams Samulski, Sixth generation farmer

Photos courtesy of: Jennifer Crook

Photos courtesy of: Jennifer Crook

Photos courtesy of: Tracie Ancelet

Photos courtesy of: Tracie Ancelet

Photos courtesy of: Cody Bennett

KNOXVILLE - BASED WEDDING FLORIST DESIGNING MODERN, ARTISTIC FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS TO HELP TELL YOUR STORY.

Laura & Kim Rolfes, Owners

PartyLocally

Taylor Martin & Hope Holdaway REVOLVE KNOXVILLE

@revolveknox

Colleen Martin & Ashley Reed THE BALLOON GARDEN

@balloongardenknox

Campbell Dillon & Sylvie Smith MCCABE & CO

@mccaberentals

A CONTEMPORARY SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN DINING EXPERIENCE IN HISTORIC DOWNTOWN SEVIERVILLE

“A big part of our story is that we specialize in bringing a modern approach to traditional Appalachian ingredients and dishes with an emphasis on smoky avors coming from a large wood burning hearth that is positioned in the heart of the kitchen.”

— David Rule, Partner and Executive Chef