In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Knoxville Weather - Partly Cloudy with a High of 45

📰 West Knoxville Business Owner Creates Sober Sanctuary for Holiday Season

📰 Remembering Ross K. Bagwell Sr.: Television Pioneer and Beloved Community Figure

📰 Restored Historic Home Debuts in Old North Knoxville's Victorian Holiday Tour

🛒 Expanding Small Business Saturday into Small Business December

📅 Events & Entertainment - Upcoming Events in November

💡 We Want to Spotlight Your Business!
 

Restored Historic Home Debuts in Old North Knoxville's Victorian Holiday Tour

The Old North Knoxville Victorian Holiday Home Tour, taking place on December 2 and 3, will feature the newly restored home at 523 East Oklahoma Avenue for the first time. Visitors can witness the ongoing restoration work by investors Sean Bolen and Alison Hardy.

The annual tour showcases various architectural styles like Queen Anne and Craftsman in the historic district, with proceeds benefiting community projects and local schools. Tickets are available online for $15 in advance, or $20 for adults and $15 for seniors on the day of the event. Children under 12 enter free. More Info

Remembering Ross K. Bagwell Sr.: Television Pioneer and Beloved Community Figure

Ross K. Bagwell Sr., a prominent television producer from Knoxville, passed away at the age of 91 on November 23, 2023. Beginning his passion for broadcast television in 1951, he advanced the industry in Knoxville, working with several local companies before founding his own, including Bagwell Advertising and Cinetel Productions.

Known for his creativity, business acumen, and genuine concern for others, Bagwell was also a cherished mentor and storyteller. His life and contributions will be celebrated at the Cherokee Country Club on December 9, 2023.

West Knoxville Business Owner Creates Sober Sanctuary for Holiday Season

Recovering from alcohol addiction can be particularly challenging during the holiday season. In West Knoxville, a business owner has created a refuge for individuals in this situation. Frog Greishaw, who began her own journey towards recovery seven years ago, established Frog Juice Kombucha in June 2022. Recognizing the difficulties faced by many during festive times, especially related to family tensions and the prevalence of alcohol, Greishaw hosted a sober Thanksgiving feast for the community on November 23, 2023.

Greishaw, with a background of 20 years in bartending, sought to create a social environment free from alcohol. Her bar offers a variety of menu items and non-alcoholic drinks, ensuring that nothing served could potentially trigger or lead to a relapse for those in recovery. The focus is on providing a safe, enjoyable space without the influence of substances that could affect one's state of mind.

Through her business, Greishaw aims to inspire the opening of more sober bars in the area. She emphasizes the importance of having spaces where people can socialize and enjoy themselves without the pressure or presence of alcohol.

Upcoming Events in November

Have an event to add? Let us know! [email protected] 

Tuesday, 11/28:

• Book Launch & Author Discussion at Blount Mansion: The House with Many Eyes: Special event with local author, historian, filmmaker, and former Blount Mansion Director of Marketing and Communications Michael Jordan for a debut presentation of the Blount Mansion Association's Visitor Orientation video and a discussion on his new book, Blount Mansion: The House with Many Eyes. The event will cost $25.00 and includes a signed copy of the book, admission to the event, a light meal, and other refreshments. More Info

• Harvest Heritage Thanksgiving Beer Dinner: YeeHaw Brewing, 745 N. Broadway; Starts at 7 pm; A 5-course paired feast inspired by Thanksgiving traditions. More Info

Thursday, 11/30:

• Cigar Social: Elst Brewing Company, 2419 North Central Street; Starts at 6 pm; This month's pairing includes the American Stout from Elst with the Kristoff Ligero Maduro, a mediuam-full smoke with notes of espresso and dark cocoa. Please reserve your spot now to ensure we have enough sticks for everyone! More Info

Multi-Date Events:

• Dinovember: Norwood Branch Library Merchant Drive, Now through 11/30

• Downtown Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt: Now through 1/8/2024​​. More Info

• Downtown Peppermint Trail: Now through 1/7/2024. More Info

• Ice Skating in Market Square: An open-air ice rink, Now through 1/2/2024. More Info

• Jazz at the Emporium: Tuesdays in November at the Emporium Center, 100 South Gay Street. from 7 pm - 8:30 pm. Tickets are Free - More info

Expanding Small Business Saturday into Small Business December

As the holiday season approaches, we have a unique opportunity to transform the success of Small Business Saturday into a broader, more impactful initiative: Small Business December. This initiative is more than just a campaign; it’s a community-driven movement to support our local economy and the small businesses that are its backbone. Small businesses give our community its unique character, create jobs, and invigorate our local economy. By choosing to shop locally throughout December, we not only find unique gifts for our loved ones but also contribute to the prosperity and resilience of our neighborhood.

Our collective efforts can make a significant difference. We encourage each of you to be ambassadors for this cause. Share your local shopping experiences on social media, recommend your favorite small businesses to friends and family, and consider buying your holiday gifts from local artisans and shopkeepers. Local businesses often offer beautifully crafted, unique items that make thoughtful and memorable gifts. Remember, every purchase you make at a small business is an investment in our community’s future.

Let’s come together to make Small Business December a new tradition that supports and celebrates the heart of our community - our local businesses. It’s more than just shopping; it’s about building a stronger, more connected community. Your support can help turn a challenging year into a brighter season for our small business owners. Let’s show them how much they mean to us and make this December a month of local love and community spirit.

We Want To Spotlight Your Business!

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Knoxville area residents in an upcoming issue of Knoxville Insider?

We ❤️ Local Businesses!

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "Knoxville Insider" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message to [email protected] and let's celebrate the spirit of Knoxville together! Not a business owner, but love a local business? Tell us all about it at the email address above!