Sunset at the Sunsphere

Issue #421

In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Mostly Sunny with a High of 60

📰 Sip and Learn: A Night of Distilled Delights

📰 Valentine’s Day Weekend Afternoon Tea

📰 We're Celebrating Locally Owned Business

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

 Advertising Opportunities
 

Newsletter cut short in your email? If so,

Today’s Record High: 75 in 2016 — Record Low: 3 in 1917


The Knoxville Insider is for you, our readers. We encourage you to share your news, local hero stories, events, and more! Email us at [email protected].

Sunset at the Sunsphere

Come experience the best view in the city as the sun sets over Knoxville from the iconic Sunsphere!

For this exclusive evening tour, guests are invited to:

  • Enjoy refreshments

  • Explore the Observation Deck

  • Shop local with unique finds

  • Take in the breathtaking sunset over our scruffy little city

Two Opportunities to Join Us:

📅February 7 at 5:30 PM
📅 March 7 at 6:00 PM

Event times are scheduled to align with sunset—don’t miss this unforgettable experience! Secure your spot today. More Info

Sip and Learn: A Night of Distilled Delights

Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM EST
Location: Peter Kern Library, 407 Union Avenue

Join us for an exclusive evening at Peter Kern Library as we explore the craft of fine spirits with Forbidden Bourbon. This two-hour distillery tasting experience is perfect for bourbon enthusiasts and cocktail lovers looking to expand their knowledge while enjoying expertly crafted drinks.

  • A curated four-cocktail menu with a guided tasting presentation

  • A charcuterie and petit dessert spread to complement the experience

  • Spirit and cocktail education from the experts at Forbidden Bourbon and Peter Kern Library

Space is limited, so reserve your spot today for an evening of exceptional flavors and expert insights! More Info

Find recurring events on our Community Events page.

Food:

Tea Flights: offered Mondays - Thursdays at The Spice and Tea Exchange. Limited to 4 people per group at $8.99/person. Call the store for more information (865) 985-0913.

Find recurring events on our Community Events page.

Community:

Chinese New Year Celebration - The festivities will take place on February 2, 2025, from 3:30 to 6:00 PM, in the beautiful Cox Auditorium at the Alumni Memorial Building on the campus of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. More Info

Get ready for an afternoon of flavor, fun, and community spirit at the Whoa Doggie Chili Cook-Off, where Knoxville’s finest chili chefs will battle for the top prize. Mark your calendar for Sunday, February 2, 2025, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, at Sevier Avenue Burger Company, located at 1120 Sevier Avenue. More Info 

Join us as we welcome local author, Taila Cantrell. Taila writes across several genres, including paranormal romance, reverse harem, mystery, urban fantasy, and more. Enjoy a delicious lunch and check out her “Reclaiming Wonderland” series. February 5th 11a-2p at The Kraken’s Cup  More Info

Join us for a night full of fun cookie decorating! Grab your girls, a date, or come ready to make new friends while learning basic cookie decorating techniques. You will take home six of your very own football themed cookie creations, as well as Hope's own icing and sugar cookie recipes. Tea and a scone are included in the cost of your ticket. Payment of $45 is due via invoice or Venmo to reserve your spot. Class size is limited, so reserve your seat today! February 5th 6p-8p at The Kraken’s Cup More Info

Mark your calendars for Thursday, February 6, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, and join us at the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum for the Knoxville Volunteer Rotary Bourbon Event. This special evening offers an exceptional opportunity to sample a variety of premium bourbons from local distilleries, all while surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the garden. More Info

Networking:

Veterans:

Free Veteran’s Breakfast: The United Veterans Council of East Tennessee presents 13 free breakfasts for Veterans and guests on four Saturdays, monthly, Coffee line starts at 8am, Chow line starts at 8:30am. Locations and Dates

Upcoming Knox County Master Gardener Events

Spring is right around the corner, and the Knox County Master Gardeners (KCMG) are gearing up to help gardeners of all levels prepare for the growing season! Throughout February, KCMG will be hosting a variety of events, including gardening Q&A sessions, seed swaps, and a seminar on growing blueberries.

Dogwood Arts House & Garden Show
February 7-9
Friday & Saturday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Sunday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer gardening questions and provide expert advice.

AVCs of Blueberries Seminar
February 13 | 10:30-11:30 a.m.
UT Extension Eastern Region Office, 1801 Downtown West Blvd.
Join Master Gardener Marsha Lehman as she covers key topics like soil pH, blueberry varieties, and plant care.

Beardsley Seed Swap
February 22 | 2:30-5:15 p.m.
CAC Beardsley Community Farm, 1741 Reynolds St.
Exchange seeds and connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts!

Ijams Seed Swap
February 23 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Ijams Nature Center, 2915 Island Home Ave.
Another great opportunity to swap seeds and share gardening tips.

Get expert gardening advice at these locations:

Dixie Lee Farmers Market (239 Jamestown Blvd #201)
Every Saturday in February & March | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
With Master Gardener Brian Townsend

Farragut Library
February 8 & 22; March 1, 15 & 29; April 12, 19 & 26 | 10 a.m. - Noon
With Master Gardener Kathy Manis

Norwood Library
March 1 | 10 a.m. - Noon
With Master Gardener Cid Letsinger

These events are a great way to get gardening questions answered, learn new techniques, and connect with the local gardening community. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, there's something for everyone!

Valentine’s Day Weekend Afternoon Tea

Still searching for the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day? Join us for a charming afternoon tea experience from February 14th to 16th at The Kraken’s Cup, where tea and delightful finger sandwiches await!

Our traditional afternoon tea service will feature festive Valentine’s twists, making it a memorable way to celebrate with loved ones. Reservations are required for this special weekend, so be sure to secure your spot before they’re gone!

  • Dates: February 14-16, 2025

  • Price: $32 per person

  • Extras: À la carte options available, including cheese plates, salads, and sparkling tea to complement your experience.

Don’t miss out on this elegant and heartwarming way to celebrate love and friendship! Secure your reservation today. More Info

We're Celebrating Locally Owned Business

In 2025, we're celebrating locally owned businesses! If you'd like us to stop by, learn more about what you do, and feature you in our daily newsletter, we'd love to connect. Send us a message or email us at [email protected] today!

Knoxville Real Estate Insider

Do you have specific real estate questions you'd like answered? Submit a Question. A realtor will have an answer for you in the next issue of the Knoxville Real Estate Insider.

Are you a local realtor selling a home or property? Do you have an upcoming open house? Let us know at [email protected] or (865) 234-2421! We can include them here.

We Want To Spotlight Local Businesses!

Would you like us to spotlight your local business in front of thousands of Knoxville area residents in an upcoming issue of Knoxville Insider? Apply Here. Not a business owner, but love a local business? Tell us all about it - send us an email at [email protected]!

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