In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather  | Sunny with a High of 58

📰 Celebrate 70 Years of Dogwood Arts

📰 Create Your Own Fairy Door at Ancient Lore Village

📰 Celebrate Mother’s Day at Ijams!

📰 Blacksmithing Basics with Bryan at Creative Spark Studio

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Celebrate 70 Years of Dogwood Arts with Knoxville’s Favorite Springtime Tradition!

Since 1955, Dogwood Arts has brought Knoxville’s most beloved spring tradition to life. What started as a neighborhood beautification project has blossomed into a month-long celebration of East Tennessee’s stunning natural beauty, art, and culture. This April, over 90 miles of historic Dogwood Trails will be open for visitors to explore by car, bike, or foot. Open Gardens and Camera Sites will welcome guests daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.

This Year’s Featured Trails: The 2024 Dogwood Trails highlight two East Knoxville neighborhoods—Holston Hills and Morningside. These vibrant communities boast breathtaking landscapes, charming homes, and a rich history. Don’t miss the chance to experience their beauty in full bloom!

Kickoff Celebration & Ribbon-Cutting: To mark the 70th anniversary, a special ribbon-cutting and community celebration will take place on Tuesday, April 1st, from 5-7:30 PM at Holston Hills Community Park (1400 S Chilhowee Dr, Knoxville, TN 37914). Join city and county officials as they kick off this year’s festivities!

Plan Your Visit: Find trail maps, descriptions, and a list of Open Gardens and Camera Sites online at dogwoodarts.com/trailsandgardens. Printed Trail Guides are available at Visit Knoxville and the Dogwood Arts office (123 W. Jackson Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37902).

Upcoming Events: Throughout April and early May, several events will celebrate the efforts of trail residents and showcase Knoxville’s springtime beauty. (Events marked with an asterisk are not hosted by Dogwood Arts.)

• Dogwood Trails Official Ribbon-Cutting & Community Celebration – April 1, 5-7 PM @ Holston Hills Community Park

• Chapman Highway Dogwood Trail Kickoff Celebration – April 5, 9 AM-2 PM @ CommonPlace Coffee + Community (Food trucks, vendors, and music)*

• Holston Hills Dogwood Trails Opening Party – April 6, 2-5 PM @ Holston Hills Country Club (Live music, art vendors, ticketed event)*

• Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum Dogwood Trail Walk & Talk – April 10, 5-7 PM (Guided stroll and guest lecture on dogwoods)*

• Spring Featured Gardens – April 12-13, 10 AM-5 PM @ Baxter Gardens, GATOP, and Savage Garden

• Knoxville Botanical Garden & Arboretum Spring Plant Sale – April 12, 9 AM-2 PM*

• West Hills Spring Dogwood Celebration – April 19, 10 AM-2 PM (Tree dedication, vendors, food trucks, music)*

• Talahi Plant Sale – April 26 @ Westminster Presbyterian Church (Native plants, herbs, trees, baked goods)*

• Holston Hills Garden Club Plant Sale – May 3, 9 AM-1 PM @ Holston Hills Community Park*

• North Hills Garden Club Plant Sale – May 3, 10 AM-2 PM @ North Hills Park*

The Dogwood Trails & Gardens Program is made possible through sponsorship support from ORNL Federal Credit Union, Realty Executives Associates, and the Town of Farragut.

Celebrate spring in Knoxville by exploring the breathtaking Dogwood Trails and participating in these exciting events. We’ll see you on the trails!

Create Your Own Fairy Door at Ancient Lore Village

Step into a world of enchantment this spring with the Fairy Door Workshop at Ancient Lore Village on April 6, 2024, at 4:30 PM. This magical event invites participants to unleash their creativity and design a one-of-a-kind fairy door from scratch.

Whether you’re an experienced crafter or new to DIY projects, this workshop is designed for all skill levels. All materials—including paints, embellishments, and natural elements—will be provided, ensuring each fairy door is unique and personal.

As part of this special evening, guests will also enjoy a delicious meal, featuring:

• Bourbon Glazed Meatloaf

• Mashed Potatoes

• Garlic Roasted Green Beans

• Village Salad

• Cheesecake with Macerated Berries

With a stunning backdrop, a relaxing atmosphere, and the chance to craft something truly whimsical, this event is the perfect opportunity to spark your imagination and enjoy a delightful evening. More Info

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

Step back in time and explore the rich history of the Bible with a full-scale replica of the Tabernacle of Moses at The Crown College in Powell, TN. This remarkable exhibition will be open to the public for three days, from March 20, to March 22, at no cost. Located at 2307 West Beaver Creek Drive, this unique experience offers a deep dive into the sacred elements of the Tabernacle More Info

Outrun the Popo - Police Benefit at Knoxville Dragway on March 22 - gates open at 8am knoxvilledragway.com

Celebrate National Quilting Month by joining us for a special hands-on workshop at Ramsey House! March 22, 10 AM – 2 PM at Ramsey House More Info

Celebrate the arrival of spring with a guided hike at Seven Islands State Birding Park! This special event also marks the kickoff for the Bird of the Year—the magnificent Pileated Woodpecker. March 22, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM ET at Seven Islands State Birding Park, Bluebird Barn (Main Entrance on Kelly Lane) More Info

Celebrate the arrival of spring with a guided wildflower walk at Ijams Nature Center! Join an Ijams naturalist for a scenic stroll along the trails, where you'll witness the ephemeral beauty of blooming wildflowers before they fade for another year. Learn about the natural history of these delicate blooms while taking in the vibrant colors of the season. March 22 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at Ijams Nature Center (2915 Island Home Ave) More Info

The City of Knoxville invites residents of all ages to explore career opportunities at the Job Fair and Career Expo on March 26, from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at the Public Works Service Center (3131 Morris Avenue).

Networking:

See Recurring Weekly & Monthly Networking Events

Veterans:

Free Veteran’s Breakfast: The United Veterans Council of East Tennessee presents 14 free breakfasts for Veterans and guests on four Saturdays, monthly, Coffee line starts at 8am, Chow line starts at 8:30am. Locations and Dates

Celebrate Mother’s Day at Ijams!

Make this Mother’s Day unforgettable by treating Mom to an afternoon of music, movement, and community at Ijams Nature Center! Pack a picnic blanket or bring a lawn chair and enjoy a lively celebration filled with hot jazz, dancing, flow arts, international cuisine, and arts & crafts. Spinners, jugglers, and dancers are all welcome to join in the fun!

Feel free to bring your own picnic, but please leave coolers and outside alcohol at home—cold beer will be available for purchase on-site.

May 11, from 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Live Music Lineup:
🎷 Cigano Swing - 4:55 PM
🎶 SWINGBOOTY - 6:30 PM

🧘‍♀️ Yoga Flow with Abbi Bentley - 6:10 PM

Doors open at 4:30 PM, so come early, find a great spot, and enjoy an evening of fantastic entertainment and relaxation. Bring Mom and make memories together in the beautiful outdoor setting of Ijams!

Join us for a magical evening celebrating moms and the joy of spring. See you there! More Info

Blacksmithing Basics with Bryan at Creative Spark Studio

Discover the art of blacksmithing in this hands-on beginner class with skilled artisan Bryan! Whether you're looking to learn a new craft or simply enjoy a creative experience, this class will introduce you to fundamental blacksmithing techniques, including heating, hammering, and bending metal. By the end of the session, you will have forged your very own unique letter opener—functional, decorative, or however your creativity inspires you!

Class Details:

• March 22nd

• Choose from 1 PM - 3 PM or 3 PM - 5 PM

• Creative Spark Studio (2009 East Broadway Avenue , Maryville)

• Age Requirement: 18+ (or 16+ with a guardian)

• Closed-toe shoes required

• Long hair? Bring a hair tie for safety!

All necessary materials will be provided, so just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to learn!

Meet Bryan

A lifelong resident of Blount County, Bryan carries on the blacksmithing tradition of his great-grandfather. As an avid historical artisan, he is passionate about sharing his knowledge and inspiring others to explore the world of blacksmithing. His classes are designed to be engaging, educational, and a fun introduction to the craft!

Don't miss this opportunity to experience the thrill of blacksmithing and create a one-of-a-kind piece. Reserve your spot today! More Info

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