In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Light Rain with a High of 81

📰 Go Wild Just an Hour from Knoxville: Briarwood Ranch Safari Park

📰 Celebrate the Summer Solstice with Trivia & S’mores

📰 Summer Adventure Awaits at Concord Park!

📰 Marble City Opera’s Pint Sized Opera

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Go Wild Just an Hour from Knoxville: Briarwood Ranch Safari Park

Looking for a wild and unforgettable adventure close to home? Just an hour from Knoxville, Briarwood Ranch Safari Park offers a unique and interactive experience with animals from six continents — all from the comfort of your car!

Drive-Through Safari
Take a leisurely four-mile scenic drive through rolling hills and lush pastures as zebras, antelope, emus, camels, and many more exotic creatures roam freely around you. Watch their behaviors up close and enjoy a truly immersive wildlife encounter—no passport required!

More Than Just a Drive
Want to stretch your legs? Hop on one of the tractor-pulled wagon rides for a guided tour, or spend a relaxing afternoon in the petting zoo, where friendly animals are eager to meet visitors of all ages.

 Capture the Moment
Don’t forget your camera! Briarwood is a photographer’s paradise, full of unforgettable moments and close encounters you’ll want to remember.

 Hours:

• Monday–Sunday: 9 AM – 5 PM (Weather Permitting)
   Info Line: Call 865-919-5072 for weather updates or more details.

Whether you're planning a family day out or a peaceful afternoon immersed in nature, Briarwood Ranch Safari Park is a perfect destination for animal lovers of all ages.

Celebrate the Summer Solstice with Trivia & S’mores at Seven Islands State Birding Park!

Mark your calendars for a magical evening in nature at Seven Islands State Birding Park on June 20 from 7:30–9:30 PM! Celebrate the longest day of the year with an unforgettable mix of friendly competition, campfire treats, and summer serenity.

Event Highlights

• Begin at the Bluebird Barn (arrive by 7:00 PM) and enjoy a ¾-mile walk to the Green House lawn.

• Test your nature smarts with a family-friendly trivia game covering wildlife, plants, the seasons, and park history.

• Relax around a fire while savoring toasted marshmallows and gooey s’mores under the evening sky.

 Trivia Teams & Prizes
Form a team of up to 10 people and compete for fun prizes! Trivia will wrap up after sunset, making for a peaceful end to the solstice celebration. Folding chairs will be provided, but you’re welcome to bring a blanket for extra comfort.

Cost: $20 per team (includes s’mores for all team members!)
 Pre-registration is required. Only one person per team needs to register as the Team Leader.
This event is recommended for all ages!

Whether you're a trivia buff or just in it for the marshmallows, this evening promises sweet memories and summertime fun. Don’t miss this special way to welcome summer at one of East Tennessee’s most beautiful parks!
Come early, bring your chairs, and settle in for one of Farragut’s most beloved traditions. Let’s make this Fourth of July a day to remember! More Info

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

On Tuesday, June 17th at 11 a.m. master gardeners will lead tours of Collier Preserve, a native plant garden and birding area. The guided nature walks will be one hour and are free. Meet at the Powell Branch Library next to Collier Preserve, which is located at 316 W. Emory Road. More Info

Master gardener Cid Letsinger will answer garden and plant questions at the Norwood Branch Library on Saturday, June 21st from 10 a.m. - noon. The library is located at 1110 Merchant Dr. Other master gardeners will be at community farmer’s markets in June, including those at Dixie Lee at Renaissance, Ebenezer Road, Tellico Village, New Harvest Park and Market Square. More Info

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

Summer Adventure Awaits at Concord Park!

Get ready for an epic season of outdoor fun at Concord Park, one of Knox County’s largest and most versatile recreational destinations! Whether you’re looking to hike, bike, paddle, fish, play sports, or relax by the lake, Concord Park has something for everyone — including your four-legged friends!

Park Overview:
Spanning 500 acres along Fort Loudoun Lake, Concord Park is divided into multiple sections across Northshore Drive, each offering its own unique set of activities.

 Concord Park East (10901 S. Northshore Drive)

• In-line hockey rink & skatepark

• Soccer fields & walking trail (Parkey Strader Loop)

• Lakeside benches for peaceful views

• Just across the street:

  • Junior golf course

  • Tennis courts

  • Mountain biking and hiking trails

  • New dog park opening soon

  • Marina access

 Concord Park West (11719 S. Northshore Drive)

• Access to soccer and softball fields

• Convenient boat ramp launch

• Shoreline spur trail ideal for fishing and picnicking

 The Cove at Concord (11808 S. Northshore Drive)

• Paddling, swimming, and fishing on Fort Loudoun Lake

• Playground & volleyball courts

• River Sports Cove store (open in warm months) for canoe & kayak rentals

• Picnic areas, paved and natural trails

• Boat ramp, marina, and concessions

 Trail & Facility Highlights

• Natural Trails: 9.4 miles of mountain biking and hiking

• Paved Trails:

  • The Point: 0.25-mile loop

  • The Cove: 0.75-mile loop

• Operating Hours: Dawn to dusk

• Contact: Knox County Parks (865-215-6600)

No matter how you like to play—on wheels, trails, water, or fields—Concord Park is your summer playground. Bring your gear, gather your friends, and make the most of every sunny day at this lakefront paradise!

Marble City Opera’s Pint Sized Opera

Join Marble City Opera for an unforgettable night of music, mingling, and celebration at Boyd’s Jig & Reel in Knoxville’s Old City on Monday, June 16, 2025, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

This special Pint Sized Opera event will celebrate the close of Marble City Opera’s 2024-2025 season and offer a sneak peek into what’s ahead. Known for bringing opera into fun, unexpected spaces, this evening promises casual charm and world-class performances.

Tickets are just $10 and include:

• Access to the full performance

• A delicious buffet of heavy hors d'oeuvres

• A cash bar for your beverage of choice

Throughout the evening, enjoy mingling with guests and artists while vocalists deliver short sets of beloved arias and showtunes every 20 minutes—a perfect blend of opera and community in a relaxed pub atmosphere.

Reserve your seat now at: MarbleCityOpera.com/tickets

Don’t miss this unique celebration of opera, food, and friendship—cheers to another amazing season!

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