In this Knoxville Insider Issue…

🌤️ Weather | Sunny with a High of 96

📰 Firefly Night Hike at Ijams Nature Center

📰 Stammtisch – Monthly German Conversation Group

📰 Sip, Savor and Sparkle : Diamonds in Bloom

📣 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT - The Kraken’s Cup :  Knoxville's Premier English Style Tearoom

🗓️ Upcoming Events

📣 We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

✅ Advertising Opportunities
 

Firefly Night Hike at Ijams Nature Center

Witness one of nature’s most magical light shows during the Firefly Night Hike at Ijams Nature Center! June 26 | 9:00 PM – 10:30 PM at  Ijams Nature Center

As twilight falls, join an Ijams naturalist for a guided hike through glowing trails, where you’ll learn all about the fascinating world of fireflies. Discover how these enchanting beetles use bioluminescence to communicate, attract mates, and ward off predators.

• Explore the trails after dark

• Learn about firefly behavior & communication

• Guided hike led by a knowledgeable naturalist

Perfect for nature lovers of all ages, this unforgettable evening will leave you glowing with wonder. Space is limited, so plan to arrive early and soak in the summer magic! More Info

Stammtisch – Monthly German Conversation Group

Sprichst du Deutsch? Whether you're fluent or just learning, join us for Stammtisch, a relaxed and welcoming German conversation group that meets every month! Next Meetup: Wednesday, June 25 | 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Recurring Monthly – Last Wednesday of Each Month

Enjoy authentic beer and food while practicing your German with fellow language lovers. From total beginners to native speakers, all are welcome—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to speak!

• Practice your German in a casual setting

• Grab a drink and tasty bite while you chat

• Meet new friends and connect over culture

Look for the “Stammtisch” reserved sign on one of the taproom tables, or ask a bartender to direct you.

Prost! Come practice, have fun, and keep your German skills sharp at Stammtisch! More Info

Discover all upcoming events on our Community Events page

Upcoming Events:

Get ready for a day full of family fun, festive food, and fireworks at FreedomFest 2025! This beloved annual event returns to the Alcoa Duck Pond (1325 Springbrook Rd) on June 28 and promises a full lineup of activities and entertainment for all ages. More Info

Get ready for a summer scare like no other—Terror in the Woods is BACK at Ijams Nature Center on Saturday, June 28, June 28 | 7:00 PM – 1:00 AM at Ijams Nature Center – 2915 Island Home Ave - and it’s going to be killer (literally)!  More Info

Get ready to splash into summer with color and creativity! Join Ijams Nature Center for an all-ages Tie Dye Party at Mead’s Quarry on Tuesday, July 1, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM as part of their Big Fun Tuesday series. More Info

The 2025 Tennessee Pickle Festival is back and bigger than ever—happening Saturday, July 12 from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Putnam County Fairgrounds in Cookeville, TN! 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

Sip, Savor and Spark : Diamonds in Bloom at Estate House

Join us for a sparkling Saturday afternoon at Estate House for Sip, Savor and Sparkle: Diamonds in Bloom! June 28 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM at  Estate House (5002 Kingston Pike)

Indulge in handcrafted cocktails as you browse our stunning collection of Estate Jewelry, and shop beautiful, fresh blooms from Flourish Flower Truck. It’s the perfect blend of elegance, style, and seasonal charm.

 Special Offer: All purchases over $1,500 receive a FREE bouquet from Flourish—Knoxville’s favorite flower truck!

• Gorgeous jewelry

• Local flowers

• Sips & socializing

Mark your calendar and treat yourself (or someone special) to a dazzling day out. We can't wait to see you there! More Info

The Kraken’s Cup :  Knoxville's Premier English Style Tearoom

The Kraken's Cup offers an authentic English-style tearoom and restaurant experience, perfect for those looking to escape the ordinary. With seating for 65 guests across two beautifully themed dining rooms, this full-service venue is ideal for a variety of gatherings from elegant parties and showers to casual meetings and lunches.  It is located right at 4815 North Broadway, Suite 107, in Knoxville.

Vallie Prince, the visionary behind The Kraken's Cup, has cultivated a love for tea and immersive dining experiences through her extensive travels across the United States. Drawing inspiration from places like Disney World and the Rainforest Cafe, Vallie has created a unique retreat for tea enthusiasts and novices alike. With a background in food service spanning over two decades and academic pursuits in Anthropology and Religious Studies, Vallie's diverse experiences have perfectly brewed into the creation of Knoxville’s only full-service tearoom.

The Kraken's Cup distinguishes itself as East Tennessee's exclusive, regularly operating full-service tearoom. The tearoom offers an extensive menu that caters to various dietary needs and preferences, featuring over 80 different teas. Vallie's commitment to making afternoon tea a day-long, reservation-free experience allows everyone to enjoy a quintessentially British tradition with a local twist.

Since its opening, the tearoom has supported numerous local initiatives and charities through fundraising events and partnerships. Collaboration with local businesses and artists is at the forefront of Vallie’s mission, enhancing Knoxville culture while supporting the local economy.

With ambitious plans for expansion, The Kraken's Cup aims to replicate its unique tearoom experience across new locations in the coming years. Vallie continues to innovate the tearoom’s offerings with regular tea education classes and special events designed to enrich the community's engagement with the art of tea.

For more information, to make a reservation, or to inquire about hosting an event, please contact Vallie Prince at:

Contact Information:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (865) 297-3083
Website: https://thekrakenscup.com/

Whether you’re a tea aficionado or looking for a novel place to relax and reconnect, The Kraken's Cup promises an experience that’s anything but ordinary. Join Vallie and her team as they continue to pour their passion into every cup, fostering a love for tea and community in Knoxville’s unique tearoom setting.

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