There are so many things to love about Knoxville. We realized that our team is so diverse and we all bring so many different things to the table which means we all love different things about Knoxville. Each week over the next month you will get to know a little about each of our team members and what they love about Knoxville. Maybe you will learn about a little known spot to visit in our special city.
First up is Emily:
My name is Emily, and I am the office manager for the A-Team at Realty Executives. I never fully realized how much I loved Knoxville until I went away to go to school at UTC in Chattanooga. After moving an hour and a half a way, I found myself coming back home to Knoxville every chance I could get! After completing my journey in Chattanooga, I’m back {whoo-hoo!} and I’m more grateful than ever to call this beautiful city my home! In celebration of this marvelous place, here’s a list of some of my favorite places and things about Knoxville.
1. Dead End Barbeque- There is a magical place off of Sutherland Avenue where you can smell the sweet aroma of barbeque from a mile away. Locally owned, this neighborhood barbeque joint has Knoxville written all over it! Delicious barbeque pulled pork and brisket, fabulous sides like pimento mac-and-cheese, fried okra, and southern style green beans. YUM! {Though I am personally not a banana fan, they are rumored to have the world’s best homemade banana pudding as well!} One of my very favorite Knoxville restaurants!
2. The Oliver Hotel- Market Square in downtown Knoxville is one of my favorite places to go any time of the day! Great restaurants {like Tupelo Honey and Café 4} as well as great shopping {Bliss and Bliss Home are two of my favorites} make it a local hotspot. My favorite feature of Market Square is the historic Oliver Hotel. It was originally built in 1876 as the Peter Kern Bakery, but was converted in 1982 to become the Blakely House Hotel. Newly {and marvelously} renovated, it is now known as the Oliver Hotel, and it is the only boutique hotel property in Knoxville. The rooms and suites, which look over Market Square, are beautifully decorated {not to mention the trendy in house bar/lounge area and access to room service from Tupelo Honey restaurant!} It’s a fun option to recommend to out of town guests for a unique Knoxville experience, or a great treat for a night away from home for a little pampering!
3. Sequoyah Hills- This beautiful area on the Tennessee Riverfront is one of Knoxville’s oldest and most prestigious neighborhoods. There are walking and biking paths along the river, and beautiful areas to picnic or take pictures. I love driving around looking at the beautiful homes in Sequoyah Hills {my favorite part!}. The Plaid Apron {always bringing it back to food} is a neighborhood cafe located close by, and is open for delicious coffee drinks and hot breakfasts. Next Saturday morning, grab a bite then take a stroll along the water in this beautiful Knoxville neighborhood!
4. Concord Park- One thing I really appreciate about Knoxville is all the beautiful landscapes you can find, especially the ones that include water! Concord Parks sits on Fort Loudon Lake, and is a perfect place to get outside on a pretty day. The park features a yacht club, kayak rentals, volleyball court, playground for the kiddos, walking trails, beach area, picnic tables, and a pavilion with charcoal grills that is available to rent for summer parties. Across the street there are baseball fields and fishing docks. It is also home to many annual Knoxville events such as the Dragon Boat Races and the American Cancer Society’s “Bark for Life” event at the Concord dog park {gotta love a place where you can take the doggies!}.
5. Shoreline Church- For me, a big part of being “home” is getting connected with a home church. I love that while Knoxville offers all of the amenities of a big city, there is still a close sense of community and hospitality among friends and neighbors. Shoreline Church is a place where community is important, and it is easy to get connected with friends through events, small groups, and volunteer opportunities. Because I love this city so much, nothing gets me more excited than spending time with fellow Knox-vilians and getting in touch with/ giving back to our community. If you have been searching for a great home church to get connected with, Shoreline is a new church that is, in my opinion, the beginning of something amazing!