Don’t forget to download the Ride With GPS app before heading out on these nearby adventures. | Photo provided by Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
No matter the season, the rolling hills of Knoxville are the perfect backdrop for a bike ride. Today, we’re taking advantage of Bike Tennessee, an initiative highlighting professional road cycling routes, neighboring small towns + breathtaking views.
Ready to ride? Get a crash course on the rules of the road + try these six trails around the Greater Knoxville area. Pro tip: Check out each map for places to stop along your journey.
They call it a challenge for a reason — seasoned riders can expect steep climbs + sections of gravel roads. A dip in the lake will make it worth the journey.
Take it easy on this quick and scenic journey through the Great Smoky Mountains — relax with a glass at Cades Cove Cellars.
Looking to meet friends along the way? Bike Tennessee offers statewide events throughout the year. We’re excited for:
Night at the Museum III | 6-9 p.m. | Mabry-Hazen House | $10+ | Explore the 1858 historic house in an entirely different light during a self-guided tour + see an artifact typically not on display.
Pickleball Play A Round | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Premier Pickleball Club | Free, RSVP | Don’t dill-y dally — sign up for a beginner-friendly game and network with others in the community.
Thursday, Aug. 21
The Picky Chick Consignment Sale | Thursday, Aug. 21-Saturday, Aug. 23 | Times vary | Knoxville Expo Center | Free+ | Bring your shopping bags and totes to fill up with great finds for your kiddos + teens — Saturday is half-priced day.
Tyler Hilton | 8 p.m. | Open Chord Stage | $42+ | See the man behind “One Tree Hill’s” Chris Keller + hear your favorite songs from the early 2000s drama.
Friday, Aug. 22
Paint and Hike | 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Ijams Nature Center | $45 | Lace up your shoes for a guided hike that focuses on the history of the quarry activity in the area + paint what you saw along the way.
Stacy Jacobi Home Showhouse + Fundraiser | Friday, Aug. 22-Sunday, Aug. 24 | 12-4 p.m. | 1027 Westmoreland Ridge Way | $35 | Come out for Knoxville’s most anticipated home tour of the year — proceeds benefit Genesis Generation Foundation Kids of Appalachia.
Knox County unveiled plans for Operation Hero’s Hill — an initiative focused on addressing veteran homelessness. The first phase, projected to break ground this month, will feature 20 tiny homes + a community center.
Quoted
“Thank you, Bill. For your guidance, your example, your legacy to all of us. We will miss you,” said WBIR staffer, Tonja Burk when announcing that former anchor Bill Williams died at 91. For almost three decades, Knoxvillians heard their evening news from Williams — read his legacy. (WBIR)
Real Estate
If you pass by old buildings + landmarks in Knoxville and wonder about their upkeep, we’ve got the list for you. Knox Heritage’s 2025 Fading and Fragile List details 11 properties to prioritize and bring awareness to, with hopes to begin their path for a brighter future and preservation.
Outdoors
Now through Friday, Aug. 22, the splash pads at World’s Fair Park will be turned off for scheduled maintenance. Make a splash at these five fountains instead.
Plan Ahead
We’re shining a light on local nonprofit venue Pilot Light as it celebrates 25 years next month. Grab your friends and family for a block party on Sunday, Sept. 14, featuring activities, live performances, a historic museum, and more.
Arts
The Knoxville Museum of Art is rolling out its new season of the arts. From works exploring early modernism in the South to a Wayne White installation — check out what upcoming exhibitions you can view for free.
Announced
Southwest Airlines will begin flying out of McGhee Tyson Airport next year. Nonstop flights to four US cities are already available to book for travel starting in March 2026, including twice-daily flights to Nashville.*
Sports
Roster cutdowns happen next week (Tuesday, Aug. 26), so it’s a great time to get locked in ahead of this NFL season. Hear from the local experts on the Tennessee Titans with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Wellness
Support your liver’s daily grind with Dose. This orange juice-flavored shot blends curcumin, milk thistle, ginger, and dandelion root into a vegan, sugar-free, and gluten-free formula. Try Dose for 30% off — your liver will thank you later.*
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Hey there, Knoxville. This might be your first time seeing my face, but you’ve already read some of my work — I got to help launch this newsletter from not too far away in Chattanooga. Introducing you to a local double-lung recipient and para athlete + over 15 free things to do around town? Yeah, that was me. I can’t wait to share more with you all.
