This could be your view next year. | Photo of Everglades National Park via Wikimedia Commons
The New Year is almost here, making it a natural time to lean into wanderlust — especially if “travel more” tops your resolutions.
Inspired by Airbnb’s 2026 travel predictions, we paired next year’s biggest trends with nonstop destinations from McGhee Tyson Airport. Buckle up.
Maximum adventure with minimum commitment: Denver
Younger travelers are looking for 1-2 day getaways that offer a slew of exciting activities, and this mile-high city delivers with mountain views and brewery hopping just a four-hour flight away.
National parks: Miami
Sure, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is right down the road, but a trip to Miami puts you in range of not one, but three national parks: Biscayne, Dry Tortugas, and Everglades. Call it a triple-threat nature escape.
AT&T Stadium will host nine FIFA World Cup matches, more than any of the other 15 US venues.
Register for RoofFest to get expert insights from keynote speakers, including Mayor Glenn Jacobs. | Photo provided by RoofFest
Calling all Knoxville business owners: start the year off strong at RoofFest 2026, a day of networking, education, and charitable impact for local entrepreneurs + community leaders.
Vols, we hope you’re ready for this. UT will host five SEC games next year, including home matchups against Auburn, Alabama, Kentucky, LSU, and the other UT — Texas. If your blood bleeds orange, get on the waiting list for season tickets.
Announced
Speaking of Tennessee football, Jim Knowles will be the Vols’ next defensive coordinator. With 38 years of college football experience, Knowles most recently helped Ohio State win the College Football Playoff National Championship earlier this year.
Mansion Monday
Heated floors, a home gym, media room, pool, and 2.14 acres to explore come with this modern marvel off of Melton Lake. You’re going to want to see these custom finishes.
Stat
76.1%. That’s how much home prices have increased in the last five years in Friendsville, the fastest rate in the Knoxville metro area. In the last year alone, prices grew by 6.8% to a median home value of $408,006. (WATE)
Weather
Dreaming of a white Christmas? Keep dreaming. East Tennessee’s chances of snow on Dec. 25 are below 4%, with indications leaning toward a milder, drier Christmas day. Fun fact: Knoxville has only seen six white Christmases since the 1870s. (WATE)
Number
$7.1 billion. That’s how much philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donated to nonprofits this year. Here in Knoxville, you don’t need deep pockets to do your part. You can give your time, kindness, or a few hours of hard work to one of these deserving volunteer opportunities instead. (ABC News)
Sports
Bad news bears — does Zach Edey’s ankle injury forecast more trouble for the Grizz? Hear from the local experts on the Memphis Grizzlies with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Listen
If you’re experiencing back pain + considering nonsurgical or surgical treatment, don’t miss Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance East Tennessee’s newest podcast episode, “Aligned: A Conversation on Spine Pain, Surgery & Recovery.” The expert-backed conversation features guidance for relieving spine pain and understanding your treatment options. Listen now.*
Finance
You’re smart — but your spending can still be dumb. These are the 11 dumbest things smart people waste money on.*
Jobs
“The process is super easy and far more cost-effective than using a recruiter.” That’s what one business owner said about hiring through our Job Board. See for yourself — post your open positions for free.
The Buy
Fresh, small-batch coffee from Trade. Take the quiz + get matched with coffee blends that align with your tastes and preferences. Bonus: Our readers get an exclusive 50% off their first month subscription — no code necessary.
