If you see these blooms on the roadside — it’s milkweed, and it’s great for pollinators. | Photo via TDEC
Want more from your lawn than just grass? You could turn it into a mini “national park.”
Meet Homegrown National Park, a nationwide grassroots movement that invites property owners to restore wildlife habitats through sustainable planting and the removal of invasive species.
Here’s how it works: Swap a portion of your lawn for native plants that support food webs for local fauna, then watch your yard transform into a natural oasis where wildlife thrives.
Registered habitats are tracked on a digital biodiversity map, so you can see which Scruffy City neighbors are pitching in. Here are two that caught our eye:
Borderland Tees has had a habitat across from South Knoxville Elementary since November 2022.
Across the river, there’s 160 sqft of native habitat on South Gay Street and Main Street West.
Contrast therapy has been linked to health benefits like improved immunity and enhanced sleep. | Photos provided by SweatHouz.
Need a wellness refresh as colder weather approaches? Contrast therapy — the practice of heating your body in an infrared sauna before plunging into chilled waters — could help you hack the winter blues.
SweatHouz is now open in Farragut. Enjoy private suites complete with an infrared sauna, luxurious cold plunge bathtub, and a Vitamin C shower for the ultimate relaxation experience.
ICYMI, Rala is moving its sales entirely online. But what will become of the 112 West Jackson Ave. space? It will be a cocktail bar, courtesy of the folks behind Osteria Stella. (Inside of Knoxville)
Real Estate
The Riverview Tower is for sale. If you’re in the market for one of the tallest buildings in Knoxville, we can break down the stats for you: It includes the parking garage + all 23 stories, and the building is currently 96% leased. Bid before Jan. 23, 2026. (WATE)
Closing
Small Comforts Kitchen may close its storefront in 2026. In a post on Instagram, the bakery said that sales have dropped since construction began. So get those orders in for the holidays. Editor’s pick: the brown butter chocolate chip cookies.
Open
U Brew Coffee Co. will have its ribbon-cutting at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11. Head to this new coffee spot at 114 Carr St. NW to welcome it to the neighborhood.
We just found a loft in Old North that was originally a grocery store. It’s so clear an artist lived here, so take a peek inside to see all the art on the walls. And floors. And ceiling.
Sports
The Tennessee Titans pulled off their second win of the season against the Cleveland Browns, but what about our chances for the first overall draft pick? Hear from the local experts on the Tennessee Titans with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Health
Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance (TOA) has been providing East Tennessee with premier orthopedic care for 20+ years. From treatments for joint paint to post-surgical care, discover TOA’s array of services and break free from the orthopedic pain that’s holding you back.*
Seasonal
Happy almost New Year’s. We’re celebrating the countdown to 2026 with 26% off all Newsletter Text Ads and Email Banner Ads on our advertising portal. Use code COUNTDOWNTO2026 at checkout — no long-term contract required.
Beauty
Particle Face Cream was engineered for men to tackle skin issues in one simple step — reducing eye bags, diminishing wrinkles, brightening dark spots, hydrating, soothing after shaving, and nourishing deeply with Dead Sea minerals. Use code CITY20 for 20% off today.*
Event Spotlight
👀 Look up, Knoxville
The Geminid Meteor shower peaks this weekend. You could watch from your backyard — but you know we’re always trying to get you out in the community. So here’s what we think you should do:
Go hiking with Ijams naturalists. Chat about the constellations, experience the woods at night, and see up to 120+ meteors per hour.
Tickets are $15, and the hike begins at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 at Ijams Nature Center.
Color me impressed. When quizzed, 46% of you could tell which one of these shades of white was Pantone’s color of the year. If you haven’t tried yet, give it a shot.
