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Downtown Knoxville’s Cruze Farm is back and better than ever. After closing its South Gay Street storefront in December, the new location next door has officially opened — and it’s nearly three times the size of the original space.
Here’s the scoop. Laura Lang, the former pastry chef at Blackberry Farm, has joined the biz as Cruze Farm’s new culinary director. Knoxvillians can look forward to the March debut of an expanded menu with breakfast sandwiches, snacks like fries + cheese curds, and more eats made from locally sourced ingredients.
Bonus: Cruze Farm’s biscuits, a fan favorite from the restaurant’s food truck days, will make a comeback as well.
A new state park is coming to East Tennessee, and your input can help shape it. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is crafting a master plan for the future Fort Southwest Point State Historic Park, which sits on 20 acres in Kingston. Share your thoughts. (WATE 6)
Theater
“Cabaret” is your first chance to step inside UTK’s brand-new Jenny Boyd Theatre, now open and hosting shows through Saturday, March 1. Designed as an intimate, adaptable space, the venue will keep the momentum going with “The Royale,” onstage starting Wednesday, March 25.
Coming Soon
Sauna House, the new Nordic spa in Historic North Broadway, is almost ready to welcome guests. Doors open Friday, Feb. 20 and online reservations start today, Feb. 18.
Regional
Historic Downtown Clinton’s massive renovation is in the home stretch, with about 75% of the work now complete. After months of construction, crews poured new sidewalks last week — a major milestone that is anticipated to help local businesses start to bounce back. (WBIR)
Plan Ahead
As the snow thaws and warm weather approaches, it’s time to break out of hibernation with a springtime adventure. Ancient Lore Village’s Legends in the Making is a new, fully immersive cosplay-focused retreat happening in March. Interested in joining the adventure? Explore retreat options + special events before visiting the whimsical locale.*
Concert
Shinedown, the rock band fronted by Knoxville-born Brent Smith, is coming to Food City Center this summer. Tickets for the Saturday, July 25 show go on sale at 10 a.m. this Friday, Feb. 20.
Play
Are you looking for our Games page? You can find it here. Thanks to all of our readers who let us know you’re enjoying this page — our team is continuing to work on even more ways to play in the future.
Health
Don’t forget to take your heart seriously. Even mild signs — like unusual tiredness, a queasy stomach, or a general sense that something isn’t right — can signal a problem. Use Prisma Health’s free Heart Health Assessment to take the first step toward a healthier heart.*
Fact or Fiction
Taskrabbit is now available in Knoxville. Fact. Taskrabbit connects you with vetted professionals who can help with furniture assembly, handyman services, cleaning, and more — often with same-day availability. Book a task.*
Eat
Some nights you have the energy to cook. Other nights, you have the energy to… stare at the fridge and negotiate with it.Forkful meals arrive fully prepared, use grass-fed beef and free-range chicken, and are 100% seed oil-free. Get 50% off your first box with code CMD50.*
Health
Crowded restaurants, bustling cafés, lively gatherings — your social life can be loud. These best-selling hearing aids cut through the noise so you hear every word with clarity + confidence. Built with cutting-edge technology and a nearly invisible design, they fit seamlessly into your life. Start a 45-day no-risk trial.*
Finance
Americans are choosing this powerhouse card for smarter spending. It boasts 0% intro APR on all purchases and balance transfers for nearly two years, up to 6% cash back, a generous sign-up bonus, and zero annual fee. Add it to your wallet.*
Pro Tip
Attention Amazon Prime members — don’t miss the chance to earn extra cash on every purchase you make. Check out these 16 hacks to save money + earn more cash, all from the comfort of your couch.*
Category
Travel
✈️ 865 to ATX
The city’s your oyster. | Photo via Canva
Senior Product Editor Morgan here. I’m not a fortune teller, but I think I see a trip to Austin in your future.
Southwest Airlines is launching a new direct route to the Live Music Capital of the World this October — and even sooner, Knoxville is headed to South by Southwest in March for “Knoxville Day” at LaunchTN’s major Tennessee House event.
Ready to explore Austin? Our friends at ATXtoday helped craft a must-see list for out-of-towners, from legendary barbecue and breakfast tacos to quirky local landmarks and the hottest nightlife destinations.
A 4.6-star rated collagen mask that features a Botox-like peptide developed using Nobel Prize-winning technology. It deeply moisturizes dry skin while boosting elasticity and improving skin sebum levels.
Speaking of travel... Dollywood and Allegiant Airlines are teaming up to host a Dolly Parton-themed flight from Orlando to McGhee Tyson Airport. The flight number? 925 — what a way to make a livin’.