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🎨 All aboard the art trail
Community members gathered last week to celebrate the trail’s first art installation. | Photo provided by Legacy Parks Foundation
About 3.8 miles of former rail line are being reimagined as a new recreational corridor in South Knoxville. Construction is officially underway on the SoKno Rail Trail and Art Walk, with an opening anticipated this fall.
Led by the Legacy Parks Foundation in collaboration with several local partners, the project will transform the corridor into both a trail and an open-air gallery, connecting Chapman Highway to Ijams Nature Center.
Get to know the trail before embarking on adventures this fall. | Map provided by Legacy Parks Foundation
Once complete, the path will welcome walkers, runners, cyclists, and families with strollers. A 1.5-mile stretch will double as an Art Walk, dotted with murals, sculptures, and preserved rail elements that pay tribute to the area’s history. The first art installation — a historic caboose once owned by B. Ray Thompson — was unveiled last week, wrapped in a mural by artist Emmanuel Jarus.
The historic Greenlee’s building on North Broadway, which once housed the oldest operating bike shop in the US, is up for sale. Fun fact: The building was constructed around 1900 and was once home to prominent suffragist and author Eva Williams Malone.
Development
A new pedestrian bridge connecting Gibbs Middle School and Gibbs High School is moving forward. Construction on the $1.9 million project, named in honor of Staff Sergeant Ryan Knauss, is anticipated to begin in June. (WBIR)
Coming Soon
Internet-famous Roni’s Mac Bar is bringing its over-the-top comfort food to Kern’s Food Hall this spring. The Texas-based concept is known for customizable mac and cheese bowls loaded with unexpected toppings.
Legacy
Local television icon Andy Smalls, known to many as “Mashal Andy,” died Sunday morning at age 96. He was the host of “Riders of the Silver Screen,” a longtime East Tennessee PBS program that premiered in the 1980s. (WBIR)
Announced
After 33 years at the helm, Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee CEO Elaine Streno is set to retire later this year. The organization will share more details about what’s next in the coming months. (WBIR)
Concert
Dust off your cowboy boots. Rising country music star Tucker Wetmore will take the stage at the Tennessee Valley Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 15. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. this Friday, March 6.
Today Is
Holi, the Hindu holiday that marks the arrival of spring and a fresh season of hope. Expect vibrant color spraying and celebration as the community gathers at 4:30 p.m. this Saturday, March 7 at BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir.
Southwest Airlines will launch services at McGhee Tyson Airport tomorrow, March 5, debuting routes to Nashville, Dallas, Baltimore, and Orlando.
Once you touch down, skip the endless scrolling through reviews. Our editors are your local insiders, ready to guide you to the best eats, sights, and hidden gems.
🎸 Nashville, TN
Zip over to Music City to catch a show at one of its legendary venues. Pro tip: Top off the night with some late-night bites to make it a feast for your ears and your taste buds.
🍸 Dallas, TX
The Big D shines in the food and drink department. Pick up a local coffee to fuel your daytime explorations, then settle in at a lively happy hour spot as the sun sets.
🎢 Orlando, FL
Theme parks may be the major draw to The City Beautiful, but its city parks are just as spectacular. Don’t forget a key lime pie for the perfect picnic snack.
A 4.5-star rated practice golf mat. It simulates a real hitting experience with three different mat options so you can practice driving, chipping, putting, and more.
Are you watching “Survivor 50"? Fly By Night is slinging themed cocktails every Wednesday night while the hit reality show plays on the big screen. I’ve got my eye on the Shot in the Dark, made with vodka, blue curacao, pineapple, coconut, and lime.
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