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⭐️ Star power
Kelsea Ballerini grew up singing in a local church choir. | Photo by Walt Disney Television via Openverse
Rocky Top may not be known for red carpets and paparazzi, but Knoxville has produced more than its fair share of stars. From Oscar winners to stunt-loving daredevils, here’s a look at notable names with roots in K-Town. Quentin Tarantino | The acclaimed writer and director was born in Knoxville in 1963. He moved to California with his mother at age 4, so his memories of the city are likely few, but he still peppers his films with nods to his birthplace.
Mary Costa | The voice of Aurora in Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty” was born and raised in Knoxville and helped found the Knoxville Opera Company in 1979. Kenny Chesney | The barefoot musician’s local lore runs deep. Chesney was born in Knoxville and studied advertising at East Tennessee State University. Bonus: Check out his senior photo in the Gibbs High School yearbook.
It’s the end of an era for one of Knoxville’s oldest businesses. After nearly 150 years in operation, Mayo Garden Centers is set to permanently close. Sales at both locations will begin on Friday, March 13.
Coming Soon
The old Everything Mushrooms warehouse on Sevier Avenue will soon become an indoor-outdoor bar and recreation space. Tentatively named Buffleheads, it will feature duckpin bowling, shuffleboard, and beverages served out of retro aluminum trailers. (Blank News + Inside of Knoxville)
Transit
Knoxville is a finalist in the race for The Boring Company’s next tunnel project. The proposed “Vol Loop” would link Neyland Drive to Market Square. People from more than a dozen cities submitted pitches, and the winning location will be announced on Monday, March 23. (WBIR)
Opening
Alice in Appalachia plans to debut the retail portion of its new South Gay Street space this week, though an exact opening date hasn’t been announced. Beer and liquor sales will follow once permits are transferred from the former Market Square shop. (Knoxville News Sentinel)
Edu
For UTK freshmen, parking woes are practically a rite of passage. Now, UTK is partnering with Uber to ease the pain. 2,000 eligible students will receive 10 $10 ride vouchers to use this semester. (The Daily Beacon)
Legacy
Julia Tucker, a local activist and trailblazer, has died at 94. She was the first woman to chair the Knoxville City School Board and the first to integrate Holston Hills Country Club. Read more about the lasting impact she made on the Knoxville community. (WATE)
Eat
It’s Friday, which means SoKno Sourdough is slinging grab-n-go bagels + cream cheese from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The new Friday-only offering is available at its Barber Street bakery through a “sort of” secret entrance — here’s how to get in.
Outdoors
You have until Sunday, March 8 to reserve low-cost native tree seedlings for Tennessee Tree Day. Find a pickup location near you, browse available species, and plan to collect your seedlings ahead of the statewide planting day on Saturday, March 21.
Sports
The 2026 Paralympic Winter Games have begun in Milan + Cortina, Italy, and the opening ceremony takes place today at 2 p.m. EST. Watch the broadcast on USA Network or stream it on Peacock, and look for Joseph Woodke, a para-ice hockey player from Tennessee. (NBC)
Read
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Pro Tip
If you’re a Costco shopper, you’re probably familiar with the ever-popular $1.50 hot dog. But are you in on these other 10 lesser-known hacks all Costco shoppers should know about? Don’t miss the details on vacation deals, members-only movie tickets, and more.*
Category
History
🫖 Tea, talks + trailblazers
Tickets to the Women’s History Tea Party cost $20 and include a special take-home gift. | Photo via Canva
March is Women’s History Month, a dedicated time to celebrate the achievements of women throughout US history. Knoxville is marking the occasion with events that celebrate, educate, and inspire. Here are a few you won’t want to miss.
Thursday, March 12 | “Knoxville Women: Education and Hope”
Join award-winning educator Dr. Melody Hawkins at Blount Mansion Visitors Center for a lecture exploring how women on the margins shaped Knoxville’s education system over the city’s first 250 years.
Sunday, March 15 | Daytime Docs: “Fly With Me”
Visit the Lawson McGhee Library for a screening of a documentary about trailblazing women who became flight attendants at a time when single women couldn’t order a drink or dine alone.
Sunday, March 29 | Women’s History Tea Party
Enjoy tea and homemade refreshments at The Bottom while you swap stories about empowering women. Attendees are invited to bring a poem or passage written by one of their favorite authors or educators.
The Buy
A really good retinol serum without the premium price tag. For under $25, it’s clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, brighten skin, and boost elasticity.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic is underway, with Team USA set to play their first game today, March 6 against Brazil. Want to catch America’s pastime closer to home? See what ballpark promotions the Knoxville Smokies have lined up this season.
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