Arts + Culture

Sparrow Wine Bar

A neighborhood wine bar West Knoxville regulars love attracts wine searchers from all over Knoxville Article by Patricia Storm Broyles | Photography by Shawn Poynter Best friends since college at Michigan State, Amy Burritt and Cheri Intveld opened Euphoric Cheese Shop in February 2021 followed by Sparrow Wine Bar in June 2023. During Covid, customers came in to buy cheese and charcuterie to enjoy at home. But post-Covid, their customers wanted places to get together outside of home – and ...

Arts + Culture

The Gay Street Bridge

The current closure is another chapter of catastrophes and construction projects across the Tennessee River Article by Paul James and Jack Neely | Photography by Images courtesy of McClung Historical Collection, Library of Congress, and Shawn Poynter The Gay Street Bridge is currently closed following a recent Tennessee Department of Transportation safety report. While it might remain closed for an extended time, now may be a good opportunity to reflect on the long history of the Gay Street...

Education

A Recipe for Success

How to Serve Up a Balanced Budget Article by Claire Kluth, CFP ® | Photography by Ben Finch, Marissa Grootes When I was young, my mom had a simple rule: eat the “good” food first. The idea was to fill up on nutrients before indulging in dessert. Time and time again, I asked for a sweet treat before dinner (you think I would learn), and my mom always reminded me of the family rule. While I sometimes forgot the rule as a kid, the lesson sticks with me today — eat what you need first, and then...

Arts + Culture

Cruze Farm Dairy

Colleen Cruze Bhatti on the Family’s Small but Significant Knoxville Ice Cream Empire Article by Jennie Treadway-Miller | Photography by Shawn Poynter, Tonya Damron “I think my parents are really happy and surprised. I don’t think Dad ever thought that after being a bachelor dairy farmer that anyone would want to marry him and do this. Girls didn’t like the smell of manure,” says Colleen Cruze Bhatti, laughing. “But they feel blessed. Life has been good to them.”   In fact, it’s been...

Arts + Culture

Phillips Forged & Primeaux Knives

Knoxville's John Phillips is one of a handful of world-class bladesmiths forging premium knives that are functional art Article by Patricia Storm Broyles | Photography by Shawn Poynter It began with his passion for cooking. Knoxville’s John Phillips started his handcrafted kitchen knife enterprise, Phillips Forged, in his garage  literally from the ground up  using found materials, like East Tennessee sawmill blades and plows  –  old   carbon steels and recycled steels. Today, he is...

Education

The Trendy versus Timeless Debate

Article by Payton VeStrand, CFP® | Photography by Provided In the ever-changing world of fashion, the debate between trendy and timeless style rages on. While some view the concept of timelessness as paradoxical in an industry driven by constant innovation, others embrace it as a guiding principle.   Many liken chasing trends to running on a treadmill, with the next cool outfit always just out of reach. What is in style today will inevitably be outdated in a few seasons, leaving consumers in...

Life + Culture

John H. Daniel Defines Style in Knoxville

A top-shelf custom-tailored experience that truly suits you Article by West Knoxville Lifestyle Staff | Photography by Shawn Poynter Senator John H. Daniel founded a men’s custom tailor shop in Georgia in 1928 and, with his partner, W.C. Bryan, moved to Knoxville in 1932. For almost a century, this renowned custom house has hand-tailored apparel for presidents, congressmen, professional athletes, entertainers, and for generations, their own hometown citizens.     Like West Knoxville...

Arts + Culture

Dogwood Arts

Sherry Jenkins on Public Art and Turning Alleys into Galleries Article by Jennie Treadway-Miller | Photography by Shawn Poynter When Sherry Jenkins came on as the new executive director of Dogwood Arts in October 2017, she had already served on the board of directors for several years and spent 18 years at a locally owned project management firm, all with a Fine Arts degree in hand from the University of Tennessee. She is keenly aware of how crucial art and culture are intertwined...

Home + Design

Restyling Family Treasures

C&S Refinishing & Upholstery – Handing Down the Art and Handcraft of Restoring Fine Furnishings Article by West Knoxville Lifestyle Staff | Photography by Shawn Poynter If you’ve appreciated your church’s majestic entry doors, the stunning woodwork in a downtown Knoxville restaurant, a friend’s kitchen transformed by handsomely refinished cabinets, or a grandmother’s sofa, solidly restored and updated with contemporary upholstery, then chances are you’re admiring the painstaking handiwork of...

Arts + Culture

Russell Briscoe

Knoxville’s Fondly Remembered Painter and Toy Maker Article by Paul James | Photography by East Tennessee Historical Society and Mike O'Neill During the second half of the 20th century, one of Knoxville’s best-loved painters was William Russell Briscoe (1899-1979), an artist who captured the spirit of ages past through his vivid depictions of the city’s historical events, lively street scenes, and old buildings. Raised in the Fort Sanders neighborhood near the university, Briscoe enjoyed an...