Showing posts tagged with: Knoxville
28May

2019 Summer Weekend Activities In Knoxville, TN

Knoxville | 0 comments | by newman

Top Summer 2019 Weekend Activities – Knoxville, TN

by New Again Houses Knoxville

 

Are you looking for fun things to do on the weekends this summer? I have said it before, and I’ll say it again – There is so much to do in Knoxville, TN! Consider checking out Knoxville if you’re looking for some fun activities to do this summer 2019.

The best part about living in Knoxville is it has a small city feel, with big city activities. No matter what you are interested in or what your budget is, there is a great activity for you this summer in Knoxville and the surrounding area. Here are just a few of our favorites:

 

  1. Ijams Nature Center

http://ijams.org/

summer activities 2019 knoxville

Image from: https://www.visitknoxville.com/listings/ijams-nature-center/155/

 

If you are an outdoor lover head no further than South Knoxville to 300+ acres of Knoxville’s protected natural habitat. Ijams has something to offer all ages! There are 10 miles of trails to hike and bike. If it’s mid-summer and you need to cool down, take a swim or rent a kayak at Mead’s Quarry Lake. If you have kids, check out the different camps and programs Ijams has to offer.

If you are feeling extra adventurous, head to Navitat by Ijams, a tree-based adventure and climbing park. For a special date night, check out Navitat at Night and climb around in the canopy under the stars. Ijams is open every day from 8 am – dusk and has free parking. It’s the perfect outdoor adventure without the long drive to the Smokies!

 

  1. Market Square Farmer’s Market

https://www.nourishknoxville.org/market-square-farmers-market/

summer activities 2019 knoxville

Image from: https://www.knoxnews.com/story/entertainment/dining/2019/04/08/knoxville-farmers-markets-when-where-they-open-what-they-offer/3364813002/

 

Running from May through November, check out the Farmer’s Market on Saturdays from 9 am – 2 pm. You can purchase delicious, fresh food from one of the many food trucks, buy fresh produce, local crafts, furniture, or soaps. Ladies, try to leave without buying a beautiful handmade fresh flower bouquet (it’s impossible for me).

There are also several live musicians that play around the square, and the upbeat melodies carry through the streets of downtown Knoxville. It’s the perfect excuse to explore downtown Knoxville. If it’s a hot day, stop for some ice cream at Cruz Farms on Gay Street or grab a cocktail on Hyatt’s luxurious rooftop bar.

Bonus: Downtown Knoxville has FREE PARKING on nights and weekends at meters and several different parking garages. Find parking here – https://www.downtownknoxville.org/explore/free-parking-nightsweekends/?t[]=96)

 

  1. Zoo Knoxville

https://www.zooknoxville.org/

summer activities 2019 knoxville

Image from: https://www.visitknoxville.com/event/brew-at-the-zoo/10050/

 

Animal lovers and parents alike– Zoo Knoxville is a must do! This is one of the best zoos I have been to hands down. You’ll be enchanted by the elephants, taken aback by the Tigers, and mesmerized by the monkey exhibits. You can even ride a camel or feed a giraffe. Bring your walking shoes though, this zoo is no joke. Covering 53-acres, you will be sure to get in some exercise. There is also an annual pass option available. If you go to the zoo at least twice this summer, it will pay for itself. If you are looking for a unique present for the special kid in your life, check out the zoo’s adopt an animal program!

 

  1. Knoxville Ale Trail

https://knoxvillebrewers.com/ale-trail/

summer activities 2019 knoxville

Image from: https://www.visitknoxville.com/restaurants/breweries/

 

For all the craft beer lovers, the Knoxville Ale Trail should be top of the list. The Ale Trail consists of 18 different craft brewers in Knoxville and the surrounding area. Most of the breweries are nearby, so if you are feeling determined, you could complete this in a weekend. You will find many unique beers and ciders along the trail, and you’ll even get to meet some of the local brewers. Once you complete the trail, redeem your Knoxville Ale Trail ‘passport’ for a free t-shirt!

[Driving while under the influence is NEVER ok. Uber and Lyft options are cheap and readily available in Knoxville and the surrounding areas. Another great way to achieve stamp status is to check out the Knox Brew Tours Bus. It will shuttle you to several of the breweries located around downtown Knoxville.]

 

  1. Summer Festivals

 

summer activities 2019 knoxville

Image from: https://www.visitknoxville.com/events/festivals-events/

 

‘Tis the season – the festival season! Knoxville has some amazing festivals happening during the summer time. You can find a list of all of the festivals here, but these are a few to be sure to check out:

 

May 17-19 Rhythm ‘N’ Blooms Music Festival

Come out to see a variety of bands and artists, both national and local, throughout venues in downtown Knoxville. Day and weekend passes are available. Festival passes can be expensive, so volunteer some time working at the festival in exchange for a pass!

 

May 18 Children’s Festival of Reading

Take your kid to meet their favorite storybook character or enjoy some arts and crafts. There’s a ton of great kids activities at this festival, so bring the whole family. This free event will definitely wear your kids out and help them sleep well at night.

 

June 1 Bike, Boat, Brew & Bark

Outdoor Adventures – Check.

Beer – Check.

Dogs – Check.

Come watch the powerboat Knoxville Grand Prix, dogs dock diving, take a guided urban bike ride, walk the river with a local historian, or paddle the Tennessee River with the beautiful Knoxville skyline in the background at night! This festival truly has it all!

 

June 22 Pridefest

Come out to support equality and the inclusion of all people with Knoxville’s Pridefest. Be sure to hang around for the parade where you will feel the love!

 

June 28 Kumba Festival

This is a great alternative to Dollywood’s Festival of Nations (without the ticket prices)! The African American Appalachian Arts, Inc. (AAAA) organization showcases rich culture and art through education to the Knoxville community.

 

July 1-31 Where’s Waldo Scavenger Hunt

Bring your kids, or make it a date night! You can pick up your Waldo Passport at Union Avenue Books. Waldo is hiding in 3 dozen places across downtown Knoxville. Happy hunting!

 

July 4 Festival on the Fourth

This patriotic festival delivers fun and entertainment for the whole family. Free music, games, food, and fireworks, what better way to spend the fourth!

 

July 27 Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival

If the special guy in your life has a summer birthday, get him tickets to this event! It’s a great way to spend a summer day under the beautiful Sunsphere in World’s Fair Park!

 

August 17 East Tennessee History Fair

If you haven’t actually read up on our local history, or if reading isn’t your thing, this is the festival to learn about the local heritage. This free festival will be sure to make history fun for all ages!

 

August 25 Asian Festival

Have you ever just craved Asian food? This festival will be sure to scratch that itch and some! Another great alternative to Dollywood’s Festival of Nations, this festival is a great way to learn about Asian culture while enjoying some amazing food!

 

September 6 -15 Tennessee Valley Fair

Be sure to finish out your summer with the TN Valley Fair. You can find famous faces performing at night, win a stuffed animal, fly high on rides, or enjoy great fair food! It will finish out your summer with a bang!

 

September 28-29 HoLa Festival

While this one is technically in the fall, it cannot go unmentioned! Come out to celebrate the rich Hispanic culture with fun activities, performances on the Market Square stage, and fresh tamales! Muy Divertido!

 

Written by Jessica Winspear of New Again Houses® Knoxville

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08Apr

The State of the Real Estate Market in Knoxville in 2019

Buyer Tips | 0 comments | by newman

The State of the Real Estate Market in Knoxville in 2019

It’s hard to believe it has been ten years since the Great Recession and the collapse of the real estate market.  However, in Knoxville, Tennessee it seems surreal that it ever happened. Take a stroll through Market Square or run errands through Turkey Creek shopping center, and it is easy to see the economy in Knoxville is doing well and the result – a strong a real estate market. Forbes recently named Knoxville as a Recession-Resistant City for real estate, along with neighboring city, Nashville, Tennessee. Forbes isn’t the only organization recognizing the southern city. CNBC recently named Knoxville as a top 10 Slump-Proof City, and Livability.com listed it as one of the Top Best Places to Live.

real estate knoxville Tennessee

Photo by David McBee from Pexels

‘After the recession hit, it was a really rough time in real estate. I witnessed people who lost it all, however, the dynamic has changed significantly since then,’ said Knoxville real estate agent, Dustin Weaver. ‘When I first started, foreclosures and short sales were enough to keep anyone busy full time, but now those are few and far between due to the robust economy.’

Dustin is right: The Knoxville housing market is booming. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development Comprehensive Housing Market Analysis of Knoxville, TN, the average price for new and existing homes sold was $172,800. Zillow reported a ten percent increase in the home value forecast over the past year and shows an upward trend of 6.5 percent over the next year.

Even though Zillow lists the Knoxville seller’s housing market as ‘very hot,’ it’s affordable. Livability also gave Knoxville a number eight ranking in Top 100 Best Affordable Places to Live. With the median home sales price of $172,800, the estimated monthly mortgage payment in Knoxville would be roughly less than $900. This figure doesn’t include taxes, insurance, or private mortgage insurance (PMI), but is subjected to the down payment along with other variables. Even with those variables, Knoxville’s monthly mortgage payment is less than the national average. (Zillow.com has a great Mortgage Calculator based on national interest rates. Input all mortgage variables to calculate an estimated monthly payment at www.zillow.com/mortgage-calculator.)

In 2017, the United States Census Bureau listed Knox County’s population as 461,860. Knoxville’s ability to provide job security to its residents plays an equally important role in the housing market. The Knoxville area is home to multiple successful, well-established corporations including the US Department of Energy, University of Tennessee, Covenant Health, McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base, DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee, Inc., and Alcoa Inc. According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the Knox County unemployment rate was at 2.7 percent in May 2018, down 7.2 percent from 2010. The vitality of the Knoxville real estate market is in large part due to job security and the increasing ability to work remotely.

Dustin went on to say,

‘I have listed many houses that have gone pending within hours of listing or have gone multiple offers and sold well over the asking price. While no city is completely recession proof, it is easy to see why the Knoxville area real estate market has flourished. It is a great area and it has a lot to offer people of all ages.’

Simply put – the Knoxville real estate market is thriving and affordable.

Dustin Weaver is a licensed real estate agent with The Real Estate Firm® in Knoxville, Tennessee. Dustin has been working in real estate for several years and services Knox, Blount, Sevier and surrounding counties. He sold approximately 6 million dollars in real estate in 2018 and has started 2019 off with a bang! Along with his passion for real estate, Dustin loves his family and is an advocate for foster care and adoption. Follow Dustin’s real estate journey and ‘dadisms’ at www.Facebook.com/Realdadrealtor.

Written by Jessica Winspear of New Again Houses® Knoxville

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12Nov

Knoxville TN Travel Guide

Location | 0 comments | by newman

Knoxville, TN

There is something for everyone in Knox County! Whether you are into sports, outdoor activities, arts, music or food, Knoxville has you covered. It is home to the University of Tennessee and there is a reason they are the Volunteers. The people of Knoxville are very giving and there is always a way to get active in the community. The Marble City is home to great school districts with the number one school district in the state being in its backyard. There are several large headquarters located in Knoxville, but also a lot of locally owned businesses. It has a big city feel mixed with a small-town vibe. The median home value in Knox County is $176,500, making the city affordable, with a population of 461,860.

South Knoxville

Knoxville is divided up into four districts, the first being South Knoxville, which is affectionately nicknamed SoKno. South Knoxville hosts the Big Ears Music Festival in March (you can catch it March 21-24thin 2019). Several neighborhoods make up SoKno, including Island Home Park and Colonial Village, which has a lot of unique and charming homes. It is an area that draws in a lot of first time home buyers, young families and business professionals. Construction is still in place for new development along the South Knoxville waterfront which will hold flats, apartment buildings, riverwalks, parks, and more. South Knoxville employers include the University of Tennessee, Regal Entertainment Group, and the UT Medical Center. SoKno is home to Downtown Knoxville, which makes it the perfect spot for a day trip. Wander through Ijams Nature Center and the Historic Ramsey House, and then stop in for lunch at SoKno Taco Cantina. Spend the afternoon shopping in Downtown Knoxville and stop in for a coffee break at Honeybee Coffee Co. For dinner, we recommend Ye Olde Steak House or Sweet P’s Barbeque for something a little more casual.

North Knoxville

North Knoxville is positioned directly above downtown Knoxville and is home to many neighborhoods such as Fourth & Gill, Old North Knox, North Hills, Whittle Springs which houses the beautiful Whittle Springs Golf Course, and Fountain City, home of the popular Fountain City Duck Pond. There are several historic neighborhoods in this area. There are a lot of craft breweries and coffee shops popping up in the area. It has a relaxed vibe, is convenient to downtown, and is close to the Zoo, making it a great area for all ages. Knoxville is all about shopping local, and you can find some great local spots such as the Hot Southern Mess Boutique, Chandler’s Deli, and Litton’s. One of the things we find to be particularly cool about this area is the Open Streets Events. These events are held twice each year and give residents a chance to explore their neighborhood and local businesses in a safe and fun way that caters to the whole family.

West Knoxville

West Knoxville is situated west of downtown and is particularly large due to the way the city is laid out. This area houses bigger shops, restaurants, and venues for all ages. Among these venues include Main Event, Carl Cowan Park, and Gettysvue Polo, Golf & Country Club. You can easily spend a weekend shopping at both the West Town Mall and Turkey Creek, stopping for dinner at the Cheesecake Factory or Altruda’s Italian. While this area of Knoxville caters to more chain stores and restaurants, it also has plenty of local places! Stop in at the Farmacy for brunch, catch a movie at the Cinnebarre, grab dinner at Cazzy’s Corner Grill, and spend the evening with craft beer and pinball at Token Game Tavern. West Knoxville houses Bearden, Rocky Hill, Hardin Valley, and Farragut, making this portion of Knoxville a very family-oriented area due to the classic neighborhoods and great schools. The dining and shopping is fantastic!

Northwest Knoxville

The last district, Northwest Knoxville, is made up of neighborhoods such as Karns, Brentwood, Pleasant Ridge, and Amherst, and is located in the Knox County Public Schools District. It is home to the Dogwood Arts Festival, and plenty of outdoor places including Victor Ashe Park and Knoxville Municipal Golf Course. You can find plenty of small-town restaurants in this district. Enjoy The Front Porch for lunch, Lulu’s Tea Room for a girls’ afternoon, and Ichiban Japanese Grill for dinner. This is a more laid-back area with lots of Southern Charm. It is great for families both old and new, as well as retirees.

Maryville

Last but not least, Knoxville also encompasses Maryville and Alcoa. This area has a median home value of $179,500. Notable employers here include Denso Manufacturing, Clayton Homes, Blount Memorial Hospital, and McGhee Tyson Airport. This is a very scenic area home to Maryville College. A day trip to Maryville might look like an escape from the bustle of Knoxville, and there are plenty of places to relax! Wander through the Cade’s Cove Museum, with a stop at Full-Service BBQ for lunch. Spend the afternoon relaxing at Blue Goose Vineyard or shopping at the Foothills Mall. Enjoy dinner at The Walnut Kitchen, and wrap-up your day (in the summer!) with a movie at Parkway Drive-In. The Maryville/Alcoa area is a great area because there are charming homes close to the small city, or you can live in a more rural area surrounded by nature! Neighborhoods here include College Hill, West Maryville, Westfields, Asbury Estates, and West Springbrook. It is a great area for all ages young and old. There are great schools in Maryville and it is close to Downtown Knoxville or the Smoky Mountains National Park!

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