Holrob Communities

Visit Maryville's Artsy Downtown

lrn.phd@gmail.com (Lori Riverstone-Newell) — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:36:31 -0500

Downtown Maryville is becoming artsy! Located just 17 miles from Knoxville, Maryville is home to Maryville College and the corporate headquarters of Ruby Tuesday restaurants. Nestled into the foothills of the Smoky Mountains and central to its surrounding historic towns, Maryville is known for its gorgeous scenery and its quaint homeyness, both of which have attracted new residents, businesses, and investment to the area - not least are the three new art galleries that have opened in downtown Maryville in the past few months, bringing the downtown galleries to a total of five featuring a "plethora of styles, media, price ranges and artists."

Pistol Creek Gallery

Karen Brackett, exhibit chair for Fine Arts Blount, credits Last Friday Art Walk which began in January this year as the spearhead for Maryville's arts movement. Held on the last Friday of each month, Art Walk "is a tour through businesses and venues along downtown Maryville’s streets to look, listen, feel and see what the fine arts community in Blount County is up to. ....The (event) showcase(s) different kinds of art at various stores, clubs, restaurants and retail shops in downtown Maryville." According to Katie Gamble, Art Walk's founder, “While the Art Walk supports the arts, having galleries sell, promote and market the arts is another key factor for creating a really stable arts community and cultural hub, which is our goal for Maryville.”

About Maryville's galleries:

ArtSpace is located at 106 East Broadway in Downtown Maryville. The gallery features local and regional artists' exhibits and workshops available to the community.

The Pistol Creek Gallery Fine Art and Gifts gallery opened on September 6 at 117 East Broadway. The gallery's director was recognized in May 2008, "as one of America's "Emerging Artists" in Art Business News Magazine." The gallery features "Fine Art Painters, Photographers, Potters, Sculptors, Jewelers & Musicians. Each Artist is carefully selected for their innate talent, desirability & technique."

Arts.Alive opened on November 14 at 302 Church Avenue. Owner, Lyda Plemons "sees her gallery not only as a venue for exhibits and sales, but as a learning center for children and adults. She and other artists offer classes, workshops and an area set aside just for kids."

Broadway Galleries opened on the lower level of the Preservation Plaza on October 23. With a focus on Blount County artists, the gallery's owners also provide an outlet for Maryville College and University of Tennessee students to show their work.

The Heath Claiborne Gallery has been open since 2002 featuring the work of the artist and contributing to the life and vitality of downtown Maryville.

For more information on Maryville or the arts in East Tennessee, submit your questions here.

The Great Smoky Mountain National Park to Celebrate its 75th Anniversary

lrn.phd@gmail.com (Lori Riverstone-Newell) — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 13:05:02 -0500

What is 200 to 300 million years old, and has more than 9 million guests each year, and is 6,643 feet tall at its highest point? The Great Smoky Mountains National Park! The Park is approaching its 75th Anniversary and events are scheduled throughout 2009 to celebrate.

The beautiful Abrams Falls in the Great Smoky Mountains. Photo by just4pics.

When the park was created in the 1930s, it had suffered decades of commercial timber harvesting which "stripped trees from three-quarters of what is now national park land." The deeds to over 6,000 privately owned tracts were purchased and given to Congress in 1934 to create the Smoky Mountain National Park.

Encompassing over 800 square miles, the Park "is one of the largest protected land areas east of the Rocky Mountains." Over 10,000 species have been identified in the Park, some of which were previously unknown: "researchers have discovered 890 species new to science - including 36 types of moths and butterflies, seven mollusks and 11 viruses - and 6,129 species not previously known to exist in the Smokies."

Celebrating its 75th year, the Park and its partners have planned a "host of recreational opportunities and educational experiences...to showcase the Park's significant cultural heritage, highlight the Park's achievements in preserving its biologically diverse natural resources, and (provide) an occasion to examine the current and future challenges facing the Park's continued health."

Some of the 75th Anniversary events include a governor's proclamation ceremony in April. Governors from Tennessee, North Carolina, and the Eastern Band of the Cherokees will be invited. In June, "the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra will perform a free concert in Cades Cove" and a ceremony to break ground for the new park headquarters, visitor center, and cultural history museum will follow. "In September, the park will hold a rededication ceremony at Newfound Gap, reminiscent of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's speech in September 1940." Many other events have been scheduled for this year-long celebration and more information can be found at www.greatsmokies75th.org or by submitting your questions here.

Retirement to Work! Employers Need Retiree's Skills

lrn.phd@gmail.com (Lori Riverstone-Newell) — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:16:51 -0500

As soon-to-be-retirees look to the future, many plan to continue to work well into their retirement years - if they can find work. While some of retirement age worry that jobs will not be available for them, employers will increasingly turn to retirees to fill the coming workforce gap, as retirees have what younger workers often do not: "networks of professional contacts, specific skill sets, and organizational knowledge."

Photo by thedccenter.

The workforce challenge being faced by employers is the projected mass attrition of their most experienced and seasoned employees. As baby boomers reach retirement age, they will depart "the work force at a rate of 4 million per year until 2024, this loss of seasoned workers will create an undertow in every sector." This departure is made more serious by the lack of skilled workers entering the workforce: "(A)ccording to a July 2008 Bureau of Labor and Statistics report, employment numbers for the 16 to 25 age group are projected to decline between the years 2006-2016, and among those 25 to 54, there will only be a slight rise. This smaller labor pool will not be able to replace the huge flood of departing older workers. Because 30 percent of boomers aged 57 to 61 have bachelor's degrees or higher, even more job shortages are predicted in fields requiring highly skilled professionals."

What does this mean for retirees? Jobs! According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, "employment of mature workers 55 to 64 is expected to climb by 36.5 percent (between 2006-2016). For those 65 and older, the employment numbers will soar by 80 percent. According to AARP's Public Policy Institute, "…workers aged 55 and over will account for more than 90 percent of projected labor force growth over the next decade. The number of employed men and women aged 55 and older grew by nearly 2.3 million, or 9.7 percent between 2005 and 2007."

With Knoxville considered a Best Place to Retire and the region's concentration of professional and skilled job opportunities, retirees are likely to do well in East Tennessee. For more information, please contact us here.

Spend the Winter Holidays in Knoxville!

lrn.phd@gmail.com (Lori Riverstone-Newell) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:24:45 -0500

As the winter holidays sneak up on us, several in our community have been thinking about the season for quite some time. Every year since 1978, the City of Knoxville, along with various community organizations, artistic groups, businesses and churches, have come together to sponsor the many events that make up Christmas in the City. This year's "Christmas in the City celebration will be bigger, brighter and better than ever... including roughly 100 different events and attractions on a calendar stretching from November to New Year's Eve."

Christmas at Knoxville's Market Square. Photo by ViNull.

These events begin in early November with craft fairs, Buddy's Race Against Cancer, and a variety of performances at the Knoxville Museum of Art and other venues. Then the season kicks into high gear on November 28th with the Regal Celebration of lights, featuring "the lighting of the (38-foot) First Tennessee Foundation Christmas Tree accompanied by thousands of lights decorating Krutch Park, the extension and Market Square." With the downtown sparkling Christmas cheer, many stroll about, enjoying the old fashioned "caroling, hot chocolate, marshmallow roasting, horse drawn carriage rides, free pictures with Santa, cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus & more."

It is also on November 28 that Knoxville's downtown rooftops come alive with hundreds of Christmas trees, and the ice skating rink at Market Square, Holidays on Ice, opens. The Knoxville Christmas tree extravaganza, East Tennessee Children's Hospital's Fantasy of Trees, is held from November 26-30 and the Moscow Ballet preforms the Great Russian Nutcracker at the historic Tennessee Theater on November 29. What's new this season? "New Christmas lights and decorations in the Old City; the Fowler's Christmas Parade (December 5) has been extended into the Old City; and following the Fowler's Christmas Parade is a block party on Gay Street! "The 2008 edition of Christmas in the City will conclude with First Night Knoxville 2009, a family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration on Market Square featuring music, dancing, storytelling, artists, children's activities, food and much more." For more information about enjoying the holidays in Knoxville, contact us.

Day Trip to Chattanooga! East Tennessee's 'Undiscovered Gem'

lrn.phd@gmail.com (Lori Riverstone-Newell) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:56:35 -0500

Within a two hour drive from Knoxville, Chattanooga, Tennessee, is perfect for a day trip! Situated on the Tennessee-Georgia border, Chattanooga is a bit of a superstar these days: The New York Times featured Chattanooga in its "36 Hours In" series (Knoxville was featured in June!), calling it the "undiscovered gem of Tennessee." Incredibly, the city was once considered to have the worst air pollution in the country! Today, fifteen years and $2 billion in downtown investment later, urban theorists and planners offer it as an example of a turn-around city, one brought Back from the Brink to offer the charm of a Southern yesterday next to the amenities found in any modern town.

Photo of Chattanooga's riverfront and the Walnut Street Bridge by MaryleeUSA.

Waterfronts, when developed well, add much to the life of a city and Chattanooga's redevelopment plan took full advantage of its position on Tennessee River. The Tennessee Aquarium, said to be the world's largest freshwater aquarium, serves as an artful anchor, a central hub, around which much development has occurred. "The Tennessee Aquarium is credited with igniting the “Renaissance on the River,” and the revitalization of downtown Chattanooga. No single project has played a greater role in revitalizing downtown."

Surrounding the aquarium is Ross's Landing Plaza, a $10 million multi-use park complete with public art, green spaces, interactive public water fountains, and artfully paved areas which are used on Friday nights from May-September for the Nightfall live music performances. A five minute walk away, the 113 year old Walnut Street Bridge, "the oldest and largest surviving truss bridge in the South," has been converted for pedestrian-only use. The bridge is a popular attraction offering a unique "linear park" on which festivals are often held, such as the Wine Over Water event.

In June each year, the music festival, Riverbend, offers nine days of live music, arts and crafts, and more. Information about additional music festivals can be found here. Chattanooga's downtown area is a short walk from the riverfront, offering a variety of restaurants, shops, and nightlife opportunities. Also available is a nice selection of hotel, inn, and bed and breakfast accommodations. There's plenty to do, much to see - a day trip to Chattanooga certainly won't disappoint. For more information about East Tennessee's day trips, contact us.

Worried About Your Retirement? Advice from a Financial Planner

lrn.phd@gmail.com (Lori Riverstone-Newell) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 16:06:47 -0500

Perhaps these past few years of economic ups and downs have made you as nervous as they have me. The New York Times recently published an interactive debt-to-savings chart which allows users to see how U.S. savings have declined and debt has increased since the 1920s (click on Series Index and scroll to The American Way of Debt, then launch interactive).

Photo by the tamed shrew.

If you weren't nervous before, you may be after you see it: The average household savings in 2008 is $392, while the average debt is $117,951 and the average American household has 13 credit cards. Nevertheless, many are taking steps to reverse the low savings-high debt trend. The AARP Bulletin offers a few suggestions on how to think ahead for retirement while improving your financial condition today.

AARP's retirement expert recommends thinking of your finances as "a five-legged stool: Social Security (it will be there for our generation), personal savings, freedom from debt, health insurance (for retirees under 65) and realistic work goals." Other recommendations?

First, get out of consumer debt, stop borrowing against the value of your home and consider selling for something smaller if it looks like you'll retire with a mortgage, control your spending and use extra cash to pay down debt, and help your children only as a last resort.
Medical care without health insurance means debt. Try to maintain your employment or otherwise have health insurance until you are 65 and qualify for Medicare. If you have to purchase individual policies, you'll likely have a high deductible but if you maintain your health by exercising, not smoking, and maintaining low weight, you may be able to avoid the expense until Medicare kicks in.
If you are single, you should avoid taking your Social Security benefit as long as possible. Although eligible at 62, for each year you wait (until age 70) you increase your monthly check by eight percent. If married and one spouse retires before the other, the early retiree should take individual benefits until his or her spouse retires and then switch to spousal benefits.
You should plan for retirement savings: "By the time you reach the end of your working life, you should be saving 15 percent or more of your gross income, in addition to anything your employer contributes to your 401(k) or similar plan." In addition, savers should set aside the maximum amount their state allows, check into IRAs if you don't have a company plan, and spend no more than four percent of your savings per year (with inflation adjustments) once retired.
Consider working or starting a new business to fill any financial gaps.

For more information about downsizing your home or other planning ideas,

The Sunsphere's New Skybox Offers a Unique Venue for Lunch and Drinks

lrn.phd@gmail.com (Lori Riverstone-Newell) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:07:48 -0500

You probably know that Knoxville's Sunsphere was constructed for the 1982 World's Fair, but have you ever visited? While the observation floor was opened to the public in the fall of 2007, the Sunsphere didn't have more to offer than its fantastic view - no bars, restaurants, or cafes to draw new crowds. That changed on August 28 with the opening of Southern Graces' Skybox at the Sunsphere.

Photo by Josh Flory.

With the Skybox, Southern Graces' "owner... Bob Sukenik has taken the hip look of bars in the big city and combined it with a fantastic view of the Knoxville skyline, and what you get is an experience unlike any other in East Tennessee." Meant to draw guests for after work wind-down drinks and gourmet hors d'oeuvres, the Skybox honors Knoxville's unique landmark while offering a fun alternative to the after work crowd's downtown favorites, such as Sapphire, Regas, and Club LeConte.

The Skybox, located on the Sunsphere's fifth floor (Southern Graces operates an event floor on the sixth level), has the capacity to seat around fifty people. Renovations began nearly a year ago to create a modern space that spotlights the amazing 360-degree view of Knoxville's skyline: "The bar itself is one-of-a-kind, hand-poured by artisan Alex Baumann.... Stained wine racks run down between the windows and wood cabinets surround the area above the bar, inconspicuously housing televisions for watching the big game. Everything from the color on the walls to the light fixtures above the bar has warmth unique to such a modern design."

In addition to serving drinks, the Skybox offers gourmet lunch boxes - great for enjoying a leisurely lunch by the water, 266 feet below, at the World's Fair Park! The opening of the Skybox is great news - a great addition to Knoxville's lively downtown. Want to know more about Knoxville's downtown? Contact us.

TVA Selected as a Top Ten Power Company by Site Selection Magazine

lrn.phd@gmail.com (Lori Riverstone-Newell) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:49:27 -0500

In its September 2008 edition, Site Selection magazine has named the Tennessee Valley Authority "one of the nation's best power companies for economic development" for the third consecutive year. The magazine's annual Top Ten Utilities in Economic Development "gauges the ability of U.S. utility companies to complement power delivery with the powers of persuasion in fostering corporate investment in their territories...."

Photo by squidpants.

Among other factors, Site Selection's criteria included "total capital investment, investment per capita, total jobs created, and jobs per capita in the Valley, and... the development of new programs and services to support economic growth." Businesses seeking new locations scrutinize the available workforce and incentive packages offered by the state and local governments, but they also look to see that the utility company which will provide its power has the necessary capacity, a history of reliable service, and low rates.

Companies have also come to expect that their utility supplier is active in the region's economic development. This is a relatively new role for utilities, but their access to local workforce, economic development trends, available sites, and, of course, energy data has moved them into this role. On each of these counts, TVA scores well.

The TVA reports its transmission rates in its service area at "99.999%" for the past eight years. Also, "in 2007, TVA economic development investments helped attract or keep some 45,000 jobs in the region and leveraged $5.6 billion in capital investment from other sources." Electricity rates average about two cents less per kilowatt-hour than the national average, which means big savings to manufacturers. Even a "one-quarter cent (savings per unit) can make a huge difference in (profit) margins,” so rates play a big role in convincing new industries to move to East Tennessee while helping existing industries to stay. TVA's reliable production and delivery of low-cost energy means a lot to the growth and development of the region. For more information, contact us.

East Tennessee's Award-Winning Blackberry Farm: Peace, Gourmet Meals, Wine, and Artisan Cheese!

lrn.phd@gmail.com (Lori Riverstone-Newell) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 15:18:20 -0500

A recent article in the Knoxville News Sentinel featured Blackberry Farm's artisan cheese maker and his award-winning cheeses - yet another reason to visit this beautiful resort tucked into the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains!

Photo by markalbert.

Located 25 miles from Knoxville and 32 miles from Gatlinburg, Blackberry Farm's home is in Walland, a small community in Tennessee's historic Blount County. The Farm, founded over 30 years ago, has been featured in Food & Wine and Travel & Leisure magazines, among others. If you are looking for a romantic and relaxing get-away, this is it!

The estate's 4,200-acres boast award-winning accommodations, gourmet meals, an 8,000-square-foot wine cellar, grape, apple, nut, and berry gardens and orchards - including truffles! - and, of course, those artisan cheeses. Among Blackberry Farm's numerous awards are the 2006 Wine Spectator Grand Award, Condé Nast's 2005 award for #1 Service in the US; and Southern Living's 2006 award, America's #1 Country Inn. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of enrichment opportunities throughout the year, including a cooking school, wine courses, and numerous outdoors and adventure activities.

But what about that cheese? The cheese maker, Kristian Holbrook, describes his process in the News Sentinel article mentioned above, as well as a recent Blackberry Farm demonstration event, the "Glorious Cheese Epicurean Experience," where visitors were able to attend a "hands-on cheese-making class."Holbrook crafts four types of cheese from milk collected from his flock of 180 sheep. The cheeses are aged on-site and then made available for use and purchase at Blackberry Farm and at the Maryville Farmer's Market. Holbrook recently entered and won third place with his "Singing Brook" cheese "in the "aged sheep's milk" category at the 25th annual Conference and Cheese Competition in Chicago."

What a great way to relax and enjoy region's unique beauty! With a short drive to Knoxville, Maryville, Gatlinburg, and the Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm is the perfect place to stay while sampling the charm of East Tennessee. Want more information? Contact us.

Six Reasons Why Now May Be the Right Time to Buy

lrn.phd@gmail.com (Lori Riverstone-Newell) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:09:23 -0500

The New York Times reports: "This might be the right time to find a bargain, especially for buyers approaching their retirement years who can afford to take their time." CNN Money says, in some areas, home prices are the lowest they've been in four years. This could mean big savings for today's buyers. Afraid to take the plunge? Here's six things to consider to help you shake those jitters:

Image from the Farm at Tralee. Photo by holrob.

According to the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight, over half of all metropolitan statistical areas are showing an appreciation in home prices each quarter - the Knoxville MSA is one of them. "Only 15 out of 50 states have shown any actual price decline in the past year. The rest still show modest appreciation in home values." Also, the "type of annual appreciation we’ve seen since 2005 (ranging from 1.8% to 3.7%) is similar to the type of appreciation the U.S. experienced in the mid to late 90s, right before the real estate boom."

According to the National Association of Realtors, the "average 30 year, fixed-rate mortgage is still lower than it was in June 2007." Also: "It’s still a very attractive market for buyers, with large inventory, attractive interest rates and sellers willing to negotiate." According to the NAR's Housing Affordability Index, "Housing affordability is likely to improve by 15 percentage points to 127 for all of 2008." Many potential home buyers will benefit from that, as well as the Housing and Economic Recovery Act which was passed this summer. The act allows up to $7500 in tax credit for most first time buyers who purchase between April 9, 2008 and July 1, 2009. For those who aren't looking to purchase their first home, know that the market will likely see some stimulation as a result of this act which could mean an easier sale of your current home, but also, with more buyers on the market, a rise in the cost of your next home. Now may be the right time to buy. For more information on Knoxville's housing market, click here. Questions? Submit them here.

Knoxville MSA Ranks among 2008 Best Performing Cities

jfloyd@holrob.com (Jeremy Floyd) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 09:47:02 -0500

Milken Institute and Greenstreet Partners ranked Knoxville among the top performing cities in the latest edition of the Best-Performing Cities index.

This year's rankings of where America's jobs are being created and sustained shows the impact of a broad rebound in the technology sector, along with strong activity in exports and energy production.

Back to College: East Tennessee Offers Great Opportunities to New and Returning Students

lrn.phd@gmail.com (Lori Riverstone-Newell) — Sat, 06 Sep 2008 14:24:29 -0500

Whether thirsty for knowledge, eager for a second career, or anxious about their employability, many aging Americans are heading back to college. "The number of college students ages 40 to 64 has jumped by almost 20 percent to nearly 2 million in the past decade." Some Americans are finding that their 50s and 60s are focused on "giving to others, building community; becoming a Keeper of the Meaning, a steward of the culture; and Integrity," while others are finding the "courage to break out of the box of the past. (Either way,) going back to school is well-suited to this work of reinvention and integration."

Photo by David Boyle.

With the number of retirees expected to increase from 35 million to 70 million by 2030, it's reasonable to assume that the college classroom will change dramatically, as well. Responding to the rising interest, "a growing number of colleges, charities, companies, and governments are starting to accommodate—and even encourage—adults who return to the classroom." Some companies offer continuing education support in the form of educational expense reimbursement and/or bonuses upon degree completion; states are changing financial aid stipulations to allow eligibility for those desiring to return to college and are offering free or reduced tuition for senior students (The State of Tennessee offers tuition waivers to senior citizens for credit courses and audited courses at any of the state schools); and colleges are offering a number of creative opportunities, from lifestyle and certification courses to residential retirement "villages" which require a specified number of study hours in order to live there.

If you're interested, but concerned about being a returning student in a younger classroom, you should be aware that other nontraditional students are likely to be there, and even if not, college professors tend to welcome older students as they have better attendance rates, make better grades, and offer experienced insight in discussions. Excited? Some tips on managing college expenses can be found here. Also, the University of Tennessee's Outreach & Continuing Education program is a great resource, as is Pellissippi State Technical Community College. For more information on educational opportunities in East Tennessee, submit your inquiry here.

Aging Well in Knoxville: Some Secrets to Success

lrn.phd@gmail.com (Lori Riverstone-Newell) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 15:45:51 -0500

People today just aren't aging the way their parents did. Folks are living longer, starting new careers, attending college, and working past 65. It's a brand new day. The key to aging with grace and excitement is to have the right mix of opportunities, services, and desire - and good health!

Photo by Teresita.

A recent Harvard study found "the following factors that turned out to be most predictive of whether you would move successfully through middle age and into your 80s:

Avoiding cigarettes
Good adjustment or coping skills ("making lemonade out of lemons")
Keeping a healthy weight
Exercising regularly
Maintaining strong social relationships (including a stable marriage)
Pursuing education"

We've talked about Knoxville's business and recreational opportunities, including the area's educational and world class health care options, but what about fitness and social groups for those 50 and older?

Fitness comes first. Whether or not you already have an exercise routine, you might consider exploring yoga: research indicates that yoga can reduce wrinkles, slow weight gain, improve flexibility, and even ease pain! In addition to yoga, Knoxville offers a number activities and classes which range from beginner to advanced in intensity. These classes are available at any of the area's numerous private gyms, with special classes at Covenant Health, Fort Sanders and the YMCA geared to those aged 50 and over. With activities ranging from cardio to Pilates and Tai Chi, there's something for everyone.

Make some friends. "Whether your social connections are with a spouse, offspring, siblings, bridge partners, and/or fellow churchgoers, they're crucial to good health while growing older." Consider educational opportunities as a way to expand your friend network. There are numerous classes offered through the University of Tennessee and Pellissippi State Technical Community College that aren't necessarily aging or senior focused (although some are) that provide great opportunities to meet new people. Some options include wine tasting, photography, entrepreneurship, and culinary courses. Other options can be explored through the City of Knoxville directories of events and senior services and through Knoxville's volunteer opportunities. For more information on aging well in Knoxville, inquire here.

The Biggest Labor Day Firework Show in the Nation - Boomsday!!

lrn.phd@gmail.com (Lori Riverstone-Newell) — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 08:39:23 -0500

Knoxville celebrates Labor Day like no other city. Sure, there are fireworks, festivities, live entertainment, and food at other Labor Day celebrations; what makes Knoxville's festival different is its quality and scale. Sunday, August 31 marks the 21st annual Boomsday Festival, featuring the largest Labor Day fireworks show in the nation. Recognized as a Top 20 event by Southeast Tourism Society, over 350,000 people are expected to attend this year! Past Boomsday Festivals have fed the festival's enormous Internet presence; people just can't get enough.

Photo by Melissa E.

Boomsday, located at Neyland Drive and Volunteer Landing, offers a variety of activities to fill the entire day; many arrive as early as noon to enjoy the games, live music, food vendors, and children's activities. A new feature this year "is the MasterCraft/American Boat Center’s Rail Jam Demos, in which Neyland will be transformed into a man-made 30-foot wide and 200-foot long water track where professional wake boarders will skim across the water attempting jumps and turns at 18-22 miles per hour. The jams begin at noon and will continue throughout the afternoon." Also new is a petting zoo and pony rides for the kids and the Southern Shores "Salute to the Troops."

Of course, the main attraction is the fireworks show. Beginning at 9:30pm, the fireworks, which are set to music, will light up the sky for a full thirty minutes. The Henley Street Bridge is the launch point for the fireworks which fill the air, pour over the side in a spectacular 'waterfall' and dance across the water. The river reflects the show, making it seem bigger than life with booms and blasts so powerful the vibrations can actually be felt.

Boomsday is a Knoxville favorite, an event to look forward to each year. "Admission to the 2008 Chrysler Jeep Boomsday Festival is free to the public with nominal fees for parking, games, food and beverage." For information about parking and preparations, visit the Boomsday website. For further information, submit your questions here.

Bed and Breakfast in Tennessee

jfloyd@holrob.com (Jeremy Floyd) — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:20:11 -0500

Whether you live in East Tennessee and are looking for a weekend getaway, or you are planning a visit to the area, there are a number of locally owned inns that offer attractive alternatives to the standard hotel. Three inns located in and around Knoxville are mentioned here, although there are many more which can be found at Bed and Breakfast Inns Online.

The Maplehurst Inn Bed and Breakfast is located on a hill overlooking the Tennessee River in the Historic District of Downtown Knoxville, the 90-year-old inn is right in the heart of the city. Built in 1917 as an area merchant’s home, the structure was expanded and converted to a bed and breakfast in 1982. Featuring eleven rooms from the cozy Rose Room to the Penthouse Suite, the antique furnishings and old-fashioned décor makes for an experience that is, according to guest reports, “just like staying at grandma’s house.” Maplehurst’s owners, Sonny and Becky, offer the best of Southern hospitality to their guests: local attractions are pointed out – the best places to visit, eat, and shop; breakfast is provided in the dining room; and snacks are available round the clock.

Across town, in West Knoxville, is the beautiful Maple Grove Inn. Built in 1799, the original Georgian style home was converted to an inn in 1992. The Maple Grove offers seven luxury rooms, such as The Maple Suite with its four-poster rice bed and all-marble bathroom, and The Oak Suite with sleigh bed, sitting room, and unique bathroom featuring a stand-alone tub. Other rooms aren’t as lavish in décor, but offer the type of furnishings that are commonly enjoyed in bed and breakfast inns. The beautiful facility has the capacity to handle large crowds making it a popular choice for weddings, meetings, and other events. A gourmet restaurant draws guests staying at the inn as well as others from the community, contributing to the inn’s lively and elegant atmosphere.

Finally, The Hearthstone Bed and Breakfast, located in Jefferson City, offers a unique twist on the B&B. The inn is actually fashioned resort-style as a collection of three cabin-like cottages. Each cottage houses one to two guest rooms and breakfast is offered each morning in the main cottage. The resort is situated on Cherokee Lake, the source of many guest activities such as fishing, hiking, boating, and swimming.

Knoxville's Downtown Regal Riviera Theater Enjoys First Birthday

lrn.phd@gmail.com (Lori Riverstone-Newell) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 14:51:23 -0500

The Regal Riviera 8 Theater opened one year ago this month (August 2007) in Knoxville's downtown. I'm happy to report that it is doing well, drawing customers not only to the theater itself, but to Knoxville's other downtown establishments. Regal Entertainment, which operates over 550 theaters in 39 states, is headquartered in Knoxville. While most of Regal's new theaters are larger and placed in suburban areas, the company responded to the public and private support for a downtown theater, the smallest and one of few downtown theaters it has built in recent years. Besides the company's commitment to its hometown, the historic importance of the actual site must have been an influence!

Photo by Michael Wender.

Located on Gay Street, the new Riviera "is on the same site as the original Riviera Theater established in 1920." While the original theater, which closed 32 years ago, first featured silent films, such as DeMille's Conrad in Search of His Youth and the works of Charlie Chaplan, over the next 40 years it would go on to show movies such as Charade and Gone with the Wind. In addition, "Like most theaters, the Riviera featured its share of live entertainment, from dancer Ginger Rogers to early jazz bands like the popular local orchestra Maynard Baird’s Southland Serenaders." After a 1963 fire and subsequent restoration, the original theater underwent many tough years of changed ownership and failed efforts. Finally, the building was torn down in the late 1980s and converted to a parking lot. As part of the city's revitalization movement, several local leaders decided to push for a new Riviera. Two years and $14.85 million in public and private funding made the decision a reality. Today's Riviera features first-run releases and offers over "2,000 seats in a total of 8 auditoriums. Regal patrons can enjoy free parking with validation anytime at the State Street Parking Garage." What's showing? Click here. For more information about Knoxville's downtown, submit your inquiry here.

Knoxville's Redevelopment Plan Creates 'Downtown North'

lrn.phd@gmail.com (Lori Riverstone-Newell) — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 10:40:17 -0500

Revitalization and redevelopment aren't just buzzwords in Knoxville. With Market Square's successful revitalization, new retail and restaurants on Gay Street and in the Old City, and the South Waterfront redevelopment underway, officials have turned their attention to North Knoxville, moving forward with plans for the "Downtown North" redevelopment. The plan is ambitious, involving "the second-largest redevelopment area ever identified in the city."

Photo by J. Miles Cary.

The plans include recreating the North Central Avenue corridor "as a mixed-use area ripe for new retail, commercial and residential investment," and narrowing of certain parts of Central Avenue to create a two lane street that will allow "more room for a pedestrian-friendly streetscape with bicycle lanes, wider sidewalks and on-street parking." This plan is to work in conjunction with the redevelopment of Broadway Avenue, which crosses North Central at the historic Fourth and Gill residential area (see page 2 for a map of that area; click here for maps of the downtown area and the City of Knoxville).

Although new development in the extended North Knoxville area has been among the most active in recent years, redevelopment of the area which connects downtown to it has been slower. While the Fourth and Gill and Old North Knoxville neighborhoods have enjoyed a growing popularity with renovations to their historic homes and the formation of strong neighborhood associations, the businesses and properties along Central and Broadway remained in decline. This redevelopment plan targets those areas, which will ultimately extend the downtown's successful revitalization by linking it to the nearby historic neighborhoods and, eventually, to the new development further to the north. The result will be a continuous and integrated mixed-use area with a focus on green spaces, economic development, and preservation of the area's historic resources. Although it will take several years before the area is fully transformed, several businesses are already improving their buildings' facades while investors are purchasing and renovating existing apartments. As one developer said, "It's coming. … It's come quite a way in just the last year." Want to know more about Knoxville development? Submit your inquiry here.

Social Networking Sites for Grown-Ups

lrn.phd@gmail.com (Lori Riverstone-Newell) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 15:44:44 -0500

Not having grown up with the Internet, some of us are still a bit stymied by the complexity of social networking sites such as MySpace, Facebook, and Linkedin. With the exception of the latter, these media have the sometimes-reputation that they are for kids who have the time on their hands to keep up with their personal pages and friend requests, along with the willingness to share details about themselves that those over 40 tend to hold close to the chest. What is often overlooked is the utility of social networking sites for grown-ups: moms, retirees, businesses, and other organizations. Additionally, folks who are relocating may find networking sites useful in keeping up with friends and family. Following are some network sites of interest with a short explanation of their intended utility.

Photo by luc legay.

For the uninitiated, a word of advice - Jump in. It looks much more complicated than it is! Most sites provide user-friendly templates to help you set up your own page along with support if you get stuck. All sites have a search bar to help you find other pages of interest; try searching by location, subject, or other keyword. You may get something that you didn't ask for in your search results so be prepared for that. Also, know that you don't have to have an established page to browse. Some sites require you to log in but you can register without working on your own page.

MySpace allows you to design unique pages and post information about yourself or your organizations. You can accept email, set your page to private, or leave it public for all to see. The "friend" section is populated by you; people will send you friend requests and you can choose whether you want to accept them. If you find a MySpace page that interests you, you can often find similar pages or interests by clicking on their friends' pictures. The VolNation has a page as does the Knoxville Coliseum.

Facebook was once a college networking site but now works a lot like MySpace and seems to be gaining popularity. Some say that it tends to have a more grown-up feel and tone than MySpace which they are leaving to the youngsters. Knoxville's United Way has its own page as does Songs of Appalachia, a group that features musicians from East Tennessee. If you look to the right side of their page, you can find related groups that might interest you, like Knoxville's Sundown in the City. Even our governor, Phil Bredesen, has a page on Facebook! Again, use the search bar to find groups or individuals that interest you.

Other sites aren't as well-known but are gaining popularity within specific groups. "Three focused communities have been growing rapidly this year: CafeMom, a network for mothers, Daily Strength, a support community for those with health issues and other life problems, and Eons, a social network for the 50+ set." For a list of 2007's twenty top social networking sites, click here. For another explanation of social networking sites, click here.

Knoxville and Surrounding Area Faring Well in Today's Economy

lrn.phd@gmail.com (Lori Riverstone-Newell) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:12:08 -0500

As American consumers are spending more on food, fuel, and commodities and economic analysts ponder recession, East Tennessee has been spared many of the worst economic challenges. While other areas suffer job losses and business closings, Knox and its surrounding counties has fared pretty well - the Knoxville Metropolitan Area has the lowest unemployment rate in the state. One reason for this is corporate business expansions. For instance, "Green Mountain Coffee Roasters plans to open an East Knox County plant, engineering firm SAIC is moving at least 150 jobs to Oak Ridge, and VW is building a $1 billion plant in Chattanooga that will employ 2,000 workers and likely spawn feeder business in our area." From January 2007 to January 2008, the Knoxville Metropolitan Area added 5,950 jobs, with 4,040 jobs added in Knoxville alone. Knox County's unemployment rate in 2007 was down a half point from 2006 and its median household income was 108 percent of the state's median. In addition, the county's population grew by 11 percent from 2000-2007.

Photo by Suffering the Benz.

In addition to corporate expansion, the area's diversified economy has helped to insulate against economic instability. For example, expansions in health care brought 1,600 health-related jobs to the state in 2007 while providing construction companies with non-residential work. Many of those jobs are located in Knox County. Also, Oak Ridge National Laboratories, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the University of Tennessee, and local schools offer stable government jobs to many area residents. Of the various sectors, near-term growth is expected to continue in "construction, durable and nondurable goods manufacturing, wholesale/retail trade, finance/insurance/real estate and education." A 2006 breakdown of employment by sector can be found here. All of this means that the region has suffered less than many others and our local business leaders are optimistic that there will be a quick recovery once the national economy stabilizes. For more information on the economic opportunities available in the Knoxville area, submit your inquiries here.

East Tennessee is a Great Place to Staycation! Ten to Consider

lrn.phd@gmail.com (Lori Riverstone-Newell) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:07:18 -0500

With fuel prices doubling over the last two years, many families are opting for 'staycations' over destination vacations. What's a staycation? Put simply, it's a vacation spent at or near home, an increasingly popular choice and an easy one if you live in East Tennessee! According to a recent Rand McNally survey, "two-thirds of U.S. adults who planned to take a road trip this summer have altered their plans because of rising gas prices. According to the survey, more than half--57%--said they will shorten their trip's duration or distance."

Photo by Dave Oby.

Families on staycation have gotten really creative, relying on cook-outs, local pools, and area attractions to occupy their time off - but some want just a little bit more. East Tennesseans looking about for activities won't have a hard time finding them! Here's ten fabulous area staycations to consider:

1.    Spend a day on a lake. Pack a picnic and rent a boat or canoe and navigate the beautiful area waters. Take advantage of the area's whitewater! Go fishing!
2.    Go camping at any of the area's 200 campgrounds!
3.    Take a Planned TN Vacation through Nashville and East Tennessee, exploring the history of country music!
4.    Visit the Great Smoky Mountain National Park for biking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding and more!
5.    Hike a portion of the Appalachian Trail - or all of it!
6.    Plan a few days around a sports museum or a sporting event such as golfing, motorsports, or baseball.
7.    Get away to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge for outlet shopping or a day at Dollywood or the Dixie Stampede.
8.    Plan an area wine tour, perhaps with antique shopping along the way!
9.    Plan a tour of East Tennessee's main streets.
10. Take advantage of the numerous music and arts festivals the state has to offer.

For more information about East Tennessee's activities and attractions, inquire here.