Happy Monday, 865!

East Tennessee has a full week ahead — from free jazz on Market Square and family fun at Covenant Health Park to lakefront concerts, farmers markets, Smokies road notes, and a few local places worth rediscovering.

In today’s edition, we’re helping you plan the week, keep an eye on downtown changes, support local businesses, and find easy ways to get outside around Knoxville, Maryville, Oak Ridge, Sevier County, and the Smokies.

New to the area? Welcome — this is a great week to explore what makes the 865 feel like home.

What historic Knoxville building, now home to the Bijou Theatre, once served as a hotel and Civil War hospital?

Dee and Jimmy Haslam have pledged a record $130 million to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, marking the largest donation in the school’s history.

$100 million will strengthen the Haslam College of Business, supporting faculty hires, scholarships, and student success initiatives.

An additional $30 million funds a university-wide Faculty Excellence Endowment, designed to help UT attract outstanding academic talent across all disciplines.

The Haslam College of Business serves over 11,000 students—representing more than 30% of UT undergraduates—making the investment especially meaningful to Knoxville’s future.

Both alumni, the Haslams hope their gift elevates academic excellence and fuels Tennessee’s workforce pipeline.

This transformative donation arrives as Knoxville experiences rapid growth, focusing attention on workforce development and retaining local talent through accessible, high-quality education.

 Regas Bros Seasoning

Anakeesta’s new Crystal Express gondola is now transporting visitors above downtown Gatlinburg, offering a unique way to reach the mountaintop adventure park.

The ride features fully enclosed, all-glass cabins with transparent walls and floors, giving guests sweeping views of Gatlinburg, the forest canopy, and the Great Smoky Mountains.

The Crystal Express takes about four minutes and is included with general admission, making it a convenient choice for families — strollers can roll right in.

The lift operates 56 panoramic cabins and moves up to 2,000 guests per hour, tripling the previous lift’s capacity and helping cut down on busy-day wait times.

This gondola is part of Anakeesta’s “Making More Magic” expansion, a significant investment in Gatlinburg’s growing tourism attractions.

With adult tickets starting at $39.99, locals and summer visitors can now enjoy a seamless and spectacular Smokies adventure from the moment they arrive downtown.

Knoxville Development Watch: Why Corridor Redevelopment Is Worth Following

Knox County property owners who are reviewing new appraisal values should keep an eye on the appeal calendar this month.

Knoxville’s next wave of development may not be limited to downtown.

A recent Compass Knoxville civic update highlights redevelopment areas along major Knoxville roadways as one of the tools local officials are using to encourage investment in corridors that have struggled with aging properties, underused lots, and inconsistent streetscapes. Compass also flagged its June 8–14 Weekly Watch, a recurring rundown of public meetings and civic events. Some Compass coverage may require a subscription, but the topic is worth watching for residents and business owners.

The practical question is simple: what happens to Knoxville’s older commercial corridors as the city grows?

Redevelopment areas can affect where public improvements, private investment, housing, sidewalks, transit access, and small-business activity may show up next. For residents, that can mean new services and cleaner vacant parcels. It can also raise questions about traffic, affordability, displacement, and how new projects fit into existing neighborhoods.

The city already lists several corridor-related capital projects, including planned work tied to Broadway streetscapes, transit signal priority, sidewalks, and traffic signal upgrades. Those public investments help explain why corridor development is not just a planning-office issue — it can eventually change how people drive, walk, shop, and move through Knoxville.

For local readers, the best takeaway is to keep an eye on public meeting agendas, planning commission items, and city capital project updates. Corridor redevelopment tends to happen piece by piece, but those small approvals can add up to major neighborhood change over time.

Five Knoxville-Area Events to Put on Your Calendar This Week

East Tennessee has a full week of local events ahead, with options for music lovers, families, market shoppers, craft beer fans, and anyone looking for a simple weekend outing. Here are several Knoxville-area events coming up in chronological order.

Tuesday, June 9 — Jazz Tuesdays on Market Square

Knoxville’s free Concerts on the Square series continues Tuesday evening with Jazz Tuesdays on Market Square. The series features live jazz from 7–9 p.m. during May, June, and July, making it an easy downtown plan for an after-dinner stroll, date night, or casual evening with friends.

Wednesday, June 10 — Market Square Farmers Market

The Market Square Farmers Market returns Wednesday, June 10, with local vendors, seasonal produce, baked goods, prepared foods, and handmade items. The market continues on Wednesdays and Saturdays through the season, giving downtown workers, residents, and visitors a midweek chance to shop local.

Wednesday, June 10 — Kid A’Riffic at Covenant Health Park

Families looking for free summer fun can head to Kid A’Riffic at Covenant Health Park on Wednesday, June 10. The event is a strong family pick for the week, with free crafts, foam fun, activities, and kids Fun Zone access at the Smokies stadium concourse. It is a good option for parents, grandparents, and caregivers looking for an easy daytime outing.

Saturday, June 13 — Hops in the Hills in Maryville

Maryville’s Hops in the Hills returns Saturday, June 13, at the Maryville Greenway Amphitheater from 5–9 p.m. The event features regional craft beer, food, games, live music, and designated-driver ticket options. This is a 21+ event, so it is best suited for an adults-only evening out.

Saturday, June 13 — Oak Ridge Farmers’ Market and AMSE Dino Day

Oak Ridge has two Saturday options for readers west of Knoxville. The Oak Ridge Farmers’ Market is scheduled at Jackson Square from 8 a.m.–noon, offering a morning local-shopping stop. Also on the calendar is AMSE: Dino Day at the American Museum of Science and Energy, giving families another kid-friendly weekend activity.

Quick Takeaway

For a free weeknight outing, Jazz Tuesdays is the easiest pick. For families, Kid A’Riffic at Covenant Health Park and AMSE Dino Day offer kid-friendly options. For a Saturday date night or group outing, Hops in the Hills is the standout adults-only event.

Saturday, June 13 — Second Saturday Concert at The Cove

Knox County Parks & Recreation kicks off its Second Saturday Concert Series at The Cove at Concord Park on Saturday, June 13, from 6–8 p.m. The evening includes live music from The Deep Fakes, freestyle jet ski riding presented by the American Jet Sport Association, plus local vendors and food trucks. Good pick for a relaxed summer evening by the water in West Knoxville.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park boasts nearly 850 miles of trails across about 150 routes, including a remarkable 74-mile stretch of the Appalachian Trail.

This trail network offers everything from easy creekside strolls to steep mountain climbs, drawing families, hikers, runners, and photographers from all across East Tennessee.

Local adventurers can find history, solitude, or stunning wildflowers while choosing hikes that fit their experience thanks to the park’s diversity in elevation, terrain, and scenery.

Because most trails are out-and-back, even short routes can be challenging, and hikers are urged to check trail conditions and prepare for changing weather.

With so many miles to explore, East Tennesseans enjoy a national treasure in their own backyard, supporting outdoor recreation, local businesses, and genuine connection to the unique natural and cultural heritage of the Smokies.

Knoxville residents don’t have to leave the city to enjoy inspiring mountain views.

Lakeshore Park, nestled in West Knoxville, offers wide-open panoramas of the Tennessee River, Fort Loudoun Lake, and spectacular glimpses of the Great Smoky Mountains.

The park is known for its welcoming atmosphere and easy access, making it a favorite spot for runners, walkers, and families alike.

Paved paths, open lawns, and modern playgrounds set against scenic backdrops provide plenty of room for relaxation or recreation.

The four-mile trail system includes riverside walks, natural marshland, and wooded stretches—perfect for a morning jog or family outing.

For photographers and sunset-lovers, the park’s views shine brightest at golden hour, bringing Knoxville’s natural beauty close to home at any time of day.

Iron Forge Brewing Company has officially opened its doors at Covenant Health Park, bringing a Sevierville-based brewery right into Knoxville’s dynamic stadium district.

Celebrated with a ribbon cutting and local officials, the new taproom faces the street and welcomes everyone — no game ticket required.

With 18 beers on tap brewed in Sevierville, Iron Forge offers year-round lunch, dinner, and drinks, making it more than just a game-day stop for fans near the Old City and East Knoxville.

This marks a key step in transforming the area around Covenant Health Park, aiming to create a lively neighborhood destination with restaurants, apartments, and steady foot traffic.

For locals and visitors, Iron Forge delivers a new place to meet, dine, or relax—whenever, not just during Smokies or One Knoxville SC games.

The opening signals bigger plans for a vibrant, all-seasons stadium district.

Knoxville’s 17th Annual Business Opportunities Breakfast drew city departments, agencies, and local firms to the Civic Coliseum on June 4, connecting businesses with upcoming city purchasing plans for the next 12 to 18 months.

Although the event has passed, local vendors can still benefit. The city has shared a list of participating departments, including Engineering, Housing & Neighborhood Development, and Knoxville Area Transit, plus materials outlining future procurement needs.

Businesses can access official forecasts online and register for bid notifications through the city’s purchasing page—keeping them updated on everything from large-scale projects over $50,000 to smaller contracts starting at $12,500.

Knoxville also offers a Supplier Outreach Program, providing direct staff support and an English/Spanish specialist to guide vendors through bid opportunities.

The key takeaway: reviewing forecasts, signing up for alerts, and staying engaged can help local firms secure new city contracts throughout the year.

Interesting Facts

Knoxville stands out in sports history with the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, located just east of downtown on Hall of Fame Drive.

Since 1999, this impressive 35,000-square-foot facility has celebrated the past, present, and future of women’s basketball at every level, making it the only museum of its kind in the world.

Its Knoxville location is fitting, thanks to the University of Tennessee Lady Vols and legendary coach Pat Summitt, whose legacies have deeply shaped the sport’s local following.

Visitors explore exhibits honoring coaching greats Pat Summitt, Geno Auriemma, and Tara VanDerveer, basketball icons like Sue Bird, Sylvia Fowles, and Alana Beard, and historic leagues, including the WNBA.

A timeline traces women’s basketball from its 1892 beginnings to today’s global stage, underscoring the sport’s growth and local significance.

The Hall remains a beloved Knoxville landmark and a must-see for families, students, and sports fans alike.

Downtown Knoxville Could See a New Hotel Opening Soon — and Yassin’s Return May Be Close

Downtown Knoxville may soon see two long-watched pieces of its development puzzle fall into place.

A new downtown hotel is expected to open in the next couple of weeks, according to Inside of Knoxville’s June downtown development update. The report says developer Heetesh Patel confirmed the upcoming opening timeline for the hotel, which will be managed by Kana Hotel Group. Kana has also listed a Holiday Inn Express — Knoxville Downtown property as opening in summer 2026.

For many downtown residents and regulars, the more personal update may be the possible return of Yassin’s downtown location. Inside of Knoxville reported that the Yassin’s sign is back in place on the lower level of the hotel property, and Patel indicated the restaurant should reopen its downtown location “within the next thirty days.”

The timing is not firm enough yet to publish as an official opening date. But the signs point to movement on a high-visibility downtown project, especially for readers who have been watching the hotel site and waiting for Yassin’s to return.

Together, the updates fit into a larger downtown trend: more hotel rooms, more street-level activity, and more attention on whether new development adds useful everyday destinations for residents — not just places for visitors to stay.

For now, this is a “watch this space” story. The hotel appears to be nearing the finish line, and Yassin’s downtown comeback may not be far behind.

Smokies Road Note

Drivers heading into Great Smoky Mountains National Park should plan around temporary Little River Road closures between the Townsend Wye and Elkmont from 7 a.m.–noon on Monday, June 8, and Tuesday, June 9, while crews complete maintenance. The park also continues to list Carlos Campbell Overlook and Mingus Mill as temporarily closed, so check current NPS conditions before heading out.

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The Lamar House

Thanks for reading 865 Daily.

We’ll keep bringing you useful local updates from greater Knoxville and East Tennessee — from weekend events and outdoor ideas to road reminders, new openings, community news, and the small details that make life here easier to navigate. 

Have a great week ahead, and we’ll see you in the next edition.