Happy Monday, 865!

Today’s edition is all about growth, planning, and getting outside across East Tennessee. We’re looking at Knox County’s housing crunch, Knoxville’s new “What’s Next?” planning effort, and a few business changes that show how fast the region keeps moving.

We’ve also got fresh outdoor ideas from Big South Fork to Roane County lake parks, a plan-ahead guide for Oak Ridge’s Lavender Festival, and practical community notes on senior resources, water-quality projects, and local events.

Whether you’re tracking what’s changing, planning the week, or looking for a new place to explore, we’ve got you covered.

Knoxville, Tennessee, was home to the International Biscuit Festival, a celebration of one of the South’s favorite comfort foods. What beloved topping often turns biscuits into a classic Southern breakfast?

Knox County is confronting a new reality: the challenge of finding space for future housing as developable land rapidly disappears.

The 2025 Development Activity Report reveals another record year for residential growth, with 5,822 new homes permitted and overall construction up 4 percent.

Demand remains high, but the question shifts from whether people want to live here to where new homes can actually go.

Planning data shows a marked turn toward denser, multi-unit housing—now more than twice as common as detached homes—driven by shrinking large parcels inside city limits.

Most sizable new subdivisions are spreading to outer areas, putting added pressure on roads and utilities, and intensifying debates over rezoning and neighborhood change.

This scarcity foregrounds tough local choices: balancing density, affordability, transportation, and character as Knox County continues to grow—and as every decision becomes more consequential for the community’s future.

 Regas Bros Seasoning

Knoxville Launches “What’s Next Knoxville?” Planning Outreach

Knoxville residents have a new way to weigh in on the city’s future.

The City of Knoxville and Knoxville-Knox County Planning have launched What’s Next Knoxville?, a community planning effort designed to gather public input on how the city should grow and change in the years ahead.

The timing matters. As Knoxville continues to face questions about housing, traffic, infrastructure, neighborhood change, redevelopment, and land use, public planning efforts like this give residents a chance to speak up before decisions are finalized.

The project includes a website and public activities where residents can learn more, follow the process, and share feedback. For homeowners, renters, business owners, neighborhood leaders, commuters, and families, the discussion could touch everyday issues: where new housing goes, how streets and sidewalks function, how corridors redevelop, and what kind of city Knoxville wants to become.

This pairs closely with the larger local growth conversation. Knox County and Knoxville are both seeing pressure from population growth and housing demand, and future planning decisions will shape how the region manages that growth.

The local takeaway: this is not just a planning-office exercise. It is a chance for residents to help shape Knoxville’s next chapter.

For many East Tennesseans, stopping at Weigel’s is a daily habit, whether it’s for gas, a quick breakfast, or a gallon of milk.

The well-known convenience store actually began as a simple dairy business.

This year, Weigel’s celebrates its 95th anniversary, tracing its beginnings back to 1931 when the family opened their first dairy in East Tennessee, eventually creating trusted milk routes across the region.

The first Weigel’s Farm Store opened in 1958 on Sanderson Road in Knoxville, giving families easier access to essentials as shopping habits shifted.

By the 1960s, the company had launched a walk-in convenience store, and now operates about 90 locations throughout East Tennessee.

Weigel’s is marking its milestone year with a “95 for 95” sweepstakes, offering 95 residents each month a year of free milk—celebrating its dairy heritage.

Locals know: Weigel’s remains a homegrown success rooted in East Tennessee tradition.

Remote Area Medical is offering free telehealth clinics across East Tennessee this week, making stops in Knoxville and Del Rio.

The medical-only telehealth clinics will be held at Care Cuts on Clinton Highway, the Sustainable Future Center in South Knoxville, Church Street United Methodist Church downtown, and a Del Rio site on Highway 107.

Clinic dates include June 16 and 19 at Care Cuts from 10 a.m.–2 p.m., June 17 at Sustainable Future Center from 9 a.m.–1 p.m., June 18 at Church Street from 10 a.m.–1 p.m., and June 18 in Del Rio from 1–4 p.m.

An onsite nurse and support team will help visitors connect virtually with volunteer doctors, focusing on acute care for those facing barriers to access.

No insurance, ID, proof of income, or residency is needed, but patients must attend in person at a RAM telehealth site for care.

These clinics offer a new, convenient way for local residents to get essential medical help close to home.

Zoo Knoxville Opens New Boardwalk and Trail Experience for Summer Visitors

Zoo Knoxville has added a new summer feature designed to help visitors slow down, explore, and connect more closely with wildlife.

The Boyd Foundation Boardwalk at Clayton Timber Loop is now open to daytime guests, giving zoo visitors access to a wooded trail area during regular hours. The boardwalk is paired with a new live animal encounter called Tales from the Trail, which blends Appalachian storytelling, wildlife folklore, and conservation education.

The program opened for Memorial Day weekend and features rotating ambassador animal presentations with species such as owls, snakes, raccoons, armadillos, skunks, birds, and other animals. Presentations are scheduled Thursday through Sunday at 11 a.m. and typically last 15–20 minutes, with two or three ambassador animals featured during each session.

For families, the update gives Zoo Knoxville another low-pressure activity beyond the major habitats. Because the animal lineup changes, repeat visits may feel different from week to week. The new trail experience is also included with general zoo admission.

The boardwalk fits into Zoo Knoxville’s broader mission of connecting visitors with wildlife and conservation. The zoo says its conservation work starts locally, with a focus on engaging communities and encouraging action to protect the natural world.

For Knoxville-area residents, this is a good summer reminder that the zoo continues to evolve as a family attraction and conservation resource. The new boardwalk offers a quieter, more nature-focused way to experience the property — and gives kids and adults another reason to revisit a familiar local destination.

Midweek in Knoxville: Free Music, Farmers Market Finds, and Family Fun

Knoxville has a few easy midweek options this week, especially for readers looking for free or low-cost ways to get out downtown and around the city.

Jazz Tuesdays on Market Square continues Tuesday, June 16, from 7–9 p.m. as part of Knoxville’s free Concerts on the Square series. It is a simple downtown evening plan for live music, dinner nearby, or a relaxed walk through Market Square.

On Wednesday, June 17, the Market Square Farmers Market continues its regular Wednesday/Saturday schedule downtown, giving shoppers a chance to pick up produce, baked goods, flowers, prepared foods, and local goods during the week. The market also continues Saturday, June 20, from 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Families also have a free daytime option Wednesday with Kid A’Riffic Fun in the Park, Knoxville’s rotating summer series for kids and caregivers. The June 17 stop is expected at Baxter Avenue Park from 10 a.m.–1 p.m., with games, crafts, and kid-friendly activities. Confirm the location on the city’s schedule before heading out.

Together, the three events make for a useful midweek mix: music for downtown readers, local shopping for market-goers, and free summer fun for families.

The 26th annual Lavender Festival returns to Jackson Square in Oak Ridge on Saturday, June 20, inviting Anderson County, Roane County, and Knoxville-area residents to a full-day summer celebration.

The main festival runs 8 a.m.–4 p.m. with free entry.

Visitors can explore over 150 artisans, shop for lavender-themed wares, enjoy food trucks, try Tennessee wine, and let kids join free activities.

Free shuttle service operates from Roane State Community College (701 Briarcliff Ave) to the festival site between 7 a.m.–4 p.m., making parking hassle-free.

Additional ticketed events include the Herb Lunch and Tour of Gardens held June 19–20, plus wine tasting that supports United Way of Anderson County.

Arrive early, stay hydrated, and enjoy a day of local flavor and summer fun in Oak Ridge.

Lavender Festival After-Party Brings Music, Vendors, and Lavender Drinks to Hops & Hounds

The Lavender Festival fun does not have to end when the daytime festival wraps up.

On Saturday, June 20, Hops & Hounds in Oak Ridge will host the Lavender Festival After-Party from 6–9 p.m., giving festivalgoers and local residents an evening option after the main Jackson Square event.

Oak Ridge’s city calendar lists the after-party as featuring vendors, food, lavender-themed beverages, and live music from Jasper Hollow. The timing makes it an easy add-on for anyone spending the day at the Lavender Festival or looking for a more relaxed evening plan in Oak Ridge.

The main Lavender Festival runs earlier Saturday in Jackson Square, while the after-party offers a separate, later stop for readers who want to keep the local summer festival atmosphere going into the evening.

"Every time you tear a leaf off a calendar, you present a new place for new ideas and progress." - Charles Kettering

Saturday, June 20 — Taste of Summer at the Knoxville Museum of Art
The Knoxville Museum of Art hosts Taste of Summer on Saturday, June 20, from 5–9 p.m., featuring wine, food, and a summer evening atmosphere at the museum. Good pick for readers looking for an arts-adjacent date night or downtown Knoxville event.

Zoo Knoxville Summer Concerts

Zoo Knoxville has announced a new summer concert series that pairs live music with zoo access, giving visitors another way to enjoy the zoo beyond regular daytime visits. It is a good fit for families, date nights, and anyone looking for a relaxed summer evening activity with music and animals in the same setting.

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area offers outdoor enthusiasts in East Tennessee a striking alternative to the popular Smokies.

Located northwest of Knoxville on the Tennessee-Kentucky border, it protects the wild Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and the dramatic Cumberland Plateau.

The terrain features sandstone gorges, rock shelters, cliffs, arches, and remote forest trails perfect for hiking, camping, mountain biking, paddling, horseback riding, and fishing.

Unlike the crowded Smokies, Big South Fork delivers a quieter, wilder experience for hikers seeking scenic bluff views, families looking for spacious campgrounds, and adventure seekers ready for backcountry trails.

Plan visits carefully: cell service can be spotty, and some trails are rugged.

For locals who crave variety and elbow room, Big South Fork stands out as a top destination for authentic outdoor adventure.

Low-Key Outdoors: Roane County’s Lakeshore Park Offers Trails, Water Access, and Easy Lake Views

For a quieter outdoor idea west of Knoxville, Lakeshore Park in Roane County is a strong option for readers who want lake views without a major hiking plan.

The park offers paved walking and biking trails, making it approachable for casual walkers, families, and anyone looking for a lower-impact outing. It also includes fishing piers, kayak launches, a boat ramp and dock, picnic areas, and wetland scenery, giving visitors several ways to enjoy the water without needing a full day on the lake.

That mix makes Lakeshore Park a good alternative to busier mountain destinations. You can stop for a walk, bring lunch, fish from the pier, launch a kayak, or simply enjoy the natural landscape around the shoreline.

For Knoxville-area readers, it is a reminder that East Tennessee’s outdoor options are not limited to the Smokies. Roane County’s lake parks offer a slower, water-focused way to spend time outside close to home.

Interesting Facts

Some places leave an impression for their immediate beauty, while others linger because they connect visitors to a deeper history.

Cades Cove embodies both qualities.

This beloved 11-mile loop in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park draws crowds with sweeping valleys, mountain backdrops, wildflowers, churches, and historic cabins.

Yet its real allure is the sense that time stands still.

Unlike the park’s thick forests and steep ridges, the Cove opens wide, offering quiet fields and creek crossings with panoramic views that feel both fresh and familiar.

Its history runs deep: once home to Cherokee communities and later settlers, the lingering churches and cabins are more than relics — they make the valley’s past tangible.

For many locals, memories of family drives and wildlife sightings make Cades Cove feel personal, while newcomers discover a place that’s instantly home.

Unspoiled and inviting, Cades Cove remains a living memory that welcomes all who visit.

The Pavilion Farmer’s Market at Hardin Valley Event Center has officially closed, leaving local vendors and families without a central spot for fresh produce and handmade goods.

This closure is a big shift for Hardin Valley, one of Knox County’s fastest-growing communities, known for its need for neighborhood gathering spaces.

For small farmers and artisans, losing the market means they must find new outlets—often farther away or through pop-up events—to connect with customers.

Families now have fewer local options for fresh foods and the sense of community these markets create.

The dissolution highlights how local food systems rely not just on growers, but also on strong venues and support networks.

Residents will be watching closely to see if a new market emerges to fill the gap or if nearby options must meet the rising demand.

Coming Soon: ONE FIVE Grocery Store Aims to Bring Fresh Food and Community Space to 37915

A new neighborhood grocery concept called ONE FIVE Grocery Store is planned for Knoxville’s 37915 ZIP code, with a mission that goes beyond everyday shopping.

The project from BattleField Farm & Gardens is designed to improve food access in one of Knoxville’s longtime underserved areas by bringing fresh food, a café, and community space closer to residents.

That makes it one of the more meaningful “coming soon” business stories in Knoxville right now. For East Knoxville families, a neighborhood grocery can mean more than convenience — it can mean easier access to produce, staple foods, and a welcoming place to gather close to home.

If the project moves forward as planned, ONE FIVE Grocery Store could become both a practical food resource and a community-centered investment in 37915.

CAC Office on Aging Brings Resource Help to Local Senior Centers

Older adults and caregivers in Knox County have several chances this month to get in-person help finding local support services.

The CAC Office on Aging is offering Senior Center Outreach events at local senior centers, with no appointment needed. The program is designed for older adults, caregivers, family members, and community members who need help navigating resources for themselves or a loved one in Knox County.

The Information & Benefits team can help point residents toward services related to aging in place, housing, in-home services, health care, Medicare, food and nutrition, transportation, mobility equipment, legal needs, emergency assistance, and support groups.

Upcoming June outreach stops include West Knox County Senior Center on June 15 from 9–11 a.m., O’Connor Senior Center on June 18 from 10 a.m.–noon, Halls Senior Center on June 22 from 10 a.m.–noon, and Carter Senior Center on June 24 from 10 a.m.–noon.

For families, this is a useful reminder that senior support does not always start with a crisis. Sometimes the first step is simply knowing who to ask about transportation, meals, home safety, benefits, or caregiving help.

Knox County caregivers searching for daytime support for older family members can turn to the Daily Living Center, run by the CAC Office on Aging.

This licensed adult day services program is accepting new participants and is designed for local residents age 60 and older who need a safe, structured setting while remaining at home.

Programming features meals, exercise, games, memory activities, music and art therapy, and themed events to boost independence and social connections.

To join, participants must be Knox County residents aged 60+, manage basic self-care, and adapt to group settings.

The center, located at 3900 Probus Road in Northridge Crossing, operates weekdays 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Call 865-689-8412 for enrollment, fee information, or to inquire about financial assistance options.

Loudon County Senior Center Offers Activities and Support for Adults 60+

The Loudon County Office on Aging and Senior Center is a useful local resource for residents age 60 and older, offering a mix of social activities, wellness programs, learning opportunities, and community support.

The center serves as a gathering place for older adults who want to stay active and connected. Its programming includes activities such as dancing, day trips, shopping outings, fitness programs, health screenings, educational programs, cards and games, luncheons, volunteer opportunities, painting classes, and computer classes.

For families and caregivers, the center can also be a helpful starting point when looking for local resources, social connection, or regular activities for an older loved one. Programs like these can help reduce isolation, encourage movement, and give seniors a dependable place to build routine and community.

Because event schedules can change month to month, readers should check directly with the Loudon County Office on Aging and Senior Center before attending a specific class, trip, lunch, or activity.

Have a local event coming up?

Send the details our way at Local Tips

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, and we’ll see you in the next edition.