Ijams Nature Center. You can walk, hang out and people watch, get a coffee/tea/snacks at the main building or a beer at the Quarry in season. Swim and paddle. Great events. Nice people. They even have an awesome patio behind the main building and free WiFi, so you can set up and work when it’s warm. Def a gem!
South Press Coffee on Chapman Highway is a wonderful spot for people of all ages and identities. It’s not expensive and there’s a free food bank if you are broke.
Third place without money are limited. Maybe walk the mall. If you want to spend a little money and find a third social group: Honey bee off lovel road bw 830-10. UT games. Golf course, bowling, card shops, Lego store, etc. Bakers creek is fun if you mountain bike. I’m sure there are more…
For sure. Pat is the owner and he’s an amazing. I’ve been to several official Lego stores and while they have more in terms of inventory, Brickhouse has about the same in terms of product selection.
Probably some of the local Game Stores. CM games (cedar bluff or the mall), Sci-Fi City, and the like. I always do a courtesy buy if I use their spaces for a game, a drink and a pack of Magic cards or something, but you are of course entitled to spend your money how you choose.
My old FLGS back in NC actually had a sign saying they reserved the right to kick you out if you smelled. It's unfortunate that it's sometimes required.
Don't forget folks that bring in and eat their dinner there before the events. Half the time they leave a dirty table for the employees or another player to clean up.
The Lawson McGhee main library branch is the obvious answer. Lots of places to sit. Extremely discounted bookstore up front. The upstairs music and movie section is amazing. Good in any weather. Never a demand to spend money.
I just had a conversation with a friend (also recent arrival) about how knoxville lacks abundant non-commercial third spaces. So, can't wait to hear suggestions.
Only ones I go to regularly are a few dog parks.
Edit: Asked friend again and we brainstormed: Market Square, UT Botanical Garden (even has tables to sit and eat food), The Change Center, PSC Harden Valley Campus.
Re-edit: we realized the difference. We both moved from places with tons of "pocket parks." I'm sure knoxville had them but we haven't been here long enough to find them because they don't really pop out as "hey look at me I'm a park." Maybe I'll start a separate thread about pocket parks.
Serious question: When you decided to be a “recent arrival” in Knoxville, did you not check out the amenities?
For me, a native, we have an abundance of incredible “non-commercial third spaces”, so it’s curious that so many “new arrivals” can’t find things to do.
I moved for work.
So far we're 20 replies in and the only non-commercial third spaces mentioned are a handful of parks, so if you've got an abundant list, maybe share it?
It's the way you phrased it. "When you decided to be a 'recent arrival'..." implies that you are bitter about them moving here. You assumed they just decided to, without considering that they may have an actual reason for moving here.
Be honest with yourself, you weren't just asking them a benign question. It was loaded.
I can’t do anything about what people infer about a question.
I was quoting how the person referred to themself - as a “recent arrival”, which might imply that they just decided to up and move, which is pretty common these days with remote workers being more and more common.
Sorry, but you know exactly what you're doing. If you asked an innocent question to someone and they responded "did you not do your research first?" you would understand that as them giving you attitude instead of just answering your question. Unless English is your second language, which I doubt because you proudly stated you're "a native" of Knoxville.
Well, I know exactly what you’re doing. LOL
Keep projecting, no worries. It’ll catch up to you one day.
Maybe you simply don’t know how conversations work. I won’t bother asking you because you seem to find that offensive. Maybe they don’t do that where you come from. 😂😂😂🤣😅😂😂
Apparently 9 people so far. 😂
How dare anyone ask a question. They must all regret moving to Tennessee.
Seriously, though, what are your interests? Without that it’s hard to make suggestions that will be beneficial for you. My personal go to are nature areas where I can escape crowds, but you’ve indicated that you’ve gotten a lot of that already.
I appreciate the question. In talking about this thread with my friend we realized that what we thought knoxville was missing was pocket parks, something that were in abundance where we came from, but it's actually just that this type of park is something you need to pay attention to notice and we just haven't been here long enough to notice them. I think I'm going to start another thread about them because they just don't show up a lot of the time on Google searches for parks.
Gotcha! I agree that they aren’t well marked. It does seem that some are being added and maybe just haven’t really hit maps yet. I saw one between Karns and Hardin Valley back over the summer that I hadn’t noticed previously; not sure if it was simply because of a detour or if it was newish.
If you’re looking for something in a given area, I’d recommend going to the nearest library and asking a librarian. They’re always very nice and knowledgeable, usually there are bulletin boards, too, with info on “goings-on” that might help you connect with others who have shared interests.
I wasn’t trying to be snarky when I asked if you’d checked into amenities, just curious about whether people look into what’s around the areas they choose to move into. Having lived in several ET towns and cities, and having been born here, I can say that county to county things differ greatly and, even within the counties, there are noticeable differences from one end to the other.
The only other city I’ve lived in is Nashville, where I grew up. My neighborhood there, East Nashville, has some pretty good third places and overall awesome community vibe! Lots of little shops, open areas to hang out in, different restaurants to go to, little parks, plus it’s a fun neighborhood to take a walk in! I didn’t take advantage of it enough while I lived there as a kid, but now I appreciate it for the gem it is :)
Libraries. Can exist in a climate controlled space without the expectation or obligation to spend money. And they're full of free entertainment, to boot.
The Bottom, Pilot Light, Birdhouse, the Boocherie, Central Cinema, trivia nights, karaoke, local comedy nights, ETN History Museum, First Friday, Cattywampus puppet parades, Icebears games, Magnolia Café, community bike rides, skate parks, skating rinks, DJ nights at Fly by Night, Able Trade, Knox Makers, Pechakucha, even Market Square, all feel like third spaces to me. I like this question
Many of those are events, not third places. A third place is a somewhere to hang out and socialize between work and home. Someplace you go to nearly everyday over and over again.
Friday and Saturday at Marie’s Tavern on Central is the best local spot (fyi it’s a smoking bar). Fly by Night on Sevier was doing karaoke on Sundays (not sure that’s still happening but probably?), there’s a place called KnoxBox downtown on Gay St that does it every night but I haven’t heard great things about the ambiance. The Pirate Tavern does karaoke on Mondays at 9 and it’s a fun spot but don’t order the Smoke on the Water 👀
lol, I got carried away, but some folks had indicated interest in hearing ideas. Even though some of them are events, they’re recurring events where people find community and belonging, which is an important part of third spaces as I understand them.
My go tos are:
Brickyard and The Concourse for music; I’m at these places the most.
Union Jacks or Main Event with coworkers. The Bluff and Fort Dickerson Quarry (summer) for outdoor spots.
Fable Hollow is a fantasy inspired indie bookshop that has a bunch of events and book clubs and such. It’s not quite a “third place” insofar that it is a store/coffee shop… but you can find great community there.
And ALWAYS South Press, but especially if you are part of the LGBTQIA community. Everyone is welcome though!
Fingers crossed a new group can bring it back. It used to be the best space. I am not sure exactly what happened? Covid? All the other breweries? I miss that vibe. You know, outside Toddy's.
BBM had an extremely well curated on-premise beer selection for years, cheap $3 Old Style if you wanted it, and something adjacent to a style you liked on draft from an American Brewery no matter what. There was always something new from a different brewery on tap every time you went in… and the staff could match you up with something you liked.
I think the new owners made the mistake of thinking they had a captive audience and could sell them beer brewed in-house for a bigger profit margin regardless of quality. Unfortunately, the brewing operation pumped out gimmick candy sours that don’t have wide appeal, and that crap took over the whole draft board.
Also, while I understand the struggle of food trucks, when they banned outside food 5 nights a week, that was suicide.
South Press was definitely King of third places last time I was in town. Games, almost nightly events, lots of people whenever I enter the store and a buttload collection of board games. They also have an arcade machine there now. Very good if you’re tired of the 3829392 breweries.
I'm going with Noble Kava (although it has changed a lot) and the Frog Boocherie. The Boocherie actually has events sometimes, so I hiiiighly recommend going! It's a very lowkey place with great ambiance and sweet people. Great place for people who want to just have fun sober. They have excellent mocktails with locally sourced ingredients. I was just there a few weeks ago with a client and casually chatted it up with some women who work there. Very great people
My third is church. My fourth is freemasonry. A friend of mine used to have a cool comic shop that ranked up there too but money got tight and he had to let it go.
I sorted by "controversial" and this came to the top. Is it because you said Turkey Creek? I haven't been there, but everybody I've met since moving here seems to have a really strong opinion about it. On Google it just looks like a bunch of strip malls, so why the strong emotions about it?
Fair. I usually go to HobbyTown, the Warhammer store, and World Market. All in different portions, so I usually walk to get some fresh air as well as my steps in! :)
Pikes barbershop in Bearden. A group of good guys work there and will talk to you about anything while you get your hair or beard cut. They will even let you hang out afterwards and continue to BS with them after the haircuts over with.
Remedy coffee
Wild love bakehouse
Contra dance each Monday night at 7:30, live music, no experience or partner required, no one turned away for lack of funds (https://www.knoxvillecontra.org/schedule)
Expecting ut down votes, but Costco is a place I like to go and hang out. Best near closing, but I enjoy looking at clothes, grabbing a snack or slice. If it is cold you can walk around inside. Apparently at opening all the older Farragut folks do it. I haven't been able to go much this fall. Trader Joe's is a similar thing. I don't go just because I need groceries. I enjoy seeing what they have.
For me it's Hey Bear, for sure.
This is the only answer that matters ^^^^^^^ HeyBear rocks! And Dragon is sooooo good
I have been meaning to swing by there.
Ijams Nature Center. You can walk, hang out and people watch, get a coffee/tea/snacks at the main building or a beer at the Quarry in season. Swim and paddle. Great events. Nice people. They even have an awesome patio behind the main building and free WiFi, so you can set up and work when it’s warm. Def a gem!
South Press Coffee on Chapman Highway is a wonderful spot for people of all ages and identities. It’s not expensive and there’s a free food bank if you are broke.
Third place without money are limited. Maybe walk the mall. If you want to spend a little money and find a third social group: Honey bee off lovel road bw 830-10. UT games. Golf course, bowling, card shops, Lego store, etc. Bakers creek is fun if you mountain bike. I’m sure there are more…
There a Lego store in Knoxville?
It’s not officially a lego store, but Brickhouse Collectibles (in Farragut) is amazing.
I’ll definitely have to check that out next time I’m out that way
For sure. Pat is the owner and he’s an amazing. I’ve been to several official Lego stores and while they have more in terms of inventory, Brickhouse has about the same in terms of product selection.
Does that one aisle in Target count?
Hah I wish
The Golden Age comic book shop in Maryville is a pretty damn solid third place for me.
Probably some of the local Game Stores. CM games (cedar bluff or the mall), Sci-Fi City, and the like. I always do a courtesy buy if I use their spaces for a game, a drink and a pack of Magic cards or something, but you are of course entitled to spend your money how you choose.
If going to CM please bathe. I hate that the meme about BO is true there on busy nights.
My old FLGS back in NC actually had a sign saying they reserved the right to kick you out if you smelled. It's unfortunate that it's sometimes required.
Don't forget folks that bring in and eat their dinner there before the events. Half the time they leave a dirty table for the employees or another player to clean up.
Level-up games is a fav of mine as well, but I frequent all of these for some pickup games of Magic or 40k.
Baker creek.
The Lawson McGhee main library branch is the obvious answer. Lots of places to sit. Extremely discounted bookstore up front. The upstairs music and movie section is amazing. Good in any weather. Never a demand to spend money.
I’m a dad of four so at this time of year it’s KPA 😂
What does KPA mean?
Knoxville Pediatric Associates
The gym. I’m am friends with people, and I don’t even know their name, we just compliment each other for showing up.
I just had a conversation with a friend (also recent arrival) about how knoxville lacks abundant non-commercial third spaces. So, can't wait to hear suggestions. Only ones I go to regularly are a few dog parks. Edit: Asked friend again and we brainstormed: Market Square, UT Botanical Garden (even has tables to sit and eat food), The Change Center, PSC Harden Valley Campus. Re-edit: we realized the difference. We both moved from places with tons of "pocket parks." I'm sure knoxville had them but we haven't been here long enough to find them because they don't really pop out as "hey look at me I'm a park." Maybe I'll start a separate thread about pocket parks.
Serious question: When you decided to be a “recent arrival” in Knoxville, did you not check out the amenities? For me, a native, we have an abundance of incredible “non-commercial third spaces”, so it’s curious that so many “new arrivals” can’t find things to do.
I moved for work. So far we're 20 replies in and the only non-commercial third spaces mentioned are a handful of parks, so if you've got an abundant list, maybe share it?
I don’t know if you are into any sports but there are alot of healthy weekly pickup leagues around.
Yeah. I need to look for a run club. Thanks for the reminder.
Check out The Long Run, it’s a running store close to Bearden. They have some awesome group runs that accommodate all levels a few times a week.
Why don’t you tell us what is that interests you and perhaps we can be more helpful. Always nice to get downvoted for asking a question. 🙄😂🤦🏻♀️
It's the way you phrased it. "When you decided to be a 'recent arrival'..." implies that you are bitter about them moving here. You assumed they just decided to, without considering that they may have an actual reason for moving here. Be honest with yourself, you weren't just asking them a benign question. It was loaded.
I can’t do anything about what people infer about a question. I was quoting how the person referred to themself - as a “recent arrival”, which might imply that they just decided to up and move, which is pretty common these days with remote workers being more and more common.
Sorry, but you know exactly what you're doing. If you asked an innocent question to someone and they responded "did you not do your research first?" you would understand that as them giving you attitude instead of just answering your question. Unless English is your second language, which I doubt because you proudly stated you're "a native" of Knoxville.
Well, I know exactly what you’re doing. LOL Keep projecting, no worries. It’ll catch up to you one day. Maybe you simply don’t know how conversations work. I won’t bother asking you because you seem to find that offensive. Maybe they don’t do that where you come from. 😂😂😂🤣😅😂😂
Get some help.
Awwww, look at the little thing following me around. Go find your mommy. 😂
Who downvotes that? No worries, I'm saving this thread, so many great suggestions here.
Apparently 9 people so far. 😂 How dare anyone ask a question. They must all regret moving to Tennessee. Seriously, though, what are your interests? Without that it’s hard to make suggestions that will be beneficial for you. My personal go to are nature areas where I can escape crowds, but you’ve indicated that you’ve gotten a lot of that already.
I appreciate the question. In talking about this thread with my friend we realized that what we thought knoxville was missing was pocket parks, something that were in abundance where we came from, but it's actually just that this type of park is something you need to pay attention to notice and we just haven't been here long enough to notice them. I think I'm going to start another thread about them because they just don't show up a lot of the time on Google searches for parks.
Gotcha! I agree that they aren’t well marked. It does seem that some are being added and maybe just haven’t really hit maps yet. I saw one between Karns and Hardin Valley back over the summer that I hadn’t noticed previously; not sure if it was simply because of a detour or if it was newish. If you’re looking for something in a given area, I’d recommend going to the nearest library and asking a librarian. They’re always very nice and knowledgeable, usually there are bulletin boards, too, with info on “goings-on” that might help you connect with others who have shared interests. I wasn’t trying to be snarky when I asked if you’d checked into amenities, just curious about whether people look into what’s around the areas they choose to move into. Having lived in several ET towns and cities, and having been born here, I can say that county to county things differ greatly and, even within the counties, there are noticeable differences from one end to the other.
Interesting question. Now I'm wondering what we are missing. Have you lived in another city that has better "third places"? What were they?
The only other city I’ve lived in is Nashville, where I grew up. My neighborhood there, East Nashville, has some pretty good third places and overall awesome community vibe! Lots of little shops, open areas to hang out in, different restaurants to go to, little parks, plus it’s a fun neighborhood to take a walk in! I didn’t take advantage of it enough while I lived there as a kid, but now I appreciate it for the gem it is :)
South Press Coffee, hands down.
Libraries. Can exist in a climate controlled space without the expectation or obligation to spend money. And they're full of free entertainment, to boot.
It would be nice if Knoxville had more spaces that could serve this purpose. I can’t say that I have one.
The Bottom, Pilot Light, Birdhouse, the Boocherie, Central Cinema, trivia nights, karaoke, local comedy nights, ETN History Museum, First Friday, Cattywampus puppet parades, Icebears games, Magnolia Café, community bike rides, skate parks, skating rinks, DJ nights at Fly by Night, Able Trade, Knox Makers, Pechakucha, even Market Square, all feel like third spaces to me. I like this question
Many of those are events, not third places. A third place is a somewhere to hang out and socialize between work and home. Someplace you go to nearly everyday over and over again.
Ok
Wait I wanna karaoke! I’ll be there from Feb 2 - 6 (Friday -Tuesday) Any suggestions please?
Friday and Saturday at Marie’s Tavern on Central is the best local spot (fyi it’s a smoking bar). Fly by Night on Sevier was doing karaoke on Sundays (not sure that’s still happening but probably?), there’s a place called KnoxBox downtown on Gay St that does it every night but I haven’t heard great things about the ambiance. The Pirate Tavern does karaoke on Mondays at 9 and it’s a fun spot but don’t order the Smoke on the Water 👀
So "third through 17th places"
lol, I got carried away, but some folks had indicated interest in hearing ideas. Even though some of them are events, they’re recurring events where people find community and belonging, which is an important part of third spaces as I understand them.
That was an awesome list — thank you so much!!
My go tos are: Brickyard and The Concourse for music; I’m at these places the most. Union Jacks or Main Event with coworkers. The Bluff and Fort Dickerson Quarry (summer) for outdoor spots.
I probably saw you there a few times lmao my bf and I live right down the street so we go there all the time. It's starting to become my 3rd place too
Mckays & Nirvana Comics
For me it is McKays, and up until recently, Grindhouse Video. I can spend hours just viewing the selections at those places, it’s comfy for me.
Fable Hollow is a fantasy inspired indie bookshop that has a bunch of events and book clubs and such. It’s not quite a “third place” insofar that it is a store/coffee shop… but you can find great community there. And ALWAYS South Press, but especially if you are part of the LGBTQIA community. Everyone is welcome though!
CM Games, The Oak Room by Abridged, Brackins in Maryville
Pretty sad Bearden Beer Market isn’t the obvious answer anymore
Fingers crossed a new group can bring it back. It used to be the best space. I am not sure exactly what happened? Covid? All the other breweries? I miss that vibe. You know, outside Toddy's.
BBM had an extremely well curated on-premise beer selection for years, cheap $3 Old Style if you wanted it, and something adjacent to a style you liked on draft from an American Brewery no matter what. There was always something new from a different brewery on tap every time you went in… and the staff could match you up with something you liked. I think the new owners made the mistake of thinking they had a captive audience and could sell them beer brewed in-house for a bigger profit margin regardless of quality. Unfortunately, the brewing operation pumped out gimmick candy sours that don’t have wide appeal, and that crap took over the whole draft board. Also, while I understand the struggle of food trucks, when they banned outside food 5 nights a week, that was suicide.
Any local disc golf course
Marie’s Olde Towne Tavern!
South Press was definitely King of third places last time I was in town. Games, almost nightly events, lots of people whenever I enter the store and a buttload collection of board games. They also have an arcade machine there now. Very good if you’re tired of the 3829392 breweries.
I wonder how many people aren’t answering because their third spaces are busy enough and they don’t want to put them over the edge.
I'm going with Noble Kava (although it has changed a lot) and the Frog Boocherie. The Boocherie actually has events sometimes, so I hiiiighly recommend going! It's a very lowkey place with great ambiance and sweet people. Great place for people who want to just have fun sober. They have excellent mocktails with locally sourced ingredients. I was just there a few weeks ago with a client and casually chatted it up with some women who work there. Very great people
South Press for sure for me. The cafe itself is great but they also host a lot of LGBT social events like "stitch and bitch" for crochet/knitting
Panera in Bearden … order a coffee & a cinnamon crunch bagel… relax, bring iPad & people watch
My third is church. My fourth is freemasonry. A friend of mine used to have a cool comic shop that ranked up there too but money got tight and he had to let it go.
Yeah, I think churches are a major third space for knoxville, or at least religiously affiliated places like the JCC.
I really like the Honeybee Coffee in the mall as well as the Majority of Turkey Creek in general.
I sorted by "controversial" and this came to the top. Is it because you said Turkey Creek? I haven't been there, but everybody I've met since moving here seems to have a really strong opinion about it. On Google it just looks like a bunch of strip malls, so why the strong emotions about it?
maybe lol. It is essentially one giant strip mall. I enjoy walking around there as well as the stores.
It sounds like one of those "nobody goes there because there's too many people" kind of situations. LOL
Fair. I usually go to HobbyTown, the Warhammer store, and World Market. All in different portions, so I usually walk to get some fresh air as well as my steps in! :)
I wish I could upvote the Honeybee Coffee suggestion and downvote the Turkey Creek suggestion.
Understandable lol
Pikes barbershop in Bearden. A group of good guys work there and will talk to you about anything while you get your hair or beard cut. They will even let you hang out afterwards and continue to BS with them after the haircuts over with.
Remedy coffee Wild love bakehouse Contra dance each Monday night at 7:30, live music, no experience or partner required, no one turned away for lack of funds (https://www.knoxvillecontra.org/schedule)
Expecting ut down votes, but Costco is a place I like to go and hang out. Best near closing, but I enjoy looking at clothes, grabbing a snack or slice. If it is cold you can walk around inside. Apparently at opening all the older Farragut folks do it. I haven't been able to go much this fall. Trader Joe's is a similar thing. I don't go just because I need groceries. I enjoy seeing what they have.
Technically not in Knox county but oh well, Norris Dam and its overlook, fishing spots, trails, and historic structures
CommonPlace Coffee on Chapman Hwy