Health and Wellness issue JA N UA RY 2 02 6
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LIFESTYLE LETTER
The January Reset So, there are another 365 days in our rearview mirror. How did 2025 treat you? More importantly, how did you treat yourself in 2025? Marc and I have been talking a lot lately about the value of restarts. After a little holiday over-indulgence and a little self-reflection, if you’re like us, you’re looking for a refresh in the new year. And the best place to start is probably health and wellness. As the daughter of a physician and someone who has spent decades observing life, I’ve come to truly appreciate the old adage, if you have your health, you really do have everything. So, if we lost track of our goals and good intentions somewhere in the last year, thank heaven for January, when we can start again. The January Health and Wellness issue covers some good ideas for a personal rebrand in 2026. It doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It can be a matter of small, manageable steps every day to build sustainable habits that, over weeks and months, deliver the long-term changes we are looking for. We hope you find some ideas worth considering in these pages for your own self-care reset. Ideas that encourage you to warm up the winter, discovering restoration, rejuvenation and reimagining how you can build a healthier, happier life for yourself, your family and your community. As the stories this month bear witness, many times those worthwhile things we do for ourselves end up benefiting others as well. Let’s celebrate each new day in the new year as our West Knoxville Lifestyle community continues to grow and cultivate some positive new habits toward healing, health and happiness. We are so grateful for your friendship, loyalty and patronage with our advertising partners.
January 2026 PUBLISHER
Marc Rochelson | marc.rochelson@citylifestyle.com M AN AG I N G E D I TO R
Amy Campbell | amy.campbell@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R I AL C O O R D I N ATO R
Chelsea Babin | chelsea.babin@citylifestyle.com C O PY E D I TO R
Matias Arredondo | matias.arredondo@citylifestyle.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Patricia Storm Broyles, Paul James, Zoe Egly C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S
Big Slate Media, Ben Finch, Abigail Malone, Amy Campbell, Paul J. Adams Photograph Collection, University of Tennessee Libraries, Knoxville History Project
Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Cheers to everyone’s health and well-being in 2026! AMY CAMPBELL AND MARC ROCHELSON, M A N AG I N G E D I TO R A N D P U B L I S H E R @WESTKNOXVILLELIFESTYLE
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 West Knoxville Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the West Knoxville area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle
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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R
Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in West Knoxville Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S
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Featured
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KnoxFill–Knoxville’s Zero Waste Refillery
Michaela Barnett Reimagines the Three Rs–Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
On the Cover
Departments
Warm Up Your Winter at RT Lodge’s Carriage House Spa.
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Lifestyle Letter
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City Scene
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Business Monthly
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Healthy LIfestyle HEALTH + WELLNESS
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Spa Day LIFE + CULTURE
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Trend Setter LIFE + CULTURE
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Financial Buzz FINANCE + LEGAL SERVICES
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Must See ENTERTAINMENT
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Culinary Creations ENTERTAINMENT
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Events
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Self Care LIFE + CULTURE
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Happy Hour FOOD + BEVERAGE
Warm Winter Getaways for Well-Being
RT Lodge’s Carriage House Spa Welcomes Guests and Local Clientele
Drink Differently. Celebrate Community.
Discover Daisy’s NA Bar & Bottle Shop–Maryville’s First Non-Alcoholic Gathering Place
Photography: Abigail Malone Photography
2802 Essary Drive, Knoxville, TN 37918 Phone: (865) 686-0502 fountaincityjewelers.com
JANUARY 2026
city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
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1: Knox Heritage hosted a festive holiday wreath-making class at Historic Westwood House Museum, Nov. 14. 2: Shona Burger of Bluestem Hollow led a wreath-making class in support of Knox Heritage. 3: L-R: Caroline Levenson, Joanna Toole, Erin McIntyre, Christine Cloninger and Shona Burger created wreaths. 4: Executive Director of Knox Heritage, Christine Cloninger 5: Marketing and Development Director of Knox Heritage, Erin McIntyre 6: Kim Denton and Bonnie Patel in support of Knox Heritage 7: Cathy Briscoe-Graves, Knoxville resident and historic preservation advocate, Knox Heritage member and advocate
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C I T Y SC E N E
Want to be seen in the magazine? TA G Y O U R I N S TA G R A M P H O T O S W I T H @ W E S T K N O X V I L L E L I F E S T Y L E
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8: East Tennessee Children’s Hospital hosted the annual “Gala Among the Trees Fundraiser” on Nov. 25. 9: ETCH Pediatric Cardiologist Dr. Sumeet Sharma and family: Sapna, Dimple, Asha and Rohin 10: L-R: Kristin Herrera, Susanna Anderson, Kim Honan and Brianna Harris 11: The Elias Family 12: Pat and Kelleye Watson of Watson Farm, Amy Campbell, ETCH Director of Development Jennifer Lamb 13: L-R: Supporters of ETCH Jim and Kim Hays, Sheryl Link and Garry Conalin 14: One of the designs on display, “The Enchanted Forest”
JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST KN OX V I L L E
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JANUARY 2026
business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S
Legacy Parks Foundation Releases New Urban Hikes Books Legacy Parks Foundation has released the updated third edition of “Urban Hikes in Knoxville and Knox County, Tennessee,” a popular guide to trails, greenways and close-to-downtown adventures. Written by local hiking experts Ron Shrieves and Mac Post, the book features more than 30 routes with maps, photos and accessibility details. The $25 guide supports Legacy Parks and is available at select retailers or LegacyParks.org.
Photography by Legacy Parks Foundation
January Saturday Spruce Up 2026 Keep Knoxville Beautiful will host its January Saturday Spruce Up on Jan. 24 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m., focusing on litter removal around the East Town Crossing Shopping Center in Northeast Knoxville. Volunteers are highly encouraged to wear long pants, closed-toe shoes and to bring water. KKB will provide all necessary supplies. For more information and to sign up: KeepKnoxvilleBeautiful.org.
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L’Amour Du Vin Artist’s Luncheon 2026 Back by popular demand, the Artist’s luncheon takes place on Friday, Jan. 30, at the Phoenix Room at Bistro By The Tracks. Featured artist for the 2026 L’Amour du Vin wine gala and auction, Tiffany Calvert, will share her journey as an artist. Enjoy art, food and wine. Tickets available at KnoxArt.org.
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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY
Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / W E S T K N O X V I L L E
2026 Maker City Summit Celebrating a decade of empowering East Tennessee’s creatives, the 2026 Maker City Summit returns Jan. 31–Feb. 1, 2026. Over three days of programming, attendees will explore business growth, e-commerce and AI, while hearing from national voices such as Debbie Millman, Phillip Collins, Sarah Sewell and James Victore. Join makers, artists and entrepreneurs as they level up their skills and build community. Reserve your spot for this transformative creative experience. Event website and registration: TheMakerCitySummit.org.
Knoxville Opera presents Moonlight Garden Masquerade Experience an evening of mystery and elegance at Moonlight Garden Masquerade, the 2026 Knoxville Opera Ball, on Feb. 28 at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy cocktails, a silent auction, a seated dinner and captivating performances by Knoxville Opera artists. The night continues with a live auction and dancing with a live band. Formal attire required; masks encouraged. Proceeds support Knoxville Opera. Tickets: KnoxvilleOpera.org.
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The Dogwood Arts House & Garden Show Featuring more than 10,000 square feet of Grand Gardens, top home-improvement vendors and a Maker Market featuring regional artists and makers. Guests can explore interior design, appliances, unique art, jewelry and handmade goods. The How-to Stage will feature local experts sharing DIY tips, real estate trends, cooking, gardening and more. This event serves as Dogwood Arts’ largest annual fundraiser. Feb. 6-8 at the Knoxville Convention Center. Information: DogwoodArts.com.
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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST KN OX V I L L E
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K n ox F i l l –K n ox v i l l e’s Z e ro Wa s te Re f i l l e r y MICHAELA BARNETT REIMAGINES THE THREE R’S — REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
ARTICLE BY PATRICIA STORM BROYLES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BIG SLATE MEDIA
Michaela Barnett, owner of KnoxFill
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West Knoxville Lifestyle invites readers to welcome in the New Year with a refreshed commitment to healthier homes and a healthier planet. Learn more from the founder of KnoxFill, Michaela Barnett, PhD.
WHY DO YOU SAY KNOXFILL IS “MORE THAN A REFILLERY”?
A refillery is a place where you can refill products. Think of it as a bulk store. However, people assume we have five or ten products, but we really have hundreds of refillable products. Anything you can get that is single-use, disposable, most often plastic, KnoxFill typically has a refillable version–everything from kitchen items and cleaning products to personal care for face and body; from spices, seasonings and grains to oils, vinegars, syrups, coffee and teas. At our new, larger location on Chapman Highway, we’ve become more than a refillery with a community spirit around sustainability. Now that we have the space and capacity to offer more services, KnoxFill is a hub for actionable sustainability and resiliency. Folks are eager for change, to participate and minimize their own impact. KnoxFill is a place where people can come together to act out of a shared love and concern for our natural environment and our community. The 3 Rs we all learned–reduce, reuse, recycle–are in order of environmental preference. Recycle should be the last option if we can’t do the first two. Recycling doesn’t take into account the impact along the entire supply chain. So much of the impact is happening upstream before it gets into your hands and home. We never dissuade anyone from recycling, but KnoxFill offers upstream options to reuse and reduce household waste. Our focus on Creative Reuse offers options to upcycle materials–like our thrift store for craft supplies. We also have a classroom that can be rented out for events, and where we host KnoxFill events, like our
weekly bring your own craft night, fix-it fairs, mending or making ornaments from reclaimed items. KnoxFill has become an educational and working space to learn new skills and enjoy community doing it. We’re even building a tool library or “library of things” where you can rent tools and other items for a one-off use–for example, a radon detector, a deep pot for canning or a tool you just don’t want to purchase.
HOW DOES SHOPPING AT KNOXFILL WORK?
Anyone can shop at KnoxFill. There’s no membership, but we do have a rewards program with loyalty points. Several thousand households in the area refill with us. We’ve grown our registry to almost 8,000 customers in just over four years, mostly through word of mouth. Our active social media presence and newsletter every couple of weeks keep folks up to date. We have so many ways to refill. If you come in, never having done it before, we have donated containers that are checked, weighed and put on our free shelves. We also have new, KnoxFill-branded glass and metal containers for sale. Or, you can bring in your own glass and plastic containers (don’t we all just have a glut of them?). Some folks prefer to reuse plastic containers for showers and bathrooms, especially with small kids and concerns about glass breaking on tile floors. We focus on reducing single-use plastic, so if you are reusing a container, that’s a great way to reduce!
TELL US ABOUT HEALTHIER HOMES AND A HEALTHIER PLANET.
There are two pieces here, inextricably linked: health of the earth and environment, and health of the individual and home. Some customers come in saying, “I love there are no chemicals here!” I tell them that everything is made out of chemicals, but our products are definitely more natural in that our makers select
“When it comes to decision fatigue on evaluating products (ethics, materials, sustainability), we’re all overloaded. When folks come into KnoxFill, I want them to know we’ve done that work for them.” – Michaela Barnett. CONTINUED > JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST KN OX V I L L E
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KnoxFill Founder Michaela Barnett stands center with her team, from left: Madison Spooner, Hallie Moberg Brauer, General Manager Erin Witt and Lorena Hubbard.
ingredients carefully to be healthier for you and your family, not putting in phthalates, brighteners or neuroendocrine disruptors. Our products are plant-based, not petroleum-based. Our refill products are often small-batched, sourced locally or regionally, with superior ingredients. I work hard to make our prices as accessible as we can, but they are not necessarily cheaper because they are bulk. Our makers are small businesses we want to support who are paying people better and committed to sustainability along the supply chain. When it comes to decision fatigue on evaluating products (ethics, materials, sustainability), we’re all overloaded. When folks come into KnoxFill, I want them to know we’ve done that work for them.
HOW HAS YOUR TEAM GROWN?
As the founder, KnoxFill has been “my baby,” but I am not the one running it day to day anymore. I spent a year recently working in Congress as a Science Policy Fellow, and my phenomenal team became the engine and the heart of KnoxFill. Erin Witt is our wonderful General Manager who makes sure things run well day to day. Madison Spooner is our Creative Reuse Coordinator. Hallie Moberg Brauer, a longtime KnoxFiller, is our Events Coordinator. Reshmi Mehta is a Refillery Assistant and sustainable textiles expert, in charge of clothing/textile upcycling projects. Melanie Ratliff, is a Refillery Assistant and elementary school teacher by day. Maggie Tharp is Refillery Assistant and phenomenal musician. Jenny Thompson is our marketing, communications and social media whiz. Our newest team member, Lorena
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Hubbard, is Tool Library Coordinator. These talented women with different skill sets, passions and expertise are always thinking how to better use this space for our community. So, I get to have bigger visions based upon needs I see in our community, and our team helps execute those visions while also making their own contributions. It’s all of us. In 2026, we are transitioning to a nonprofit, which is going to make it “our baby” in a lot of different ways.
CAN YOU RECOMMEND FIVE SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES FOR 2026?
1. Find a refillable version of a product you use a lot. We’re Knoxville’s only zero waste refillery, so you can refill products with us, but there are plenty of other places that refill oil, wine, or beer in Knoxville, too! 2. Find your community. These problems are so big and overwhelming, it’s easy to feel like individual actions don’t matter. It takes all of us doing what we can, so find other people who are trying and looking for solutions. 3. Repair and reuse what you can. There’s an opportunity to be creative to repurpose what you already have and give something a second life, which saves on the wallet, too. 4. Check out TVA’s free energy audit. This is especially valuable in the winter months. A few tweaks implemented in our own household netted new energy savings. 5. Borrow or share with a neighbor or someone in your network. Save money and material costs. We used to do things this way. We shared a lot and built community.
WHAT DOES ZERO WASTE, ZERO JUDGMENT MEAN?
A zero waste refillery means our supply chain on the backend is closedlooped. When we get products in bulk containers, we send the containers back to our suppliers to be sanitized, refilled and sent to other refilleries. We reuse in-transit protective packaging, or if paper-based, recycle or compost it. Zero judgment? We’re uninterested in expecting anyone to do it perfectly, where all your waste fits in a mason jar. That’s not sustainable for anyone in the system we have. It’s more about progress over perfection. If we’re all trying to do perfect, we’re not going to do anything. If we’re all doing a little bit better every day, together we can do a lot. There are so many things we don’t have control over. When you give folks an option to make small daily changes in their life for our planet, we find they are eager to do that, especially if they can do it in community. To learn more or to donate a tool, visit KnoxFill.com. 6204 Chapman Highway, Knoxville 37920
A scientist, entrepreneur, congressional science policy fellow and problem-solver by nature, Michaele Barnett founded KnoxFill in 2021 at home while finishing her Ph.D. in civil engineering. KnoxFill has engaged a passionate community, growing by leaps and bounds, learning and working together to reduce waste, reuse, recycle and support local makers.
KnoxFill offers refillable items ranging from kitchen and cleaning products to personal care items, spices, seasonings, grains, oils, vinegars, syrups and coffee
JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST KN OX V I L L E
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WA R M W IN T E R GE TAWAYS F OR W E L L-B E ING RT LODGE’S CARRIAGE HOUSE SPA WELCOMES GUESTS AND LOCAL CLIENTELE
ARTICLE BY PATRICIA STORM BROYLES PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN FINCH AND ABIGAIL MALONE
Photo: Abigail Malone
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Maryville native and Director of Sales and Marketing for RT Lodge, Katie Stinnett, has the warmest memories of the historic lodge and its surrounding wooded acres, even as a girl. “I can talk all day about the lodge. I got married here before I worked here, I was a flower girl in my aunt’s wedding with the rehearsal dinner at Morningside Inn, and I played in Maryville College Woods as a child. It seems I have been in the orbit of the property my entire life. I just love it!”
Renowned for its hospitality, elegantly rustic lodge accommodations and gourmet dining (notably its recent Michelin Guide American South “Recommended” designation), RT Lodge has expanded its offering to both hotel guests and local clientele with a renovated high-touch, luxurious day spa. The Carriage House spa, named after the updated 1930s building, part of the original private residence that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is open seven days a week. “The beautiful thing about The Carriage House is that it was an original building on property,” Stinnett explains, “where Mrs. John Walker [widow of Andrew Carnegie’s associate] kept her vehicles. The architects renovated it, mindful of how things were positioned in order to fit into the landscape (including azaleas and rose bushes Mrs. Walker, who was an avid gardener, planted decades ago) while also keeping old growth trees on the property. It looks like it’s always been there.” Principals Beth McCabe Holman and David and Annie Haslam Colquitt of Morningside Lodge, LLC, assumed operations of the seven-acre property, which includes the nearly century-old home and two guest houses situated in the Maryville College Woods, in 2021. Their mission for RT Lodge, to continue serving the community by providing a place of rest and retreat, was further realized with the completion of The Carriage House spa and the new event space, The Meeting House. Winter is the perfect time for rejuvenation and restoration, and every element of the pampering services at The Carriage House spa supports those wellness, beauty and comfort goals. The spa features seven treatment rooms
offering a blend of spa classics and recent advances in skin, body and wellness care in an elevated menu of signature treatments. Lunch is served for hotel and day spa guests in the downstairs bar area in the Morningside Room, so spa guests can check in and then leisurely enjoy lunch and beverages before or after treatments. Spa guests are encouraged to linger and enjoy the warmth and well-being benefits of a spacious infrared sauna, or unwind in front of a fireplace in lounge spaces. “In the relaxation room upstairs, guests can relax in luxurious robes before and after their spa service and sip herbal-infused waters, a glass of wine, or curated teas with light bites, all while enjoying peaceful views of the wooded property,” Stinnett adds. “Our spa director has been in the spa industry for a long time and has developed the expertise to create a beautifully beneficial line of spa products, including our signature fragrance,” Stinnett says. The Carriage House spa offers a range of warming touches to make winter visits especially relaxing, including heated beds and massages with warm salt stones. Among their treatments, the Crown to Ground features an Argan oil scalp massage, CONTINUED >
Photo: Ben Finch
Photo: Abigail Malone
Photo: Ben Finch
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Photo: Abigail Malone
steamed towels infused with Epsom salt and arnica wrapped around the lower legs, a magnesium-rich scrub and a finishing body butter massage for the lower legs and feet. Guests can also enjoy a radiant hands treatment where organic oils and butters are massaged into the forearms and hands, which are then placed in heated mitts. Each service is carefully crafted to provide warmth, restoration and renewal for the body, mind and spirit—even during the coldest times of year. Stinnett explains she still has conversations with people who are surprised that you don’t have to attend a lodge event to enjoy the property’s amenities. “We want everyone to know the hotel, restaurant, bar and now our day spa are all very much open to the public. We love to use the word restorative, to invite people to come unwind here. Even though the lodge is not up in the mountains, you are tucked away in the woods, so it feels like you are worlds away. Drive the tree-lined winding road to our lodge and spa, and you do feel like you are going off into the woods far away, but it’s close to town, remarkably convenient to fit into your day or a weekend getaway.” Stinnett extends a personal invitation to everyone from a Maryville native in the know. “You are warmly invited to discover this hidden gem in the Maryville College Woods and pamper yourself or someone you love this winter.” Visit RTLodge.com.
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Tennessee’s Rules for Piercing the Corporate Veil Wrongdoing and Causation: Preserving Your Liability Protection
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requires a direct link between misuse and the harm suffered. Courts ask whether the improper conduct was a substantial factor in causing financial loss or injustice. These elements prevent veil-piercing claims based solely on technical mismanagement. Business owners must approach each entity differently. Assign specific roles to each business and stick to them. Memorialize transactions between yourself and the entity, or between entities you own, when they interact. Examples include creating leases if you own property in one entity but rent it to another, clarifying financial obligations, distinguishing capital contributions from loans, and establishing clear rules for reimbursed and unreimbursed partner expenses. Sign agreements with third parties in official capacity, pay expenses through the proper entity, and keep books accurate and up-to-date. Allen factors, like undercapitalization, diverted funds, or shared assets, help courts evaluate misuse and causation. They are evidence, not the legal test itself. To protect your business: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
By Mital D. Patel PATEL & EISENHOWER, PLLC Even if an owner exercises control, personal liability under the 2025 Tennessee Supreme Court guidance only arises after all three elements are met. Control must be used improperly and cause harm. In deciding whether to pierce the corporate veil, courts now rely on the three-element test and consider the Allen factors as a non-exclusive list of evidentiary factors. The second element, wrongdoing or improper use, includes fraud, misrepresentation, violation of a legal duty, or using the business for personal gain at the expense of creditors, employees, or partners. The third element, causation,
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the BENEFITS OF PLANT-BASED EATING ARTICLE BY CLAUDIA MARTIN AYOADE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Most people think a plant-based diet is strictly for those vegan and vegetarian types, but there is no debating the overwhelming evidence showing the benefits of improved health for those who make that diet choice. Plant-based eating is more of a lifestyle than a diet. You are simply eating more foods that are closer to their harvested state with minimal processing.
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T R E N D SE T T E R | L I FE + CU LT U RE
Meatless diets have been shown to improve health outcomes by lowering the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation, and some cancers. It also improves gut health because of added fiber to your diet. A plant-based diet still allows to you consume the carbohydrates, protein, fats, minerals and vitamins that are necessary for good health, with the added benefits of being higher in fiber and phytonutrients. You do not have to give up meat entirely and there are labels to identify where you fall in your plant eating journey. Do what is comfortable for you so you will stick with it. You can choose to be a flexitarian which mean you occasionally eat meat but you choose plants as the primary foods you eat. You have some flexibility with your diet. If you choose to be a vegetarian, then you do not eat meats but you still eat eggs and dairy products as opposed to being a vegan who eats no animal products. There is also another reason to add more fruits and vegetables to your daily food intake; It is better for the environment. The industries that produce our dairy and meats is said to account for a third of the world’s water usage in addition to producing greenhouse gas emissions. Eat your greens and save the planet!
TIPS TO GET STARTED ON YOUR PLANT-BASED JOURNEY: 1. Make small changes to test your comfort level when reducing meat intake. There is a risk of being overwhelmed if you suddenly stop eating meat altogether, and it will be harder stick to your choice long term. Increase consumption of plant foods you already like. 2. A plant-based diet does not mean boring! You can create a variety of dishes, including ethnic meals that are meat free and delicious. This is a great time to try new spices to add a punch to your vegetables and add green leafy vegetables to your smoothies. 3. Use the whole plant because there are nutrients in every part of the plant, including the stems and leaves. Use the leaves from celery, radishes, beets and carrots and use the stems from spinach. Don’t throw away vital nutrients like potassium, vitamin C and fiber. You are also reducing waste. 4. Eat the rainbow! Choose different colored fruits and vegetables to get a variety of nutrients. The color of plant-based foods is often an indicator of the vitamins and minerals they contain. So, more colors mean more nutrients. Example: Orange foods contain beta carotene, the precursor for vitamin A. 5. If you do not eat animal products, you will need to take a B12 and possibly an iron supplement. Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin available only in animal products. Low B12 can cause anemia and damage to the nervous system. Some vegan foods are fortified with vitamin B12. 6. A meat-free diet does not automatically mean healthy if you replace the meat with highly processed junk food and meat substitutes. You need to eat fresh quality fruits, vegetables and grains to get the health benefits that can add years to your life.
Claudia Martin-Ayoade, is a registered dietitian, writer and public speaker who is passionate about educating people on nutrition and addressing food insecurity. AgeSmartNutrition.com
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Knoxville’s Top-Rated Flight Training Center
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NATALIECLAYMANDESIGN
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The Year of Doing Hard Things–and Things –and Learning When Not To
ARTICLE BY ZOE EGLY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN FINCH
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F IN A N CIA L BU Z Z | FI NANCE + LE GAL SE RVICE S
I spent most of 2025 training for something: three HYROX competitions, a marathon and a half-marathon… always with another finish line on the calendar. It taught me a lot about discipline and drive, but it also showed me how easy it is to confuse busyness with progress. Honestly, all of that in one year (considering I am a regular person, not a sponsored athlete) was a bit ambitious. By the time the last race was over, I felt strong, proud and absolutely toasted. It was the kind of year that looked and sounded impressive on paper, but mostly felt like one long cycle of pushing, recovering and repeating. HYROX, for anyone unfamiliar, is a global fitness competition that combines running with functional workout stations. Each race includes eight one-kilometer runs, each followed by a specific exercise like sled pushes, rowing or burpee broad jumps. It’s designed to test both endurance and strength in a standardized format that allows athletes to compare times across events. I loved the structure of training for things so measurable, because every run, lift and workout felt like it was leading somewhere. Every gym hour had a purpose, every week a plan. But after nearly a year of nonstop training cycles, I realized constant progress isn’t sustainable if you never pause to maintain what you’ve built. Turns out, progress without pause isn’t progress, it’s burnout (which I definitely had at the end of the year). There’s something addicting about having a plan (and making a declaration about doing something). The miles, the lifts, the countdowns… all neatly laid
out. It gives you a sense of direction. But it can also make it hard to simply be, to move your body without measuring it, to rest without guilt, to accept that sometimes maintenance is the work. After my last event, I realized it wasn’t just my body asking for a break. My motivation, energy and focus just weren’t there, and honestly, they hadn’t been for my last HYROX or even my half-marathon at the end of the year. Heading into 2026, things are shifting for me. I’m not quitting training, but I am planning to approach it differently. I want to rebuild a routine that supports longevity. More mobility, more strength without feeling like I need to prove anything and more runs that don’t require a watch or a goal attached. I want to feel healthy and well, not just strong enough to cross another finish line. This past year showed me that I can do hard things. This year, I want to do smart things: listening, adjusting and resting when I need to. Sustainable health isn’t just built during race season; it’s built in the slower, quieter months in between. Here’s to a year of maintenance mode—more balance, and a little less hustle just for the sake of hustling. PYA Waltman (“PYA”) is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about PYA’s investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2 and/or Form CRS, which is available upon request. PYA-25-56
I loved the structure of training for things so measurable, because every run, lift and workout felt like it was leading somewhere. JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST KN OX V I L L E
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New Year’s Resolution: Clean Windows Start 2026 with crystal-clear views. Professional, streak-free window cleaning that brightens your home—and the year ahead. Give your home a fresh start this new year with spotless, streak-free windows. From lakefront homes to mountain views, Blount Window Cleaning delivers clarity you can see and home-town service you can trust. We also offer gutter cleaning, solar panel cleaning, pressure washing, and screen care. Let us brighten your space—inside and out—with results that truly shine.
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ARTICLE BY PAUL JAMES | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL J. ADAMS PHOTOGRAPH COLLECTION, UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE LIBRARIES AND KNOXVILLE HISTORY PROJECT Paul Adams and Smoky Jack, 1925. (KHP.)
Paul Adams and Smoky Jack: The Adventures of a Remarkable Duo on Mount Le Conte in 1925-1926 (Part I) 40
M UST SE E | ENTERTAI NME N T
100 years ago this winter, Paul Adams built the first structured camp on Mount Le Conte, the precursor to the famous Le Conte Lodge in the Great Smoky Mountains. For company, he brought along an extraordinary dog, whom he trained to pack supplies up and down the mountain. The story of this remarkable duo offers a fascinating glimpse into the days when the national park movement was in full swing, yet still years away from completion. Born in Illinois, Paul J. Adams (1901-1985) developed a lifelong interest in flowers, trees and birds, inspired by weekend walks led by his father, a Presbyterian minister. An extended camping and fishing trip in the Ozark Mountains cemented his outdoor interests, and in an early nature journal, he wrote: “There I climbed my first mountain and fished my first fast river. I wanted to stay forever.” The family moved to North Carolina and then on to Knoxville, where he had easier access to the Smokies. While working at a Boy Scout camp near Elkmont in 1918, Adams made his first trip up
Mount Le Conte. As he grew into adulthood, the majestic mountain continued to speak to him, and throughout his life, he would go on to climb Le Conte 500 times or more. After failing to complete his studies at the University of Tennessee, Adams worked as a part-time trail guide in the mountains and also worked at Crouch’s florist shop on Gay Street. On evenings and weekends, he also shared his naturalist skills as a junior member of the East Tennessee Ornithological Society, led by Harry Ijams, the most respected birder in the area. Adams learned much from him and helped compile annual bird counts around the Ijams farm and bird sanctuary in South Knoxville. In the spring of 1925, Adams would join Ijams and Albert Ganier—an expert naturalist from Nashville, who was the first to conduct bird studies in these mountains— on a birding trip to the Smokies. Around a campfire on the peak of Le Conte, the three men talked about the promise of a new national park and how inexperienced hikers might unwittingly start devastating forest fires.
At a time when lumber companies were still cutting wide swaths of trees, Mount Le Conte was owned by the Champion Fibre Company, which had already closed the mountain to general visitation. Ijams had secured a permission letter from the company, and the three birders agreed that a skilled outdoorsman was needed to manage a new, permanent camp on the mountain. Ijams recognized Paul Adams’ potential and, on his return to Knoxville, recommended him to Col. David Chapman, the tenacious vice president of the Great Smoky Mountains Conservation Association, the Knoxville-based organization formed to help create a national park in the Smokies. The year before, Col. Chapman had been impressed when Adams served as a trail guide in the Smokies for members of the Southern Appalachian National Park Commission. Chapman promptly hired Adams as a field secretary with the express directive to build and manage a new campsite on Le Conte. Packing enough supplies for an initial reconnaissance, Adams possessed a letter CONTINUED >
Mt. Le Conte postcard. (KHP.) JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST KN OX V I L L E
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of his own from the lumber company that described his role as a “custodian to take charge of the top and upper part of Mt. Le Conte.” While still living at home, Adams’ mother encouraged him to get a dog for companionship. Luckily, he’d just heard of one that might be perfect for the job: an intelligent German Shepherd with the grand name of Cumberland Jack of Edelweis II. Adams purchased the trained police dog from a South Knoxville dog handler, and Jack proved his worth immediately. When the two drove back to town, the dog jumped out of his moving car and helped police apprehend a suspect. Food and supplies were packed before the pair drove out to Gatlinburg and spent a few days on the peak, allowing Jack to become accustomed to his new surroundings. He was a quick learner, and his master changed the dog’s name to Smoky Jack while developing the unusual idea of teaching the dog to fetch supplies up and down the mountain on his own. At a Knoxville army surplus store, he found a cavalry officer’s two-pocketed leather map case, and with the help of a leather crafter, re-fashioned it into a handy saddlebag for the dog to wear. Smoky Jack was now ready to earn his keep on Mount Le Conte. In the coming days and weeks, as summer and fall stretched into winter, he began to learn the best routes up and down the mountain, get to know the owners at Ogle’s Store in Gatlinburg, help fend off armed robbers, and also face what may have been the very last Timber Wolf in the Smokies. Paul Adams had made a fine choice in Smoky Jack, and many days of hard work and adventure lay ahead. To be continued…
Smoky Jack on Mt. Le Conte, 1930. (UT Libraries.)
The first log cabin on Mt. Le Conte, July 1925. (UT Libraries.)
Recommended Reading: Smoky Jack and Mount Le Conte (UT Press, 2016), featuring new introductions and extensive footnotes by Smokies experts Anne Bridges and Ken Wise, are based on Paul Adams’ memoirs; and LeConte Lodge: A Centennial History of a Smoky Mountain Landmark by Tom Layton and Mike Hembree (McFarland Publishers, 2025). About KHP: The educational nonprofit Knoxville History Project tells the city’s true stories, focusing on those that have not been previously told and those that connect the city to the world. Donations to support KHP’s work are always welcome and appreciated. Learn more at KnoxvilleHistoryProject.org.
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M UST SE E | ENTERTAI NME N T
Bathroom Safety Month Almost 80 percent of falls in the home occur in the bathroom, and according to the OH Dept. of Aging/CDC, more than 200,000 seniors are treated in emergency rooms each year for bathroom-related injuries. Be Aware of: • Slippery floors and fall risks • Difficulty entering/exiting tubs or showers • Poor lighting and limited grab-bar support Contact Us to discuss your safety concerns. Falls Prevention at Home | Department of Aging
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CABARET
(865) 974-5161 clarencebrowntheatre.com
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Gabriela Bulka: photo by Shawn Poynter
Book by JOE MASTEROFF Based on the play by JOHN VAN DRUTEN and Stories by CHRISTOPHER ISHERWOOD Music by JOHN KANDER Lyrics by FRED EBB
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smart
SWEETS The beginning of the year is packed with inspiration and motivation to get back on track after a sweet-filled holiday season. It can feel extreme, and it also can be depleting to cut oneself off from everything indulgent after weeks of eating favorite sweet and savory recipes. For sugar lovers who believe going cold-turkey feels intimidating or overwhelming, nutrition-packed desserts are a great way to stick to healthy food goals without the guilt.
Nutrient-Rich Dessert To The Rescue ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | E N T E RTAIN ME N T
Combine: • 1 cup wheat flour • 2 cups cooked quinoa, cooled • 2 cups oats • 2/3 cup of your choice of chopped nuts • 1 teaspoon cinnamon • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 2 tablespoons chia seeds • 2/3 cup raisins • Optional: chocolate chips as desired • Optional: add additional seeds or nuts on hand such as pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc. Notes: Boil quinoa at a 2:1 water to rice ratio. For estimating, 1/3 cup of uncooked quinoa yields 1 cup cooked quinoa. Add this mixture slowly to combine: • 2 eggs • 2/3 cup peanut butter, almond butter or sunflower butter • 1/2 cup honey • 1 banana • 1 teaspoon vanilla Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes, or until when the edges get golden brown. Bake in a 9x13-inch glass dish. After they cool, slice and enjoy. Keep them covered to maintain freshness.
Quinoa BREAKFAST Bars
This recipe is a classic favorite. If you cut the bars into 16 pieces, they are around 270 calories each. They are very filling, packed with healthy goodies and taste, oh so delicious. If you can’t finish them yourself (it makes a lot!), bring samples along to your next workout class to share the love. Your accountability group will be asking you for the recipe! These come in handy for a quick breakfast on-the-go or an afternoon snack. You’ll want to taste these out of the oven once they cool a bit... simply scrumptious.
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C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | E N T E RTAIN ME N T
1. Cut a banana into 8-10 small slices, around 1/2 inch each. 2. Spread 1/2 tablespoon of peanut butter (or your choice of nut butter) on each banana slice. 3. Drizzle a small amount of melted chocolate chips or caramel over each bite. 4. Freeze for 15-20 minutes and enjoy! Pro tip: A dash of sea salt flakes on top of these can be *chef’s kiss.* These are great to keep on hand in the freezer all weeklong. Once they set, add them to a closed container to keep the bananas from browning.
Late night snack cravings are real! When finding yourself rooting through the cabinets for a sweet fix, these protein cookie dough bites are a great way to curb temptation. This recipe yields around 20 small bites, which can be cut into small squares or rolled into dough balls. Each bite is around 105 calories. If you find the dough is a little too dry, add a dash of milk as needed. Ingredients • 1/4 cup milk • 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder • 1/4 cup maple syrup • 1/4 cup peanut butter (or alternate nut or sunflower butter) • 1 cup almond flour • 1 teaspoon vanilla • Chocolate chips as desired Pro tip: Use mini chocolate chips and for a dash of savory add sea salt flakes on top. Once combined, store the bites in the refrigerator in a covered container to keep them moist.
Protein COOKIE DOUGH Bites
Frozen PEANUT BUTTER Bites
Danger ahead: this snack is amazing. It’s the easiest of the bunch and also satisfies a sweet tooth craving. This can be whipped together in just 5 minutes and makes just a small amount. Feel free to take creative liberty here with your amounts, but if you make it to this recipe, they are around 90 calories per bite.
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JANUARY 2026
events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S
JA NUA RY 1 ST
New Year's Day Brunch Ancient Lore Village | 1:00 PM As you kick off the new year, enjoy a magical brunch with chef-crafted dishes at the Ancient Lore Village. Gather your family and friends for a festive afternoon. Tickets available at AncientLoreVillage.com. JA NUA RY 9 T H
Date Night Evening in Valencia: A Culinary Adventure to Spain The Cutting Edge Classroom Cooking School | 6:00 PM Guided by our expert chef, you’ll learn how to create an authentic Paella Valenciana. Grab your friend or significant other and immerse yourself in Spain's cuisine. Tickets available at TheCuttingEdgeClassroom.com. JA NUA RY 1 0 T H
Candlelight: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles Knoxville Museum of Art | 6:30 PM Experience Knoxville's Candlelight concerts: a multisensory musical journey at the Knoxville Museum of Art. Discover Queen and The Beatles' music uniquely illuminated by candlelight. Secure your tickets at FeverUp.com/En/Knoxville/Candlelight. JA NUA RY 1 0 T H
Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert Knoxville Civic Auditorium | 8:00 PM Experience the final face-off: Darth Vader's Death Star vs. Luke Skywalker and the Rebel forces, with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra performing John Williams’ iconic music live. Tickets at KnoxvilleSymphony.com. JA NUA RY 1 0 T H
The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show Knoxville Hilton Hotel | 6:00 PM North America's largest interactive comedy murder mystery dinner theatre show will take place at Knoxville Hilton Hotel on Jan. 10 and 24 at 6 p.m. Tickets include an award-winning mystery dinner theatre show, a full plated dinner, waitstaff gratuity and plenty of surprises during the show. TheDinnerDetective.com. JA NUA RY 1 5T H
Dan Tyminski Presented by WDVX Bijou Theatre | 7:30 PM Enjoy a night of bluegrass from Grammy-winner Dan Tyminkski at the Bijou. Tyminkski and his band are currently touring following the release of his latest album. Tickets available at KnoxBijou.org.
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EVE N TS
Want to be featured? G E T I N T O U C H AT C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / W E S T K N O X V I L L E
JA N UA RY 2 1 ST
Q Series at The Elks Lodge Elks Lodge | 12:00 PM Enjoy an hour-long concert featuring the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra’s Woodwind Quintet and Principal String Quartet at the Elks Lodge. Lunch is included. Tickets at KnoxvilleSymphony.com. JA N UA RY 2 4 T H
The Ultimate Loretta Lynn Tribute Show Clayton Center for the Arts | 7:30 PM The Ultimate Loretta Lynn Tribute Show, "Always Loretta," is presented by the Clayton Center for the Arts and features The Coalminers, the band that toured with Loretta Lynn for over four decades. Tickets available ClaytonArtsCenter.com. JA N UA RY 2 4 T H
Free Storytimes from the Children's Diversity & Justice Library Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church | 10:30 AM We invite friends of all ages to join us for our special storytimes! Each session will showcase some of the finest books in our collection, focusing on themes of diversity, justice and inclusion. More information at Facebook.com/CDJLibrary. JA N UA RY 2 5T H
Japanese New Year Celebration Market Square | 2:00 PM Celebrate the Japanese New Year in Knoxville! Enjoy Mochi Tuki (mochi pounding) and fresh mochi. Watch or try calligraphy. Fun for all ages with Japanese traditional toys and games. Welcome the New Year with peace, joy and community. KnoxAsianFestival.com. JA N UA RY 2 5T H
Amadeus Concert Ensemble presents Organ Spectacular The Cathedral of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus | 5:30 PM The Organ Spectacular on January 25, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. features acclaimed organist Byongsuk Moon performing the Knoxville premieres of Respighi's Canticle and Rheinberger's Organ Concerto No. 2. SHCathedral.org. JA N UA RY 2 5T H
Roy Cockrum Chamber Series: Haydn “Oxford” Symphony Bijou Theatre | 2:30 PM The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra presents a delightful afternoon program featuring Haydn’s Symphony No. 92, “Oxford”—written for his Doctor of Music ceremony—and principal flute Devan Jaquez performing Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 2. KnoxvilleSymphony.com.
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Coverage to live the life you want
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• Auto Insurance • Home Insurance • Recreational Insurance
Brenda A Evans Your Local Agent License # 749941 10207 TECHNOLOGY DR STE 102 KNOXVILLE, TN 379323384 bevans@farmersagent.com
Call 865-357-0678 today! For Home, Auto and Business. Advertisement produced on behalf of the following speci�c insurers and seeking to obtain business for insurance underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange, Truck Insurance Exchange, Mid-Century Insurance Company, Civic Property and Casualty Company, Exact Property and Casualty Company, Neighborhood Spirit Property and Casualty Company, Farmers Insurance Company of Washington (Bellevue, WA), & a�liates. In TX: insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange, Truck Insurance Exchange, Mid-Century Insurance Company, Farmers Texas County Mutual Insurance Company, MidCentury Insurance Company of Texas, and Texas Farmers Insurance Company. In NY: insurance is underwritten by Farmers Insurance Exchange, Truck Insurance Exchange, Mid-Century Insurance Company and Farmers New Century Insurance Company. Home o�ce, Los Angeles, CA. Each insurer has sole �nancial responsibility for its own insurance. List of all insurers at farmers.com. Not all insurers are authorized in all states. Not all products, coverages, and discounts are available in every state. Discounts may vary by state. Restrictions, exclusions, limits, and conditions apply. See agent for details.
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JANUARY 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/WE ST KN OX V I L L E
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U N D E R S TA N D I N G T H E “ W H Y ” B E H I N D W E L L N E S S
Dr. Gillett: I like to say, “There is no such thing as ‘we’ve done everything.’” We can always dig deeper. Often, the labs ordered are the wrong type of assay, or important markers like ferritin or
New Year. New Chapter. Unfiltered conversations for designing what’s next– in family, lifestyle, and business.
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S ELF CA R E | L I FE + C ULTU RE
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
“WHY DO I FEEL AWFUL EVEN THOUGH MY LABS ARE ‘NORMAL’?”
AND PROVIDED
Across modern medicine, a shift is happening. More patients are demanding real explanations, and more clinicians are rethinking what “healthcare” should actually mean. Leading that shift is Dr. Kyle Gillett, a dual board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine and an expert in metabolic, hormonal, and preventive health. Through his clinic, research, and The Gillett Health Podcast, he’s become a trusted voice for people seeking science-based, rootcause solutions rather than symptom-based band-aids. “Functional medicine is really ‘root cause medicine,’” Dr. Gillett often says. “It’s about asking why the problem exists and not just quieting the noise.” In this Q&A, Dr. Gillett breaks down the most common questions he hears from patients and offers simple, actionable guidance anyone can begin using today.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
AN INTERVIEW WITH DR. KYLE GILLETT
The New Frontier of Health
SHBG—which binds testosterone and estrogen—are completely missed. Beyond lab work, there are other factors: mitochondrial health, sleep quality, mental health, and even how sensitive your dopamine and serotonin receptors are. “Normal” labs do not always equal normal physiology for you.
“WHAT CAN I DO RIGHT NOW, TODAY, TO START FEELING BETTER?”
Dr. Gillett: Focus on the pillars of health: diet, exercise, sleep, stress, sunlight, social connection, and spiritual health. Treat them like habits and find ways to make them enjoyable or easy to start. Supplements and medications are supportive tools, not substitutes. Think of them like turbo chargers: they enhance a system that’s already functioning.
A FINAL WORD FROM DR. GILLETT
“The goal isn’t to tell people what to do, rather it’s to give them the information they need to decide what’s best for themselves.” By understanding the why behind your symptoms, labs, and lifestyle choices, you become the driver, not the passenger, of your health journey.
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Drink Differently. Celebrate Community.
Located at 608 Ellis Avenue, Daisy’s offers a fresh take on nightlife: alcohol-free, community-driven and rooted in connection. Expert bartenders craft personalized mocktails and serve premium zero-proof beverages from behind a handsome river rock bar. Vintage church pews and Great Smoky Mountains artwork complete the warm and cozy rustic décor. More than a bar, Daisy’s is an event-ready venue for live music, trivia nights, pop-ups, private gatherings, watch parties, or a catch-up evening with friends. “One non-alcoholic night at a time,” Lindsay explains, “Daisy’s is building a new kind of community hub.” It’s also a unique venue for hosting corporate, nonprofit and community events, offering a more professional atmosphere and an alcohol-free experience. For those hosting or attending gatherings elsewhere, the bottle shop makes it easy to take non-alcoholic drinks to-go. It’s an eclectic selection of beverages that are perfect for company parties, family holidays, fundraisers or any event, Lindsay says, “where guests want to bring something mindful.” “Our namesake and beloved canine companion, Daisy, embodies the warmth, loyalty and joy we bring to every gathering. Just like her gentle spirit brings people together, our bar creates a welcoming space where everyone feels at home,” Lindsay adds. Visit DaisysNABar.com. Try one of Daisy’s festive mocktails for yourself! Cheers to the New Year! More information at DaisysNABar.com.
Discover Daisy’s NA Bar & Bottle
“CRAN APPLE CHEER”
Shop–Maryville’s First Non-Alcoholic Gathering Place ARTICLE BY WKL STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY BY WKL STAFF West Knoxville Lifestyle is always excited to introduce readers to entrepreneurs with fresh perspectives on products and experiences for healthier lifestyles. In this issue, we would like to introduce you to Daisy’s. Designed for connection and comfort, Daisy’s NA (Non-Alcoholic) Bar & Bottle Shop features handcrafted mocktails, custom creations, functional beverages, kombucha and a curated selection of zero-proof beer, wine and spirits—all crafted to taste great and support well-being. Daisy’s NA Bar & Bottle Shop was founded by Maryville residents and University of Tennessee graduates, Lindsay and Trent Elsten. Inspired by the growing NA movement and personal experiences, Lindsay and Trent set out to bring connection and belonging, creating a space where people enjoy gathering without the pressure of alcohol.
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H AP PY H OU R | FO O D + BE VE RAGE
Ingredients: • • • • • • •
2.5 oz Cranberry Juice 1.5 oz Apple Cider .5 oz Grenadine .5 oz Orange Juice 1 oz Soul Hum: Unwind NA Elixir 1/2 cup ice Cinnamon Sugar
Directions: 1. Swirl the glass in grenadine and twist the rim of the glass in cinnamon sugar 2. Add all the ingredients to a shaker 3. Shake gently (the orange juice will give it foam) 4. Pour over ice 5. Garnish with cherry 6. Cocktail glitter optional
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