Just Ripe Celebrates their Half Birthday

John Ledbetter, Art, Charlotte Tolley and friend enjoy a laugh at Just Ripe

Three years ago I remember walking past the Daylight building with Urban Woman, Shaft and Shaft's Woman. It was a wreck, but there seemed to be some sort of pre-activity activity happening inside. We'd progressed past most non-residents at that point to realize it is possible to park downtown. Like most suburbanites, we were fixated on the fact that massive starvation must be the norm in downtown Knoxville because they didn't have a grocery store! Never mind the fact that a Food City, two Krogers, Fresh Market, Three Rivers Market and Walmart, for goodness' sake, sat within a ten minute or so drive.

Jeff (Three Bears Coffee) chats beans while Cruise 

As I recall, it was Shaft who first noted the building and it's potential to deliver food stuffs to the hungry denizens of downtown. In that incarnation, we pictured a grocery store taking half the bottom floor with a butcher shop and bakery sitting conveniently beside it. Our vision was a bit off - and we're glad to have John Black Studio, Union Avenue Books, Reruns and the Happy Envelope as well as all the residents in the upper floors - but we got the grocery store location just right :-).

Ben, Amy, Jeff and friend talk the business, Just Ripe, Knoxville

After moving to our home in downtown we spent over a year walking through the construction site that was to become a vibrant business center in the city. When we first heard a grocery store was planned for the location, we were ecstatic. It wasn't that we were starving for food, but the idea of fresh, local and regional food within walking distance seemed like a dream. The months until the rumor became reality seemed to drag.


Kristen Faerber outside Just Ripe with friends, Union Avenue, Knoxville

It was last May that Kristen Faerber and Charlotte Tolley opened Just Ripe and we've loved it from first sight. We're still learning about good foods and enjoying some of the best eating in our lives as a result. We've upgraded our honey, coffee, breads, eggs, vegetables and other foods. We still make a run to a box store when we have to, but we can hardly stand to eat their food. We were always able to eat, but now we eat better - and we walk to buy our food, which is important to us. The burritos are also our dependable backup on those evenings when cooking is not an option.

It was with all these good feelings that we joined in the celebration of this new piece of the fabric of the city when they recently held their half-birthday. It's hard to believe it's been six months. Here's hoping it lasts another sixty years or more. On hand for the festivities were a number of their suppliers such as Jeff Scheaffnocker (Three Bears Coffee), Ben and Amy Becker (Harry's Deli), John Ledbetter (Hines Valley Farm) and the fine folks from Cruze Farms.


Smiles and laughter among friends, Just Ripe, Knoxville

Fun was had by all, as friends stopped by to taste samples and meet the people who help feed them. It was about as removed from a big-box experience as you'll ever have at a grocery store. The evening concluded with a set of films which we really enjoyed. The movie about Cruze Farms almost made me want to try buttermilk - but not quite. 

The night ended with movies on the Wall

If you haven't made it there, yet, you owe it to yourself. You may just feel like you've found a new home and you'll certainly leave with something delicious. You might even see Urban Guy and Urban Toddler at our favorite table along the front with our milk, coffee and cookies. If you see us, say "hello." It's that kind of a place.

Little Things - Subtle Shifts in the Summer Time City

I've recently written about some of the major summer events and openings such as Bella Luna and The Market. Those followed spring openings for Just Ripe, Jackson Avenue Market and Union Avenue Books as well as the re-location of Re-runs: Big news in every case.

This is about some little things I've noticed - not quite big enough for their own blog, most signify a step forward or a continuation in the slow march toward a vibrant urban environment. Much of what you'll find was gathered from the Knoxville News Sentinel or particularly in many cases, Josh Flory's excellent Property Scope blog.

Sidewalk Work Continues on Union Avenue

Union Avenue is a discussion unto itself. The sidewalk work near Gay Street continues with an expanded scope due to problems beneath the surface. City Council had to authorize significant increases in funding and now the sidewalk on both sides of the street near Gay Street are torn up. The sidewalk and street repair on Market near Cumberland appears to have been finished. They were part of the same proposal in the beginning, if I remember correctly.

Arnstein Building becoming condos and a subsidiary of Ruby Tuesdays

On the same street, construction continues on the Arnstein Buidling with plans announced this summer to bring the exterior closer to its original appearance than it has been in years. The bulging windows some of you may remember are currently gone. I'm not sure if they will be back.

The Regions Bank Building is now the William F. Conley Building.

The Regions Bank Building has been renamed after the owner's father, though someone posting to the News Sentinel site questioned how much an honor it would be to have a building named after you if the building is ugly and atop it sits a mockery to the city's progress in the form of a massive abandoned digital clock.
The UT Conferance Center building continues to be re-tiled, though I'm not sure its appearance will improve. That's another ugly building which has stood just long enough to become protected. I'm a member of Knox Heritage and I'm very happy they do what they do, but is an old building ever just an ugly old building? I know, I know.

Reruns in the Daylight Building, Union Avenue, Knoxville

The funky new sign - it spins!

Reruns got a cool, new sign this summer.

Bricks have been laid at 36 Market Square along Wall Avenue.

The Interior of 36 Market Square continues to take shape.

Construction continues on other buildings, as well: 36 Market Square has been bricked and it appears the bottom floor will house one business as the multiple entrances seem to be gone from the Wall Avenue side. The Miller's Building on Gay Street is covered in scaffolding the S and W proceeds with its transformation to a beauty school.

The S and W Grand changing to a beauty school.

Esthiology? I thought they were going to cut hair!

The property which is now a parking lot beside the State Street Garage is being discussed as a location for new construction of condos which would be rented. Whether it fits with the Marble Alley vision or not is unclear, though it appears that project is still in development. The high-rise condo project proposed for the north-east corner of Main and Henley has been abandoned.

Large, missing tree near the Market Square stage.

Finally, a tree went missing from Market Square just last week. Has anyone seen our tree? Is someone preparing for winter by hoarding the last of the downtown firewood?

Sometimes it's all a mess to walk through, but it signifies progress and comes at a time when not much is happening nationally, so we should be pleased. It also means that if we ever get our economic act together nationally, Knoxville will probably explode - and we'll be there to see it.

The Official Grand Opening of Union Avenue Books

Melinda Meador and Flossie McNabb, Co-Owners of Union Ave. Books

It's been open for a few weeks - but now it has opened in grand style. A glance through the windows at Union Avenue Books for much of the the last few weeks reveals a brisk business. A gander through those same windows this week would have revealed large masses of book lovers reveling in the long awaited official grand opening of same.

Crowds often swelled outside onto the sidewalk.

Urban Girl takes in the sales racks next door at Reruns.

The events followed one after the other all weekend, with many of the same face showing up for more than one, but with slightly different crowds attracted to the various events. More special events and regularly scheduled happenings are promised for the coming months and, if this weekend is any indication, you might want to come early to get the best seats in the house.

Jake and Bunny man the registers.

Due to a previously scheduled (wonderful and appreciated) dinner with friends, I missed the Thursday night reading by British author and psychologist Ros Taylor, though I subsequently picked up a copy of her book Confidence at Work: Get It, Feel It, Keep It. They have more copies or you can explore it on Amazon at the link provided.

Author Andrew Goldsmith between customers outside Union Avenue Books

Nancy Brennon Strange and Band at Union Avenue Books

I did make it for part of the event on Friday night. UT Press sponsored a "Meet the Authors" night and wine and cheese were provided for all present. The authors included Michael Knight whose book The Typist I've touted before. It is a tale of a soldier who was the typist for General Douglas MacArthur in Japan during the occupation following World War II. I bought a second copy for a gift. Additionally, Andrew Goldsmith, an Iraq War veteran sat at an outside table signing copies of his book Zarqawi's Ice Cream: Tales of Mediocre Infantrymen, which is an accounting of him time in that war. Nancy Brennon Strange offered the delightful musical entertainment and her version of Patsy Cline is not to be missed. I think it takes a lot of nerve to attempt her songs and she did a fine job.

Tom Post of UT Press introduces Jack Neely

Jack Neely gives a nice intro to Union Avenue Books

The crowd listens to Jack Neely

Tom Post, the publicist for UT Press introduced Jack Neely who said a few words. He told the story of a French couple he met on the streets in downtown Knoxville who stopped him and asked him where the "book shop" was located. Not if we had one, rather where it might be found, because any legitimate city would have one. He sent them to the UT campus, but was embarrassed to have to confess there was no downtown bookstore. He also lauded the choice of the name which, in itself, tells people where to find the store. Someone from the back pointed out that the name was his suggestion in the first place and he said he had hoped no one would mention that.

Linda Carlini from Knox Co. Public Library leads a children's event

Saturday morning brought a children's program presented by Linda Carlini who read several books to the children, including that all-time favorite that parents grow to dread, Goodnight Moon. Of course, it is a lovely book, but children never seem to tire of it and by the thousandth reading, it runs a bit thin for most adults. The children were spellbound. She also brought out peek-a-boo bunny and the counting puppet. Great fun. Probably a half-dozen children enjoyed the entertainment while their parents and other customers browsed.

Urban Toddler reads Goodnight Moon to a stuffed cow at Union Ave. Books

This also points out something that surprised me about the space: as small as it appears to be, there are several discrete places for various events. The children's program was behind the counter on the backside of the store, music and readings are easily accommodated on the front end of the store and the children's book section is neatly enclosed from the rest of the store for easy management and free-roaming for the younger clientele.

Y'uns perform at the Union Ave. Books Grand Opening

Crowds browse, eat, purchase, greet and listen to Y'uns at Union Ave. Books

Y'uns perform at Union Avenue Books

Saturday night the house was packed for Y'uns featuring Steve Horton, Danny Gammon and sometimes harmonica player extraordinaire Michael Crawley. Food, drink, excellent music and books: not much missing from that equation.

Flossie introduces Linda Parsons Marion, the first of the monthly poets

Linda Parsons Marion reads from her book Bound

Sunday featured a poetry reading by Linda Parsons Marion reading from her new book, Bound. This volume of her poetry deals with family from her grandparents to her grandchildren, but since the reading was held on Father's Day, she read poems mostly about fathers and grandfathers. The crowd of around twenty-five enjoyed the emotionally packed reading. I'm helpless: I bought that one, too. If I understood correctly, the third Sunday afternoon of each month will feature just such a poetry reading at Union Avenue Books.

A crowd of about twenty-five listen as Linda Parsons Marion reads poetry.

So, it was a great weekend full of wonderful events, great friends, books and food. Now comes the important part: Knoxville decides if we love books enough to have a downtown bookstore. You vote with your money. Come spend it. I can't do it by myself (though I appear to be trying). It will take all of us backing up our words with purchases to show that Knoxville truly does value books, writers and the written word. We're about to make a statement about who we are. I hope it's a good one.

Union Avenue Books Holds Grand Opening

I hadn't planned to blog today, but I couldn't resist giving everyone a heads-up about this big event. Union Avenue Books has been open a couple of weeks and, of course, I've blogged about it often. It's just so important to me. I hope Knoxville is a city that values the written word, that honors it's artists of every kind. I truly think it is a large measure of a cultured society.

So, there are a couple of great articles about the grand opening and I won't duplicate what they've already said, but you can check out an article from the Knoxville News Sentinel here, and another from WBIR here.

From the Sentinel's site, I've posted (below) the events planned over the next few days. Plan to make one or all of them. If you are happy there is still a local book store in Knoxville, come buy some books. Parking is free across the street at the Locust Street Garage evenings and weekends. Pete's is the best breakfast in town and it is located in one side of the garage. The Farmer's Market is this weekend. What are you waiting for?

Grand opening events

- 6 p.m. Thursday: British author and psychologist Ros Taylor will be speaking about her book, "Confidence at Work: Get It, Feel It, Keep It."

- 6-8 p.m. Friday: "Meet Local Authors" night sponsored by the University of Tennessee Press. Local and regional authors will be in the store discussing their works and a wine-and-cheese reception will be held. Nancy Brennan Strange will sing.

- 11 a.m. Saturday: Children's program with Linda Carlini, childrens' room assistant with Knox County Public Library.

- 5-8 p.m. Saturday: Steve Horton's band Y'uns will perform and the store will hold a reception with food and drinks.

- 3 p.m. Sunday: Linda Parsons Marion, a Knoxville poet, will be reading from her new book of poems, "Bound."

First Friday: The Rest of the Story

500 Block of Union Avenue, First Friday, June 2011

To be fair to all the people and businesses who planned something special last Friday, I should probably call this post, "A Tiny Bit of the Rest of the Story." I never made it to the 100 Block where I know there were art openings, or into the Old City where I bet things were great at Remedy, Crush and Old City Java as well as all the bars later in the evening. I never made it to the Art Gallery, Morelock's Music (which I know had music until late), nor did I check in on the drum circle in Krutch Park as I enjoy doing. I know there were other events, as well, including one at the East Tennessee History Center and, of all things, The Hotel Oliver held open house and I missed it.

500 Block of Union Avenue, Runners prepare for Downtown Dash

So you could correctly say I missed most of the events on First Friday and yet, I did as much as I possibly could. As I mentioned yesterday, I enjoyed the majority of my time on Market Square at the Bob Dylan Birthday Bash, which was a bit disappointing, but fun, nonetheless.

Pamela Schoenewaldt at Union Avenue Books

Happy readers shop and mingle at Union Avenue Books

I did leave that event to take  a large sweep of a few other events I knew to be happening. I started with the Daylight Building on the 500 Block of Union Avenue. I tried to make it to John Black Studio for the music there, but missed it. I did catch Pamela Schoenewaldt at Union Avenue Books. She read from her great novel, When We Were Strangers. It was the first reading in Union Avenue Books and I think it was that night that many First Friday revelers discovered they had opened. Of course they had wine and books and other interesting people which is pretty much what you need in life.

The Happy Envelope, Reruns and other businesses in the Daylight Building

Ready to run: Number 500

Next door, Just Ripe was packed with hungry shoppers and many people who are just now discovering they are open. The same was true at Reruns. It's been fun to listen to the conversations there and on the square as people realize they have moved. That night they featured "One of a Kind Konane," according to the sign Breanna (I think I remembered that correctly) wrote for the front of the store. By the way, she told me I look better in person than on the blog, just in case you wondered. I'm not sure that's too much to get excited about since apparently she thought I looked pretty lousy online.

They're off! Downtown Dash, 500 Block of  Union Avenue, Knoxville

Finish line for the Downtown Dash on Market Street at the Square

The biggest event of the night on the block was the downtown dash which is a one-mile race featuring serious runners and the much less than serious runners. It starts in front of Pete's Coffee Shop and ends on Market Square and is sponsored by City People.

It was simply nice to see the block full of people having fun after walking through and around construction equipment for more than a year after I moved downtown. Except for the last half-block on the Gay Street end, Union Avenue is now walkable and safe from one end to (nearly) the other. It's been a long time coming and I'm happy for the residents and the new businesses. Now we need a name for that section of town. I think it is technically in the Market Square District, but it needs something to distinguish it. Any ideas?

ZZ Top Tour Buses, Knoxville, June 2011

Security was tight for ZZ Top. He looks serious.

I caught some of the finishers as they crossed into Market Square and just had to go over and check out the tour buses for ZZ Top who were playing their sold-out show. With so many great free activities I didn't consider attending, though I might have otherwise. I saw them in 1977 and they were absolutely astounding for three guys playing instruments. I think I paid $6.00. I believe they've raised their ticket prices since then.

Bill and Jake on Gay Street, Knoxville, June 2011

French Market Jazz, First Friday Knoxville, June 2011

I passed Bill making his music on Gay Street with his faithful companion, Jake. A little further down Gay Street at the French Market a couple of guys were laying down a little light jazz. On a typical Friday night, just to sit at an outside table at the French Market, enjoy a crepe and some jazz while watching people in Krutch Park would be enough to set my heart aglow. Sometimes I think I miss little pleasures like that as I scurry about trying to hit too many things in too little a time, because really it's those quiet times spent with friends or family in the city is what I love the most.