The Final Day

Eighteen months. 400 blog posts. A year in a new job and a new home. Nine months of marriage.
I think I can officially say, I am settled.

I started this blog with the title "Rediscovering Rocky Top." I wanted to celebrate all the things I was discovering and re-discovering about this city, after a decade away. I changed the name to "KtownKatie" as I got a bit more settled in, but life still had so many changes. Since moving, I have fallen more in love with my family, made wonderful friends, planned and celebrate the wedding of my dreams, become a part of Second Presbyterian Church, found dozens of wonderful restaurants, shops, and special things, and become a home owner for the first time. Most importantly, I am married to a wonderful man and I love it.

So, as I'm turning 31, I am taking a break from blogging. And leaving you with 31 things I have learned over the last year and a half.

1. Sabbath is a commandment.

2. While I may be concerned with happiness, God is concerned with Holiness.

3. Google Reader can change your life.

4. Hospitality can be a ministry.

5. Not every girl is girly.

6. It takes time to become good at things.

7. It is okay to not edit your blog posts. You will have typos. People will judge you. But there is freedom in not worrying what they think.

8. God commands. Sometimes He "calls" us or "gives us peace" about something. Other times, He just says do it.

9. It is better to make food from scratch.

10. People don't give kids enough credit. Especially toddlers and preschoolers.

11. In this life, we will always want for things. That is our nature as created beings. Even Eve wanted something she could not have. Only in heaven will we be satisfied.

12. Homes are supposed to be a haven.

13. People will hurt you.

14. Love delights in truth. Evil loves darkness. The Lord loves light.

15. We are supposed to "make every effort" to love people well and to serve with excellence. But our best effort is all we can do and all we are held to.

16. To analize or discuss something, figure out: What are we trying to achieve? What are we trying to avoid?

17. My home and my husband are even more important than my work.

18. When in doubt, wear cowboy boots.

19. Christmas is so fun in your own home. Can't wait for Easter.

20. I want to make everyone feel important and loved while they are with me. The way my dog does.

21. Spiritual disciplines really do fit into the 21st century.

22. Sometimes, the most important thing you can do is not the biggest, most noticeable thing.

23. Weddings are for brides and grooms. But also families. Especially moms.

24. My mom is wonderful. I am blessed.

25. My mother-in-law is wonderful. I am doubly blessed.

26. Yard work is a metaphor for life.

27. Listen more. Honor people by not talking yourself.

28. Being a team player can be thankless. But it's still right.

29. Two become One. Wow.

30. I am never going to know it all and I am never going to be perfect.

31. I am okay with that.

Day 557: Pinterest

I've just been invited to the coolest new thing. It's a digital bulletin board, called Pinterest. Thanks Julia. I am checking out great home projects, entertaining ideas, fun words, and lots of pretty things.

Here's a little more about Pinterest:
Think of Pinterest as a virtual pinboard — a place where you can create collections of things you love and "follow" collections created by people with great taste.

People use Pinterest to collect and share all sorts of things -- wedding inspiration, favorite T-shirts, DJ equipment. You name it, people are pinning it.

We know you have great taste in something. Our mission is to make Pinterest the best place for you to share your taste with the world.

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And here's a little sample of what I've been pinning:


Dreamy decorating ideas.



Home ideas.



Words, words...



And more words...



Monogrammed plates. Yes, monogrammed.



Harding will love this. Brad will not.


Check me out at pinterest.com/ktlf

Day 549: Echo

To celebrate my birhtday, we enjoyed appetizers, dinner, and after dinner drinks at 3 fabulous locations. The first was Echo. It was my first time at this upscale bistro and wine bar, which is conveniently located in the District in Bearden. It was worth the wait. It was also the perfect place to kick off what promises to be a wonderful weekend, celebrating my wonderful husband's birthday!

Here's a little more about Echo:

Legendary local Chef's Seth Simmerman & Deron Little have teamed up to bring you Echo Bistro & Wine Bar, Knoxville's newest upscale eatery.

As co-owners Seth & Deron bring over 50 years combined experience to your table every night. Serving "contemporary classics" ~ dishes you know and love from decades past ~ Steak Diane, Beef Wellington, & Dover Sole with a modern twist, and offering an extensive wine list.

Echo has an intimate, neighborhood feel that welcomes you the second you walk through the door. Sit down at the bar and you are sure to see a friend or make a new one!

Seth & Deron invite you to come enjoy all Echo has to offer. Once you try it, you are sure to become a regular!

Located in The Shops at Bearden Place - directly across from Buddy's BBQ - old Mango location.

Reservations Recommended. 865-602-2090

Source/www.echobistro.com


Then, we headed over to Chez Liberty, for another first time. It is also in our neighborhood. It's way trendier than anything we normally do, but such a distinct menu. Brad gave up meat on Fridays for Lent, so their seafood selections hit the spot. Here's more about Chez Liberty:

"Chez Liberty is a unique dining experience without the ordeal of dress, time, planning, or wait, with a menu that is gripping, fresh, seasonal, and diverse."

Located in Bearden's Homberg Place at the corner of Mohican and Kingston Pike, we opened our doors in March 2010 as a small dinner-only establishment. We soon added lunch to our line-up, and now offer brunch and Sunday Supper as well. What sets Chez Liberty apart from other restaurants in the area is our unique approach to food preparation. Our dinner menu changes every other Wednesday, with high-quality ingredients chosen specifically for their freshness and seasonal appeal. We also frequently rotate the wines on our wine menu to best complement our current food selections. Every Sunday, we host a family-style supper where our diners can all join together and enjoy home-style southern French cuisine, in serve-yourself, single-seating fashion. The courses change every week, so please sign up for our weekly email newsletter for a special preview of this week's Sunday Supper menu! **Sunday Supper is currently on hiatus, but will resume this summer. In the meantime, come enjoy our regular dinner menu every Sunday from 5-9pm.**

In addition to great food, Chez Liberty also hosts frequent special events such as wine dinners and live music by local talents, as well as private parties and catering. Please see our Food menu page for the latest special event menu. Call or email us for more information.

Source/chezliberty.com

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Finally, we ended the evening with friends at Crown and Goose. A favorite, with some of my favorite people.
Happy birthday to me!

Day 542: Sewanee n' Stuff

To celebrate my husband's birthday, we headed out for a day of driving and discovering. Brad grew up going to Sewanee often. So, we headed down I-75 to explore. Here are a few of the things we found...


The University of the South
Possibily the South's most impressive campus. (Well, if you don't include Converse, of course...)
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Shenanigan's
"Good times, good food, since 1974." Easy place to kick back.
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Monteagle
Picture perfect mountaintop
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Mountain Outfitters
The local's place for the best in gear.
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St. Andrews School
Part of the Domain of the University of the South
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Day 538: Fast Lunch

This Lent season, 2nd Pres members are fasting the mid-day meal every Thursday. It's been a neat reminder and a practical way for me to welcome the Lord into more space in my day. Some church members are also coming together for a time of devotion, solitude, and fellowship.
This week, I shared the thoughts below from a new favorite blog, burningbushes.org, authored by one of my Converse classmates, Nicole. This is reminds me, what really feeds me.

...I was reminded of the power of His Word and its sufficiency. There is so much reading at my fingertips these days, that I often forget the fact that the truest story, the best story is also the oldest story. I guess at times I can assume that because I’ve already the Bible through a number of times, it’s now old hat. I think that some email or blog post or book or article has more for me at this moment than those ancient words. I forget that God’s Word is living and active…more alive than any person living now. His Word is more relevant to me than any recent story or message...

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Day 536: Bradley's

I have had there Chocolate. But i had never been inside.

Now, I have.

And I am in love!

In love with the Chocolate...







And in love with all their gift items...







In love.

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Day 535: The report from Moultrie

While was home over Spring Break, Brad was off serving leading college kids on a service project! Here's an article about all the awesome work the Cross Greek Campus ministry did last week.

A group of 78 University of Tennessee students invaded Moultrie Monday with hammers and paint brushes in hand. The students, members of The Cross ministry, are spending the week in Moultrie for their spring break doing mission projects. They began work Monday on at least four separate projects. Continue reading->

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Shout out to Sara!

Day 528-534: Spring Break

During Knox County Spring Break, more than the schools close down. The city was quiet. The church was peaceful. I was at rest. I do like to be busy, but it was nice to have a week to sit, work, plan, think, clean, and sassed up for Spring.

1. Here are a few of things i did while everyone else seemed to be out of town: Worked on long range planning and a year by year objectives plan for our children's ministry.

2. Continued course work toward my certificate in non-profit management at the University of Tennessee.

3. Clean out all my closets, making room for spring and summer clothes.

4. Fell in love with my spring and summer wardrobe and (not to be too personal) celebrated the fact that I have not gained weight during the first few months of marriage (so many people warned me, but Brad and I have both prevailed).

5. Ran. A lot.

6. While I ran, day dreamed. Big.

7. Walked with Janetta, Kris, and my husband.

8. Got new pillows, pulled out a wedding gift bedding, and gave our room a redo. It look fabulous.

9. Read lots of blogs about decorating, Jesus, and Emily’s trip to Germany.

10. Taught Harding Japanese and enrolled him in art classes.

11. Best of all, I had a wonderful dinner with my family and this YouTube quiz:

Day 529: Stefano's

Chicago style pizza.
Lunch with my husband.
And it is UT spring break, so there is no traffic on the strip.

I'll take a slice with peppers and mushrooms.
Thanks!

Day 527: Rugby, Tennessee

Perfect. Relaxing. Weekend.

That is what it was. And the highlight was an imprumptu trip to the wonderful, hisotric colony of Rugby, Tennessee. It is ust over an hour from our house, but seemed a world away.

Here is what is looked like on Saturday, the day the village "reopened" for Spring!






Source for 2 images above



Source for above image of stained glass in Christ Chapel




Historic Rugby Vision
British-founded Rugby, Tennessee, is a rare example of a rural, living community that survives from its 1880s utopian beginnings with its town plan intact, many buildings and its natural setting preserved and with no encroaching incompatible development. This is the result of a long chain of human effort to preserve it, inspired by its founder's vision of equality and cooperation, community planning and natural resources stewardship. Rugby and its heritage must be preserved for all time and shared with this and future generations.
-www.historicrugby.org

I was seriously ready to move into this historic utopia. It was a picture of true community.
The entire way home, I kept asking Brad, "Can we please just go back to Rugby?"

Day 526: Glass Bazaar

Friday I wen tot one of my favorite shops in Bearden and a realized - I have not blogged about this yet!
It is the Glass Bazaar! Located on Bearden Hill, they have more than everything you need for your kitchen, for entertaining, and for gift giving. It is also a great place for advice on products and creative table spacing ideas. Or you can take a cooking class there - which I would love to do! Friday, I picked up some cute and versitle wicker chargers, I used them for a dinner party that night. Plus, I think they will be a nice mix to dress down our fine china for Easter. I also put some cute monogrammed coffee mugs on my "wish list." In case anyone is looking for a birthday idea for me...

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Day 224: The Southern Market

a. I finally have a monogrammer I like here in Knoxville that is timely, reasonably priced, and convenient.
b. She works out of the Southern Market
c. I could love at the Southern Market
d. How have i not blogged about this yet?

The Shops at the Southern Market is a unique collection of interior design shops. It included Initially Amy Faye, fabulous pillows, great hostess gifts, nice serving pieces, great art, and lots and lots of local specialities!

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Day 521: Rachel's Shower

Guacamole. Brittany's perfect recipe. Because the bride loves avocados.

"Sweet Sushi." In honor of the first date.

Apple Pie. Our bride's favorite dessert.

Laura's cheese ball recipe, made by Laurie. It's the grooms favorite...we had it even though he was not there.

Chicken Salad. Great chicken salad. The bride's recipe.

Carrots. Because we thought we should have something healthy.

Rasberry Coffee with White Chocalote Creamer. It makes the world go round.

Red. Our bride's wine of choice.

Green Tea. Hot and cold, because because the bride loves both.

It was a perfect menu for a perfect shower. There is something so personal about a wedding shower. Every bride is so different. And being on this side of marriage, I realize more and more the unique gifts of each couple and each marriage. And in our new home, I realize more and more about engaging personalized attention to detail in our own ministry of hospitality.

On Sunday, our house was the setting for a cozy getting together of 25 women who love Rachel and are so excited she'll be marrying Ethan in a matter of weeks. I never imagined so many people could fit in our living room so well. And Rachel said she was so blessed by all the pictures, notes, and gifts that guests contributed that afternoon.

It was so fun to through the shower with Holly and Brittany. So wonderful to celebrate with women of 2nd. So delightful to watch Kylie and Blakely, from our children's ministry, be our little gift runners. And most of all, such a blessing to get to pray over this bride-to-be and their upcoming marriage.

My the Lord continue to work in them and through them, for His glory!

Day 518-520: Bag A Bargain

This entire weekend was full of Bags and Bargains. So come and help the Junior League of Knoxville celebrate the 25th anniversary of this giant one-day rummage sale! Funds raised support the Junior League’s 20 plus community programs. The sale includes new and gently used items offered at bargain prices.

Where: Jacob Building in Chilhowee Park
When: Saturday, March 5, 2011
What time: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Or, check it out early with the Preview Party Friday, March 4, 2011!

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Day 513: Oscars and Rabbits

People dressed up like fortune cookies.

Black ties on a Sunday night.

Peeps.

What is going on?

Theme parties. Saturday night, the creators of "frizzleween" hosted a Chinese New Year House party. Some folks were dressed to impress in the styles of the the Chinese New Year (aka the forutne cookies), this year it is the year of the rabbit (aka the peeps). Then, tonight, it the red carpet treatment at the Cutters Oscar party.

Any excuse for a party.

As Brad said, we really are blessed with great community here.

Day 512: Joseph!

Fabulous! Energetic! Awesome!

We loved West High School's performance of Joseph. The star-studded cast included Molly and Faith!

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Day 514: Tim Keller

One of the great things about living in Knoxville is that, in addition to our great church, there are other great churches in this open, challenging community. It is a great place to grow. And Sunday night it was a great place to hear from Tim Keller.

As Keller spoke at Cedar Spring Presbyterian Church's missions conference, he focused on 1 Peter 2:9:

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

You can enjoy some of his thoughts by clicking here to visit cspc.net->

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Day 511: Gibbs Young Life

Friday night we got to serve dinner to the Gibbs Young Life Team. As "friends of Young Life" here in Knoxville, we volunteered to be "team parents". It's how we got to know the Jones and it is how we get to spend time with the fabulous Miss Julia, along with a great group of YL leaders.
So much fun! Plus, there was great chicken lasguana!

Day 508: Babies, Babies, and more Babies

Hensley Kate.

Eva.

Caroline.

Amelia.

Will.

Wyatt.

Piper.

Cameron.

Kaylynn Grace.

And now one more of my bridesmaids is pregnant...

I am surrounded by babies.

At 2nd Pres, surrounded.

Among friends, surrounded.

Everywhere, surrounded.

Disclaimer: Often I resist the urge to write excessively about this. People seem to think that since I am married and Christian and like kids, that I want to have one immediately. But right now, I am a newlywed and eagerly enjoying this season of our life and family. I can't imagine anything else at this point.

Maybe that is because everywhere I turn, every meeting I go to, in the background of every phone call I get, there are babies. I hear them. I see them. I train people to care for them. I listen to moms and dads worry about them. I pray for them. I pray for people who want to have them. I learn about them. I love being with them. I get such a sweet fill of babies.

I think back to the text message I sent on the night I learned Caroline Grace was born. "REJOICE." That was all I typed in response. That was all I could think. And since then, that word, "REJOICE" has been on my mind. I pray continually that our hearts and lives with REJOICE at the beautiful of life. New life and the developmental discoveries babies make are such a captivting reminder. God is good. He is at work. He is worthy of our awe and worship. And when we look into cribs, we get a front row seat to the glory of His creation.

REJOICE.

Day 507: Nap time

After a late night out...and serving in morning worship...and teaching 4 year olds...and then teaching second and third graders...and forth and fifth...and high schoolers (this one was Brad, not me)....and then training adult volunteers.
We. Were. Exhausted.
Our whole little family needed a nap.
And we all took one. Brad was in his chair. I was curled up on the couch. The puppy was curled up with me. The puppy was the icing on the cake.
I love my husband.
I love our puppy.
I love my life.

Day 506: The Orangery

Saturday night was the Knoxville Men's Cotillion (worth the read, one of my fav posts). Yes, men's cotillion. It's a Knoxville Tradition and a reliably fabulous party. These folks can party.

Beforehand, Brad took me out for a romantic dinner with another Knoxville tradition, the Orangery. Neither of us had been there since this restaurant reopened last year. It was wonderful. Romantic. Lovely. Established, but still fresh and unique

The best part of an epic evening...dessert.

Wow.

I had the Chocolate Orange Crème Brûlée.

Brad had the Strawberry Shortcake.

Both were out of this world.

I love crème brûlée.

I love my husband.

I love my life.

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Day 505: Boutique Blowout

Today I wen to see what all my fav shops have been hyping all week. it was worth it. While it is obviously things you have already seen, they are now at price you can't believe. Like $25 or 75% off. Seriously. From the boutiques of Bearden. Really. right deals in the District in Bearden.

Day 504: Get ready for summer....

Friday will have VBS planning in full swing! This year, we'll be using Standard Publishing's Main Street cirrculum.
It's inside out. It's upside down. But must importantly, it is "where Jesus makes a difference every day!"

What I like best about it:
-Jesus+Every day people.
-Tells kids that knowing Christ can change a life.
-It is so cute!
-Gratitude.
-Compassion.
-Forgiveness.
-Grace.
-Faithfulness.
-Cooper can come.
-Biblical truth is woven into every activity and station.
-It. Is. Fun.

Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. - Psalm 25:4-5

Watch more here->

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Day 503: Developing People

At 2nd Pres, we are immersed in a season of growing, planning, and discerning God's calling for our congregation. I'll spare you all the details and all the committee and all the strategic visioning. But, I wanted to share these 5 questions. They are from Missional Renaissance, from Reggie McNeal. These really got me thinking about what god is doing and how the body of Christ might be involved in that.
• What do you enjoy doing?
• Where do you see God at work right now?
• What would you like to see God do in your life over the next six to twelve
months? How can we help?
• How would you like to serve other people? How can we help?
• How can we pray for you?

Read more from Missional Renaissance->

Day 502: the 865

It's official.

I live in Tennessee.

And I plan to forever.

I gave up the only cell phone number I have ever had and got an 865 number.

I. Am. Home.


...I also got a pretty snazzy new phone as part of my valentine's present. Thanks honey!

Day 501: Bistro by the Tracks

By brother has great taste when it coming to dining out. He should after all, he is a chef and has been in the midst of the Knoxville restuarant seen for almost half his life. so, to celebrate that life on Friday night, we headed out to Bistro by the Tracks, a fabulous restuarant right in our neighborhood.

Here is what the birthday boy had to eat...

Calamari
Graham flour, smoked tomato sweet and sour, cucumber salad

Lobster Corndogs
Apple mustard dipping sauce

Rack of Lamb
Chermoula, Israeli couscous, cucumber mint salad

...and Humingbird Cake for dessert.

Yum. the rest of our meals were fabulous too. Happy birthday little brother!!

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Day 500: Harrison

What better way to enjoy my 500th day in Knoxville than a visit from one of my favs. Harrison is in town this weekend to see sweet Mary Scott at UT and I am so excited to get to see her.
Here's to friendships that last for a long, long time.

In honor of this visit, I celebrated a favorite moment of Harrison in my wedding (above).

And a favorite picture of her and MSC...



Love you! Jesus loves you more!

Day 499: Sweet Sheets Paper Boutique

My sweet friend has a sweet business with sweet invitations, stationary, and more! Mrs. Mindy just designed invitations for our friend Rachel's bridal shower. They are perfect, pretty, and unique. I don't know how she does it - a growing business and her sweet growing family - but Mindy's got a creative, personal touch, and a quick, quick, quick turn around. That makes her my favorite paper location here in Knoxville!

Here are a few of my favorites from her work. Check out more at sweetsheetspaperboutique.blogspot.com.



Rehearsal Dinner Invitation



Contemporary Wedding Invitation



Cute Wedding Thank yous





Can't wait to see more baby shower invites from Mindy!



Shh....



Because your sweater vest should always match your greeting cards

Visit Sweet Sheets online at sweetsheetspaperboutique.com.

Day 498: An Invitation Today from JLK

Thursday, it is my pleasure to show off the Junior League to friends who might be interested in joining. It may sound cheesy, but the Junior Leagues of both Spartanburg and Knoxville have helped me connect, serve, and have fun - so I am so excited to share it tonight!

More at jlknoxville.org (source)->

Quotes for the day...

“It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power.” -Alan Cohen

"Easy things don’t hold nearly the potential as doing hard things." - Jonathan Cliff

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Day 496: Chi O Bible Study

Monday night, the Chi O Bible study got into full swing. I am so excited Brittany asked me to help lead this group. What a fun collection of girls - ready to study, talk, and prayerfully purpose what god wants! I am so excited to see this grow!

My prayer for this group is that they challenge each other and that leading them is something that develops and challenges me. I pray it will be a place where they can be open and that God will use this group to develop lots of meaningful relationships and real conversations. Or and I pray that we laugh, a lot!

May we each recklessly pursue God - and nothing else!

But Ruth replied, "Don't ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. - Ruth 1:16

Day 495: The Medical Arts Building

Downtown Knoxville is full of cool buildings, each with their own history as well as their own contributions to our city. Sunday afternoon, while moving a few things into Brad's new office at Pathway Lending, I found a very cool building. Here, I wanted to share this history with you:

The Medical Arts Building was constructed in 1932 withunique architectural elements consisting of Eclectic Gothic Revival with Art Deco influence...Designed by the architectural firm Manley & Young of Lexington, Kentucky, the Medical Arts Building was built by contractor Earl Worsham (who had his firms offices there after it opened) and Dr. M.M. Copenhaver, who began construction in 1929 for $750,000. However, the building was taken over during the Depression by Metropolitan Life Insurance Co., which sold it to an Alabama businessman in the 1930s...The building originally was designed as a 13-story structure, but only 10 were built because of the Depression...Over the years, its modern equipment and outstanding facilities made it attractive to Knoxville's leading physicians and dentists, as well as to firms as diverse as Hollywood Beauty Studio, Insurance Service Co. and Johnson's Flowers. Despite the fact that it was built at the onset of the Depression, its ornate brass elevator doors and marble interior details give it a feeling of opulence. The interior has marble and terrazzo floors, marble walls and mahogany doors inlaid with walnut. Many of the offices have arched doors and vaulted ceilings. Uncharacteristically, it also once had its own bowling alley...The Medical Arts Building now serves the Knoxville community as a premiere provider of commercial office space for all types of businesses. Throughout the development of downtown, the Medical Arts Building has remained "Knoxville's Best Kept Secret."

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