WEEKEND WRAP: Parkridge, Green McAdoo and much to do
By Patricia Williams
If you were at a loss for things to do this weekend, you were not in Knoxville. With the exception of one event, I didn’t get beyond East Knoxville.
On Saturday, I stopped by the Parkridge Porchfest in East Knoxville that was hosted on the grounds of a home on the west end of Woodbine. The vibe was so welcoming, even to this resident of Burlington. They had it going on with live entertainment, food, families, neighbors, and furry friends. I would like to have stayed longer but had some more stops on my long list of things-to-do.
The Porchfest is a monthly event for residents of the Parkridge Community that is northeastward from the Casey Jones bridge at the intersection of Jessamine where there is a sign that says “Magnolia” that shields a parking lot.
From that point going northeast on Magnolia Avenue are the historic neighborhoods of Parkridge, Chilhowee, and Chilhowee Hills. All wonderful communities that are a left turn when traveling eastward on Magnolia Ave.
My next stop was at The Last Days of Autumn Brewing Company on Magnolia Ave. for a Bar-B-Que cook-off. About 5 pitmasters competed for the 1st-Place blue ribbon. Those in attendance were the real winners. For $20 they got to sample the ribs buffet-style with a selection of sides compliments of the host.
A panel of judges determined the winner by a scientific analysis that was primarily their taste-buds and how many times they licked their fingers. Apparently, the diners were in agreement as those were the first to be devoured.
I headed to Green-McAdoo Rec Center in Clinton, TN for the free Jazz on the Hill Concert sponsored by Cain and Cain Entertainment. The Tina Brown Band headlined with a performance you would have been willing to pay for. These free concerts are monthly on the first Saturday, June through September. So take a blanket, lawn chair and wear your dancing shoes. No coolers allowed. Food and beverages can be purchased on-site.
Cobb’s Blues Lounge on Magnolia, was my last stop. A grown-folks place where the featured guest was Mr. Chandler with his “Couples Therapy” performance. Admission was a meager $5 as Cobb’s is a BYOB that has a limited but good tapas menu. It is open Thursday through Sundays with $3 admission or $5 for live guest performances that occur about once a month. The night at Cobb’s culminated with our own DJ Von McClendon spinning old skool sounds that brought many of us to the dance floor.
The movie “Godzilla” in 4DMX at the Regal Cinema at Turkey Creek culminated my weekend with my sister Jackie. Wow, have things changed. We were so enamored that we forgot to take a picture.
If you haven’t been to a movie in a theater in a while, then you are in for a treat. I won’t ruin your experience, but I feel an obligation to forewarn you: make sure you close your purse and the pockets on your person; allow some time if you have indulged in a heavy meal; and visit the restroom on your way in, because you don’t want to miss a second of this experience.
We were given 3D glasses and the 4th dimension was yet to come. The seats automatically lifted, reclined, and jostled in coordination with the action in the movie that made us feel like we were on set. If the actors got wet so did we, with a light gentle mist that dissipated as quickly as it came.
When there was turbulence in the movie, yep we also felt it from the seats bouncing. It was an exhilarating experience that I would do again, and again. I enjoyed “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” and am relieved to know that he will arise when needed.
The East Tennessee Enlightener is making an effort to keep you updated on activities that you too might enjoy. Stay tuned! Feel free to share your coming events or scenes from those you attended at Info@etelight.com.
