The SCRUFFYs: The most Knoxville-y awards ever, featuring 2023's wildest downtown moments
No tuxedos, trophies or acceptance speeches required. These are the SCRUFFYs, an impromptu name for the best-of-downtown awards we hand out on "The Scruffy Stuff" podcast.
It's like the Grammys, with a lot less music and a lot more Knoxville.
As the downtown Knoxville reporter for Knox News, I've seen a lot of exciting (and sometimes crazy) things happen in the center of our city over the past 5 and a half years. But a Sunsphere paint job, Old City street fight, plant vandalism and pirate bar were not on my 2023 bingo card.
Obscure events deserve obscure categories, though we included some more traditional honors as well. Read along or listen to the episode in its entirety through the podcast player below.
Let's get to the awards, or you can listen to our "best of" episode that aired Dec. 5. Want to keep up with "The Scruffy Stuff"? Episodes of the award-winning podcast come out each Tuesday and are free on Apple, Spotify and other streaming platforms.
Best '70s bar in Knoxville: Fly By Night
This Sevier Avenue business was nearly picked for our best frozen Harvey Wallbanger award, but that would have been too obvious. Instead, we present Fly By Night as the best '70s bar in Knoxville.
Here, you can catch a buzz surrounded by fuzz − that is, grainy VHS tapes and velvet paintings that help make this South Knoxville space so unique. Now, go boogie like Barbie and "dance the night away."
Best downtown Knoxville glow-up: The Sunsphere
Knoxville's most notable icon still shines bright like the sun, but its stalk went back to blue in 2023 (PANTONE 19-4052, to be exact). After reopening with new exhibits in 2022, the Sunsphere earned a fresh coat of paint to match its original color scheme from 1982.
Up next is the addition of a third-floor visitors center. Then, it could finally be time for the Sunsphere to get lit.
Best creature comfort: Wi-Fi at Neyland Stadium
Have you ever been at a football game and thought to yourself, "I wish I could watch ANOTHER football game?"
Well, now you can, thanks to the addition of Wi-Fi at Neyland Stadium. It's also great for keeping up with what sports columnist John Adams is saying at knoxnews.com. Because everyone loves and agrees with John Adams ... right?
Best Knoxville brewery: Schulz Brau Brewing Company
Direct any grievances to the U.S. Open Beer Championships. It was this prestigious competition that named Schulz Brau the third-best brewery in the country this year − not us.
Though, if I did have a say − which I don't − I probably would have come to the same conclusion. Yes, I have Polish heritage in my blood. But more than that, I love beer-y beer, brats and being cozy by the fire. Schulz Brau checks all the boxes.
Best Knoxville street fight: Next Generation Wrestling
A masked wrestler (no, not THAT masked wrestler) was all tangled up during his Next Generation Wrestling match at Jackson Terminal in October, so he went outside to buy some time. He wasn't expecting the fight and the fans to follow, but that's exactly what happened.
One downtown resident thought a fight was breaking out during a wedding at the venue. While we would have loved to see Bridezilla vs. The Evil Ex, this was the next-best thing.
Swankiest downtown apartments: Church + Henley
If Church + Henley rent is coming out of your bank account each month, you'll probably need some space to meditate. Fortunately, this new addition to downtown's residential market has a relaxation room ... and a bike repair shop ... and a space for makers, among other high-end amenities.
It's fresh, it's fun, it's financially a lot. But most importantly for this award, it's swanky as can be.
Best Knoxville homecoming: Kelsea Ballerini
What does Kelsea Ballerini have in common with the Eagles, Paul McCartney and Elton John? They all received my special treatment of reviewing their concerts using song lyrics. Hopefully, the write-up was as big of a milestone for Ballerini as her multiple Grammy and CMA nominations.
In all seriousness, Ballerini's homecoming concert at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center was a special moment for the country singer and her hometown fans, who continue to send their love from Knoxville as her career progresses.
Best downtown patio: Any with plants still intact
"The Scruffy Stuff" had two whole episodes dedicated to patio power rankings in downtown Knoxville. It was a different time back then. Now, the criteria is simple: If you have plants, congratulations.
That's because in a head-scratching move by unknown vandals, flowers have been ripped from their planters roots and all on multiple occasions. Be better, Knoxville.
But also, here's an award.
Best Knoxville beverage: Wine, in general
Wine: You can have it by the glass, by the bottle or you can slap the bag. The point is, it's a versatile beverage that's becoming more and more prevalent in Knoxville.
In a surprising development, it's even popping up at Knoxville breweries.
Most random Knoxville business: Pirate Tavern & eVape Dispensary
ChatGPT, wrote this next section like a pirate: "There be a shiny new establishment that sprouted up in Happy Holler this very year. If ye fancy puffin' on the vapors, this be the haven for ye. And if the call of the open sea and the tales of swashbucklin' adventures stir yer soul, then mark me words – this be the place for ye as well!
"Aye, if ye be a pirate who's taken a likin' to the sweet embrace of e-Vape, well done, me heartie – ye've earned yerself a spot as a regular in this fine establishment."
Biggest Knoxville food surprise: DiCarlo's Pizza
If you thought this new Knoxville pizzeria was for squares, you're wrong. That's only the shape of their crust.
Turns out, DiCarlo's Pizza is bussin (I think I used that right). And the best part is you can order by the double slice, which is twice as good as a by-the-slice system. That's just math.
Sad To See You Go Award: OliBea
Are these biscuits salty, or is it just my tears?
While it's upsetting to see such a popular brunch spot exit downtown, at least the building found a worthy replacement in SmashCity Knoxville.
'Got You Good' Award: Old City pranksters
When I saw pedestrians enjoying themselves on a closed South Central Street one spring night, I called the Knoxville Police Department to see what was up.
Turns out, it was pranksters who took road-closed signs from the Smokies stadium construction site to create a pedestrian oasis in the Old City. What's even funnier is the city is now experimenting with the idea on Gay Street.
Those hooligans might have been onto something!
Talk of the Town Award: JFG Sign
If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me why the JFG sign seemed to be fading away, I'd have a few dollars − nowhere near enough to put a dent in the $10,000 worth of repairs that's needed.
Now that the sign has been taken down, everyone wants to know where it will end up. At knoxnews.com, we have a few ideas.
Maybe Next Time Award: River Breeze Event Center
Sound issues, a hurricane, COVID-19 and the arrest of a performer. River Breeze Event Center could not catch a break. Even the owner equated the string of bad luck to "Murphy's Law."
This isn't a shot at River Breeze but, rather, an award of encouragement. Here's to hoping the venue bounces back soon.
Knoxville Ambassador: Adeem the Artist
No one put Knoxville in the national spotlight more than the Scruffy City's own Adeem the Artist, who had a monumental year of widespread acclaim for their music.
They also joined "The Scruffy Stuff" podcast shortly after the release of "White Trash Revelry" to perform and talk about what shapes their songwriting. It was an insightful conversation and one that's definitely worth a listen. Congratulations on the success!
Ryan Wilusz is a downtown growth and development reporter. Phone 865-317-5138. Email ryan.wilusz@knoxnews.com. Instagram @knoxscruff.
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: The SCRUFFYs: Best downtown Knoxville businesses, moments from 2023
