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Lifestyle •
July 9, 2026
Sweet Summer Stops: Local Places to Enjoy Ice Cream and Cold Treats in East Tennessee
July is National Ice Cream Month, and there may be no better excuse to enjoy a cold treat on a hot East Tennessee day. The tradition dates back to 1984, when July was officially proclaimed National Ice Cream Month and National Ice Cream Day was designated as a summertime celebration.
Fortunately, around Knoxville and across East Tennessee, there are plenty of local places to grab a cone, milkshake, sundae, scoop, paleta or frozen custard. Whether you are strolling downtown, exploring a nearby neighborhood or taking a summer drive, here are a few sweet stops to keep in mind.
Cruze Farm
No East Tennessee ice cream list would be complete without Cruze Farm. Known for fresh-churned ice cream from its local dairy farm, Cruze Farm has become a Knoxville favorite with a nostalgic, cheerful feel and a menu full of cones, cups, milkshakes and floats.
The Downtown Knoxville location on Gay Street is a fun stop before or after dinner, a show or a walk through Market Square. Cruze Farm also has an East Knoxville location on Asbury Road with inside dining (pizza!) and drive-thru service, plus additional East Tennessee locations in Sevierville and Morristown.
The Sugar Queen Creamery
For a South Knoxville treat, The Sugar Queen Creamery is a great stop for homemade ice cream with a creative twist. Their mission centers on creating memorable ice cream and soft pretzels using quality ingredients and thoughtful technique.
The Sugar Queen Creamery has a South Knox location on E. Young High Pike, as well as a Belltown location in Powell, making it a convenient option whether you are south of the river or closer to North Knox.
The Phoenix Pharmacy & Fountain
If you love a little nostalgia with your dessert, The Phoenix Pharmacy & Fountain in Downtown Knoxville offers a classic soda fountain experience. Located on Gay Street, The Phoenix serves old-school dipped ice cream, malts and sodas, along with pharmacy services.
It is the kind of place that feels like a step back in time, and it makes a fun stop for families, date nights or anyone who appreciates a vintage downtown experience.
Kilwins Knoxville
Also located on Gay Street, Kilwins Knoxville is a sweet stop for ice cream, chocolates, fudge and other treats. The Knoxville shop is part of the well-known Kilwins tradition of handcrafted chocolates and classic confections, making it a great place to pop in while enjoying downtown.
UT Creamery
The UT Creamery is another Knoxville option with a story behind it. Located on Neyland Drive, the storefront ice cream shop is part of the UT Culinary Institute and Creamery and gives visitors the opportunity to support a student experiential learning program while enjoying a scoop.
This is a fun choice for Vol fans, folks visiting campus or anyone who enjoys seeing local education and food come together.
Inskip Grill
Ice cream does not always have to come in a cone. Sometimes, the answer is a milkshake. Inskip Grill, a longtime Knoxville neighborhood favorite, is known for burgers, craft beer and over-the-top milkshakes.
For anyone in North Knoxville or Fountain City, this is a fun spot to cool off with a shake and make it a full meal.
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream
For a familiar neighborhood favorite, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream has several area locations, including Cedar Bluff, Emory Road, Rocky Hill and Maryville. The Knoxville-area Bruster’s shops feature handmade ice cream with a variety of flavors and mix-ins.
It is a convenient choice for families, post-ballgame treats or a simple summer evening outing.
Capitol Theatre Coffee & Ice Cream Parlor in Maryville
For a sweet stop in Blount County, Capitol Theatre Coffee & Ice Cream Parlor brings a little nostalgia to downtown Maryville. Tucked next to the historic Capitol Theatre lobby, this local spot offers an old-fashioned ice cream parlor experience with plenty of charm. It is a fun choice for families, date nights or anyone looking to enjoy a cold treat while spending time in downtown Maryville.
Kyle’s Creamery in Lenoir City
If you happen to find yourself in Loudon County, Kyle’s Creamery in Lenoir City offers a nostalgic ice cream parlor feel with classic flavors, fresh waffle cones, sundaes, hand-spun milkshakes, malts and floats.
Located on East Broadway Street, it is a fun stop before or after exploring downtown Lenoir City or spending time near the lake.
La Vaca Gourmet in Dayton
With our most recently opened TN Valley office in Dayton, Tennessee, we knew we’d be remiss if we didn’t include La Vaca Gourmet on our ice cream round-up list! This local Dayton spot offers gourmet ice cream, paletas and handcrafted frozen treats.
It is a great reminder that cold treats come in many forms, from traditional scoops to colorful paletas perfect for a hot summer afternoon.
Custard Cabin in Crossville
For those in Cumberland County, where our Wallace Upper Cumberland Office can be found, Custard Cabin in Crossville is a local stop for frozen custard and summer treats. Located on Peavine Road, it is a convenient option for cooling off while enjoying time on the Cumberland Plateau.
A Sweet Way to Explore East Tennessee
One of the best parts of living in East Tennessee is discovering the local places that give each community its own personality. From downtown soda fountains and family-owned scoop shops to neighborhood milkshakes and frozen custard, there are plenty of ways to make the most of summer close to home.
Whether you are new to the area, exploring a different part of town or simply looking for your next favorite local stop, these sweet destinations are a delicious place to start.
*Hours and seasonal flavors can change, so please check with each individual location before visiting!
And if you are thinking about making a move, remember that choosing a home is about more than square footage. It is also about finding the community, lifestyle and local spots that feel like home.
Market Stats • Real Estate News & Trends •
July 9, 2026
June 2026 Real Estate Market Update: What You Need to Know
More Options, Steady Demand and a More Strategic Market
The East Tennessee real estate market continued to show signs of balance in June. While buyers have more options than they did a year ago, homes are still selling, prices are holding steady and well-prepared properties are continuing to move.
Here’s a closer look at what June’s numbers mean for buyers and sellers.
More Listings Are Giving Buyers Breathing Room
June brought slightly fewer new listings than May, which is fairly typical as we move deeper into the summer. However, new listing activity was still higher than it was in June of last year.
That means more sellers are choosing to enter the market, even as buyers become more selective about price, condition and location. For sellers, this is an important reminder: homes still need to be prepared, priced correctly and positioned well in order to stand out.
More inventory means buyers have more choices, and a home cannot rely on limited supply alone to attract attention.
Active Inventory Continues to Grow
Active listings increased again in June, both compared to May and compared to last year. Across the market, East Tennessee now has more than 10,000 active listings.
For buyers, this is encouraging. More inventory means more opportunities to compare homes, evaluate options and make thoughtful decisions. The pace may feel less rushed than it did in the extremely competitive market of the past few years.
However, this does not mean the market is weak. It simply means the market is becoming more balanced.
Buyers Are Still in the Market
Pending sales dipped slightly from May, but they remained ahead of June 2025. That tells us buyer demand is still present.
Buyers may be taking more time, asking more questions and negotiating more carefully, but they are not sitting completely on the sidelines. Well-priced homes in good condition are still attracting serious interest.
Closings Show the Market Is Moving
One of the strongest signals from June was the increase in closed sales. Closings were up both month over month and year over year, which confirms that transactions are not just being discussed. They are getting to the finish line.
That is good news for both buyers and sellers. There are still active buyers. There are still motivated sellers. And there are still successful transactions happening across East Tennessee.
The difference is that today’s market requires more strategy, preparation and guidance than the faster-paced market of a few years ago.
Months of Supply Remains Healthy
Even though inventory increased, months of supply actually declined slightly in June, landing around five months.
That is an important detail. It means that while buyers have more choices, homes are still being absorbed at a healthy pace. In other words, buyers have more breathing room, but they are still buying.
Prices Are Holding Steady
The median sales price in June reached approximately $390,000, which was modestly higher than May and ahead of June 2025.
This shows that prices remain resilient across the East Tennessee market. We are not seeing a market where broad price reductions are automatically required. At the same time, sellers should be careful not to overprice and assume the market will catch up.
Today’s pricing strategy should be based on current competing inventory, recent pending activity and comparable sales that take condition, updates and location into account.
Homes May Take a More Normal Amount of Time to Sell
Average days on market was higher than it was last year, but the number has improved from earlier in the spring.
For sellers, this means expectations matter. A home may not sell instantly, and that does not necessarily mean something is wrong. We are moving in a more normal market environment where buyers have time to compare options.
However, if a home is not getting showings or receiving feedback early, the market may be signaling that price, condition or presentation needs to be adjusted.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
Overall, June was a constructive month for East Tennessee real estate.
Buyers have more options and a little more room to make thoughtful decisions. Sellers are still seeing strong opportunities, especially when their homes are priced well and presented effectively. Pending sales and closings show that demand remains real, while pricing trends show continued stability.
This is not necessarily an easy market, but it is a healthy one for those who approach it with the right strategy.
Whether you are thinking about buying, selling or simply watching the market, having a clear understanding of today’s conditions can help you make more confident decisions.
Luxury Spotlight •
July 8, 2026
Wallace Luxury Spotlight | 281 Cottage Drive Ten Mile, TN 37880
Timeless Lakefront Living on Beautiful Watts Bar Lake
Classic lakefront charm, thoughtful updates, and an exceptional waterfront setting come together at 281 Cottage Drive, a beautifully maintained luxury lake property on Watts Bar Lake. Offered for the first time, this remarkable home is positioned on a large cove just off the main channel, creating a peaceful waterfront setting with quick access to open water.
Set on a picturesque 0.63-acre lot, the property offers a rare combination of privacy, beauty, and easy lake access. The grounds gently extend toward the TVA 750-foot contour line and continue to the shoreline, creating a park-like backdrop that feels both expansive and inviting.
Offering approximately 3,861 square feet of living space, this 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home blends timeless cottage-inspired architecture with generous interiors and quality finishes throughout. A covered front porch, mature landscaping, plantation shutters, and classic design details create a welcoming first impression.
The dramatic great room serves as the heart of the home, with soaring cathedral ceilings, a cozy fireplace, and expansive windows overlooking the backyard and lake. Electronic shades add convenience while allowing the natural beauty of the setting to remain the focal point. The adjoining kitchen features custom cabinetry, quality appliances, generous workspace, and an open layout that connects easily to the breakfast area. A separate formal dining room offers an elegant space for holidays, special gatherings, or memorable evenings at home.
Completed in 2019, the stunning sunroom addition is one of the home’s signature spaces. Surrounded by walls of windows, this light-filled room captures panoramic views of the manicured lawn and the peaceful waters of Watts Bar Lake. Whether enjoying morning coffee, an afternoon read, or a quiet evening with lake views, this space beautifully extends the home’s connection to the outdoors.
The spacious primary suite offers a private retreat, highlighted by a beautifully renovated spa-inspired bath completed in 2019. The bath features an oversized tiled shower, freestanding soaking tub, separate vanities, tile flooring, and elegant finishes that create a calm, elevated atmosphere.
Upstairs, two guest bedrooms, a full bath, and a large bonus room provide additional flexibility. The bonus room could serve as a media room, office, hobby space, or additional guest area, depending on the needs of the next owner.
The lower level expands the home’s versatility with a full second kitchen, recreation room, guest accommodations, abundant storage, and direct access to the backyard and lake. This level is ideal for entertaining, extended stays, or creating separate spaces for relaxation and recreation.
Outdoor living is where 281 Cottage Drive truly shines. The gently sloping grounds lead to the shoreline with unusually easy, level access to the water. The private dock features two covered boat slips, a floating personal watercraft dock, and a spacious lounging deck, creating the perfect setting for boating, swimming, fishing, or simply enjoying lakefront views.
Additional property features include:
- Private dock with two covered boat slips
- Floating personal watercraft dock
- Spacious dockside lounging deck
- Attached two-car garage
- Detached three-bay garage/workshop built in 2015
- Additional half bath in the detached garage/workshop
- Expansive second-story storage
- Newer roof, completed in 2022
- HVAC systems approximately three years old
- New water heater
- Generac generator
- The detached three-bay garage and workshop offer exceptional space for vehicles, boats, hobbies, recreational equipment, and storage, adding another layer of functionality to this already impressive property.
From peaceful mornings in the sunroom to afternoons on Watts Bar Lake and evenings gathered by the water, 281 Cottage Drive offers a rare opportunity to enjoy timeless East Tennessee lakefront living in a beautifully maintained and thoughtfully updated home.
Listed by Kristy Rucker – Wallace Real Estate Farragut Office | Click here for more information.
Luxury Spotlight •
July 8, 2026
Wallace Luxury Spotlight | 3720 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919
A Custom Revival-Style Residence with Timeless Architectural Drama
Architectural elegance takes center stage in this custom-built residence, where Greek Revival and Classical Revival influences are beautifully blended into a distinctive twentieth-century home designed by architect Doug McKamey. From its grand proportions to its ornate detailing, this property offers a rare sense of character, craftsmanship, and sophistication.
Upon entering the home, the foyer immediately makes a statement. A wrought iron circular stairway serves as a dramatic focal point, surrounded by hand-painted faux marble columns and door facings that frame the stenciled panel doors. The result is a memorable first impression that feels both refined and artful. An elevator provides access to all three levels, adding everyday convenience to the home’s impressive design.
To the right of the foyer, the living room offers an elegant setting anchored by a beautiful fireplace. Two French doors open to a private deck, extending the living space outdoors and creating a lovely area for enjoying fresh air, quiet moments, or entertaining. To the left of the foyer, the dining room provides a graceful space for hosting, with a half bath conveniently located nearby.
The kitchen offers abundant cabinetry along with a breakfast bar and desk area, providing both storage and functionality. Whether preparing meals, organizing the day, or gathering with guests, this space is designed to support the rhythm of everyday living.
The upper level features two large bedrooms and three baths, including two with walk-in showers. One of the bathrooms is designed for wheelchair accessibility, and the elevator access to all three levels adds to the home’s thoughtful long-term livability.
The basement level offers additional flexibility with an office that could also serve as a third bedroom. French doors open to the backyard, where a fenced dog lot adds practical convenience. This level also includes a half bath, laundry area, walk-in closet, and a one-car garage.
With its blend of ornate architectural details, functional living spaces, elevator access, and timeless Revival-inspired design, this one-of-a-kind residence offers a truly distinctive luxury living experience.
Listed by Cissy Mayo – Wallace Real Estate West Office | Click here for more information.
Buying a Home •
July 6, 2026
Considering Condo Living? Here’s What You Should Know
If you’re exploring a new chapter in your homeownership journey, condo living can offer a unique blend of convenience, community, and comfort that appeals to many different lifestyles.
One of the main advantages of living in a condo is reduced maintenance. Unlike traditional single-family homes, most condos take the burden of exterior upkeep off your plate. Landscaping, roof repairs, and general maintenance are often handled by the homeowners association. That means the option of no yardwork and fewer weekend chores, potentially giving you more time to enjoy life.
But not all condos are created equally. Some are part of larger buildings with multiple units, similar to what you might picture when you think of an apartment. Others are more like townhouses, with multi-level living and only one shared wall. There are even detached condos that feel like single-family homes but still offer the benefits of shared community services. The variety of styles means you can find a condo that matches your needs and lifestyle.
Another reason many people are drawn to condo living is location. Condos are often located in the heart of things—close to downtown areas, restaurants, shops, parks, and cultural attractions. Whether you’re looking for a more connected lifestyle or a stronger sense of community, condos often make it easier to stay engaged.
Condo living is a smart choice for a range of buyers. It can be a great option for those looking to downsize and simplify, or for first-time buyers ready to make the leap from renting to owning. With a wide range of sizes, amenities, and price points, there’s likely a condo that fits your vision of home.
Interested in seeing what’s available? Browse Condos for Sale in East Tennessee
