I’m always amazed when other people are amazed that Knoxville has something they didn’t expect — really good locally-owned restaurants, unique music, an organic art scene, cozy, tree-lined neighborhoods, a lively downtown — to name just a few things that come immediately to mind. In fact, Knoxville has all these things and more, if you’re willing to open your eyes and explore.
One new gem, tucked away off North Central is a true Knoxville original. The Glowing Body, which will celebrate its first birthday in September, is a yoga and massage studio, a raw food restaurant, a wine bar and a live music venue. There’s no other place like it in Knoxville or anywhere else.
The Glowing Body is the brainchild of Hollis Church, Knoxville native, caterer to the stars and entrepreneur extraordinaire! She dreamed it up and brought it to life, partnering with Magpies’ Peggy Hambright to gut and renovate an existing building. Hollis has vision and style. GB is effortlessly hip and homey. The space is warm and inviting with exposed beams, natural lighting and good vibes. Turns out Hollis (formerly known as Holly) and I went to elementary school together, but that’s another story.
I go to Glowing Body for the yoga. An avid power yoga practitioner for over seven years now, I am drawn to the ancient practice, as choreographed by impresario, Philip Clift. I’ve practiced with other instructors, but Philip’s take on yoga is entirely his own. Set to playlists of classic rock, alternative music or even Christmas carols, Philip creates an environment that enhances the yoga experience. The heat is turned up in the studio, so stiff muscles loosen and relax. The skylight offers an open feeling, while the bamboo floors ground you on your mat. Philip’s classes are challenging, especially when he roams the room and makes adjustments … twisting you tighter, folding you deeper and stretching you farther than you thought you could go. Philip, incidentally, is from just down the road in Strawberry Plains.
Glowing Body doesn’t feel like “Knoxville,” according to some folks. It’s more L.A. or New York in its sensibility. But that’s exactly my point. Knoxville isn’t a place that’s easily categorized. Due in part to the Whittle influx of creative spirits back in the eighties and now HGTV’s bi-coastal workforce, Knoxville is populated by all sorts of people from all over. Then there’s the international influence of foreign students and visiting professors at UT and Oak Ridge.
In his book, The Rise of the Creative Class, Richard Florida talks about the “power of place” in determining where creative people choose to live and work. It’s not just about cost of living and jobs anymore. What the newest wave of professionals is looking for in communities is “an openness to diversity of all kinds, and above all else the opportunity to validate their identities as creative people.”
I’ve traveled a bit and lived abroad, but I happen to be from Knoxville, an indigenous person, if you will. I’m constantly meeting interesting, creative people who have relocated to Knoxville, are attending school here or are just passing through. Yes, I’ve heard grumbling and grousing from some disgruntled transplants about all the amenities we’re supposedly lacking. But the majority of Knoxville newbies I meet are charmed by what our Scruffy Little City has to offer. Like the Glowing Body.
And those of us who’ve lived here all our lives just smile and nod.
Comments 12
Nicely written. I love Knoxville, too.
Great yoga, great food and atmosphere!
Great post! Makes me want to be there and experience it all for myself. Thanks for sharing!!
Interesting, well-written and USEFUL! Had never heard of the place but seems like a must-see! Thanks!
Every word is true! Nice post….
Very nice review Laura. Will have to check that place out.
Once during an unquenchable thirst for some fresh squeezed juice, I drove around for 15 minutes looking for that place to no avail. Do you know the addy?
Well written post.
Author
Robert, The Glowing Body is located at 711 Irwin Street, just off North Central. Look for the Magpies cupcake sign on Central, north of the Broadway intersection. GB is behind Magpies, in the same building. Contact info: 545.4088/glowingbody.net
Great read! Their food is delicious, but I still need to check out their yoga offerings.
So glad to come across this site!
@Isha: Thanks for stopping by Isha. Glad to have you as a reader.
Author
Guys, I just have to say how much I appreciate all the feedback on my first post here at Knoxify. I truly love Knoxville, so it’s great to have a site that celebrates our city. Got something special coming soon … stay tuned and namaste, y’all!
Laura we love you too!