Summer Isn't Over Yet!

Is it just us, or did summer seem to fly by this year?

As August begins to wind down, we're soaking up the last days of summer while getting excited about everything still ahead. From discovering talented local makers and finding something new to do in our community to getting ready for the first hints of fall, there's plenty to look forward to.
This month's newsletter is filled with more of what we love sharing with you—local stories, creative inspiration, community happenings, and a few things we think you'll enjoy discovering along the way.
And before we officially say goodbye to summer, we have one more big day of shopping, food, and local fun coming your way: Blue Ridge Artisan Days: Back to School Bazaar on August 29!
So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and see what we've discovered for you this month.

Creating Connections. Inspiring Community

Sometimes the best books are the ones you never expected to fall in love with.

That idea is at the heart of Mystery Manuscripts, a locally owned small business created by Kaitlyn to combine her love of reading, creativity, and the excitement of discovering something new.

Mystery Manuscripts gives readers a different way to choose their next book—a “blind date” with a book. Each title is carefully selected and wrapped so the cover and title remain a mystery. Instead of judging a book by its cover, readers choose from clues about the genre, story, mood, and reading experience waiting inside.

But the mystery doesn't end with the book. Each package is thoughtfully put together with fun surprises and bookish extras, turning a new read into an experience and making it just as fun to give as it is to receive.

What began as a creative idea has grown into something Kaitlyn loves sharing at local markets and community events, where she gets to meet fellow readers and help them discover books they may never have chosen for themselves.

And with Back-to-School season here, there's an even bigger reason to make reading feel exciting.

“A mystery book can turn picking up a book into an adventure—and sometimes all it takes is finding that one story that makes someone fall in love with reading.”

At its heart, Mystery Manuscripts is a reminder that sometimes you don't know what you're looking for until you discover it. Behind every wrapped book is a little mystery, a new adventure, and perhaps even someone's next favorite story.

Familiar favorites get a fun twist at A Sip Above the Rest!

This East Tennessee mobile food and specialty drink business is serving up a menu that's a little sweet, a little savory, and definitely not boring.

Their dirty sodas and specialty drinks are where the creativity really shines. With flavors inspired by favorites like Butter Beer, Campfire S'mores, Reese's, Twix, and Almond Joy, choosing your drink might be half the fun. Whether you're a Dr Pepper, Coke, Sprite, root beer, or cream soda fan, there's a combination waiting to tempt you.

Then there are the build-your-own apple nachos. Choose Granny Smith or Red Delicious apples, add caramel, chocolate, or butterscotch sauce, and finish them with up to four toppings. We're talking M&M's, Reese's Pieces, Oreos, sprinkles, pecans and more. The possibilities are dangerously delicious!

And if all that sweetness has you craving something savory, grab one of their jumbo hot dogs, dress it with your favorite condiments, or add chili and cheese for the perfect savory lunch.

That's what makes A Sip Above the Rest such a fun stop—you can grab lunch, satisfy your sweet tooth, and discover a new favorite drink all in one place.

We're excited to feature A Sip Above the Rest as our August Flavor of the Month—and even more excited that they'll be joining us at the Blue Ridge Artisan Days: Back to School Bazaar on Saturday, August 29.

Come hungry. Come thirsty. And maybe bring a friend so you can try more than one thing!

Building strength, confidence and character—one student at a time.

This month we're stepping into downtown Kingsport to introduce you to Victory Martial Arts and Fitness, a locally owned martial arts school celebrating its first anniversary this August!

Owner and head instructor Jeff Garland has more than 30 years of martial arts experience, including kickboxing, Shaolin Kung Fu and practical self-defense. His path back to teaching began when his son started taking martial arts classes, eventually inspiring Jeff to open Victory in August 2025.

Today, Victory offers programs for children beginning at age four, youth, and adults. Students learn martial arts and practical self-defense while building confidence, discipline and respect in an environment grounded in Christian values.

For Jeff, the goal extends beyond what students accomplish during training. Victory is about helping students develop the character, perseverance and skills they can carry with them into everyday life.

And there's another reason you'll be hearing more about Victory soon! Victory Martial Arts and Fitness is a Featured Hidden Gem location for our Kingsport Hidden Gems Photo Hunt, September 25–26.

For now, we're simply excited to celebrate this local small business and say Happy First Anniversary, Victory!

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