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More Knoxville Magazine - June/July 2009

• From the editor: June issue of Knoxville Magazine
• UT football coach Lane Kiffin and his family get settled in Knoxville
• Luxury Inn Blackberry Farm gets back to its roots

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When it comes to having fun in the sun, there are worse things you could do than take a tip from Grease. From beach flings to hotrods, drive-ins to dance-offs, those kids had entertainment down to an art. Fortunately, you don't have to be in high school to steal inspiration from their timeless good-time activities. A sampling of our favorite '50s-flavored romps:

Roller Skates Not Included

Nothing against Sonic, but if you're in the market for an authentic drive-in experience, look no further than Cardin's on Asheville Highway. The menu of this old-fashioned drive-in diner is a veritable sin-wagon, featuring such specialties as peanut butter milkshakes, slaw-dogs, giant cheeseburgers and fried anything. Is it bathing suit season? Who cares. Call 933.3251.

Summer Readin'

It's the summer of 1958, and you're looking for a good beach-read to keep you busy until John Travolta or Olivia Newton-John shows up to steal your heart. What's on the best-seller list? You could pick up a hot-off-the-press copy of Truman Capote's Breakfast at Tiffany's, Jack Kerouac's The Dharma Bums, or Knoxville-born author James Agee's A Death in the Family, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction that year.

At the Drive-In

Poodle skirts may have dropped on the radar, but one '50s standby - the drive-in theater - is still alive and well in East Tennessee. The Parkway Drive-In in Maryville plays first-run, double features on the weekends throughout the Spring, Summer and Fall. Teenage sweethearts of all ages welcome. For movie info, call 379.7884.

Beauty School Drop-out

Times may be tough, but that doesn't mean you have to give up on life's luxuries. Pamper yourself without breaking the bank at the Tennessee School of Beauty. There, you'll be treated to hair, nail and skin care services at a fraction of the price you'd pay at a swanky salon. Or, make a day of it at the school's Spa Training Center. We think Frenchy would approve. Call 865.588.7878 or visit www.tennesseeschoolofbeauty.com to make your appointment.

Greased Lightning

If the "T-Birds" were living here in Knoxville today, we're pretty sure they'd spend their Saturday nights at the Knoxville Dragway. You can race your own car, if you think it has what it takes, or simply sit back and watch the action from the sidelines. Check out the Dragway's summer schedule at www.knoxvilledragway.com.

Back to school

What if you could go back to school and only take classes that interest you? You can, with a non-credit course at the University of Tennessee. Learn to speak Italian, smoke barbeque, snap the perfect photo, finesse your golf putt, or become a certified financial planner. It's like high-school, without all the drama and homework. See a full list of course offerings at www.outreach.utk.edu.

Prom Night

Your prom nights may be numbered, but it's never too late to learn how to cut a rug. You'll be doing the lindy hop in no time flat with a little help from the friendly folks at Knoxville Swing Dance Association. Visit www.swingknoxville.org for a schedule of free lessons and dances.

Hopelessly Devoted to '50s FASHION

Fifties style is still alive and well today - if you know where to look. Our favorite local vintage boutiques are Sanctuary Vintage and Legacy Vintage Clothing, both located in the Old City. Think cherry-red lips, retro dresses and stiletto heels for the ladies, or a "hep" bowling shirt with chinos for the guys.