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Story by Ashley Barnes

“What’s not to love about American soda fountain?” says downtown Knoxville pharmacy and fountain owner, Nolan Phoenix. The Phoenix Pharmacy and Fountain is bringing that love back to downtown Knoxville.

All of the menu items are handmade with fresh ingredients from local farms and markets to ensure an authentic experience. Phoenix believes that there is no greater satisfaction than serving ice cream to someone who thinks it is truly amazing. If it’s your first visit, make sure to try theClassic Brownie Sundae: two scoops of vanilla bean ice cream on top of a warm chocolate brownie, covered in hot fudge, topped with fresh whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a maraschino cherry. For those looking for a more gourmet treat this fall, try the38 Special: one scoop of chocolate ice cream covered in a white chocolate shell surrounded in sweet orange juice with orange shavings on top.

418 S Gay St, 37902; (865)-692-1603 Mon-Tues: 12am-10pm Wed: 12am-6pm Thurs: 12am-10pm Fri-Sat: 8am-11pm Sunday: 12pm-10pm

thephoenixpharmacyknoxville.comPhoto by Kellie Crye WardJefferson Fountain

Offering more than just milkshakes, The Jefferson Fountain adds a piece of local history to every meal served. The Jefferson Fountain originally opened in 1944 under a different name and is now named the oldest pharmacy and soda fountain in Oak Ridge. This pharmacy offers traditional sweet treats and soda fountain eats with an Oak Ridge secret city theme like theFatman Burger: an 8oz bacon cheeseburger, or theLittleboy: a 4oz bacon cheeseburger. Jefferson’s most famous burger is the very specialMyrtle Burger, a 6oz burger with everything on it, named after a woman who worked for Jefferson Fountain for 44 years.

22 N Jefferson Cir, 37830; (865)-482-1141 Mon-Fri: 7:30am-3pm Sat: 6:30am-2pm Sun: Closed

Photo by Kellie Crye WardHoskins Drug Store

This historical icon represents more than just a traditional pharmacy and soda fountain. The oldest family-owned, family-operated drug store and pharmacy in East Tennessee is Clinton’s very own Hoskins Drug Store. Hoskins opened in 1930 and has been operated by the same family ever since. The family friendly restaurant maintains a close relationship with each customer whether they are a regular or from out of town. Try a Hoskins’ classic like theHoskins Burger: homemade pimento cheese and grilled onions on top of two hamburger patties. And you can’t go wrong with one of their homemade desserts, like theCoconut Cream Pieor theBanana pudding: warm banana pudding topped with traditional meringue—just how grandma makes it.

111 N Main St, 37716; (865)-457-4340 Mon-Fri: 8am-6pm Sat: 8am-3pm Sun: Closed

Photo by Kellie Crye WardLong’s Drug Store

The perfect pharmacy and soda fountain for the whole family is Long’s Drug Store. Regulars have been coming back for Long’s family-oriented atmosphere since 1956. This traditional style restaurant serves up favorites like old-style cheeseburgers and sandwiches or theHomestyle ChickenorTuna Salad, made daily with fresh ingredients. For breakfast, try theCountry Hamserved with gravy and biscuits. And make sure to taste one of Long’s classic milkshakes, made with an authentic shake machine.

4604 Old Kingston Pike, 37919; (865)-588-0581 Mon-Fri: 8am-8pm Sat: 8am-6pm Sun: Closed