When I moved to Knoxville, Tennessee from New Jersey ten years ago, I could not image what it would be like to live in the South. It was quite the shock.  I felt like a fish out of water. But at the same time, I liked it. The south was friendly, spacious, laid-back. All the things I craved. And even more of a surprise, there was a thriving community of holistic health and healing arts practitioners. I really lacked for nothing, whether it was a great massage, a yoga class, an

acupuncturist, a crystal shop or a gluten-free bakery. It was all here.

I’ve come to the conclusion that East Tennessee is understated. A diamond in the rough with its multitude of alternative and complementary healing centers, healthy eats, art galleries, extensive greenway system, all against the backdrop of the beautiful Smoky Mountains. East Tennessee as a place for retreating, relaxing and rejuvenating is a natural. After living in New York City for eight years, I truly appreciate that a more natural

environment, slower pace of life and access to affordable holistic health care, factors greatly into health, wellbeing and quality of life.