As fall gets closer and closer, students are searching for something to bring back the nostalgia of summer. The perfect way to get that summer vibe back is with a smoothie from a local shop. Here’s the staff’s favorite places and flavors of smoothies to get around town.

The Watermelon Mojito is the most magical smoothie I have ever had. Tropical Smoothie Café blends watermelon, mint, and lime together to give the drinker’s taste buds a cool, refreshing experience. I am sad to announce that it is a summer smoothie only, but hey, it gives me something to look forward to. [Cassidy Bailey]

I don’t really get smoothies that often, but once I got a Sunny Day from Tropical Smoothie Café. It was yellow and did indeed taste like a “sunny day.” [Allie Gruszkiewicz]

Though it does not have bananas, the Bahama Mama from Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a quality smoothie. A great blend of strawberries, pineapple, white chocolate, and coconut is just a wonderful concoction. [Tyler Hotz]

Sorry Smoothie King, but Tropical Smoothie Cafe has the best smoothies in Knoxville. My favorite smoothie there has to be the Beach Bum. It sounds a little weird, but it’s a delicious blend of strawberries, banana, and chocolate: simple, but seriously good. Plus, the price beats anything its competitors has to offer, so it’s perfect for those of us trying to save a buck or two when getting a smoothie fix. [Katie Matthews]

The best smoothies in Knoxville are hands down the smoothies at Panera. Though Panera is a chain, there is nothing like their smoothies, Wildberry especially. Even though the smoothies are great, what brings it all together are the big straws that Panera has. [Wyeth Wilson]

Even though I hardly ever get smoothies, Tropical Smoothie Café has the best selection for such endeavors. The Mango Magic is my personal favorite due to its lack of bananas and its blend of citrus flavors. [Maggie Kimber]

I haven’t had a smoothie in a while, but I do know what I like. The Jetty Junior might be small, but its taste is mighty. Both banana and strawberry work together to create an explosion of delicious and fruity flavor. Some question whether smoothies go well with meals, but I have personally never had a problem with this smoothie. It’s the perfect way to end the day. [Madison Tenney]