Antiquing and Thrifting in Knoxville, TN

Antiquing and Thrifting in Knoxville, TN

I don’t know about you, but I love to visit college towns. They are perpetually injected with youth and the funky vibe that comes from college coeds. And as all things “vintage” become trendier, college towns are really turning into hotbeds of places to thrift for cool, unusual, or wonderfully seasoned secondhand pieces. So, revisiting Knoxville, TN moved to the top of my junkin’ journey list!

antiquing and junking in knoxville

Home to University of Tennessee’s main campus, it’s a fun mountain town that boasts a LOT of thrifting and antiques-shopping options.

I ended my weekend with a carload of goodies and a text message apology to Jon for everything I was bringing home. But, where, oh where, did I go?

Antique and Thrift Stores in Knoxville, TN

Architectural Antics

I swear, I can practically sniff out an architectural salvage shop wherever I journey to. Like a moth to a flame, I am drawn to these wonderland places! And Architectural Antics is really, truly a fantastical store.

architectural salvage knoxville

My favorite section is the outdoor yard, of sorts, which holds any number of treasures. Wrought iron patio sets, vintage gymnasium lockers, candy-colored pedestal sinks, you name it.

architectural antics

Four Seasons Vintage Decor

Four Seasons is located in a strip of several antiques shops, so if you hit it, the others are just down the sidewalk a few steps. I love this shop for its eclectic collection of…well…everything!

vintage clothing in knoxville

There’s a great selection of vintage apparel, plus primitive kitchen pieces, plus mid-century kitsch. It’s quite the assortment, with truly something for everyone!

four seasons vintage

Ladies of Charity Thrift Store

Y’all know I love to explore locally-based thrift stores. Animal welfare charity shops are my favorite, but I really do like knowing that my money is being used within the community. And Ladies of Charity was a REALLY nice surprise of a shop!

knoxville thrift stores

There’s the cute little boutique-shop on one side (which I liked) and then there’s the warehouse store across the hall (which I LOVED). And super bonus, everything was 50% when I visited.

Vintage, Etc. 

For my mid-century modern lovers, get thee here! Formally known as Nostalgia on McCalla, Vintage, Etc. was truly a mecca of mid century collectibles (at the time of my visit).

antique stores knoxville tn

For years, this has been my go-to shop for all things MCM and I always find a treasure (or a few) at Vintage, Etc.

mid century modern furniture knoxville tn

KARM Thrift Stores

KARM is another local charity based in Knoxville and they have an abundance of shops in every direction! I only hit up a couple of them but had treasure-hunting luck at each one!

thrift stores knoxville tn

From framed crewel pieces to kitschy planters made in Japan (that I used for my Citronella Candles project), I could see myself making a day just going from one KARM store to another!

Smoky Mountain Vintage Lumber

To cap off my too-short weekend in Knoxville, I stumbled upon this shop and just fell in love. I adore- no seriously, ADORE- reclaimed wood and love the fact that more and more places are following suit.

smoky mountain vintage lumber

It’s like reharvesting lumber without taking down a single tree. So, Smoky Mountain Vintage Lumber was really an exciting discovery for me. Just wandering around their stacks of planks got my creative juices flowing.

reclaimed wood in knoxville

Have You Gone Junkin’ in Knoxville?

I honestly ran out of time to hit everything I had wanted to see. But, I’ve heard really great things about the following shops, as well:

antiques knoxville tn

Trust me, next time I’m in Knoxville, I’ll hit up a few more antiques and thrift stores and will let you know what I find!

As you know, stores open and close all the time- and at the time this was written (January 2016), these were my favorite antiques, vintage, architectural salvage, and thrift stores in Knoxville, TN. Now that several years have passed, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Are there new antiques stores or thrift stores in Knoxville that I should check out?

shopping at antiques stores knoxville

I’m also VERY excited to announce that my first book is now available! If you love working with flannel or fabric crafts in general (sewing and non-sewing), then you will LOVE “Crafting with Flannel”!

Craft book on flannel fabric

Explore on!

S

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knoxville thrift stores and antiques

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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.

Comments

  1. Thanks for the post. I live in Knoxville and didn’t know about a couple of these. How do you find them when you go to a new city?
    I like the Disabled American Veterans Thrift Store off of Washington Pike. They always have interesting things for better prices than Goodwill.

    • Thanks, Julie! I spend a lot of time with Google, LOL. I’ll definitely have to check out the thrift store you mentioned- thanks for the tip!!

      • This little gem of a thrift store has since closed ?. It had some great finds and the volunteers were superb! They haven’t announced where their new store will be but were anxiously awaiting. Our little shop is just around the corner from where their store (was)… Come see us at Becca’s Attic for Part 2!

  2. I need a bib! For all the drool….gross, I know, but GEEZ! I would lovelovelove to have access to all those yummy places with all their drool-worthy goodies! You lucky gal~

  3. you were only 2hrs from me!! you should have stopped by! 😀
    thanks for the info………..gonna have to pop into these shops next time I head to Cookeville tn.

  4. I find it interesting the ” new & current” clothes I have been seeing in stores look remarkably like the ones on the front page of that 1985 edition of Teen magazine. he,he,he,he

  5. Great places but too far from Oregon!

  6. Sandi Norman says

    hi, I live in Kingston, 20 minutes from Knoxville, let me know if I can help with any info. I have antique booths in Lenoir City which is close to Knoxville.

  7. Madonna Foy says

    I’m looking for a 70’s style outfit for my Christmas party, don’t know where to look. Please help me. I have only about 2wks. Thank you

  8. Gina Alazawi says

    POP Weasel Emporium is a new shop near Ladies of Charity. It’s fun and funky and takes you through the rabbit hole of vintage. It’s on the quiet side of Gay St. in Emory Place.

  9. Thanks for the tips Sarah! I am planning a junking trip up that way soon, and will use this as reference! 🙂 Keisha @ Black & White Antiques

    • Sadie Seasongoods says

      Knoxville is truly a hidden gem! Read through the comments on the post- if I remember correctly, people had made additional recommendations! I need to find time to do a Part 2 post. 🙂

  10. Becca's Attic says

    Be sure to stop by Becca’s Attic on your 2nd trip to K-town! We’re also having our 3rd Southern Sweet Tea and Junkin’ Fair on June 3, 2017 with over 40 vendors and food trucks! It’s a junkers, pickers, and DIY’ers paradise.

    • Sadie Seasongoods says

      Thank you! I do plan on a second “junkin’ journey” post there and your shop is on the list now- huge thanks!

  11. Jeff Ledrord says

    Pop Weasel Emporium on 611 N. Gay Street is offering some of the most rare and hard to find items that we have found anywhere. When you come in and see all the cool and hip furnture, art glass, vintage toys, mid-century modern lamps, art, and oddities, it will blow your mind! If you don’t see anything you want, just ask the helpful staff and they may have it in stock. The prices are the most reasonable in town. We just love this place!

    • Sadie Seasongoods says

      Oooh, awesome, Jeff- thanks for the reco!! I’m overdue to head back to Knoxville for my Part 2 and will add this to the list- appreciate it!

  12. Amy J Barrick says

    Hi there! Nostalgia on McCalla has moved and changed owners and is now Vintage Etc. At 3000 Tazewell Pike:) i wonder if you’d consider updating the link? Thanks so much!

  13. Next time your in check out Frugality Thrift Store in Powell/Claxton area!

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