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!
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
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
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.
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).
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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:
- Retrospect Vintage Store (for all your mid century needs!)
- POP Weasel Emporium
- Nostalgia Knoxville
- Becca’s Attic
- Community Chest of Knoxville Thrift Store
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?
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”!
Explore on!
S
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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.
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!
Oh no, which thrift store?? Ladies of Charity? That’s so sad, it was a wonderful shop…thanks for letting me know. I’ll definitely put Becca’s Attic on my list for Part 2, though!!
No, sadly the Disabled American Veterans one.
🙁 Well, at the very least, I’m very excited about coming back to Knoxville- y’all have SO MANY shops for me!
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~
LOL- and just think, it’s only Part 1!!!
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.
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
LOL, right???
Great places but too far from Oregon!
LOL- someday I’ll make it to Portland!! It’s definitely on my list. 🙂
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.
Thank you, Sandi!! I might take you up on that!
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
Where do you live, Madonna? If you’re in Knoxville (since you commented on that post), then I’d recommend Four Seasons Vintage, which used to have a large vintage clothing dealer.
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.
Oooh awesome- thanks for letting me know! I hope to do a second Knoxville post with different shops and that one sounds perfect to include!
Be sure to introduce yourself and I’ll even show you the hidden back room with additional treasures!
Most definitely- thank you!!
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
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. 🙂
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.
Thank you! I do plan on a second “junkin’ journey” post there and your shop is on the list now- huge thanks!
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!
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!
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!
Thank you SO much for letting me know, Amy- it’s all updated!
Next time your in check out Frugality Thrift Store in Powell/Claxton area!