During your visit to Knoxville’s downtown Market Square, explore its shops and let the odd street artists and musicians entertain you. You can enjoy lunch on your own in one of Market Square’s restaurants or eateries.
Shopping in Market Square
From clothing and apparel to gifts and collectibles, and home décor, the Market Square District features a number of stores to suit your shopping needs with friendly and knowledgeable merchants that will help you find exactly what you are looking for.
Mast General Store
Mast General Store is a downtown emporium restored to the height of its Victorian period. Fixtures from the past mingle with displays from the present and showcase Mast General Store’s unique blend of men and women’s clothing including brands such as Woolrich, Flyshacker and Pendleton. Mast General Store also boasts a complete outfitters department with hiking and camping gear. In addition, Mast’s signature items can be found in its Mercantile Department and include cast iron cookware, pottery, baskets, crafts, old fashioned toys and candies.
Bliss and Bliss Home
Since opening its doors in 2003, Bliss has grown in popularity due to its unmatched variety of inventory and eventually opened in addition to Bliss, two home stores. Visit Knoxville’s favorite boutique, Bliss, featuring chic clothing, handmade jewelry and unique gift items. At Bliss Home you will discover casual contemporary furniture and inspiring home décor.
Art Market
Art Market is Knoxville, Tennessee’s oldest gallery exclusively dedicated to local and regional art. Delight in works of over 60 area painters, photographers, weavers, printmakers, woodworkers, potters, jewelers, fiber and glass artists.
Earth to Old City
Unique gifts made by local artisan await you in Earth to Old City. Locally-owned and operated for over 20 years, Earth to Old City carries candles, lamps, prints, toys, clothing, collectibles and soaps.
Nothing Too Fancy
Situated on Union Avenue between Market Square and Walnut Street, Nothing Too Fancy started out as t-shirt store. Working with artists inspired by Knoxville’s vibrant and varied culture, it was not long before Nothing Too Fancy transformed into something much more. From its variety of screen printed items to its salvaged treasures, Nothing Too Fancy is filled with unusual items you won’t find anywhere else.
Räla
Räla is a shop and gallery that features regional and local artisan wares. While merchandise is constantly changing; art, ceramics, t-shirts, candles, books, cards and prints are some of the items you might find in Räla.
Reruns Boutique
Find designer bargains at Reruns Boutique. Established in 1986, this upscale consignment boutique can be found in the historic Daylight Building on Union Avenue and sells high quality designer labels and better brand named clothing and accessories.
Union Avenue Books
Browse, sip coffee and soak up the ambiance that only a bookstore can deliver at Union Avenue Books. Hand-selected new and used books as well as decorative arts and gifts for every occasion are available to purchase.
The Farmers’ Market on the Square
In addition to Market Square’s unique stores and boutiques, the Farmers’ Market, twice a week, offers visitors the opportunity to purchase products grown or made by vendors in the East Tennessee region. Eggs, honey, herbs, free-range meat, bread, baked goods, salsas, coffee and artisan crafts are just some of the items you will discover at Knoxville’s downtown Farmers’ Market.
Dining at Knoxville’s Market Square
The downtown Knoxville District is home to an eclectic blend of culinary delights. Whether you are looking for a quick bite while shopping or a relaxing lunch in a full-service restaurant, you can find what you want in Market Square District. From a Southern café to a West Coast-style Mexican restaurant, Market Square District offers just about everything you could hope for and all within a short walk from Market Square.
Blue Coast Burrito
Blue Coast Burrito brings the freshest and finest West Coast-style Mexican food to downtown Knoxville. Build your own burrito or choose from Blue Coast Burrito’s menu featuring fish tacos, fresh salads and other West Coast Mexican favorites.
Café 4
You will find traditional Southern comfort foods at Café 4. Dine in Café 4’s vibrant dining room, or relax on the heated and cooled outdoor patio overlooking the bustling historic Market Square as you enjoy delicious entrées from Café 4’s seasonal menu.
Oodles Uncorked
Enjoy Italian and American favorites and an award winning wine list at Oodles Uncorked. From soups and salads to sandwiches, burgers and paninis, Oodles Uncorked has something for every palate.
Tomato Head
While Tomato Head initially slated to be a French bistro, the legacy of a pizza oven from the former tenants changed the tone of the restaurant. Slices of pizza and calzones, salads, soups, and sandwiches, burritos and quesadillas, desserts and beverages can now be found on Tomato Head’s menu. Remember to ask about daily specials.
Trio
Serving food fast, fresh and made to order, Trio is a casual café offering great snack and lunch options. Stop in for freshly brewed coffees and sweet treats such as raspberry white chocolate scones. With build your own buns, paninis, salads, and delicious side dishes such as fruit salad, baked fries and steamed vegetables, Trio’s lunch menu has plenty to choose from.
Entertainment in Market Square
Knoxville’s Market Square has become a prime location for entertainment of all sorts. Delight in street musicians and performers as you explore the area. The Market Square District is also known for hosting the International Biscuit Festival as well as other exciting festivals and events throughout the year.
- The Farmers’ Market is every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., May through November on historic Market Square. Vendors return for three Saturdays in December for Market Square District’s annual Holiday Market.
- More information about festivals and special events taking place during your visit can be found on Knoxville’s Market Square District website.