Unique Tennessee
There are plenty of everyday places to shop in Tennessee: H&M, Bath and Body Works, TJ Maxx, etc. But what about the not so everyday stores? From bears to witches to serial killers, these Tennessee stores have everything to meet your eclectic desires. These are what make Tennessee... Tennessee.
Cat House: Pigeon Forge
Dog lovers beware: this is for the cats. This little yellow cottage was bought in 1985 by Cheryl and Phil Anderson who remodeled it into a store as addicting as cat nip. Everything, minus a room for dog souvenirs, are for cats and their owners. Cats can find catnip, beds and toys here but most of the store has products for their owners. Jewelry, kitchenware, and novelty t-shirts are just a few things here. And it doesn't stop there, it just wouldn’t be a cat store without store cats. The owner has three cats that are adopted by the store for shoppers to pet while they’re on vacation away from their pet. But they also foster kittens and cats at the store as they await a family to love them.
Good People: Knoxville
Ready to unleash your inner hippie? Good People prides themselves as a family friendly hippie store with their focus on principles instead of drugs. Fulfill your hippie spirt with Grateful Dead bags, patches and blankets; incense holders, stickers and tapestries. However, the most unique item is the home-made tie-dye apparel that’s dyed in the store. It makes every piece different and special. This store is for good people only, according to their site, “no Jerk Faces allowed.”
AromaG's Botanica: Nashville
This new-wave Metaphysical store has had a home in Nashville since 1999. Unlike most metaphysical stores, the owner, Greg, was not practicing wicca or any set religion. He opened the store after being inspired by Sandra Bullock’s 1998 film “Practical Magic”. The owner and his husband were struggling with the store until they became certified aromatherapists and focused the stop around that until it grew into more interests, like adding a yoga studio and healing services including Reiki and Reflexology. Their products have also grown with over 250 different teas and herbs, essential oils, perfumes and lots of candles for spells and prayer. This store has something for everyone, no matter your beliefs.
The Upstairs Emporium: Clarksville
Need to get a haircut before shopping? The Upstairs Emporium has a solution. The Upstairs Emporium is found on the second floor of a barber shop that Kristen and Tom Edwards owns. This store is a mix of an antique mall and oddities shop sets up booths for local venders and artists to sell their products. Some of these venders selling paintings, jewelry, posters, clothing, and Ouija boards, with subjects such as witches, snarky comments, nostalgia and geek culture. Be sure to see the store dragon head that hangs on the store wall.
Nashville Crystal Store: Nashville
If you have any interest in stone jewelry, chakra, energy or natural dorm decorations; this is a store for you. This is one of the widest selections of stones and crystals in Nashville. Anything from small black tourmaline pendants to large nirvana quartz. They offer events to learn and use crystals in your everyday life. Tuesdays have weekly guided crystal meditations, and Friday’s have an evening crystal class, and on the third Saturday of the month there’s an energy healing clinic.
Dead Peoples Things: Millersville
This store is dead-icaded to passing on the things of people who’ve, well, passed on. It’s a treasure trove of unique and random things from the past. Shayne Parker is known to all customers as the fun and unique owner who started collecting as a hobby and turned it into a business. This store has just about anything – from vintage Empire Strikes Back lunchboxes, skulls–some human, some not– taxidermy animals, vintage furniture, to Civil War cannons and more. You never know what you’ll find there. But when you visit, be sure to tell the store dog, Princess Leia, ‘hello’.
Tater Red’s Lucky Mojo and Voodoo:
Memphis
If you’re looking for any souvenir possible, then welcome to paradise. Found in the Historic District in Memphis, Tater Red’s has become a beacon for tourists to the city. The walls are covered in every salt and pepper shaker you could imagine, belt buckles and city t-shirts. They also house many skull items from purses to wedding toppers. Did you have bad juju following you around the city? They have a cure for that too; with ways to create spells for all your hoodoo needs.
Charlotte’s Mystical Web: Jackson
Looking for a local witch doctor? This store is for you. This is a home-grown metaphysical shop that prides itself in its hand-made products ranging from bath-bombs, soaps, to hand-painted altar pieces. The owner makes it very clear that her goal is to bring together many small businesses and give them a platform to sell their religious and spiritual products. You’ll be sure to find all of your cute hand-made spiritual needs here.
Three Bears General Store: Pigeon Forge
This 40,000 square foot, two-floor facility is holding something wild inside; bears. Not only does this store have everything from an arcade, “old-time” photo studio, and spa, but it also houses bears for visitors to see. Their three bears were rescued from what they call a “kill farm” or a nearby hunting farm. Their enclosure has a pond, waterfall and treats spread around for them to find. Visitors can even feed the bears with “bear food” for $1.25 a cup.