One More Stroll on the Peppermint Trail to End Christmas Season 2024

Not ready to end your Christmas celebrations? Head on down to Market Square Mall and finish out the 2024 Christmas season in 2025. I know, many of you have already packed up your trees and outdoor lights, and the 2024 Christmas season is just a fond memory. But for those of us who hate to see the Christmas season end, allow us this final weekend to celebrate. What’s there still to do? Let’s take one more stroll on the Peppermint Trail to end the season.

If you didn’t read my last post, the Peppermint Trail is basically a trail of peppermints painted on the sidewalks of Downtown Knoxville that call attention to businesses who offer different peppermint themed purchases. My last blog explored some of those businesses on Gay Street. And since the Peppermint Trail continues through January 5, I decided to explore the Market Square section of the Peppermint Trail.

My friend and I headed downtown to begin our exploration of the Peppermint Trail. Our original plan had been to do some shopping, but the weather really surprised us by being chillier than we expected. So, we decided it was time for a cup of coffee to warm us up and hope the temps warmed up too.

Originally, we had considered stopping at Coffee and Chocolate just off Market Square Mall, but everyone else had also decided that was a good idea. Taking one look at the line convinced us that we should head over to Gay Street to Frothy Monkey.

As you know, if you’ve read any of my posts about coffee shops, environment is more important than coffee to me, but Frothy Monkey has both. Both my friend and I enjoyed our lattes as we took the time to relax and warm up. Take my advice and head upstairs for a little more privacy. My friend and I spent way too much time here, but at least we solved all the world’s problems …yeah, right.

Having spent so much time enjoying coffee, I had to strategize. There was no way I was going to visit every shop on Market Square’s section of the Peppermint Trail in the time I had left.

Proper Popcorn caught my eye. I love a good bowl of popcorn, and wow, do they have some popcorn. According to their website, they have over 50 flavors of popcorn, including Dill Pickle popcorn. When I asked the clerk about that flavor, he said it was one of their most popular. Not sure if I’m going to go there, but there are plenty of other flavors to choose from.

In addition, they have this cool selection of Pez dispensers and lots of other little toys and doodads that you can’t live without. With the upcoming cold weather advancing upon us, what could be better than grabbing a tin of popcorn, a Dr. Pepper, and a blanket and curling up with a good book or a movie marathon?

I found some great peppermint-themed home décor along with an awesome selection of UT earrings at Fruit Jar Alley. And if the peppermint décor is already sold out when you get there, they still have home décor items that you won’t want to leave behind.

I also found my first Elf on a Shelf. If you’re into scavenger hunts, Knoxville’s Elf on a Shelf adventure has your name written all over it. More than two dozen Downtown Knoxville businesses are hosting these perky elves and it’s your mission to find them all.

Stop by Mast General Store or the Knoxville Visitor’s Center to pick up your North Pole pass and click here to find what businesses are participating. Like the Peppermint Trail, the Elf on a Shelf adventure extends through January 5.

My final stop on Market Square was at Rocket Fizz Candy Shop. They have an absolutely huge selection of candy. If you’ve been looking for one of your all-time favorites and haven’t been able to find it, check here. I found the Midnight Milky Ways that I had been searching for all over town ( a favorite of my sons). Yes, I know they have them on Amazon, but I didn’t want to buy 24 of them.

In addition, they have something called Pickle Ice…I could see someone buying this as a gag gift for a birthday. And if that isn’t weird enough for you, they also have Crick-ettes – real crickets “deliciously seasoned” with Bacon and Cheese, Sour Cream and Onion, or Salt and Vinegar. I just want you to know I did not try those. But they also have Smarties….big boxes of these…one of my favorite candys as a child.

On my way back to the car, I stopped at Citifid-O, Downtown Knoxville’s Premier Pet Supply Store. They’re located at 429 Union Avenue and offer treats, food and toys for your furry friends. It’s a small shop with a big selection and people who really know their products.

I got Murphy a “pupsicle”. It’s a somewhat round container that unscrews so you can place a premade treat or a homemade treat in it. I’m always on the lookout for something that will keep him occupied when I’m trying to get things done and this did the job.

If you do decide to explore the Peppermint Trail this final weekend, or even if you don’t, here’s one final suggestion. According to the Downtown Knoxville website you have until Sunday, January 5 to take advantage of ice skating in the heart of Downtown Knoxville. If you’re athletically inclined, take your sweetie and enjoy a romantic adventure on the ice. It’s just one more way to extend the Christmas season.

What about you? Have you explored Downtown Knoxville this Christmas season? Leave your comments below.