Peppermint Trail Treats | 2022
Downtown Knoxville's Peppermint Trail is the epicenter for epic holiday treats! After shopping Downtown's local stores, you might be in the mood for a sweet pick-me-up. Explore coffees, cookies, ice creams, and more. November 25 through January 8!
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The Phoenix Pharmacy & Fountain
Start the Peppermint Trail at The Phoenix Pharmacy and Fountain with loads of treats, like Peppermint Stick Sundaes, Scout Elf Shakes with peppermint and hot fudge, Peppermint Patties with peppermint ice cream and chocolate wafers, Rosemary Honey & Fig and Maple Smoked Eggnog Ice Creams, Belgian-Style Hot Chocolate, and so much more. The soda fountain atmosphere takes you back in time, while you savor each bite with family and friends. You might want to plan more than one trip!
Jacks of Knoxville
Don't miss this season's treats at Jacks! Their chewy Peppermint Mocha Cookies pair perfectly with the holiday coffees and teas like the Peppermint Mocha, the decadent Nutcracker Latte with hazelnut almond, the Gingerbread Latte with ginger molasses, Eggnog Latte, Ginger Twist with herbal chamomile and gingerbread, and so much more. Plus you'll find loads of holiday gifts from candies, candles, books, bubble baths, and more.
Proper Popcorn
Proper Popcorn has popped up several holiday mixes including the delectably White Chocolate Peppermint made with vanilla popcorn coated in white chocolate, peppermint flavoring and sprinkled with crushed peppermints. It's perfect for a Christmas party! Another fan-favorite is the Reindeer Munch with popcorn, candy, pretzels, and cereal, all covered in white chocolate. New this year: Red Cinnamon popcorn comes with a kick. We're trying them all!
Awaken Coffee
Awaken Coffee is the king of seasonal coffees – and a must-stop destination with more holiday drinks than you can try! We love the Peppermint Mocha , Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate, Almond Joy to the World, but you also have to try the Gingerbread Latte, Eggnog Latte, and The Grinch – a twist on the matcha green tea latte. Can't decide...try a flight! Not only will these warm drinks make your taste buds tingle, but the holiday decorations and the Christmas Tree will warm your heart!
Ruby Sunshine
Ruby Sunshine will warm you up with the spice of gingerbread. Pair fluffy Gingerbread Pancakes with a Gingerbread Latte for double the holiday cheer! The latte is made with espresso, gingerbread spiced oat milk, whipped cream, and gingersnaps, and you can make it iced and/or boozy. It's a brunch you won’t want to miss on the Peppermint Trail!
Mahalo Coffee Roasters
Jingle over to Union Ave for a Merry Mint Mocha from Mahalo Coffee Roasters, where the coffee is delicious and the baristas are the sweetest. They are also serving three other seasonal drinks – Gingerbread Maple Latte, S'mores Latte, and Apple Cider – all sure to warm you down to your toes! Order your winter beverage in their pretty mugs, it just tastes better that way.
Kilwins
Kilwins is dripping in sweet, sweet peppermint with fan-favorite peppermint stick fudge, a delightfully sweet and slightly crunchy treat—plus other special holiday fudge flavors! They also have peppermint ice cream, bark, squares, and other yummy goodies like caramel apples, chocolate-covered pretzels, marshmallows, fudge, hot chocolate and Santa and Mrs. Claus-decorated candies.
Frothy Monkey
Frothy Monkey has something for everyone on the Peppermint Trail, from coffees and cocktails to brunch, lunch, and dinner! Try the Peppermint Marshmallow Latte with house-made peppermint marshmallow syrup, steamed milk, and espresso, garnished with peppermint flakes and a fluffy marshmallow. Any time of day, Frothy is a peppermint stop we're ready to make!
Ham'n Goodys
A must-stop on the Peppermint Trail! Ham'n Goodys is baking up tons of peppermint surprises, so keep your eyes peeled for peppermint crush fudge brownies, peppermint cupcakes (that will leave you wanting a dozen more), cranberry apple cookies, chocolate tea cakes with peppermint crush and more! They also carry homemade pies, cakes, and of course, lemon cookies, for your holiday gatherings.
Coffee & Chocolate
Just around the corner from Market Square, grab adorable Christmas Chocolates from Coffee & Chocolate. This Snowman has a dark chocolate shell filled with creamy white chocolate ganache infused with French vanilla. They've also perfected a winning peppermint trio of truffles, hot chocolate, and mochas. New this year: spicy hot cocoa and candied orange truffles. Enjoy your treat on their outdoor table as you people-watch the shoppers headed from the Square to Gay Street.
Cruze Farm
Step inside the already festive red-and-white Cruze Farm Ice Cream for holiday ice cream flavors like Candy Cane, Gingerbread, and Santa's Milk 'n Cookies. You can even top your treat with the cutest cookie (while supplies last)! Oh and did we mention fresh Eggnog, Eggnog Lattes, Toasted White Mochas, and Candy Cane Mochas?
The Tomato Head
What's a holiday season without crackle cookies? Grab one (or a dozen) homemade, "snow-dusted" Peppermint Crackle Cookies from Tomato Head. The warm flavors of chocolate and peppermint will satisfy your holiday sweet tooth – and make all your holiday guests feel welcome!
Petro's Chili & Chips
Visit Petro's on Market Square for Peppermint Dusted Rich Hot Chocolate, which tastes all the merrier with a hearty Petro® Bowl with chili, chips, and toppings. For dessert, order a peppermint-chocolate chip North Pole Christie Cookie. Aren’t the holidays better with something oh-so-hot chocolatey?
K Brew Coffee & Bagels
Stop by K Brew in the Embassy Suites on Gay Street for a caffeine boost while holiday shopping. Their Peppermint Mocha is a classic, because nothing goes better together than the flavors of peppermint, chocolate, and coffee. But there's more too! Their newest drink, the Snickerdoodle Hot Chocolate, is so decadent, it's basically dessert.
The French Market
Ooh la la! The French Market Crêperie's Peppermint Sweet Cream Crêpe is filled with a sweet, homemade cream cheese mixture and topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes. Pair it with their Peppermint Hot Cocoa, Hot Maple Buttered Rum, or an Eggnog Latte for a really special treat this holiday season. Trust us, you have to visit this holiday season!
Hello Tea House
After a day of holiday shopping, head over to Hello Tea House for a well-deserved reward from their holiday menu including Hot Cocoa with Boba, Peppermint Bubble Milk Tea, and Cinnamon Lattes. This tea house on Gay Street also has crepes, fresh fruit teas, cheese foam tea, and more! It's a Peppermint Trail stop sure to surprise you!
Matt Robbs Biscuits
Matt Robbs Biscuits is a blissful place to visit for breakfast over the holiday season. Order up an Egg Nog Latte with red sprinkles of joy, or a Peppermint Mocha, with a specialty Sausage & Cheddar Biscuit that will keep any sausage ball lover happy. What a winning combo!
Rocket Fizz
Rocket Fizz is the sweetest place on Market Square. You’ll find the most delicious selection of nostalgic candies, quirky sodas, and the latest brands of toys and sweets from around the world. A must stop on the Peppermint Trail for peppermint sweet treats, stocking stuffers, and a whole lot of sugary fun.
Status Dough
Celebrate the season with Status Dough! Order up a Peppermint Chocolate Cake Doughnut or a Chocolate Glazed Old Fashioned paired with a peppermint mocha, and you're in for an afternoon treat that will get you through that holiday shopping hump! Plus, go home with a dozen of your favorite buttermilk old fashioned, glazed, or flavorful cream-filled doughnuts for your guests at home.