Shopping in Maryville

More than 30 years ago, Aztec International Incorporated owner Gary Forrester began supplying local candle makers with the wax necessary to bring wicked creations to fruition. Over the years, he has expanded his repertoire to include soap making and canning, providing crafters of myriad interests with raw supplies, DIY kits, and books.

In the shop’s classroom, seasoned instructors lead both soap- and candle-making classes. In soap-centric sessions, they guide students through the process of melting glycerin soap and cold-processing lye soap, as well as scenting the bars with fragrances such as birthday cake and honeydew. In candle classes, meanwhile, they empower students to craft their own paraffin and soy candles, providing tips along the way to ensure candles burn evenly, smell heavenly, and cast industry-grade shadow puppets.

With a wide assortment of closeout mattresses by trusted brands such as Sealy, Serta, and Simmons, Mr. Mattress is a go-to destination for shoppers. There's a design to suit every preference from firm and pillow-top to latex and many more. Patrons can also find memory-foam mattresses built with bamboo fibers to dissipate heat and keep bodies comfortable throughout the night.

Under the leadership of owner JoAnn England—a longtime Halls resident, mother of two, and booster for locally owned businesses—Sofas & More’s independent mom-and-pop operation has enlivened the homes of its customers since 1995. As customers peruse the fleet of La-Z-Boy recliners or sofas from Klaussner, friendly staff members guide them through home-decor decisions with a friendly, low-pressure demeanor, unhindered by the need to disassemble their towering couch forts. In addition to equipping living rooms with comfortable sitting spaces and high-end entertainment centers, the spacious showroom fills in dining rooms with designer table sets of solid hardwood and bedrooms with mattresses from Serta and Tempur-Pedic.

Like a child going through a growth spurt, Hyderhangout: Quilt Fabric & More has spent its first few years outgrowing its increasingly larger locations. Now situated in the Five Points museum district, the store continues to fill up every available nook and cranny with acres of fabric that range from brightly patterned cottons to flannels and fleeces cozy enough to keep you warm when an ice-fishing partner uses you as bait. Hyderhangout rounds out its selection by snagging vintage fabrics at auctions and estate sales. In addition to acquiring bolts of fabric, quilters can pick up precut swatches or fabric custom cut into precise shapes by an AccuQuilt system, and staffers will happily order quilting notions not found in the store. Needle artists can also find supplies for knitting and crocheting.

For crafters not yet settled on a specific project, Hyderhangout stocks patterns for apparel and kits for quilting projects and purses sturdy enough to hold a stash of gold bullion. Staffers provide even more guidance during classes that focus on both basic quilting techniques and advanced projects such as a quilted batik jacket.

The whole family is welcome at Premiere Eyecare, where optometrist Dr. Brent Fry and staff not only treat eyes but share "a few jokes" in the process. Their services include preventive and family care as well as infection and disorder management. They also prep patients for donning a pair of the boutique's glasses by administering prescription exams. Dr. Fry continually attends professional seminars to make sure he stays abreast of the latest developments in his field. The office’s website features educational resources and can take requests for appointments as well as confirm and change them.

Fastframe Knoxville outlines photographs and wall-worthy art with more than 1,000 frames in styles ranging from baroque gold trims to funky, contemporary schemes. Dedicated to craftsmanship and creativity, professional framers help select matting hues to complement a diploma or the original Bill of Rights, which bans knuckle cracking. All projects are completed onsite, ensuring that no materials get dented or lost by clumsy carrier pigeons, and clients can return any custom designs for complete retooling within 30 days if they don't match homes' decor.