Tennessee has a thriving hobby scene that goes far beyond the usual big-box craft stores. Whether you’re building scale models, customizing RC cars, designing miniature worlds, or hunting for rare collectibles, the state is home to specialty shops that cater to passionate hobbyists of every kind.
These aren’t just retail spaces but community hubs where enthusiasts gather, share tips, and fuel their creative projects. From Memphis to Johnson City, here are eight standout hobby destinations worth planning a trip around.
1. Family Hobbies, Smyrna
Family Hobbies sits right in the heart of Smyrna and has earned a loyal following among Middle Tennessee hobbyists who appreciate a shop that still feels personal. The staff knows their inventory inside and out, and they’re genuinely interested in helping you find the right parts, paints, or kits for whatever you’re building.
If you’ve ever walked into a big chain store and left frustrated because nobody could answer a technical question, this place will feel like a breath of fresh air.
The selection leans heavily toward traditional hobbies like plastic model kits, radio-controlled vehicles, and model railroading supplies. You’ll find everything from entry-level beginner kits to advanced builds that require serious patience and precision.
The paint section alone is impressive, with multiple brands and color ranges that let you match historical accuracy or go wild with custom schemes. Tools, adhesives, decals, and weathering supplies fill the aisles, so you’re not left scrambling online to finish a project.
What really sets Family Hobbies apart is the vibe. It’s the kind of shop where regulars stop by just to chat about their latest builds or get advice on tricky assembly steps.
The owners have cultivated a welcoming environment that doesn’t make newcomers feel intimidated, which is huge if you’re just getting into the hobby. Kids are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and learn hands-on skills that screens can’t teach.
Location-wise, Smyrna is convenient whether you’re coming from Nashville, Murfreesboro, or points south. The shop isn’t tucked away in some hard-to-find strip mall.
Parking is easy, and the storefront is clearly marked. If you’re planning a hobby road trip through Middle Tennessee, this is an excellent first or last stop depending on your route.
Family Hobbies also carries a respectable selection of paints, brushes, and detail tools that work across multiple hobbies. Whether you’re painting miniatures for tabletop gaming, adding realistic weathering to a model train layout, or customizing an RC body, you’ll find what you need without ordering online and waiting days for delivery.
That instant gratification and expert advice make it worth the visit every single time.
2. Mid-South Hobbies, Memphis
Mid-South Hobbies in Memphis is one of those rare shops that manages to do everything well. Model kits, trains, RC cars, aircraft, paints, tools, scenery supplies, and games all share space under one roof, but nothing feels crammed or neglected.
The layout is logical, the inventory is deep, and the staff actually uses the products they sell, which means you’re getting advice from people who know what works and what doesn’t.
The indoor slot-car track is a major draw, especially for families looking for something fun to do on a rainy Saturday. Kids and adults alike can race head-to-head, and the shop hosts regular events that bring the local racing community together.
It’s not just a gimmick. The track is well-maintained, and the shop sells everything you need to tune, upgrade, or completely rebuild your slot cars for better performance.
RC enthusiasts will feel right at home here. Mid-South Hobbies has an RC test area where you can actually run your vehicles before you buy or after you’ve made modifications.
That hands-on approach is something online retailers simply cannot offer. The selection includes cars, trucks, boats, and aircraft, along with all the batteries, chargers, spare parts, and upgrades you could want.
If something breaks during a weekend bash session, you can usually find a replacement part the same day.
Model railroaders have plenty to explore as well. The shop stocks multiple scales, track systems, locomotives, rolling stock, scenery materials, and detailing supplies.
Whether you’re building a massive basement empire or a compact shelf layout, you’ll find inspiration and practical supplies here. The staff can point you toward starter sets if you’re new or recommend advanced electronics if you’re adding digital control to an existing layout.
Scenery builders and diorama artists will appreciate the range of paints, static grass, foliage, weathering powders, and texture materials. Mid-South Hobbies understands that the little details make or break a project, so they carry specialty items that aren’t always easy to find locally.
The Memphis location makes it a natural stop for hobbyists traveling through the western part of the state, and the shop’s reputation draws visitors from Arkansas and Mississippi too.
3. Miniature Cottage, Nashville
Miniature Cottage brings a completely different flavor to Nashville’s hobby scene. This isn’t the place you go for RC trucks or model airplanes. Instead, it’s a haven for dollhouse builders, miniature enthusiasts, and detail-obsessed crafters who love working on a tiny scale.
The shop specializes in everything from complete dollhouse kits to individual pieces of furniture, wallpaper, lighting, and accessories that bring miniature rooms to life.
Walking into Miniature Cottage feels a bit like stepping into someone’s carefully curated collection. Every shelf and display case is packed with tiny treasures, and it’s easy to lose track of time while browsing.
The inventory includes both modern and historical styles, so whether you’re recreating a Victorian mansion or a contemporary loft, you’ll find pieces that fit your vision. The shop also carries raw materials for scratch-builders who prefer to craft their own furniture, flooring, or architectural details.
What makes this shop particularly valuable is the expertise behind the counter. The staff understands the technical side of miniature building, from wiring tiny LED lights to applying realistic finishes on wood and metal.
They can recommend adhesives that won’t show through delicate materials, suggest paint techniques for aging and weathering, and troubleshoot tricky assembly problems. That kind of specialized knowledge is hard to find, even online.
Miniature Cottage also hosts workshops and classes throughout the year, giving hobbyists a chance to learn new skills and connect with others who share their passion. These sessions cover everything from basic dollhouse assembly to advanced techniques like creating realistic brick or stone textures.
The classes fill up quickly, so if you’re interested, it’s smart to check the schedule ahead of time and reserve your spot early.
The Nashville location makes it accessible for locals and visitors alike. If you’re in town for a weekend and want to pick up supplies or just browse for inspiration, it’s worth carving out an hour or two.
The shop isn’t massive, but the selection is thoughtfully chosen, and you’re likely to leave with something you didn’t know you needed. Collectors hunting for specific pieces or rare finds often stop by regularly because the inventory rotates and new items arrive frequently.
4. Extreme Hobby Shop, Spring Hill
Extreme Hobby Shop in Spring Hill fills an important niche in southern Middle Tennessee. It’s close enough to Nashville and Franklin to be convenient but far enough south to serve hobbyists in Williamson and Maury counties who don’t want to fight city traffic every time they need supplies.
The shop has built a solid reputation for carrying quality products and backing them up with knowledgeable service.
The focus here leans toward RC vehicles, model kits, and building supplies, which means the inventory is curated rather than overwhelming. You won’t find endless aisles of unrelated merchandise, but you will find the brands and products that serious hobbyists actually use.
The staff can help you choose the right motor for a speed build, recommend a durable chassis for off-road bashing, or suggest the best paint system for a specific type of plastic.
RC racers and bashers appreciate the shop’s commitment to keeping popular parts in stock. Breaking a suspension arm or burning out a motor on a Saturday morning doesn’t have to end your fun if you can swing by Extreme Hobby Shop and grab a replacement.
The shop also carries batteries, chargers, tires, and upgrade parts that let you fine-tune your vehicle’s performance or rebuild it completely after a hard crash.
Model builders will find a respectable selection of kits covering cars, trucks, aircraft, military vehicles, and ships. The shop stocks paints, brushes, tools, and detail supplies from trusted brands, so you’re not stuck ordering online and waiting for shipping.
If you’re working on a project and hit a snag, the staff can often suggest solutions or point you toward the right product to solve the problem.
Spring Hill’s location makes Extreme Hobby Shop a logical stop if you’re traveling between Nashville and the Alabama state line. The shop is easy to find, parking is simple, and the atmosphere is relaxed.
Regulars stop by to share build updates, swap tips, and talk shop with people who genuinely care about the hobby. That sense of community is something you just don’t get from online shopping, no matter how fast the shipping is.
The shop also carries beginner-friendly kits and ready-to-run vehicles, so newcomers aren’t left feeling lost or intimidated. Whether you’re helping a kid start their first RC hobby or picking up a new project for yourself, Extreme Hobby Shop offers a solid mix of products and expertise in a convenient southern Middle Tennessee location.
5. HobbyTown, Knoxville
HobbyTown in Knoxville is a powerhouse destination for East Tennessee hobbyists who need serious selection and reliable inventory. The store covers a lot of ground, but RC vehicles, models, and building supplies are where it really shines.
Whether you’re into off-road trucks, on-road racers, airplanes, helicopters, or drones, the RC section is stocked deep with vehicles, parts, batteries, chargers, and upgrades.
One of the biggest advantages of shopping at HobbyTown is the ability to see and handle products before you buy. Online descriptions and reviews only tell you so much.
Being able to pick up a kit, check the quality of the plastic, read the instructions, and ask questions makes a huge difference, especially if you’re trying something new or stepping up to a more advanced build. The staff knows the inventory well and can steer you toward products that match your skill level and budget.
The model kit selection includes cars, trucks, aircraft, military vehicles, ships, and sci-fi subjects from multiple manufacturers. You’ll find entry-level snap-together kits for beginners and highly detailed limited-edition releases for experienced builders.
The paint and supplies section is equally impressive, with airbrushes, compressors, hand brushes, thinners, primers, and finishing products that cover every stage of a build. If you’re serious about improving your painting and weathering skills, this is the kind of shop that carries the tools and materials you actually need.
HobbyTown also stocks rocket kits and launch supplies, which is a nice bonus if you’re looking to add some variety to your hobby time. Building and launching model rockets is a great way to get kids interested in hands-on projects, and the shop carries everything from simple beginner rockets to multi-stage kits that require more planning and precision.
Engines, igniters, recovery wadding, and launch controllers are all available, so you can grab everything in one trip.
Knoxville’s location makes this shop a natural hub for hobbyists throughout East Tennessee and even parts of North Carolina and Virginia. The store is easy to reach from I-40 or I-75, and there’s plenty of parking.
If you’re planning a hobby shopping trip, HobbyTown should be high on your list. The combination of deep inventory, knowledgeable staff, and hands-on shopping experience is tough to beat, and you’ll likely leave with more than you planned to buy simply because you saw something cool you didn’t know existed.
6. HobbyTown, Johnson City
HobbyTown in Johnson City serves the northeast corner of Tennessee with a well-rounded inventory that covers model railroading, model kits, RC vehicles, die-cast collectibles, rockets, books, and general hobby supplies. It’s one of the few shops in the region where you can find quality products across multiple hobbies without having to order everything online or drive hours to a larger city.
Model railroaders will find a solid selection of locomotives, rolling stock, track, scenery materials, and control systems in multiple scales. Whether you’re building a small switching layout or a sprawling multi-level empire, the shop carries the essentials and can special-order items that aren’t in stock.
The staff understands the technical side of model railroading, so if you’re adding digital command control or troubleshooting track issues, they can offer practical advice based on real experience.
The RC section includes cars, trucks, aircraft, and drones, along with all the batteries, chargers, and spare parts you need to keep them running. HobbyTown carries both ready-to-run vehicles for beginners and kit builds for hobbyists who want to assemble and tune their own machines.
The shop also stocks upgrade parts and performance accessories, so you can customize your RC vehicle to match your driving style or racing goals.
Die-cast collectors will enjoy browsing the selection of cars, trucks, and other vehicles in various scales. The inventory includes both new releases and harder-to-find models, and the shop regularly rotates stock to keep things fresh.
If you’re hunting for a specific make, model, or series, the staff can often track it down or let you know when new shipments are arriving.
Rocket enthusiasts have a dedicated section with kits ranging from simple beginner models to complex multi-stage designs. The shop stocks engines, igniters, launch equipment, and recovery supplies, so you can get everything you need in one visit.
Building and launching rockets is a fantastic way to combine hands-on building skills with outdoor fun, and HobbyTown makes it easy to get started or expand your collection.
Johnson City’s location in the Tri-Cities region makes this shop accessible for hobbyists in northeast Tennessee, southwest Virginia, and western North Carolina. The store is conveniently located near major roads, and parking is straightforward.
Whether you’re a local regular or just passing through, HobbyTown offers a solid mix of products, expertise, and community that keeps hobbyists coming back.
7. Music City Toys & Collectibles, Watertown
Music City Toys & Collectibles in Watertown offers something completely different from the model and RC-focused shops that dominate this list. This is a collector’s paradise, packed with vintage toys, action figures, memorabilia, and rare finds that appeal to nostalgia hunters and serious collectors alike.
If you grew up in the ’80s or ’90s and remember the toys you used to own, there’s a good chance you’ll find them here.
The inventory is eclectic and constantly changing, which means every visit feels like a treasure hunt. You might find mint-condition action figures still in their original packaging, vintage board games, classic comic books, sports memorabilia, or pop culture collectibles that haven’t been seen in stores for decades.
The shop also carries newer collectibles, so it’s not just a nostalgia trip. Modern figures, limited editions, and current releases share space with retro gems.
What sets Music City Toys & Collectibles apart is the owner’s passion for the hobby. This isn’t a faceless warehouse or a chain store following a corporate playbook.
The shop reflects genuine enthusiasm for toys and collectibles, and that energy is contagious. Browsing the aisles, you’ll likely strike up conversations with other collectors, swap stories about childhood favorites, or discover something you didn’t know you were looking for.
Watertown’s location east of Nashville makes this shop a bit of a destination, but that’s part of the appeal. It’s not a quick stop you make while running errands. It’s a place you plan to visit, and you give yourself time to explore. The shop isn’t massive, but the density of interesting items per square foot is impressive.
Every shelf, display case, and corner holds something worth examining.
Collectors hunting for specific items can often work with the shop to track down hard-to-find pieces. The owner has connections in the collector community and can sometimes locate items that aren’t currently in stock.
That level of service is rare and valuable, especially if you’re trying to complete a set or find a particular variant that’s been eluding you for years.
Music City Toys & Collectibles also buys collections, so if you’re looking to sell or trade, the shop is worth contacting. The owner understands the market and can offer fair prices for items in good condition.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just browsing, this shop adds a unique flavor to Tennessee’s hobby scene and proves that collecting is just as valid and engaging as building or crafting.
8. Infinity Flux, Chattanooga
Infinity Flux in Chattanooga rounds out this list by focusing on tabletop gaming, miniatures, and the painting and modeling hobbies that go hand-in-hand with those activities. This shop is a community hub for gamers who love Warhammer, Dungeons & Dragons, board games, card games, and other tabletop experiences that bring people together around a table rather than a screen.
The miniatures selection is extensive, covering multiple game systems and scales. Whether you’re building an army for a wargame, assembling a party of adventurers for a roleplaying campaign, or just collecting and painting miniatures for the joy of it, Infinity Flux has the figures you need.
The shop also stocks paints, brushes, tools, basing materials, and terrain pieces, so you can build complete scenes and dioramas that enhance your gaming experience.
Painting miniatures is an art form in itself, and Infinity Flux supports that side of the hobby with a strong selection of supplies and regular painting events. Whether you’re a beginner learning to basecoat and highlight or an advanced painter experimenting with airbrushing and non-metallic metal techniques, the shop carries the products and offers the expertise to help you improve.
The staff includes experienced painters who are happy to share tips, recommend techniques, or troubleshoot problems.
The shop also hosts gaming events, tournaments, and casual play sessions that bring the local community together. Tabletop gaming is inherently social, and Infinity Flux provides the space and support to make those gatherings happen.
Whether you’re looking for a regular game night, a competitive tournament, or just a chance to meet other gamers, the shop’s event calendar is worth checking regularly.
Board game enthusiasts will find a curated selection of popular titles, new releases, and hard-to-find games that go beyond what you’d see at a typical big-box retailer. The staff knows the games they sell and can recommend titles based on your interests, group size, and experience level.
If you’re looking for something new to play, they can point you toward games that match your preferences and explain the rules or mechanics before you buy.
Chattanooga’s location in Southeast Tennessee makes Infinity Flux accessible for gamers in North Georgia and North Alabama as well. The shop is easy to find, parking is convenient, and the atmosphere is welcoming.
Whether you’re a hardcore competitive gamer, a casual hobbyist, or someone just getting started, Infinity Flux offers a supportive community and the supplies you need to fuel your passion for tabletop gaming and miniature painting.