Downtown Maryville Blends Rich History With Bright Future

This town nestled near Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains is no longer a hidden gem. It's a vibrant community on the rise.

By Kathleen Grant on January 3, 2024

Nathan Lambrecht

Downtown Maryville, TN, is a living testament to its rich history, where many historic buildings have been carefully preserved, standing the test of time. Whether strolling down the streets or stepping inside one of these magnificent structures, you can feel the enduring character that makes Maryville such a special place in Blount County.

Complementing the city’s characters, new developments are also on the rise, adding vibrancy and diversity in small businesses to the area. 

Maryville is no longer just a hidden gem – it’s now a community on the rise, poised to become a premier destination for anyone looking for a place to call home near the gateway of the Great Smoky Mountains. With its vibrant energy and strong community spirit, downtown Maryville captures the town’s essence. 

Raise a Glass to Maryville 

Diamondjack Wine Bar is the product of Micah and Rachel Talley’s lifelong passion for food, hospitality and community. Both born and raised in Maryville, Micah grew up in the restaurant industry, working at his family’s restaurants. Rachel graduated from the University of Tennessee and is a licensed Realtor with a solid philanthropic drive. 

Drawing from their extensive culinary and community experiences, the duo has created a welcoming atmosphere at Diamondjack, bringing joy to locals and visitors alike. 

“We chose downtown Maryville because this has always been home for me,” Micah Talley says. “I’ve always wanted to give something back to this wonderful community that raised me. I love the culture that downtown Maryville has to offer. The culinary scene is growing rapidly, and we feel so honored to be a part of it.” 

A Trail to a Cup of Coffee 

Soon after Vienna Coffee Company (VCC) owner John Clark opened his coffee roastery business in 2002, he knew that he wanted to ensure a constant connection with the Blount County community and establish a sustainable business. In 2010, he opened the first Vienna Coffee House on High Street in downtown Maryville. 

“At that time, downtown Maryville was on the cusp of becoming a destination for locals and those traveling through our area,” he says. 

In 2013, Vienna Coffee Company moved to its current location on College Avenue, offering easier accessibility to the downtown area and the adjacent Maryville-Alcoa Greenway. 

“Maryville’s downtown area continues to increase its appeal through its ease of walkability and several local restaurants and businesses, along with event venues. And we are thrilled to be in such close proximity to Maryville’s Farmers Market along with the Greenway,” Clark says. 

Being close to the Greenway, Clark says, VCC offers patrons the option of enjoying their favorite coffee beverage on its back patio with a view of the stream running adjacent to the coffee shop. 

“On any given day, our front porch seating and back patio host walkers with their dogs or bicyclists enjoying a break along the trail,” he says. “With a mission to ensure that ‘great coffee is an adventure,’ how appropriate is a greenway right next to our business? We could not be happier with our location and the community surrounding it.” 

Nathan Lambrecht

City Living With Mountain Views

Downtown Maryville has several new developments in the pipeline, and a key driver in that is VISION Property Services LLC.

“It’s just the right size, big enough to have most of what you want or need, but not so big that it overwhelms you,” says James C. Tomiczek, VISION Property president. “With a little effort, you can get to know many of the people who work or live downtown and have an influence on the direction and success of downtown.”

Tomiczek is an unabashed booster of downtown living. “I love living downtown,” he says. “I live in the heart of downtown, which allows me to walk to coffee shops, restaurants, bars and markets. Most of my work-related meetings are downtown, too, and within easy walking distance, so there are some weeks where I don’t even need a vehicle.”

Tomiczek notes the abundance of new developments coming to downtown Maryville, counting there are about 30 new projects, from commercial to residential developments.

“For those watching and waiting, I’d say get in now,” he says. “Downtown Maryville is going to continue growing and will bloom in
the next few years. It’s going to be fun to experience, particularly for those lucky enough to live downtown.”