Some of the best finds in Tennessee hide behind plain storefronts that most drivers pass without a second look. This one sits on a busy road, and from the curb it looks like just another shop.
Inside, though, rows of records stretch from classic albums to brand new releases, with cassettes, CDs, and posters tucked in between. Add a shop dog, a giant clownfish, and owners who will happily talk music for an hour, and a quick stop can easily become an afternoon.
Here is why music fans keep making the trip.
A Record Shop on North Broadway
Lost and Found Records sits at 3710 N Broadway, Knoxville, TN 37917, in East Tennessee. It is an independent record store, and it has become a regular stop for collectors across the region.
The shop is not a giant warehouse. It is a cozy space that makes smart use of every shelf and bin, so browsing stays easy instead of overwhelming.
Vinyl is the main event here. The selection mixes used albums with new pressings, which means a classic rock record can sit a few rows away from a fresh release.
Plenty of people treat it as their go-to spot in Knoxville. Others make it a must stop whenever they travel through town, and some return after years away to find it better than ever.
For a city with plenty to explore, this corner of North Broadway holds its own as a destination for anyone who still loves music they can hold in their hands.
The People Behind the Counter
A wise saying holds that people buy from people, not stores. That idea fits this shop well.
The owners, including Maria, clearly love what they do. She has shared that some of her favorite records came from chatting with customers, and that spirit of swapping music tips runs through the whole place.
Staff member John has earned a strong following too. When the store has more than one copy of an LP, he is known to inspect them personally so the buyer leaves with the best one.
His knowledge of music runs deep, and conversations with him often turn into mini lessons. Staff members also recommend albums shoppers have never heard of, which is how many people discover new favorites.
Friendly, knowledgeable, and welcoming are words that come up again and again. Shoppers who prefer to browse quietly are simply told to ask if they need anything, so nobody feels rushed.
Crates Full of Old and New Vinyl
Eighty mentions of the vinyl selection say plenty about what draws people through the door.
The bins hold a wide variety of genres, from popular artists to records that are not your usual stuff. Used albums share space with new releases, so collectors hunting rare finds and newcomers starting a collection can both leave happy.
Organization is a big part of the appeal. The store is described as spacious, well curated, and easy to search, which saves time when you are tracking down one specific title.
The used section stands out for quality. The shop avoids selling beat up or scratched albums, so vintage deals feel like real deals.
Can’t find what you want on the shelf? The team is happy to order it.
They will even check inventory to see what can be brought over, which turns a missing album into a future pickup instead of a dead end.
Cassettes, CDs, Posters, and Gear
Vinyl may steal the spotlight, but cassette fans have plenty to celebrate too. Tapes rank as one of the most talked about items in the shop.
The cassette selection gives collectors a reason to dig past the record bins. CDs fill another section, covering a mix of genres for anyone who prefers that format.
Wall space gets put to good use with a nice selection of posters. They make easy gifts or a simple way to dress up a music room.
Here is a fun bonus for audio fans. The store carries some vintage stereo equipment, and at least one shopper has walked out with a tape deck.
Branded goodies add a final touch. Purchases come with a bumper sticker, and Lost and Found turntable mats are available too.
Those small extras turn a quick shopping trip into something worth showing off at home.
Ziggy, Bear, and a Very Big Nemo
Employee of the month often goes to Ziggy, the shop dog, who is reportedly paid in treats.
Ziggy is laid back and loves belly rubs. Plenty of shoppers admit that petting her is part of the plan whenever they stop by.
Bear, a senior golden retriever, has also charmed the crowd. Between the two, the store has a homey feel that few retail spots can match.
Then there is the fish tank. It holds a clownfish named Nemo, and it is said to be one of the biggest clownfish many people have ever seen.
Good news for pet owners too. The shop is pet friendly, and furry companions are welcome to tag along while their humans browse.
Records may be the reason for the trip, but these animal residents are a big reason people leave smiling and plan their next visit.
Trading In and Record Store Day
Selling a beloved album collection is never easy. Still, local collectors trust this shop as an honest place to bring records when they need to part with a few.
Trading and selling are both options. Many people have bought and sold here and describe each visit as a pleasure.
Community spirit shows up most clearly on Record Store Day. The shop takes part each spring, and the event brings a strong sense of togetherness among music fans.
Owners actively invite regulars to come hang out for the occasion. Some shoppers also make a point of visiting on Black Friday.
Out of state? The team has helped visitors ship their record hauls back home.
That small service makes a big difference for road trippers who find more than their suitcase can hold.
It all adds up to a shop that supports its people well beyond the checkout counter.
Hours and Fair Prices for the Trip
Planning ahead helps, especially for anyone driving in from out of town. Some regulars come from more than an hour away and still visit about every other week.
The store opens at 11 AM Monday through Saturday. It closes at 7 PM Monday through Thursday and stays open until 8 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Sunday hours are shorter, running from 1 to 6 PM. That makes Saturday the best pick for a long, unhurried browse.
Prices are widely called fair and reasonable, especially on vintage and used albums. Some new music may cost a bit more than at big chain stores, which is common for independent shops.
Many shoppers find something nearly every time they stop. With hours this generous, a Knoxville weekend can easily include a record run, and Tennessee neighbors from nearby states can fit it into a short road trip.
Worth the Detour
Small shops come and go, but some earn a lasting place in a city’s heart. Lost and Found Records feels like one of them.
The appeal goes beyond the bins. A huge mix of old and new vinyl, cassettes, CDs, posters, and vintage gear gives shoppers plenty to explore.
Owners and staff who love talking music add warmth. Ziggy, Bear, and Nemo bring personality that no chain store can copy.
Some call it a fantastic example of what a record store should be. Others say Knoxville is lucky to have it, and that kind of local pride is hard to argue with.
Collectors, casual fans, and families with a curious dog will all find a reason to linger. Plan a stop on North Broadway, leave room in the budget, and expect to walk out with at least one album and a sticker for the fridge.
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