🏪 A Christmas Market at the Fairgrounds, Hometown Gifts at Local Depot and All-Shift Jobs for Quality Inspectors in Dunlap

Or: Holiday Pork Roasts From a Dunlap Farm, New Deck Options From a Valley Builder, a Warm Oatmeal Bar in Pikeville and Two Spencer Notes for Your Weekend

By Thomas Seest, Dunlap.Today · Friday, November 13, 2026

Good Friday morning. It’s a chilly, sunny end to the week, the kind of morning when the coffee tastes better and the truck takes a minute to warm up. Main Street is warming up too. Holiday shopping has officially pulled up a chair, and there’s a little something here for your gift list, your supper table and your paycheck.

Here’s the roundup. The Fredonia Christmas Market fills the Dunlap Fairgrounds Building today and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Local Depot on Rankin Avenue just stocked “Christmas in Dunlap” ornaments, pillows, towels and candles, plus nativity décor. Dayton Express Employment is hiring quality inspectors for all shifts at a job located in Dunlap. Heartwood Farm in Dunlap is taking holiday pork roast orders through Nov. 20. M+M Construction & Remodeling is now an official TimberTech Pro deck installer. Creekside Cafe in Pikeville has a new weekday oatmeal bar. And in Spencer, a mobile car detailer will come to your driveway while Totally Ice Cream has its last two-day weekend before winter hours. One happy date for December and a few small finds are at the end.

Time note: All times in this roundup are Central.

⏱️ What this means for you in 30 seconds

• Gift shopping this weekend? Fredonia Christmas Market, today and Sat., Nov. 14, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., Dunlap Fairgrounds Building, 103 Heard St.
• Need work? Quality inspector jobs in Dunlap, all shifts. Call Dayton Express Employment at 423-285-5222.
• Holiday roast? Reserve with Heartwood Farm by Fri., Nov. 20. It’s the farm’s last pork until spring.
• Hometown gifts: “Christmas in Dunlap” items at Local Depot, 15652 Rankin Ave., open Wed.–Sat., 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Spencer: Totally Ice Cream is open today and Saturday, noon–8 p.m. Starting Nov. 21, it’s Saturdays only.

🎄 Handmade Gifts Under One Roof: The Fredonia Christmas Market Opens Today at the Fairgrounds

The Fredonia Christmas Market brings local artisans and food makers together at the Dunlap Fairgrounds Building for two days of holiday shopping.

• When: Today, Friday, Nov. 13, and Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.
• Where: Dunlap Fairgrounds Building, 103 Heard Street, Dunlap.
• What you’ll find: Stained glass, baskets, weaving, pottery, quilts, clothes, woodworks, baked goods, candy, candles, honey, preserves, jewelry, soaps, home décor, wreaths, floral arrangements and hand-painted glasses.
• King Louie’s Nuts will have its nut varieties and the “Royal snackle box”, a sectioned box of peanuts, almonds, pecans, cashews and pumpkin seeds. Its T-shirts support Bella’s Fight.
• Geek Farms of Signal Mountain plans to bring fresh eggs, sloppy Joe and “sloppy Jose” mixes, vinaigrette and vanilla.

What it means for you: A market like this is like a church potluck for your gift list. Everybody brings their best, and you get to walk the whole table. Cross off a few names before December gets busy, and you’ll know your money stayed close to home. Bring a list and a tote bag.

👉 Read more on Dunlap.Today · King Louie’s Nuts on Dunlap.Today · Geek Farms on Dunlap.Today · King Louie’s Nuts on Dunlap.Directory · Geek Farms on Dunlap.Directory

🎁 “Christmas in Dunlap” on the Shelf: Hometown Gifts and Nativity Décor at Local Depot

Local Depot, the multi-vendor shop at 15652 Rankin Avenue in Dunlap, just brought in two new holiday collections.

• Dunlap-themed gifts: Dunlap Christmas ornaments, pillows with winter town scenes that read “Christmas in Dunlap,” hand towels that say “Santa, Please Stop in Dunlap, TN” and “Someone in Dunlap Loves Me,” and candles with Dunlap labels. Candle warmers and figurines too.
• Nativity décor: Ceramic nativity sets under glass domes, hand-painted nativity and angel ornaments, and faith-focused books.
• Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The directory listing also shows Sunday, noon to 4 p.m.
• Questions about prices or stock: Call (423) 949-8600.

What it means for you: A gift with the town’s name on it is like a postcard you can hang on the tree. It’s a good pick for the grandkids who moved off, or for a neighbor who just moved in. If you’re shopping for someone far away, grab it early so there’s time to mail it.

👉 Read more on Dunlap.Today · Nativity décor on Dunlap.Today · Local Depot on Dunlap.Directory

💼 Now Hiring: Quality Inspectors for All Shifts at a Dunlap Job

Dayton Express Employment, a staffing office, is recruiting quality inspectors for a job located in Dunlap.

• Shifts: All shifts are open, so day, evening and overnight folks can all ask.
• The work: Quality inspectors check products or parts to make sure they’re made right.
• To apply or ask questions: Call 423-285-5222.
• Not stated: The employer’s name, pay and benefits. Ask when you call.

What it means for you: Quality inspection is like checking every egg before it goes in the carton. You need a careful eye more than a strong back. With all shifts open, it could suit a parent working around school hours or a night owl. If you know someone looking, pass the number along.

👉 Read more on Dunlap.Today

🐷 A Holiday Roast From Down the Road: Heartwood Farm Takes Pork Orders Through Nov. 20

Heartwood Farm, a regenerative farm in Dunlap run by Eric and Emily Chastang, is taking pre-orders on three hogs to be butchered Nov. 25.

• Rack of pork: $13 a pound (the pork version of a standing rib roast).
• Boneless loin roast: $14 a pound.
• Pork tenderloin: $20 a pound.
• Boston butt roasts and fresh bone-in ham roasts: $11 a pound each. The farm calls the ham ideal for holiday meals.
• Custom cuts: The farm welcomes requests for cuts not on the list.
• Deadline: Friday, Nov. 20. These roasts are only available if reserved ahead. It’s the farm’s last pork until late spring.
• How to reach them: The farm’s directory listing gives (912) 275-1327. The farm was formerly Mowbray Mountain Farm.

What it means for you: Ordering a roast ahead is like saving a seat at a full church on Christmas Eve. If you wait, it’s gone. Decide by next Friday whether your holiday table wants a ham or a rack, and make the call.

👉 Read more on Dunlap.Today · Heartwood Farm on Dunlap.Directory

🏡 New Boards on the Back Porch: M+M Construction Becomes a TimberTech Pro Deck Installer

M+M Construction & Remodeling, a licensed and insured builder serving Pikeville, Dunlap and the Valley, is now an official TimberTech Pro installer for composite and PVC decking.

• What it offers: TimberTech PRO composite and PVC decking, Trex composite decking (certification in progress), pressure-treated wood decks, and custom designs, stairs and railings.
• Warranty: Deck work now comes with a Labor & Material Warranty Certificate.
• Booking: The company is booking new deck projects now.
• To reach them: The directory listing gives (931) 252-4028.
• Not stated: Prices. Ask for a written quote.

What it means for you: Composite boards are like a good cast-iron skillet. They cost more up front but ask less of you every year after. Winter is a fine time to plan a spring deck. Sketch what you want and get on the schedule before the warm-weather rush.

👉 Read more on Dunlap.Today · M+M Construction & Remodeling on Dunlap.Directory

🥣 A Warm Bowl Before Work: Creekside Cafe Opens a Morning Oatmeal Bar in Pikeville

Creekside Cafe at 90 Creekside Plaza in Pikeville added a warm oatmeal bowl earlier this month. Now it’s a full Morning Oatmeal Bar with five signature bowls, each $6.50.

• Nana’s Banana Bread: Banana slices, syrup-drizzled walnuts and a touch of allspice.
• Appalachian Apple Pie: Warm cinnamon apples, brown sugar and granola.
• Southern Pecan Praline: Pecans, maple syrup, brown sugar and cinnamon.
• Berry Good Morning: Strawberries, blueberries, bananas and honey.
• Chunky Monkey: Banana, warm peanut butter, warm Nutella and granola.
• When: Monday through Friday, 6 to 10:30 a.m. Phone from the listing: (423) 447-2050.

What it means for you: A bowl of oatmeal on a frosty morning is like a quilt for your insides. For early risers headed up the Valley, it’s a quick, warm stop that won’t empty your wallet.

👉 Read more on Dunlap.Today · Creekside Cafe on Dunlap.Directory

🚗 Two Spencer Notes: A Car Detailer Who Comes to You and Ice Cream’s Last Two-Day Weekend

Up on the mountain in Van Buren County, two businesses have news.

• Precision Auto Detailing (mobile, Spencer): Comes to your home, office or workplace. Inside: vacuuming, pet hair removal, carpet and seat shampooing, leather care, and odor removal. Outside: foam wash, bug and tar removal, wheels and tires, wax and polish, and ceramic coating packages. No deposit, and you pay after the job. Multi-vehicle discounts are offered and appointments are limited. Call or text 720-803-0437 for a free quote.
• Totally Ice Cream Trailer (near Fall Creek Falls): Open today and Saturday, Nov. 13–14, noon to 8 p.m., its last regular two-day weekend. Starting Saturday, Nov. 21, it’s open Saturdays only, same noon-to-8 hours. Its listing gives 1267 Archie Rhinehart Parkway.

What it means for you: A detailer coming to you is like having the barber make a house call. You skip the drive and the waiting room. And if a Fall Creek Falls trip is on your list, this weekend is the easy one for a scoop.

👉 Precision Auto Detailing on Dunlap.Today · Totally Ice Cream on Dunlap.Today · Precision Auto Detailing on Dunlap.Directory · Totally Ice Cream Trailer on Dunlap.Directory

🎶 One Happy Date for December: Small Town Christmas at The Dunlap Mercantile

Write this one on the calendar now so it doesn’t slip away.

• When: Sunday, Dec. 6, at 3:30 p.m.
• Where: The Dunlap Mercantile, 15664 Rankin Ave. (the post calls the venue “The Dunlap Mercantile Church”).
• What: Live music from Zach Olendorf and Cody McCarver, and a Christmas message from Kevin Shelton.
• Cost: Free and open to all. Bring canned food for the food drive if you’d like. It’s optional.

What it means for you: An afternoon of music with a can of beans in your coat pocket is like two good deeds in one trip. You get a little Christmas spirit, and a neighbor gets a fuller pantry.

👉 Read more on Dunlap.Today · The Dunlap Mercantile on Dunlap.Directory

🧺 Small Finds on Main Street

• Nice Nails (Dunlap): Fall designs are in, with earthy tones, chrome details and pumpkin-and-leaf art. Gel, dip powder, French manicures and pedicures. Walk-ins and appointments, 16952 Rankin Ave., Unit B, (423) 949-3441. Dunlap.Today · Directory
• BB’s Cafe (Spring City, Rhea County): Today’s specials are Blackberry Crème, Banana Pudding and Cookie Butter pancakes with bacon or sausage, plus a meatball sub and white chicken chili. 467 Front St., (423) 365-4875. Dunlap.Today · Directory

✅ Your Main Street Checklist

• ✅ Gift list started? Visit the Fredonia Christmas Market today or Saturday, 10–4, at the Fairgrounds on Heard Street.
• ✅ Want a Dunlap gift for someone far away? Stop by Local Depot, Wed.–Sat., and mail it early.
• ✅ Looking for work? Call Dayton Express Employment at 423-285-5222 about quality inspector shifts.
• ✅ Holiday roast? Reserve with Heartwood Farm by Friday, Nov. 20.
• ✅ Dreaming of a new deck? Ask M+M Construction for a written quote this winter.
• ✅ Fall Creek Falls trip? Totally Ice Cream is open today and Saturday. Saturdays only after that.
• ✅ Calendar: Small Town Christmas, Sun., Dec. 6, 3:30 p.m. Bring a can of food.

Practical rule: Write the date and the phone number on the same sticky note. A deadline without a number is just a worry; with the number, it’s a two-minute call.

— Dunlap.Today

📚 Plain-English Main Street Glossary

• Quality inspector: A worker who checks products or parts to make sure they meet the standard before they ship.
• Staffing agency: A company that hires workers and places them in jobs at other businesses.
• All shifts: Day, evening and overnight work hours are all available.
• Regenerative farm: A farm that tries to build up the soil and land while it raises food.
• Pre-order: Reserving something before it’s ready so it’s set aside for you.
• Price per pound: The cost goes by weight, so a bigger roast costs more.
• Composite decking: Deck boards made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic. They don’t need staining like wood.
• Ceramic coating: A clear, hard layer put on a car’s paint to protect the shine.
• Multi-vendor shop: One store where many small sellers rent space and sell their own goods.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the Fredonia Christmas Market?

Today, Friday, Nov. 13, and Saturday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Dunlap Fairgrounds Building, 103 Heard Street. Vendors include King Louie’s Nuts and Geek Farms, along with makers of quilts, pottery, candles, wreaths, baked goods and more.

What Dunlap-themed gifts does Local Depot have?

Dunlap Christmas ornaments, “Christmas in Dunlap” pillows, hand towels and candles with Dunlap sayings, candle warmers and figurines, plus a separate nativity collection. The shop is at 15652 Rankin Ave. and is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call (423) 949-8600 for prices.

How do I apply for the quality inspector job in Dunlap?

Call Dayton Express Employment at 423-285-5222. All shifts are open. The posting didn’t name the employer or list pay, so ask about those when you call.

What does Heartwood Farm’s holiday pork cost, and when is the deadline?

Rack of pork is $13 a pound, boneless loin roast $14, tenderloin $20, and Boston butt and fresh bone-in ham roasts $11. Reserve by Friday, Nov. 20. Butchering is Nov. 25. The farm’s directory listing gives (912) 275-1327.

What decks does M+M Construction & Remodeling build?

TimberTech PRO composite and PVC decks, Trex composite decks (certification in progress), pressure-treated wood decks, and custom stairs and railings. Deck work includes a Labor & Material Warranty Certificate. The listing gives (931) 252-4028.

When is Creekside Cafe’s oatmeal bar open?

Monday through Friday, 6 to 10:30 a.m., at 90 Creekside Plaza in Pikeville. Each of the five bowls is $6.50.

When does Totally Ice Cream switch to winter hours?

This weekend, Nov. 13–14, is its last two-day weekend, noon to 8 p.m. Starting Saturday, Nov. 21, it’s open Saturdays only, noon to 8 p.m.

Is Small Town Christmas free?

Yes. It’s free and open to all on Sunday, Dec. 6, at 3:30 p.m. at The Dunlap Mercantile, 15664 Rankin Ave. Canned food for the food drive is welcome but optional.

🔗 Other Resources

• Dunlap.Today: Fredonia Christmas Market, Nov. 13–14
• Dunlap.Today: King Louie’s Nuts at the Fredonia Christmas Market
• Dunlap.Today: Geek Farms at the Fredonia Christmas Market
• Dunlap.Directory: King Louie’s Nuts
• Dunlap.Directory: Geek Farms
• Dunlap.Today: Dunlap-themed Christmas merchandise at Local Depot
• Dunlap.Today: Nativity décor at Local Depot
• Dunlap.Directory: Local Depot
• Dunlap.Today: Quality inspectors wanted for Dunlap positions
• Dunlap.Today: Holiday pork roasts, reserve by Nov. 20
• Dunlap.Directory: Heartwood Farm
• Dunlap.Today: M+M Construction becomes a TimberTech Pro installer
• Dunlap.Directory: M+M Construction & Remodeling
• Dunlap.Today: Creekside Cafe Morning Oatmeal Bar
• Dunlap.Directory: Creekside Cafe
• Dunlap.Today: Mobile car detailing in Spencer
• Dunlap.Directory: Precision Auto Detailing
• Dunlap.Today: Totally Ice Cream winter hours
• Dunlap.Directory: Totally Ice Cream Trailer
• Dunlap.Today: Small Town Christmas at The Dunlap Mercantile
• Dunlap.Directory: The Dunlap Mercantile
• Dunlap.Today: Fall nail designs at Nice Nails
• Dunlap.Directory: Nice Nails in Dunlap
• Dunlap.Today: BB’s Cafe Friday pancake specials
• Dunlap.Directory: BB’s Cafe
• Dunlap.Today: New Businesses
• Dunlap.Directory
• Dunlap.Today

🌿 Keep Learning, Stay Calm

This Friday’s Main Street is about getting a head start without getting in a hurry. A market full of handmade gifts, a shelf of hometown keepsakes, a steady job with flexible shifts and a holiday roast from a farm down the road. You don’t have to do it all this weekend. Pick one thing, write it on the fridge, and enjoy the sunshine while it’s here.

👉 Read more calm, practical Valley news anytime at Dunlap.Today.