13 Prettiest Downtown Strips In Tennessee
Tennessee's downtown strips provide a unique perspective of local heritage by blending history, culture, community, and commerce. Strolling through them is an excellent way of experiencing the town's personality and its people's character. While most travelers are accustomed to the bustling urban centers of Nashville and Memphis, there is unrivaled charm in the quaint downtown strips of small towns that often remain overlooked.
From brick-lined streets with stunning antique architecture to vibrant town squares teeming with homegrown businesses, these delightful corridors place tourists at the heart and soul of the community. They are the perfect location to kick off your itinerary in a new destination, whether seeking to uncover eons of history in Jonesborough or entertaining the family with exciting activities in Gatlinburg. Discover some of the prettiest downtown strips in Tennessee.
Bell Buckle
Bell Buckle is home to about 500 residents, but that's not what it feels like for a first timer exploring the vibrant Bell Buckle Historic District. This rustic downtown strip is dotted with Victorian-era structures housing an eclectic mix of galleries, antique shops, and restaurants. You can find a unique treasure at Livery Stable Antique Mall, where over 30 vendors display an assorted selection of furnishings, jewelry, fine china, and other primitives. Alternatively, the Bell Buckle Cafe cooks up hearty American fare with a sumptuous Southern twist.
The SWH Art Studio invites you to connect with the arts by browsing different pieces by the local art community. Meanwhile, the annual RC Cola-MoonPie Festival brings the town square to life as the young and old come together to mark a longstanding tradition with bluegrass music, home-baked pies, and a ton of fun activities.
Dayton
This riverfront town on the banks of the Tennessee River boasts a walkable downtown area with a lively Main Street teeming with restaurants, salons, boutiques, and other businesses. A couple of historic buildings allude to the community's enduring heritage, particularly the conspicuous Rhea County Courthouse Historic Landmark. This red-brick Romanesque-Revival building is often associated with the famous "Monkey Trial" case of 1925. Several neighborhood diners, such as Monkey Town Brewing & Restaurant, treat guests to delicious Southern eats in a romantic atmosphere, after which you can enjoy a pint of craft beer.
The Swinging Bridge Park provides a serene outdoor escape in downtown Dayton, where visitors can take in picturesque natural views while stretching out their legs. Also, the main thoroughfare comes into its own every May during the Tennessee Strawberry Festival, as bands, parades, vendors, and performers flood the street.
Maryville
This lively college town in Blount County hosts a colorful downtown strip that promises vacationers fine dining, high-end shopping, and all forms of entertainment. It is home to the Blount County Historical Museum, where a treasure trove of vintage artifacts brings the region's past to life. Shopaholics can find more than 70 stores at Foothills Mall, including big-name brands like Sears and JC Penney, selling everything from apparel and jewelry to fashion accessories. Elsewhere, Broken Arrow a True Antique Journey is the perfect stop for old souvenir collectors in Maryville.
Those seeking entertainment will love the atmosphere of the Capitol Theatre. This grand movie house stages everything from music and films to performances, and is always jostling with visitors attending various events.
Bristol
Officially recognized as the "Birthplace of Country Music," this charming border town on the Tennessee-Virginia state line boasts a rich cultural heritage. Its pedestrian-friendly downtown area offers hints of its musical background at sites like Paramount Bristol. This cultural hub hosts all manner of live performances, including comedies, concerts, recitals, and dance. You can learn about Bristol's country music backstory at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, which pays homage to legendary musicians who pioneered the genre.
The Pinnacle presents a 240-acre shopping complex with dozens of renowned retail stores, entertainment joints, and dining venues. Also, you can catch the latest movies during remarkable 3D screenings at the classy Marquee Cinemas Pinnacle 12.
Cleveland
Cleveland's dynamic downtown strip has something for everyone, thanks to a fine array of local attractions. The city's most famous landmark is Craigmiles Hall, a 19th-century opera house with an imposing facade used for hosting various social events. Several movie houses keep residents updated on the latest Hollywood releases. If you love the Big Screen, you can head to AMC Bradley Square 12 to watch an entertaining flick. The venue boasts massive 3D digital screens to enhance the viewing experience.
Those visiting with loved ones can have quality family time by bowling at Leisure Time Bowling. But when it's time to eat, there is no shortage of delightful diners in town, and those seeking a fine dining experience can stop by Indigo Cafe.
Greeneville
Greeneville is steeped in history and ranks among Tennessee's oldest towns. Considering its amazing cluster of historic structures, its downtown area promises visitors a unique walk through time. This includes the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, a historical complex with rustic structures telling the colorful story of America's 17th president. Another highlight of the town is the Dickson-Williams Mansion. This was built in 1821 and features a distinct Federal-style design and offers a feel for life at the time.
If you love cars, the City Garage Car Museum along Main Street showcases a wonderful fleet of vintage automobiles worth checking out. Also, don't leave Greeneville without a rustic piece of souvenir from the Greeneville Antique Market.
Jonesborough
The state's earliest municipality is home to one of the most historically significant downtown strips in Tennessee, splashed with vital historical markers and sites. Walking downtown Main Street, the Chester Inn State Historic Site welcomes guests for a rare journey to the early days of the state. This 18th-century inn houses memorabilia and artifacts documenting the town's past since its establishment in the 1700s. Alternatively, you can listen to a talented orator walk you through the town's evolution through the years during a fantastic stage presentation at the International Storytelling Center.
The arts are alive and kicking in downtown Jonesborough. Admire the intricate display of paintings and murals at the Griffin Art Gallery, or catch a pleasant musical presentation at the Jonesborough Repertory Theatre.
Winchester
This small town in Franklin County is known for its enduring heritage, evidenced by the collection of museums and old structures throughout its downtown area. The Franklin County Courthouse turns heads with its imposing Art Deco facade and serves as an important link to the past for vacationers in Winchester. Meanwhile, the Old Jail Museum takes you back to the Civil War period and the pioneer era using a fascinating collection of related archives and manuscripts. The building was built in the 1890s and sports classic red-brick construction style.
Beyond the history, newcomers can watch their favorite flicks at the Oldham Theatre, which serves gourmet popcorn as you watch the latest releases. Alternatively, a hearty meal or refreshing cocktail at Filo's Tavern is an excellent way to spend time downtown.
Lynchburg
This tiny town of Moore County is often associated with Jack Daniels and is home to the Jack Daniel’s Distillery. Unsurprisingly, many visitors come to sample Tennessee's most popular whiskey at source, a highlight in Lynchburg's vibrant downtown district. At the venue's Visitor Center, guests enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the production of the iconic brand. Historians learn about the region's dynamic past at the Moore County Old Jail Museum. This 19th-century jailhouse displays rustic artifacts and relics, portraying everyday life for a convict at the time.
When ravenous, numerous eateries along the corridor allow you to replenish with delicious local cuisine. Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant is one of the oldest in the area and serves scrumptious Southern dishes in an antebellum-style building, while Barrel House BBQ is known for its mouth-watering steaks and ribs.
Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is a gem in the Great Smoky Mountains foothills, whose downtown strip has evolved to accommodate the entertainment needs of the many tourists who pass through the town. The lively district offers numerous family-friendly attractions, including the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel. This iconic Ferris wheel treats riders to sweeping panoramas of the Smokies. Also, Dollywood's Splash Country takes the fun into the water in a 35-acre amusement center with lazy rivers and water slides.
The Titanic Museum Attraction is one of the many quirks you will find in Pigeon Forge. This pays tribute to the legendary ship using a diverse collection of memorabilia, featuring over 400 prehistoric artifacts. The same applies to the Hollywood Wax Museum, home to human-like wax figures of celebrities and entertainers.
Columbia
Columbia is a small city in Maury County with a vibrant historic downtown district, hosting a mix of antebellum homes. The neighborhood invites tourists to check out the President James K. Polk Home and Museum, which is the president's only remaining residence. Built in 1816, the home offers a unique glimpse of life for the 11th American president. Meanwhile, the Maury County Courthouse is an icon in the downtown square and features and represents one of the best preservations of old-world architecture in Columbia.
Casual shoppers can pass by Bleu 32 Vintage Marketplace to comb through different primitives and collectibles to add to their haul. Finally, downtown Columbia gains a new lease of life every time the Mule Day festival graces the community.
Gatlinburg
This eastern Tennessee mountain town is always bustling with tourists, thanks to its location at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Unsurprisingly, it hosts one of the busiest downtown strips in the region, full of restaurants, shops, boutiques, pubs, and more. Notable attractions in the area include Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, where guests encounter rare marine wildlife species. Also, the Gatlinburg SkyPark provides remarkable chairlift rides to a 1,800-foot platform for 360-degree panoramas of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Meanwhile, the Village Shops welcomes shoppaholics and dining enthusiasts to explore its dozens of eateries, boutiques, and shops for an unforgettable time in Gatlinburg. Lastly, remember to try out finely crafted local wines at Tennessee Homemade Wines.
Cookeville
This suburban community is strategically situated between Knoxville and Nashville, making it a popular escape for city dwellers. Its downtown is a regional economic hub teeming with galleries, restaurants, museums, and a string of local businesses. You can find a handful of historical markers, such as the Cookeville Depot Museum, preserving different aspects of area history. The Cookeville Antique Mall welcomes antique collectors to check out for a lovely treasure worth buying.
Those with a thing for the movies can join fellow enthusiasts at AMC Highland 12 to watch first-run films. Elsewhere, the Cookeville Art Studio and Gallery offers the best ways to connect with the arts, including classes, workshops, and exhibitions.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is not the only gem in the Volunteer State, and neither are its famous big cities. A tour of the backcountry reveals a wealth of beautiful small towns with some of the prettiest downtown strips in Tennessee. From the elaborate old-world architecture and romantic dining spots to bustling shopping venues, these charming communities give tourists much to look forward to. Whether a historian, foodie, or culture lover, each offers a unique vibe worth experiencing in the United States.
