7 Standout Main Streets In Tennessee

According to the Tennessee Department of Health, about 93% of Tennessee’s land is rural, meaning you have not truly experienced the state until you venture beyond its major cities. These quieter corners, however, still have their fair share of entertainment. In many of Tennessee’s smaller towns, you will find exciting downtown districts filled with Christmas parades, barbecue restaurants, and performing arts venues that bring their Main Streets to life. If you are looking to explore some of the most entertaining towns in Tennessee, these seven destinations will remind you just how much there is to enjoy outside the city hubs.

Bristol

Bristol’s Main Street, known as State Street, is perhaps one of the most unique in the state, as it serves as the dividing line between Tennessee and Virginia. Travelers can easily hop between the two states just by crossing the street! One of the most beloved attractions on the Tennessee side of State Street includes the Downtown Center, a community gathering spot where events like summer concert series and farmers' markets take place throughout the year. Travelers looking to do some shopping can swing by The Local Merchants, an artisan market that is home to over 87 vendors.

If you get hungry, you will definitely want to grab a bite at Delta Blues BBQ, a fantastic barbecue joint that doubles as a live music venue for blues musicians and songwriters. A few of the mouthwatering dishes on the menu include brisket trays, smoked sausage trays, pulled pork sandwiches, and premium burgers made of brisket, rib, and chuck.

Columbia

As a nationally accredited Main Street community, Columbia’s downtown district features a classic town square that serves as the hub for events throughout the year. For example, on the first Friday of November, the town hosts a tree lighting celebration and parade along Main Street, complete with local food trucks and craft vendors. At the beginning of their visit, travelers should also stop by the Columbia Welcome Center, which features historical displays, a photo gallery, and informational brochures. Taps Off Main is a great place to grab a drink, located directly off the town square, established in 2019, and serving IPAs, stouts, ciders, and more.

Granville

Nicknamed “Tennessee’s Mayberry Town,” Granville is filled with historic attractions that will remind visitors of The Andy Griffith Show. The TB Sutton General Store, located along the central Clover Street, is the perfect example of this nostalgia. Dating back to the 19th century, this store sells a variety of unique items, including handmade crafts, cookbooks, nostalgic toys, and old-fashioned candies. For a snack or some quilting goods, Aunt Bee's Farmhouse Quilt Shop & Bakery has you covered, selling baked goods, quilting supplies, quilts, and more. Those interested in history should also add the Sutton Homestead to their itinerary, an 1880s home with historic furniture and rotating exhibits. The homestead’s interior rotates throughout the year as well, with the holiday season being a particularly beautiful time to tour the home.

Greenville

Greenville’s Main Street is lined with museums and historic buildings, making it a must-visit destination for history lovers. The City Garage Car Museum makes a great first stop, exhibiting a diverse collection of cars spanning the 20th century. A 1930 Model A and a 1972 DeTomaso Pantera Sports Car are a couple of the cars you will be able to view during your visit! Afterward, travelers can recharge with a coffee from Catalyst Coffee Company, which uses locally roasted beans in all of its brews. Visitors can unwind for the evening at the General Morgan Inn, whose history dates back centuries. A few of the on-site amenities to enjoy include a rooftop terrace, a fireplace and grand piano in the lobby, and a full-service restaurant and bar.

Lebanon

Travelers looking for an especially lively main street will love Lebanon’s, whose population hovers around 50,000 with theaters, breweries, and lots of local shops downtown. For a live show or movie, make sure to check out the calendar at the Capitol Theatre, which frequently hosts movie nights, musicals, orchestra concerts, and other arts events. Visitors hoping to do some shopping can stop by Winfrey's Rone Jewelry, a local jewelry store located along Main Street. Unwind at the end of the day at Cedar City Brewing, which serves Americana food that pairs incredibly well with their lineup of craft beers.

Sweetwater

You are quite literally in for a sweet treat at Sweetwater, with the Main Street area home to sugary spots like the Sweetwater Creamery. This gourmet ice cream joint offers an extensive list of ice cream flavors, Italian ice and sherbet, and a variety of baked goods that are sure to take care of your sweet tooth. If you prefer chilling out with a cold glass of beer, visit Sweetwater Taps, a beer garden with food trucks, pool tables, and darts. Market at the Mill is a wonderful place to grab a souvenir, a local establishment that sells gifts and crafts sourced from local artisans. Although not on Main Street, the Sweetwater Heritage Museum is just two blocks away, showcasing memorabilia and photos from Sweetwater’s history and cultural heritage.

Paris

If you have been dreaming of strolling the streets of Paris, France, but have not yet had the chance, consider exploring the streets of Paris, Tennessee, instead! This small town is home to numerous local businesses, primarily concentrated along Market Street, which features some excellent restaurants and shops. If you arrive in town hungry, pop into Uncle Billy's Downtown Eatery for a quick bite, which serves an array of American favorites. You are sure to find a treasure at The Closet, a consignment shop on Market that sells men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing along with accessories. Just a street over from Market, you will also find the Paris-Henry County Heritage Center, a museum and cultural hub that contains historical exhibits and artifacts from the area.

Towns With Memorable Main Streets

If you are looking for a different kind of trip this year, don’t hesitate to explore one of these seven small towns. Their populations may be much smaller than those of the state’s massive cities, but they still offer their own kind of entertainment that makes them just as worthwhile to visit, whether that's a museum, theater, or consignment shop. So pick the town that jumped out to you the most and get ready to have a memorable trip!