9 Picture-Perfect Main Streets In Tennessee
Tennessee truly contains some of the most scenic natural beauty in America. A photographer's dream, there is a plenitude of emerald valleys, rugged mountains, and crystal blue lakes and rivers. With gleaming and vibrant cities from Nashville to Memphis and Chattanooga, the Volunteer State has its share of both majestic nature and grand metropolises. However, the most picture-perfect and vastly overlooked scenery in Tennessee is its small-town main streets, nine of which have been described here.
Greeneville, Tennessee
The city of Greeneville is as picturesque as they come; vintage lamp posts line the sidewalks and light the stately buildings along the main drag of town. Historic churches and a steepled courthouse lend an old-world charm to the peaceful Appalachian town. Lodged in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Greeneville is near the birthplace of American Legend Davy Crockett (it's about a 20-minute drive) and the hometown of the 17th President, Andrew Johnson. You can visit the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site while you are in town, and see the late President's tailor shop and museum.
If antique shopping is more to your liking than presidential history, The Greeneville Antique Market has over 75 vendors and three floors of yesterday's treasures. No main street in the world is perfect without lunch or dinner; luckily, Greeneville is home to several exquisite restaurants, such as Ma and Pa's Family Restaurant. Infinitely photographable, Tennessee's second-oldest town certainly earned its place on this list!
Jonesborough, Tennessee
Every city tells a story, but Tennessee's oldest town will inspire you to tell yours. Jonesborough, the home of the International Storytelling Festival and Center, tells the story of the state's oldest town. Stop at the center for a new journal or to hear master storytellers ply their craft. Stroll contentedly down the cobblestone streets, lined with classic brick storefronts and preserved buildings from the 19th century. If the serene streets of yesteryear have you feeling nostalgic, pop into Jonesborough Antiques and Artisans for some souvenirs. Finish up your trip down Main Street with a cup of coffee and some grub at Main Street Cafe and Catering, located in the old post office.
Leiper's Fork, Tennessee
Take a pleasant stroll through the charming village, often referred to as Tennessee's best-kept secret. Enjoy a Tennessee local and tourist favorite eatery, with a large patio and live music, the original first location of Puckett's at Leiper's Fork. Another popular dining option is Fox and Locke. Boasting fantastic food, drinks, and live music every night, their open mic on Thursdays has attracted country music royalty, who often pop in for a quick set. In fact, on your stroll through Leiper's Fork, you just may run into a few celebrities who live in the area, including Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, and Nicole Kidman, among others! The small village features an impressive arts and crafts scene, featuring several galleries in and near town, including the Leiper's Creek Gallery and David Arms.
Bell Buckle, Tennessee
Bell Buckle is a small, creative enclave and popular spot for weekend trips and tourists coming from Nashville. The Bell Buckle Square, on Main Street, lends this charming country hamlet its rural romance and superbly walkable downtown shopping area. The third Saturday in June would be the perfect time for your visit, so you do not miss the annual RC Cola-Moon Pie Festival, complete with live music, games, and street vendors. If you can't make it for the moon pie festival, try to come on down on a Friday for the Bell Buckle Farmer's Market, sample local produce and handcrafted products. When visiting the town square, be sure to put your name on the list at the Bell Buckle Cafe, a restaurant known far and wide for its comprehensive menu of southern favorites and delectable down-home entrees. No trip to Bell Buckle is complete without some shopping. Try the Bell Buckle Mercantile for that perfect souvenir, or stop by Bluebird Antiques and Ice Cream Parlor for a sweet treat while you shop.
Sweetwater, Tennessee
Main Street in Sweetwater looks like it came from the set of a Hallmark Movie. Historic brick facades line the town square with eateries, boutiques, and antique shopping. The Sweetwater Train Car and gazebo complete the scene that was one of the first Tennessee main streets to be recognized as a National Main Street City. Making Sweetwater's main street a great place for a picture-perfect visit is the Main Street Marketplace, an open-air Farmer's market replete with food trucks, produce stands, pop-up retailers, and start-up businesses that is open 365 days a year. While you are in town, stop by the Dogwood Lane Boutique for some great local shopping, or do some sculpting or painting at the 3 Generations Art Studio. Sitting halfway between Knoxville and Chattanooga, Sweetwater bills itself as the sweetest town in Tennessee, and it certainly has one of the sweetest main streets.
Paris, Tennessee
Ah, a walk through downtown Paris. Why go all the way to France when there is a Paris in Tennessee? Complete with a Mini-Eiffel Tower, Paris, Tennessee, has the type of main street that makes you want to show your vacation pictures to strangers. If you time your picturesque jaunt through Paris at the right time, you can be here for the World's Biggest Fish Fry in April. Even if you miss the festival, there are fish statues all over Main Street to remind you of the town's love for fishing and good food. Another perfect time of year to visit Paris is during the summer, when the Tennessee River Jam, a live music festival featuring fantastic food trucks and local vendors, takes place. Not that there is a bad time to take a wander down this small town's main street, any time of year, you can have a blast shopping or sauntering into one of the numerous local restaurants for a bite, such as Paris Station, an eatery, taproom, venue, and indoor lawn!
Granville, Tennessee
Granville is known as the Mayberry of Tennessee. One look at the storybook building of the living postcard that is Granville, and you'll know why. Historic brick storefronts line the charming streets of the small town, situated along the banks of the Cumberland River. The first stop on a trip to Granville is the T.B. Sutton General Store. There, you can purchase a town tour ticket that will allow you access to over 15 museums and historic buildings, including the Mayberry - I Love Lucy Museum, Granville Whiskey Decanter Museum and the Pioneer Village and Antique Car Museum. More than just a ticket booth for the attractions in town, the general store has souvenirs, its own museum exhibits, great food, and a weekly live music show each Saturday, from the famous corner stage, the Sutton Ole Time Music Hour, which is broadcast on more than 20 radio stations across the country.
Columbia, Tennessee
Columbia is a Top 10 Small Town and a Tennessee Main Street Community. It is not hard to see why when you glimpse this beautiful down-home downtown, complete with a classic town square and iconic spired courthouse in the center. If you happen to be in town for the first Friday of the month, you will see live music, food trucks, vendors, and local stores and restaurants that stay open late to celebrate every First Friday. The town features an emerging art district, comprising numerous galleries and studios, many of which are housed in the Columbia Arts Building. Relish a delicious meal at Abe's BBQ Smokehouse or one of the many other eating establishments and food trucks in Columbia. Be sure to do some retail therapy while you are in the area; downtown is a thrifter's paradise, and you can always find hidden treasures at Cute Vintagy Things, an enthralling little shop right outside of the Columbia Arts District.
Dayton, Tennessee
Incorporating a compact downtown strip and turn-of-the-century storefronts, this tiny Tennessee town feels like a trip through time. A clock tower-topped courthouse sits on the edge of downtown. The Rhea County Courthouse is now an event center and museum dedicated to the Scopes Monkey Trial, an infamous court case where a schoolteacher was tried for teaching evolution in public school. This widely covered event gave Dayton the unique moniker "monkey town". Trading off of this silly nickname is Monkey Town Brewing, a taproom and restaurant where you can imbibe in a brew and some killer food. Do not forget to stop for a quick souvenir at The Gathering Place, a country antique store with a little something for everybody.
Final Word
If you are taking a trip to Nashville or crossing the Volunteer State on your way across the country on a road trip, be sure to stop at one or two of these essential must-visit American main streets. Hang with the country music and Hollywood royalty in Bell Buckle or take a selfie in front of the Mini-Eiffel Tower in Paris. Get yourself some of the world's finest barbecue and smoothest whiskey in the stomping grounds of Davy Crockett and Dolly Parton.
