These 8 Towns in Tennessee Have The Best Main Streets
Tennessee covers a lot of ground for travelers. The state is home to the city of Nashville and to the Great Smoky Mountains. Add in an endless selection of outdoor adventures and tranquil lakes plus cute communities across the state. The towns ahead are equally rewarding when the focus shifts to walkable downtowns and active main streets. Each features unique attractions such as museums, art spots, and historic buildings worth lingering over.
Jonesborough
Titled the "Storytelling Capital of the World," Jonesborough is a historical and artistic town, ideal for a day well spent antique-shopping, on historical wanderings, distillery touring, and more. The town hosts the National Storytelling Festival every October, featuring streets lined with tents and the telling of hundreds of stories of all different genres.
It is also Tennessee's oldest town, established in 1779, and the main street is truly a trip into the past. Immerse yourself in the town's depth and heritage by taking a walking tour, or enjoy its beauty on your own, working through the different shops and restaurants at your leisure.
Tennessee Hills Distillery is a great place to grab refreshments, offering tours and tastings of hand-crafted spirits. The Chester Inn State Historic Site is another unique spot to explore, having hosted Presidents Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson, and James K. Polk.
Columbia
One of the best small towns for a weekend escape, Columbia is just south of Nashville and houses a rich history alongside a number of pre-Civil War houses. The Historic Elm Springs is a brick house, built in 1837 in the Greek Revival style, and the mansion grounds are available for tours, weddings, and events.
For a taste of American history, pay a visit to the President James K. Polk Home & Museum, which is the only surviving residence of the past president apart from the White House. The Columbia Town Square also hosts plenty of adventure, featuring the town's signature courthouse, plenty of antique shops, such as Bleu 32, tasteful restaurants, and a brewery. A short drive outside of town, you will find St. John's Episcopal Church, which is open to the public for tours and boasts 19th-century architecture.
Paris
Paris is one of the most underrated small towns in Tennessee, and also the oldest incorporated town in West Tennessee. The Paris Winery is a fine spot, featuring Venetian-style architecture you can admire while sampling its selection of wines. Paris Landing State Park is a great place to enjoy the great outdoors, taking in views of Kentucky Lake, where you can boat, swim, and camp.
The historic downtown area houses the 1896 Richardsonian Romanesque Henry County Courthouse, designed by Chattanooga architect Reuben Harrison Hunt and recognized as one of West Tennessee's oldest working courthouses. Grace Episcopal Church, the oldest church building in Henry County, was founded in 1894 with construction on the original lot beginning in 1895. You will also find a 60-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower at Eiffel Tower Park, surrounded by boutiques, French-inspired restaurants, and antique stores to explore.
Greeneville
Greeneville is one of the coolest towns in Tennessee for a summer vacation, boasting views of the Appalachian Mountains, plenty of historic sites, and great hiking spots in the Cherokee National Forest. The town earns a spot in history, featuring one of Tennessee's oldest churches, St. James Episcopal Church, built in 1850. Greeneville was once home to Andrew Johnson, the 17th President of the United States, who you can learn about at Andrew Johnson National Historic Site.
The General Morgan Inn is a relaxed spot to stay, situated in the heart of the town's historic district. While wandering through the quiet streets, stop and enjoy a show at Capitol Theatre, whether it is live music, a comedy skit, or a community event. Join a walking tour of the downtown area and learn about the town's history, including a deep dive into stories of the Civil War and visits to sites where it occurred.
Sewanee
Sewanee is Tennessee's best-kept secret, a small town with a lively community, beautiful sights, and a rich history. The downtown area houses an abundance of historic buildings, alongside a variety of locally owned shops and restaurants, perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Stop by Friday Nights in the Park, where there is live music and plenty of tasty food stops, ideal for a relaxing evening well spent. For an educational visit, drop by the University of the South and St. Andrew's-Sewanee School, which host events, lectures, and exhibits open to the public. The town also has access to 65 miles of hiking and biking trails on the University's 13,000-acre Domain, including the Bridal Veil Falls Trail and the Shakerag Hollow Trail, where you can find wildflowers in the spring months.
Bristol
Bristol, Tennessee, shares its name with Bristol, Virginia, which it directly borders, though it offers its own attractions. The downtown area earns the name "State Street" as it is divided between Tennessee and Virginia. Wander the lines between the two states, paying a visit to locally owned boutiques and restaurants, as well as the Bristol Hotel.
The town is over 150 years old, and many consider it the "birthplace of country music." The Bristol Sessions of July and August 1927, recorded by Ralph Peer on State Street, captured the first commercial recordings of the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers, and Congress recognized Bristol as the birthplace of country music in 1998. The arts and entertainment district continues to grow, housing the Border Bash, Art in Public Places, and the PUSH! Film Festival. For a taste of history, stop by the historic Bristol Train Station, the Paramount Center for the Arts, or the Veterans War Memorial in Cumberland Park.
Erwin
Erwin sits near the Nolichucky River and within Cherokee National Forest, boasting plenty of outdoor adventure, whether you enjoy white water rafting, mountain biking, or horseback riding. Delve into the town's history at the Unicoi County Heritage Museum, which houses exhibits offering a glimpse into the town's past.
Aside from its outdoor landscape and interesting stories, Erwin features a full downtown area, lined with a plethora of dining and shopping opportunities. Grab a cup of joe at one of the many local coffee shops, watch the performing arts at The Gathering Place, or take a peek at some hand-crafted pottery at Valley Beautiful Antique Mall.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a mountain town in eastern Tennessee, sitting in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a wonderful spot for hiking, picnicking, and taking in the views of Cades Cove Loop and Abrams Falls. Enjoy the area's scenery while hiking, mountain biking, or kayaking, or take an elevator ride to the top of the Gatlinburg Space Needle, which offers a panoramic view of the area 400 feet in the air.
Catch a live performance at Sweet Fanny Adams Theater or enjoy a ghost tour through the downtown streets. If you are in search of refreshments, join the Top Rated Wine and Shine Walking Tour. Alongside antique stores, boutiques, and restaurants, you will find tourist and souvenir shops to remember your trip to the surrounding mountainscape.
Best Main Streets In Tennessee
Tennessee is the place to be, and these eight towns boast the most exciting and beautiful main streets. Explore the diversity of each town, taking in the landscapes, scenic views, and busy downtown areas, featuring unique shops and boutiques, tasteful restaurants, and a plethora of museums, galleries, and performing arts theaters. You will also find historical spots, inviting you to discover the depths of each town, alongside the state itself.
