This Is The Friendliest Small Town in Tennessee

As the oldest town in Tennessee, Jonesborough was founded 17 years before the state itself. As a result, the community, located in the northeastern part of the state, is extremely tight knit, with many families dating back generations. Each week, residents come together to share stories, and local establishments, some of which have stood for decades, focus on supporting the area’s farming community by sourcing ingredients locally. Visitors quickly feel at home, welcomed by inn owners offering smiles and warm rooms. Think you’ve experienced the best of Tennessee’s southern hospitality? Jonesborough is a friendly force to be reckoned with. It might just be the friendliest small town in Tennessee.

Storytelling

Jonesborough, known as the "Storytelling Capital of the World," always has a story to tell. Since 1973, storytellers from across the nation have come to participate in the annual National Storytelling Festival. The event started when a small group gathered around a farm wagon in Courthouse Square to share Appalachia stories. Over the years, attendance increased significantly, now attracting about 10,000 visitors each October, as storytellers perform in tents set up throughout the town.

Not able to attend Jonesborough during the October festival? There are plenty of storytelling events year-round, giving you the chance to hear a tale or two. The International Storytelling Center hosts a storytelling season from May through October, featuring 20 nationally recognized storytellers who share everything from personal narratives to folktales and cowboy poetry. In December, the center presents a special holiday show series, including classic narrations such as Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol."

The Storytellers Guild, founded in 1994, is a key community storytelling pillar and the only guild in the country with a weekly performance venue. Each Tuesday evening, members gather at the Mary B. Martin Theatre to share stories with residents and visitors alike.

Parks and Rec

With so many fabulous parks around Jonesborough, it’s no wonder the town radiates such a warm and friendly vibe. Jimmy Neil Smith Park, just behind the International Storytelling Center, is a favorite spot where locals love to gather. It’s right in the heart of town and offers lovely walking paths, seasonal gardens, and open green spaces perfect for relaxing. Not far away, you’ll find the peaceful Mill Spring Park, a charming little spot with a gazebo and a gentle stream—perfect for picnics and enjoying nature. Many community members also enjoy hiking with friends and family at Persimmon Ridge Park, the town's proud flagship park. Covering over 130 acres, it’s packed with hiking and biking trails, a basketball court, a baseball field, and a playful playground for kids. Summer in Jonesborough can get pretty warm, but luckily, the town has its own water park—Wetlands Water Park—to help everyone stay cool. In 2024 alone, more than 33,000 visitors came to enjoy its fun-filled attractions like waterslides, a lazy river, tumble buckets, a rain tree, and water bubblers, making it a lively hub of joy and community spirit.

Restaurants and Nightlife

Just like the town's beloved storytellers, the restaurants in Jonesborough each have their own charming story to share. Main Street Cafe & Catering, the town’s oldest restaurant, has been proudly family-owned since 1982 and is located in a historic building from the 1930s. It's a wonderful spot for a satisfying lunch, with homemade soups, sandwiches, salads, and desserts that feel like a warm hug. The Black Olive is another inviting restaurant to explore, offering delicious Italian-inspired dishes made with organic and locally sourced ingredients that support our area’s hardworking farmers. Craving a refreshing beer or spirit? Be sure to include Depot Street Brewing on your list! Operating since 2004, this cozy brewery brews its beer in small batches, and offers tours by appointment for those interested. For a locally distilled spirit, Tennessee Hills Distillery stands out as a fantastic choice. This relaxed and welcoming distillery lives by the motto “embracing heritage,” utilizing traditional distilling techniques, cherished recipes, and locally sourced barley and dent corn to create their spirits.

Bed and Breakfasts

To truly enjoy the warm embrace of Jonesborough's southern hospitality, consider spending a delightful weekend in one of its charming inns or cozy bed and breakfasts. For instance, the beautifully restored Hawley House Bed & Breakfast, built in the late 1700s, stands as the oldest enduring structure in town, offering a glimpse into history. You might also love the Jonesborough Bed and Breakfast, housed in a charming bohemian-style Queen Anne cottage, where guests are warmly greeted and treated to a delicious, locally sourced continental breakfast each morning. Another lovely choice is Franklin House Bed and Breakfast, a quaint vernacular-style home from the 1840s, where you can enjoy your breakfast on the inviting covered porch each day. Situated in the historic district, this welcoming inn is just a few blocks from downtown, making it easy to explore the town at your leisure without needing a car.

Final Thoughts

Jonesborough is the friendliest small town in Tennessee. While the entire state of Tennessee arguably has some of the kindest folk in the country, Jonesborough’s community spirit and long-lasting traditions have a special touch of southern charm that sets it apart. Whether you want to enjoy a picnic with loved ones at Mill Spring Park or attend a weekly storytelling event hosted by the Storytellers Guild, the people of Jonesborough will make you feel like one of their own.

Jonesborough is renowned for its friendly southern hospitality and close community. As Tennessee’s oldest town, its historic district charms visitors with brick walkways, well-preserved architecture, and an inviting vibe. Locals treat everyone like an old friend, whether shopping downtown or attending the International Storytelling Festival. The town’s lively spirit is evident in its support for inclusive events, arts, and sincere kindness, creating a welcoming environment where all feel at home.