Aerial view of Tennessee's oldest town, Jonesborough.

This Small Tennessee Town Has The Best Downtown

Jonesborough has earned more than its share of distinctions over the years. Sitting at the foot of the Smokies, it is the oldest town in Tennessee. It has become known as the Storytelling Capital of the World, and it also happens to be home to one of the best downtown areas in the state! Storytelling festivals, historic train depots, artisan markets, and highly rated steakhouses are just a few of the things you can look forward to in this small town of 6,000. So get ready to pull into town, park the car, and enjoy everything that downtown Jonesborough has to offer.

International Storytelling Center

The Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall in Jonesborough, TN.

As the Storytelling Capital of the World, it is only fitting that the International Storytelling Center stands at the center of Jonesborough. The center’s campus is composed of several buildings: the Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall, the Chester Inn, the ISC gift shop, and the Jimmy Neil Smith Storytelling Park. From May through October, Tuesday through Saturday, the ISC hosts Storytelling Live, a long-running concert series that features 20 nationally recognized storytellers. The stories can range from personal narratives and folktales to historical tales and cowboy poetry!

Those interested in exploring their creative side further at the ISC can also join one of Storytelling Live’s accompanying workshops. Workshops this past year included a storytelling masterclass, poetry and writing sessions, and even origami. If you’ll be in Jonesborough during the holiday season, make sure to look into one of ISC’s special holiday performances, which take place in late November through early December.

Museums

The relocated Chuckey train depot, and a caboose from the southern railway are displayed in historic Jonesborough, TN. — The relocated Chuckey train depot and a caboose from the Southern Railway are displayed in historic Jonesborough, TN.

There are three notable museums downtown that have preserved the area’s history. The first is the Chuckey Depot Museum on 2nd Avenue. This historic depot was originally located in the nearby community of Chuckey before being relocated to Jonesborough in the 2010s. Today, the museum features railroad-themed exhibits that rotate every six months.

After learning all about the region’s railroad history, head over to the Chester Inn Museum, which tells the story of Jonesborough from its founding in 1779 through the present. The building itself that houses the museum is historic as well, built in 1797 as an inn, making it one of the oldest commercial buildings in Jonesborough. A few of the exhibits you’ll find include information about the state of Franklin, an intricate diorama of Jonesborough in the 1850s, and a brief history of the inn.

If you can’t get enough of Jonesborough’s rich history, stop by the Jonesborough Washington County History Museum. Established in 1982, this museum contains an assortment of artifacts, photographs, and documents that represent the economic, social, and cultural history of both Jonesborough and the county. A couple of particularly interesting highlights include the 1847 Washington County Courthouse clock and the town’s earliest firefighting equipment!

Antique Stores & Artisan Shops

A lively farmers market in Jonesborough, Tennessee. (Image: J. Micheal Jones / Shutterstock) — A lively farmers' market in Jonesborough, Tennessee. (Image: J. Micheal Jones / Shutterstock)

Who doesn’t love a good souvenir from their vacation? You’ll find plenty of memorable antique shops and artisan markets downtown to commemorate your time in Jonesborough. For a vintage collectible, check out the Jonesborough Antiques & Artisans on Main Street. Situated in a building that dates back to the 1880s, this store features over 40 vendors, selling furniture, kitchenware, books, and other old-timey finds.

Mill Spring Makers Market sits just about a block down from the antique store on Main and is another great place to find a unique gift or souvenir. Here, you can browse work from over 80 artists and craftspeople, with merchandise including jewelry, pottery, clothing, artwork, furniture, leather, fiber goods, greeting cards, and more. The market’s artists also occasionally host workshops for the public, so look over their upcoming events before planning your visit!

Coffee Shops & Restaurants

Jonesborough, Tennessee. Editorial credit: Dee Browning / Shutterstock.com

Make sure to arrive in Jonesborough hungry, because there are some fantastic cafes and restaurants in town. If you arrive in the morning, you can grab some coffee from Neuma Coffee, a local coffee shop that serves specialty coffee, pastries, and ice cream. Later on in the day, after you visit some of the area’s shops or museums, plan on having lunch at Main Street Cafe. This dining establishment is set in a 1930s building and features all sorts of nostalgic touches like hanging globe lamps, original ceiling tiles, and booths that will remind you of a past era. The menu items include cafe classics like burgers, sandwiches, and salads. To conclude your day in town, make reservations at Jackson’s Prime, an elegant steakhouse that serves USDA prime steaks and fresh seafood, accompanied by a curated selection of bourbons and wines.

A Town Packed With Entertainment

Aerial view of Tennessee's oldest town, Jonesborough and its courthouse. — Aerial view of Tennessee's oldest town, Jonesborough, and its courthouse.

Some of Tennessee’s most entertaining attractions are found in its small towns, and Jonesborough is the perfect proof. Despite its small size, this town has plenty to explore downtown, including renowned storytelling centers, numerous museums, and large antique centers that are sure to leave you with a variety of memorable experiences. So start planning a trip here to see it for yourself, because chances are you will find even more to enjoy!

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