This Tennessee Downtown Is Made For Strolling
Jonesborough, the "Storytelling Capital of the World," is Tennessee's oldest town and was established 17 years before the state was admitted to the Union. The compact roads, lined with modern buildings and 18th-century log cabins, give this area a distinctive aesthetic and make it ideal for strolling. Getting around is easy, particularly if using Courthouse Square as a reference point.
Although there is much to see and do in Jonesborough, one can spend an entire visit walking the downtown area and not run out of unique things to see. Roadside diners such as 11E Diner on Jackson Boulevard or Main Street Cafe and Catering are inviting places to rest and refuel during self-guided tours. Strolling through Jonesborough's downtown is a distinctive merging of past and present, making it one of the best districts in the state.
Jonesborough's History
The General Assembly of North Carolina established Jonesborough as the county seat of Washington County in 1779. It was named after North Carolina legislator Willie Jones, who supported North Carolina’s westward expansion over the Appalachian Mountains. In 1784, delegates convened in Jonesborough to approve the formation of a new state, the State of Franklin, named after Benjamin Franklin. Jonesborough served as the temporary capital until a new capital was established in nearby Greeneville.
Franklin functioned as the nation’s 14th state until 1788, but was never recognized by Congress. After many negotiations and skirmishes, North Carolina once again reclaimed the lands. Today, the State of Franklin is often remembered as the “Lost State of Franklin." Andrew Jackson, who took an oath to practice law in Jonesborough, helped draft a state constitution that secured Tennessee's statehood in 1796.
The Storytelling Capital of the World
Jonesborough, the "Storytelling Capital of the World," is home to the International Storytelling Center, where listeners and storytellers gather from across the country to share stories. The center is located right across from the Washington County Courthouse on Main Street, making it a breeze to walk there. Stroll through the downtown area on the first Friday in October to hear the many stories that make up the National Storytelling Festival. For nearly 50 years, storytellers have traveled to Jonesborough to share their anecdotes with whoever will listen.
If you make a right out of the storytelling center on Cherokee Street and a right on Main Street, you will see the Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum on the right. The museum offers free admission and interprets Jonesborough's history from its inception in 1779 to the present, housed in a historic inn considered the "finest on the Western Frontier." It is in front of the 18th-century Christopher Taylor log cabin, each offering a distinctive view into the town's past.
Getting Around
Main Street, running east to west, is the central hub of Jonesborough, culminating in Courthouse Square, the oldest town square in Tennessee. The hub is at the junction of beauty and commerce, and the highlight of any visit to Jonesborough. Courthouse Square, between 1st and Fox Streets, is easily walkable and home to historic venues, including the Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum.
Across from the town square is North Cherokee Street, leading to the International Storytelling Center. Many antique homes, such as the 1777 log cabin and Christopher Taylor House, line these streets, making for a pleasant stroll.
Downtown Dining
Before strolling through the district, fuel up at the landmark Olde Towne Pancake House on Boone Street. Afterward, head southwest toward Main Street and check out the Historic Jonesborough Visitor's Center along the way to grab a map of local attractions. For dinner, stop at Jackson's Prime on Main Street before heading to the Jonesborough Repertory Theatre for a live show, also on Main within a block of Jackson's Prime.
Similar Areas in Tennessee
Two other noteworthy Tennessee towns meant for strolling are Bristol and Granville. Bristol is the dividing line between Tennessee and Virginia, so visitors have the unique opportunity to straddle two states simultaneously at the state line. Aptly named State Street, the de facto Main Street, is the community hub that includes the Downtown Center, which hosts live concerts and other events throughout the year. Shoppers should browse Local Merchants, home to over 87 vendors, for a local keepsake and part of the community charm that makes Bristol worth visiting.
Greeneville is another historic Tennessee town with a walkable downtown and deep roots in early American history. Its Main Street area features preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings, local shops, and cafes that encourage slow exploration. Key landmarks include the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, which preserves the former president’s home, tailor shop, and gravesite, all within walking distance of downtown. Nearby, the General Morgan Inn anchors the district and provides an elegant historic backdrop, while side streets offer antique stores, small galleries, and locally owned eateries that mirror the relaxed, heritage-focused atmosphere found in Jonesborough.
This Tennessee Downtown is Made for Leisurely Walks
When Jonesborough was established in the 18th century, it seemed as though the downtown area was designed for leisurely walks. Heading east or west on Main Street from the town square leads to many unique finds and historic sites. The town square is across from the International Storytelling Center, a focal point for many visitors, making it a convenient base.
Jackson's Prime and other restaurants, including local favorite Olde Towne Pancake House, are within a block of Main Street, so it is possible to spend a whole day in the district. Often, these places are gold mines of local information, adding local lore to any wanderings around downtown. Hospitality, history, and modern amenities converge in Jonesborough's downtown, making it the ideal place for a stroll in Tennessee.
