These 7 Tennessee Towns Have The Best Historic Districts

Tennessee is more than rolling hills and country music — it’s also home to some of the most fascinating historic districts in the South. From Victorian storefronts to cobblestone streets, these preserved pockets of history tell the story of towns that shaped the state. Wander a few blocks and you’ll find bustling shops tucked inside century-old buildings, restored theaters lighting up the night, and local museums that keep the town’s heritage close at hand. These districts aren’t just scenic — they’re the pulse of their communities, filled with culture, character, and small-town spirit. From storytelling traditions to lively downtown squares, here are seven Tennessee towns where the historic districts truly shine.

Franklin

Franklin’s Downtown Historic District is often described as one of the most walkable and engaging in Tennessee, with more than a dozen blocks brimming with 19th- and early 20th-century architecture. Once a trading hub surrounded by fertile farmland, the district rose to prominence during the Civil War era, and its streets still carry reminders of that turbulent time. Today, Franklin, which has a higher population than the other cities on this list, has transformed those historic storefronts into a lively mix of galleries, boutiques, and eateries, all while preserving the details — brick cornices, iron balconies, and colorful façades — that give the district its unmistakable character.

A stroll down Main Street is the best way to take it all in. You can slip into independent shops housed in buildings that once sold dry goods or pause for coffee in a space that has welcomed townsfolk for generations. The Lotz House Museum, just steps from the district, offers a poignant look at civilian life during the Battle of Franklin, while the nearby Carter House bears scars of cannon fire and musket balls. For something more uplifting, the Franklin Theatre — beautifully restored to its 1937 Art Deco style — brings music, film, and community events to the heart of downtown. For a taste of award-winning barbecue, try Puckett's Restaurant for smoked-kissed ribs and great Southern fare.

Jonesborough

As Tennessee’s oldest town, Jonesborough wears its history on every street corner. Founded in 1779, its historic district feels like a time capsule where colonial-era log cabins stand alongside brick townhouses and Victorian storefronts. The district enjoys its heritage, allowing visitors to experience the layered architecture of more than two centuries in a few walkable blocks.

One of the district’s crown jewels is the International Storytelling Center, which embodies the spirit of Jonesborough as a place where voices and traditions echo through generations. During the annual National Storytelling Festival, the entire downtown transforms into a stage, with tales being spun beneath tents and porches, drawing audiences from across the country. Just down the street, the Chester Inn Museum offers a glimpse into 18th- and 19th-century life, presenting the days when Jonesborough was a pivotal political and commercial hub in early Tennessee. When it is time to unwind, try the Tennessee Hills Distillery, where guided tours lead visitors through each step of the process for creating great Tennessee bourbons and whiskeys.

Columbia

The town square of Columbia radiates Southern character, with streets lined by brick storefronts, colorful awnings, and architecture that tells the story of its growth since the early 1800s. Nicknamed the “Mule Capital of the World,” Columbia enjoys its status as one of the best small towns in the nation (rated by both Southern Living and Country Living magazines).

Walking the streets, you’ll find Victorian and early 20th-century buildings that now house boutiques, coffee shops, and local restaurants. Many of these storefronts still bear their original details — arched windows, iron railings, and pressed-tin ceilings — that give Columbia’s downtown its old-fashioned charm. One of the best places to eat is Whiskey Alley Saloon, for a nostalgic ambiance with craft cocktails and a menu that is pretty close to perfection.

The James K. Polk Home & Museum sits just off the main square and offers a fascinating look at the life of the 11th president of the United States through original furnishings, artifacts, and manicured gardens. The Columbia Arts Building, a repurposed industrial site near downtown, features studios, galleries, and events that showcase the town’s creative side. Seasonal happenings like Mule Day transform the district into a giant festival, with parades, music, and food vendors drawing thousands to its historic streets.

Greeneville

Established in the late 18th century, Greeneville grew as a political and commercial hub in East Tennessee, and its downtown still reflects that layered past. Walking through the district, you’ll notice Federal-style homes, Victorian storefronts, and brick sidewalks that seem to invite exploration. The mix of architecture isn’t just attractive — it tells the story of a community that has stood at the center of pivotal moments in American history.

The district is closely tied to Andrew Johnson, the 17th president of the United States. His tailor shop, home, and burial site are preserved as the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, offering a personal look at a controversial figure who rose from modest beginnings. Beyond politics, Greeneville is rich in cultural heritage. The Dickson-Williams Mansion, an elegant Federal-style home built in 1821, offers guided tours that bring the antebellum South into sharp focus.

But Greeneville’s historic district isn’t just about museums. Locals and visitors alike gather in its cozy restaurants, such as Brumley's Restaurant with its three distinct dining rooms and bar, offering an excellent meal. You can also browse antique shops tucked into 19th-century buildings or pause for coffee in a café where brick walls whisper of another era. Festivals and community events often spill into the streets, filling the district with music, crafts, and friendly conversation.

Granville

Granville, a riverside town tucked along the Cumberland, is one of Tennessee’s best-kept secrets when it comes to historic districts. Once a bustling steamboat port, the community slipped into decline after the lake waters rose in the 1970s. But instead of fading away, Granville reinvented itself as a “Mayberry-style” destination, preserving its heritage and turning its historic district into a walkable open-air museum.

A stroll through downtown feels like stepping back in time. Restored storefronts line the streets, housing a diverse range of establishments, from antique shops to cafés, and visitors are encouraged to wander at a leisurely pace. The Granville Museum, situated within a former bank, tells the story of the town’s steamboat era, farming traditions, and everyday life. Just across the way, the T. B. Sutton General Store is the district’s crown jewel — a 19th-century mercantile still alive with bluegrass music, hand-dipped ice cream, and the kind of warm hospitality that has made it a gathering place for decades.

Granville has also become known for its themed festivals, which transform the district throughout the year. From the Heritage Day celebration to the Scarecrow and Artisan Festival in autumn, the streets come alive with music, food, and displays that reflect both the creativity and pride of its people. Even when no festival is underway, the district holds an undeniable charm — front porches decorated with rocking chairs, vintage cars on display, and river views that remind you why Granville has been called the “Mayberry of the South.”

Pulaski

Pulaski’s Downtown Historic District tells a story that is as layered as Tennessee itself. Founded in 1809, the town prospered as a center for trade, law, and agriculture, and those roots are still visible in its brick storefronts and Victorian-era buildings. Rather than being polished into something unrecognizable, Pulaski’s downtown feels authentic — weathered yet lively, with shops, cafés, and small businesses keeping its historic heart beating.

The Giles County Courthouse Square anchors the district, its surrounding streets lined with restored 19th-century façades that now host antique stores, clothing boutiques, and cozy dining spots. Just steps away, the Trail of Tears Memorial Interpretive Center offers a more profound reflection, sharing the history of the Cherokee removal that passed through the region. Pulaski doesn’t shy away from its complex past; instead, it uses its historic spaces to educate and foster dialogue.

For a lighter experience, wander through the specialty shops that give the district its charm, or stop by a local café like The Rusty Spur Steakhouse, where neighbors are quick to strike up conversation. Pulaski also comes alive during community events and festivals, when music, food vendors, and crafts spill into the historic streets. Each celebration feels rooted in place, a nod to the resilience and creativity of the town.

Fayetteville

Set in the rolling hills near the Alabama line, Fayetteville’s Downtown Historic District embodies the charm of a Southern town square. The downtown district centers around the Lincoln County Courthouse, a stately landmark surrounded by rows of 19th- and early 20th-century buildings. These façades now house boutiques, antique shops, and restaurants where pressed-tin ceilings and tall windows reveal their age-old craftsmanship. A must-stop is Honey’s Restaurant, a Fayetteville institution dating back to 1923 and the birthplace of the famous Slawburger. Just a few blocks away, the Fayetteville-Lincoln County Museum adds depth to the story with exhibits spanning Native American heritage, Civil War relics, and rural Tennessee life.

Exploring the district means more than just stepping inside shops. The sidewalks themselves invite lingering, whether you’re grabbing a coffee, browsing for vintage finds, or simply soaking up the town’s neighborly atmosphere. Seasonal events, like the Host of Christmas Past festival, transform the streets with lights, parades, and vendors that fill the air with music and laughter.

Tennessee’s historic districts are more than collections of old buildings — they’re living chapters of the state’s story. From the storytelling traditions that echo through Jonesborough’s streets to the riverfront memories preserved in Granville, each town offers a unique way to step into history while enjoying the rhythm of everyday life. Franklin’s lively festivals, Columbia’s artistic spirit, Pulaski’s layered past, and Fayetteville’s neighborly square all prove that small-town downtowns remain the heart of their communities.

Exploring these districts isn’t just about admiring architecture — it’s about experiencing the culture, creativity, and hospitality that make Tennessee unforgettable. Whether you’re browsing antiques, listening to live music in a restored theater, or sharing a meal in a century-old café, you’ll find yourself drawn into stories. These towns remind us that history isn’t only something to study — it’s something to walk through, celebrate, and cherish.