Polished, meticulously preserved and brimming with old-fashioned charm, Historic Jonesborough is a picture-perfect Northeast Tennessee haven. The 18th-century town tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains is full of life and invites visitors of all ages to explore its deeply-rooted storytelling heritage, history, unique shopping, dining and more. See how you can spend your time in Tennessee's Oldest Town.
Photo Credit:
Whitney S Williams
Jonesborough is Full of Homespun Tales, History and More
Meticulously preserved, Tennessee's Oldest Town is brimming with old-fashioned charm.
March 2, 2023
The first thing you'll want to do when you arrive is to connect to the stories of the people who established and lived in the early settlement of the town. The casual walk through Jonesborough's restored historic district personifies the area's Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian to modern 1970s architecture and rich history through 40 points of interest. Town Tours are guided by period-costumed locals and offered May to December on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Stroll along as stories behind the historic buildings come alive in fresh, new ways.
Jonesborough-Washington County History Museum & Archives
After you hear the stories, see the artifacts, newspapers and more that highlight the cultural, economic and social history of Jonesborough's people at Jonesborough-Washington County History Museum & Archives. Marvel at photographs spanning from 1850 to the 1980s. See Jonesborough's first fire fighting equipment and view the clock from the 1847 Washington County Courthouse.
Chester Inn State Historic Site & Museum
The Chester Inn State Historic Site & Museum was first built as an inn in 1797, but now serves as a museum showcasing the history of Jonesborough from 1779 to the present. You'll find exhibits about the history of the Chester Inn, what Jonesborough looked like in the 1850s, the 1873 cholera epidemic and more. Upstairs, you'll find an historic parlor and dining room decorated in the Victorian era style of the late 1800s.
chuckey Railroad Depot Museum
Learn about train travel at the Chuckey Railroad Depot Museum, the former Southern Railway train depot. The town's railroad legacy is told through exhibits, artifacts, maps and photographs. You also can't miss seeing the restored Southern Railway caboose on display outside.
Jonesborough Main Street
Dig into true Tennessee culinary delights at Jonesborough Locally Grown where goods are sourced from no more than 100 miles away. Visit Downtown Sweet, a chocolate lover's dream where handcrafted sweets resemble miniature works of art. Pick up locally-made treasures at Mill Spring Makers Market that features over 40 local artists and craftsmen's wares. You'll find have-to-have fashions at Kaley's & Co., Mauk's of Jonesborough and Crafty Peddler.
International Storytelling Center
Southern folklore lives on in "The Storytelling Capital of the World" as Jonesborough's past is cloaked in tales of American icons such as David Crockett and Daniel Boone. Visit the three-acre International Storytelling Center on Main Street to learn about the art behind homespun tales.
History, art and quaint Main Street life blend for an unforgettable time. Plan your own Jonesborough getaway.
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After a full day of Made in Tennessee experiences, lay your head at one of these unforgettable hotel establishments.
