Apartments in Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol,Tri-City, TN

Downtown Jonesborough may be small, but is a unique and beautiful place. The downtown area is brimming with history and small town charm. One can easily spend the day sampling treats at the General store and walking down the store-lined Main Street with interesting stops along the way.

Being the oldest town in Tennessee, Jonesborough has plenty of history mixed in with the shopping and dining downtown. Built in 1797, the Chester Inn is now a part of the International Storytelling Center. The beautiful building was Tennessee’s first boarding house and has been an inn or apartments until recently. The Chester Inn boasts hosting several U.S. Presidents including Andrew Jackson and Andrew Johnson. The oldest house in Jonesborough, The Christopher Taylor House, is a great spot for lovers of the region’s history. The cabin home was built in 1779 by a Revolutionary war veteran, and was later lived in by Andrew Jackson. Another historic site to visit downtown is the Washington County Courthouse. The regal building was built in 1913 and is home to a monument celebrating important dates and people of Jonesborough.

Though much of Jonesborough is focused on its historic elements, downtown Jonesborough is alive and contemporary. Visiting the downtown area, one notices many new shops and boutiques housed in the old historic buildings. Stores and restaurants line Main Street, each unique but still quintessentially southern. The Jonesborough Art Glass Gallery is one such shop that is an incredible display of stained glass pieces from artists all over the United States. The Gallery’s home is in the old telephone company building, renovated to be the bright and colorful shop it is now. Downtown has ladies’ boutiques, Kaley’s & Co. and Marj on Main, with a varitety of specialty clothing and accessories. For horse lovers, the Deer Ridge Farm and Saddlery the perfect shop to visit. They offer horse riding accessories, cowboy boots, and other riding and farming apparel. When it is time to take a break from shopping and have a snack, the Jonesborough General Store is a fabulous trip back in time complete with soda fountain counter and bar stools. It is a well preserved memory of the 1950’s, part ice cream parlor and part restaurant. The General Store’s specialty is a Dr. Enuf float, featuring the local soda of choice for East Tennesseeans. For a sweeter snack, the Lollipop Shop is a fantastic place for kids (and adults too) to indulge in a modern or nostalgic sugary treat.

Culturally, downtown Jonesborough has a great deal to offer. It is considered the Storytelling Capital of the World and has an entire facility dedicated to the timeless tradition. The National Storytelling Festival began in Jonesborough 30 years ago and became so popular that the International Storytelling Center was built in 2002. The center hosts storytelling programs every week, showcasing both traveling and local orators. The Jonesborough Repertory Theatre is home to the town’s live theatrical performances, with a variety of productions for those of all ages. The Theatre also offers classes for children to learn about the performing arts.

Downtown Jonesborough hosts year-round events for the whole family to enjoy. From May through October, the Farmer’s Market is set up each Saturday next to the Courthouse to showcase local produce and goods. Live music and shows often accompany the Farmer’s Market for additional entertainment to shoppers. A fabulous way to see the downtown area throughout the year is on a carriage tour provided by Equine Elegance Historic Jonesborough Carriage Tours. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour or book the carriage for special events, such as weddings and parties. On the Fourth of July each year, the town puts on its Jonesborough Days celebration complete with a parade, food, music, vendors, and crafts. During the summer, the city puts on its Music on the Square series, with live music every Friday night in the heart of downtown Jonesborough. Musical groups range from bluegrass and celtic to jazz, to even performance artists and poets.

The historic town of Jonesborough may be the oldest town in Tennessee, but it is alive and entertaining with a full schedule of events all year long. Whether visitors come to admire the historic architectural beauty of downtown or spend time listening to the world’s most famous storytellers, there is plenty to discover in this east Tennessee town.