Founded in 1779, Jonesborough is Tennessee’s oldest town. It was the first capital of the initially proposed, but short-lived, “State of Franklin,” in East Tennessee’s current location. Strolling through Main Street lets you soak in the charm and connect to the area’s rich past. You’ll also enjoy exploring Jonesborough’s natural beauty, shopping scene, and thriving arts and cultural community. Read on to discover the alluring charm of this 18th-century town.
History Comes to Life in Chester Inn State Historic Site
Chester Inn State Historic Site is the best place to fully immerse yourself in the rich history of Tennessee’s oldest town. The inn was second to none during the Tennessee Frontier era. It hosted some of America’s most famous icons, including the former presidents James K. Polk, Andrew Jackson, and Andrew Johnson. It offers a glimpse of the town’s past from its founding to the present.
Admire the Town’s Architecture
Admiring Jonesborough’s architecture is one of the main highlights of any historical tour. The town preserves a range of uniquely designed historic buildings, with the Historic District being the focal point for an architectural adventure. Some buildings to consider for your itinerary include Henry Hoss House, Christopher Taylor House, and the Central Christian Church.
Enjoy a Day Trip to Willow Springs Park, Johnson City
Willow Springs Park is one of the best attractions to visit near Jonesborough. It’s only 5 miles away, taking about 10 minutes of driving. The park is worth visiting for its scenic vistas, diverse outdoor activities, and amenities. The well-maintained park boasts a family atmosphere, making it a perfect place to explore with kids. You’ll enjoy excellent walking trails, picnic facilities, football fields, and playgrounds.
Attend the Annual Storytelling Festival
Jonesborough is dubbed “The Storytelling Capital of the World,” thanks to its long history of storytelling. The popularity of this tradition, which was a means to bring the locals together and preserve their culture, led to the founding of the annual Storytelling Festival in 1973. The event, considered the world’s oldest and most prestigious, attracts thousands of listeners and is produced at the International Storytelling Center. Beyond the festival, you can visit the center anytime for its incredible Storytelling Live performance series.
Catch a Show at Jackson Theater
Jackson Theater’s unique blend of historic charm and modern entertainment makes it a worthwhile spot to explore in Jonesborough. It’s one of the main attractions on the International Storytelling Center’s campus, and it holds various shows and performances, from storytelling sessions to live music and theater offerings. It’s one of the venues for the annual Storytelling Festival.
Visit the Chuckey Depot Museum
Check off the Chuckey Depot Museum off your bucket list if you are interested in Tennessee’s railroad history. The depot was initially in Chuckey, but was relocated to Jonesborough’s WC Rowe Park. It offers a unique glimpse into the railroad past through its themed exhibits, which focus on regional railroads. It’s worth noting that these exhibits change every six months. One not to miss on your next trip is the newest exhibit: American Railroad Freight Cars: Past and Present, which sheds light on the country’s evolution of freight cars.
Take a Scenic Stroll or Bike Ride along the Lost State Scenic Walkway
The Lost State Scenic Walkway is a multi-use trail traversing breathtaking landscapes. It’s a perfect way to connect with nature, engage in diverse outdoor activities, and soak in the history of Jonesborough. Stretching about 3 miles, the trail starts at Mill Spring Park and ends at Golden Oak Park. The trail passes through numerous landmarks, including the International Storytelling Centre and Cubby Depot Museum. You can choose to walk or bike along this trail.
Visit Persimmon Ridge Park
One must-visit destination for the outdoorsy travelers is Persimmon Ridge Park. You can enjoy many activities, including camping, biking, and hiking. The park includes a portion of the Lost State Scenic Walkway. Facilities like a disc golf course, baseball fields, and a basketball court are perfect if you enjoy sports. The playground and water park make it excellent for a family outing.
Explore Jimmy Neil Smith Park
Nestled behind the iconic International Storytelling Center, Jimmy Neil Smith Park boasts plenty of adorable attractions and recreational opportunities, including a paved walking trail. A fantastic part of the trail you won’t want to miss is the Storybook Trail, where storybook pages are enclosed in glass and arranged in order throughout the path. The trail, which is rooted in the town’s storytelling tradition, is an unmissable family adventure spot.
Explore Jonesborough’s Art Galleries
Jonesborough’s vibrant arts scene goes beyond being the “Storytelling Capital of the World.” Strolling through its impressive art galleries is another worthwhile experience you don’t want to miss. It allows you to connect with and appreciate some local top talent. At Gryphon Art Gallery, you can see art in many forms, from jewelry and pottery to paintings and sculptures. Another must-visit is the Jonesborough Art Glass Gallery, where you’ll find an impressive selection of handcrafted art, including glass and prints.
Shop Downtown
Shopping is one of the unique ways to soak in Jonesborough’s alluring charm. Spend some time exploring the downtown’s wide variety of shops. It’s a great way to peruse locally-made products, especially handmade crafts. Jonesborough’s shopping scene is diverse and fun to explore, from one-of-a-kind gift shops to farmers’ markets.
Discover the Town’s Brewing Scene
While exploring Jonesborough’s attractions, please spare some time for its brewery scene. Start your adventure at the Depot Street Brewery, Northeast Tennessee’s first craft brewery. It’s known for having the freshest, uniquely brewed beers. It also comes with a friendly service and a relaxing vibe, making it the perfect place to hang out with your crew.
Visit the Nearby Warriors Path State Park
After exploring Jonesborough, Warriors Path State Park can be a great spot to spend time outdoors. The park enjoys a scenic location on the shore of Patrick Henry Lake and offers some of the best boating and fishing experiences. Various trails will treat you to breathtaking views of the park’s scenery, including the Holston River and the reservoir.
Get Lost in Nature at Bays Mountain Park
Another beautiful park you won’t want to miss near Jonesborough is Bays Mountain Park. The park has a lot of offerings, including a 44-acre lake and a Nature Center, which features a Planetarium with captivating shows to watch. There are over 40 miles of scenic trails for you to explore.
Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Taking a day trip to America’s most popular national park is one of the best experiences you can have during your Jonesborough getaway. The park is known for its endless outdoor experiences, from scenic drives to some of the most beautiful hikes in the US. The drive only takes about one and a half hours.
