Discover the Friendliest Small Town in Tennessee

Thedailymiaminews– Jonesborough is the oldest settlement in Tennessee. It was established 17 years before the state was constituted. As a result, the village, which is located in the northeastern section of the state, is very close-knit, with many families having lived there for generations. Every week, neighbors gather to share stories, and local businesses, some of which have been there for decades, focus on helping the farming community in the area by obtaining food locally. Visitors are greeted with smiles and warm rooms by the inn proprietors, making them feel at home right away. Do you believe that you have experienced the greatest of Tennessee’s southern hospitality? Jonesborough is a friendly place that you should take seriously. It could very well be the most welcoming tiny town in Tennessee.

Telling stories

Jonesborough, which is known as the “Storytelling Capital of the World,” always has a fascinating story to tell. Every year since 1973, storytellers from all over the United States have come to Jonesborough to present their stories at the National Storytelling Festival. In 1973, a small group of people met around a farm wagon in Courthouse Square to share stories about Appalachia. This was the beginning of the festival. Over the next few decades, the number of people attending began to increase, and today there are approximately 10,000 listeners. Each October, storytellers share their stories in tents that are erected up across town.

Are you unable to go to Jonesborough during the event in October? There are many storytelling events that take place throughout the year, so you have the opportunity to listen to a story or two. From May to October, the International Storytelling Center hosts a storytelling season. During this time, 20 storytellers who are recognized around the country offer a variety of stories, including personal narratives, folktales, and cowboy poetry. In December, the center puts on a special holiday show series that features famous stories, such as “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens.

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The Storytellers Guild, which was founded in 1994, is another important storytelling organization in the town. It is the only storytelling guild in the country that has a location for performances every week. The guild gathers every Tuesday evening at the Mary B. Martin Theatre to tell stories with all residents and guests who want to come.

Parks and Recreation

Jonesborough has a relaxed and welcoming environment, which is not surprising given the abundance of parks in the area. Jimmy Neil Smith Park is a popular spot for people to congregate in town. It is located just behind the International Storytelling Center and has walking routes, seasonal gardens, and open green spaces. It is also strategically located. Mill Spring Park, which is about a block away, is a small, peaceful park that has a gazebo in the middle and a babbling stream. Because of these features, it is a popular place for residents to enjoy picnics. Persimmon Ridge Park, which is regarded as the town’s main park, is a popular place for community members to go hiking with their friends and family. It has a basketball court, a baseball field, a playground for children, and many hiking and biking routes, all of which are located on more than 130 acres of land. People who live in Jonesborough are aware that summer may be hot there. The town is lucky to have its own water park, Wetlands Water Park, which helps people cool off during the summer heat. In 2024, the park became a significant gathering place for the community, attracting more than 33,000 visits. The park has a number of attractions, including waterslides, a lazy river, tumble buckets, a rain tree, and water bubblers, ensuring that you will have a full day of fun.

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Dining and Nightlife

Each restaurant in Jonesborough has its own story to tell, just like the town’s storytellers. The Main Street Cafe & Catering, which has been owned by the same family since 1982, is the oldest restaurant in town. It is set in a historic building that dates back to the 1930s. This restaurant is a great place to go for a filling lunch. They have fresh soups, sandwiches, salads, and desserts. The Black Olive is another comfortable restaurant to check out. It serves Italian-inspired cuisine cooked with organic ingredients that are gathered from local farms in order to help farmers in the area. Are you in the mood for a beer or a spirit? Be sure to include Depot Street Brewing on your list. This brewery has been in business in Jonesborough since 2004 and produces its beer in small amounts. Visitors can schedule an appointment to take a tour of the brewery. Tennessee Hills Distillery is one of the greatest places in town to get a locally distilled whiskey. This relaxed brewery follows the motto “embracing heritage” and uses traditional distilling methods, time-honored recipes, and locally obtained barley and dent corn as ingredients.

Bed and breakfasts

Travelers who want to enjoy the full warmth of Jonesborough’s southern hospitality can spend the weekend in one of its quaint inns or bed and breakfasts, such as the restored Hawley House Bed & Breakfast. Built in the late 1700s, the Hawley House is the oldest standing property in town. Or take a look at the Jonesborough Bed and Breakfast, which is located in a Queen Anne cottage with a bohemian design. Guests are welcomed with a friendly greeting and are served a continental breakfast made with ingredients acquired from the local area every morning. Franklin House Bed and Breakfast is another classic option. Built in the 1840s, this vernacular-style residence offers guests breakfast on the covered porch every day. Located in the historic neighborhood, this hotel is just a few-blocks walk from downtown, making it convenient to explore without needing to use a car.

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Concluding Remarks

In Tennessee, Jonesborough is the little town that is the most welcoming. Jonesborough’s community spirit and long-standing traditions give it a unique touch of southern charm that distinguishes it from the rest of Tennessee, which is home to some of the friendliest people in the country. The residents of Jonesborough will treat you like family, whether you wish to have a picnic with your loved ones at Mill Spring Park or go to a weekly storytelling session presented by the Storytellers Guild.

The people of Jonesborough are known for their friendly southern hospitality and their close-knit community. The historic area of Tennessee’s oldest town is a delightful place that welcomes visitors with its brick sidewalks, well-preserved houses, and friendly attitude. The residents treat everyone like an old friend, whether they are at the downtown shops or at the International Storytelling Festival. Events and businesses, such as charming cafés and family-owned shops, help to create connections. The town’s ethos is evident in its commitment to inclusivity, support for the arts, and real friendliness, which makes it a place where everyone feels welcome.

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