10 Tennessee Towns With Unforgettable Main Streets
Tennessee, a state rich in history, music, and Southern charm, is home to more than just Nashville and Memphis. Beyond the bright city lights, dozens of small towns burst with character and storybook-worthy main streets. These towns offer a slower pace, welcoming communities, and walkable downtowns steeped in history. From restored 19th-century architecture to quirky festivals and artisan shops, their main streets are full of hidden gems. Whether you're into antiques or Southern cooking, Tennessee’s small-town main streets promise unforgettable stops on any road trip through the Volunteer State.
Jonesborough, Tennessee
In Northeast Tennessee, Jonesborough is the oldest town in the state. Established in 1779, 17 years before Tennessee became a state, it’s in Washington County, just minutes from Johnson City. Rich with Appalachian and early American history, the town played a notable role in the abolitionist movement and was once the publishing site of The Emancipator, the first newspaper in the U.S. dedicated to ending slavery.
Main Street in Jonesborough is a storybook lane lined with preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings. It’s home to the International Storytelling Center, which hosts the renowned National Storytelling Festival each October. Visitors can browse locally owned shops like The Lollipop Shop or enjoy a meal at Main Street Café & Catering. The Chester Inn State Historic Site offers a peek into the town’s storied past.
Columbia, Tennessee
Forty-five minutes south of Nashville, Columbia blends small-town charm with creative revitalization. Known as the “Mule Capital of the World,” it has a rich agricultural history and hosts the annual Mule Day festival. Historic homes and buildings line the downtown area, many of which date back to the 19th century and have been repurposed into galleries, restaurants, and shops.
Downtown Columbia’s main street is the heart of its recent cultural boom. Visit the restored Polk Theatre or the President James K. Polk Home and Museum. Enjoy Southern fare at Puckett’s Grocery or grab coffee at Muletown Coffee Roasters, a local favorite. Browse boutiques like Needle & Grain or Duck River Books. The mix of old and new makes Columbia’s main street a vibrant, must-visit destination.
Greeneville, Tennessee
In Northeast Tennessee, near the Appalachian Mountains, Greeneville is steeped in early American history. It's filled with historic significance as the former home of President Andrew Johnson. The town served as the capital of the short-lived State of Franklin and played a key role in Civil War-era events.
Main Street in Greeneville is quiet but packed with historical appeal. Walkable and well-preserved, the area features the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, where visitors can tour the homestead and tailor shop of the 17th U.S. president. Local spots like Tipton’s Café serve comfort food staples, while art lovers can visit the Greeneville Arts Council gallery. Antique stores and family-run boutiques add to the timeless appeal of this proud, patriotic town.
Paris, Tennessee
In Northwest Tennessee, Paris is a town with French-inspired touches, including a small replica of the Eiffel Tower that’s become a local landmark. Established in the early 1820s, the town grew thanks to the railroad and agriculture, and it continues to celebrate its history with events like the World’s Biggest Fish Fry.
The main street in Paris is filled with local pride. Historic storefronts house antique shops like Jack Jones Flowers & Gifts and quaint cafés like Sweet Jordan’s. Just off the square, you can explore the Paris-Henry County Heritage Center or catch a show at the Krider Performing Arts Center. The picturesque courthouse anchors the walkable downtown, making it an ideal destination for leisurely afternoons.
Bell Buckle, Tennessee
Bell Buckle is a tiny town with a big character about an hour southeast of Nashville. Founded in the mid-1800s, it flourished with the railroad's arrival and became known for its historic district, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town also hosts annual festivals like the RC Cola & MoonPie Festival.
The main street of Bell Buckle is a haven for lovers of antiques and folk art. The downtown strip is dotted with shops like Bluebird Antiques and the Bell Buckle Café, a must-visit for Southern comfort food and live music. Art galleries, handmade crafts, and vintage goods give the street a creative, nostalgic, relaxing, and invigorating vibe.
Franklin, Tennessee
Though close to Nashville, Franklin offers its slice of charm and history. Established in 1799, it was pivotal in the Civil War, especially during the Battle of Franklin. Today, Franklin is known for its preservation efforts, historic homes, and cultural festivals like the Main Street Festival and Pumpkinfest.
Main Street in Franklin is a model for downtown revitalization. It’s lined with carefully restored Victorian buildings now home to boutique shops, cafés, and galleries. Grab a pastry at Meridee’s Breadbasket, shop for upscale finds at White’s Mercantile, or watch a film at the historic Franklin Theatre. With twinkling lights overhead and music floating in the air, the street exudes small-town elegance.
Bristol, Tennessee
Straddling the state line between Tennessee and Virginia, Bristol is officially two cities but shares a united spirit. Known as the "Birthplace of Country Music," it’s where the first country music recordings were made in 1927. The city’s rich musical heritage draws visitors from across the nation.
Bristol’s State Street is the crown jewel of its downtown, with one side in Tennessee and the other in Virginia. You’ll find the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, vintage neon signs, record stores, and lively music venues. Dine at Burger Bar, rumored to be the last place Hank Williams was seen alive, or stop by Blackbird Bakery for a treat. The street hosts festivals and live music year-round.
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Tucked into the Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg is a mountain town turned tourist hotspot with deep Appalachian roots. Originally a small logging town, its proximity to the national park transformed it into a yearly gateway for millions of visitors.
Gatlinburg’s main street, the Parkway, is a bustling strip with attractions. From Ripley’s Believe It or Not to the Gatlinburg Space Needle, there’s entertainment at every corner. Stop for a hearty breakfast at Crockett’s Breakfast Camp or sample moonshine at Ole Smoky Distillery. Boutiques, candy shops, and craftspeople add to the liveliness of this mountain-town main street that buzzes with energy year-round.
Sewanee, Tennessee
Atop the Cumberland Plateau, Sewanee is best known as the home of the University of the South, a liberal arts college with Gothic-style architecture. The town was founded in the mid-1800s and remains a peaceful, intellectual enclave surrounded by natural beauty.
Sewanee’s main street is compact but brimming with personality. Visitors can dine at The Blue Chair Café, browse books at The University Bookstore, or stroll past stone buildings draped in ivy. Shenanigans, a local institution, serves great sandwiches and live music. Though small, the street reflects Sewanee’s blend of academic charm and laid-back mountain town appeal.
Erwin, Tennessee
In Unicoi County, near the North Carolina border, Erwin is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains and is known for its railroad history and outdoor recreation. The town was once a hub for the Clinchfield Railroad and has slowly evolved into a scenic, welcoming spot.
Erwin’s main street, part of its walkable downtown district, features old-fashioned lampposts, restored facades, and a tight-knit community feel. Grab lunch at The Whistle Stop Deli or sip locally roasted coffee at Steel Rails Coffee House. The Unicoi County Heritage Museum and historic train cabooses are just blocks away, creating a unique blend of railroad nostalgia and small-town serenity.
Where History and Community Meet
What makes these Tennessee main streets special isn’t just their quaint buildings or shops—it’s the way they preserve the heart of their communities. These town centers are places where stories are told, music drifts through the air, and visitors are treated like locals. They celebrate history without feeling stuck in the past, offering the perfect mix of nostalgia and modern flair. Whether sipping coffee in a historic café, browsing local boutiques, or attending a small-town festival, each stop adds something meaningful to your travels. These main streets are more than scenic detours—they’re the soul of Tennessee’s small-town magic.
