These 10 Towns in Tennessee Have Bustling Main Streets

Tennessee, the land of the Cherokee and Chickasaw Native Americans, is renowned for its diverse landscapes of elegant mountains, pristine rivers, and green valleys. While most people visit the state for its iconic natural attractions, it is worth noting that the main streets of its towns are always vibrant, making them amazing spots to explore. Plus, they are interesting stops to restock supplies, recharge, and relax after exploring the mountains and the surrounding natural beauty. From the historic downtown of Greeneville with President Andrew Johnson's aura to the serene downtown of Paris, uncover 10 towns with bustling main streets in Tennessee worth a visit today.

Rogersville

Rogersville is one of the oldest and most historic towns in Tennessee, renowned for its outstanding records, such as hosting the first newspaper in the state. This makes its main street a delight, especially for history enthusiasts. Here, one can start with a visit to the Hawkins County Courthouse, the second oldest in Tennessee, built in 1836.

Next, visit the Tennessee Newspaper and Printing Museum to see exhibits of the first newspaper in the state - the Knoxville Gazette, which began printing in 1791. Also, check out the Swift Museum and Price Public School, founded in 1883 by William Henderson of Knoxville but named after Rev. Elijah Swift, the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, Allegheny. Afterward, kick back at the Little Town Italian Restaurant to enjoy Italian fares. Don’t forget to visit the Local Artists Gallery to spot incredible arts and crafts items and pick souvenirs at LuElla’s Gift Market before leaving.

Pulaski

Pulaski, a small charming town in Giles County, flaunts a similarly attractive main street defined by historic buildings and modern storefronts. Visit and explore this main street, starting with a thrilling show at STAAR Theatre at Antoinette Hall. Next, behold the beauty of the past at the Giles County Courthouse, completed in 1909, with its magnificent Corinthians columns standing elegantly.

Still on the town’s history, visit the Trail of Tears Memorial Interpretive Center to learn about the sacking of 60,000 people from their homes, especially Native Americans, between 1830 and 1850. Also, stop by the Sam Davis Memorial Museum to learn about Sam Davis, a young Confederate soldier who was arrested by Union Troops during the American Civil War and executed for being a spy at age 21.

Paris

Paris is a unique town in Tennessee named after its French counterpart and also featuring an Eiffel Tower. This town also has a spectacular main street, often referred to as one of the most beautiful in Tennessee. Visitors will have many things to do in downtown Paris, especially with establishments such as Perry’s BBQ which offers a hearty lunch with outdoor seating, and Take Me Back Cafe with its quaint setting.

The area also invites visitors to shop for antiques at Hidden Treasures Flea Market & Antiques and then head to The Iron Place to purchase artwork, pottery, and other items as souvenirs. Meanwhile, the Eiffel Tower on Maurice Street is a must-visit. History enthusiasts can check out Cavitt Place, a historic Renaissance mansion built in 1916 and home to the Paris-Henry County Heritage Center. This heritage center also doubles as a museum featuring local artifacts and exhibits. The Henry County Courthouse is another historical delight to visit in town, as it is one of the oldest courthouses in Tennessee.

Columbia

Columbia, the self-acclaimed Mule Capital of the World, has a historic main street that reflects southern charm and hospitality, including a seamless blend of history and modernity. Visitors to this destination can start an adventure with rare antiques at Bleu 32 Vintage Marketplace, and adorable art pieces and paintings at Gallery 48.

Next, enjoy sumptuous delicacies at Puckett’s Restaurant and delicious steaks at Southern Tre Steakhouse The Original. Proceed to tour the residence of America’s 11th president at President James K. Polk's Home and Museum and visit the 1837 Athenaeum Rectory to admire Moorish and Gothic architecture. St. John’s Episcopal Church and Cemetery is another historic attraction worth visiting as it was founded by President Polk's uncle and built in 1837. After a satisfying downtown exploration, explore the landscape around Duck River, renowned for its impressive diversity of freshwater animals, including the rare mussels.

Gallatin

Gallatin is a beautiful city along the Cumberland River that boasts a historic main street featuring good eats, historic discoveries, and prime entertainment. First off, the Bistro 562 and Coffee House in the area offer coffee and snacks, while lunch and dinner are unforgettable at Swaney Swift’s on the Square. Visitors can even pick up a gift item for a loved one or friend at Timeless Treasures and or admire beautiful paintings, photos, and art pieces at Worthington Galleries.

Meanwhile, the Sumner County Museum is in downtown Gallatin offering curious folks an immersion into the area’s history. Before leaving town, it’s always exciting to visit Bledsoe Creek State Park for boating, fishing, hiking, and paddling adventures. For more outdoor fun, one can head to Nat Caldwell Park, featuring a lake with a boat ramp, including picnic shelters, and grills.

Lynchburg

Lynchburg is a top destination in Tennessee, famed globally as the birthplace of Jack Daniel’s whiskey. Hence, its vibrant main street naturally draws attention as tourists stop by to eat, drink, shop, and have fun. Storm this exciting area in Tennessee and check out some of its highlight attractions, like the Moore County Old Jail Museum, featuring jail clothing, artifacts, and original jail cells once used by inmates from 1893 to 1990.

More top sights in the area include Jack Daniel’s Barrel Shop and Moore County Courthouse, built in 1885. Afterward, enjoy the tantalizing tastes of barbecue at Barrel House BBQ or head to BBQ Caboose Café for the food plus live music. While in town, don’t forget to visit Cave Springs Hollow, as it is the site and source of the spring water used in making Jack Daniel’s Whiskey.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a naturally scenic town nestled at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. As a result, its downtown is an interesting stop for tourists heading to the national park. Here, hungry visitors will find the best restaurants to refill along Parkway, notably Crockett’s Breakfast Camp and Howard’s Restaurant, which is also the town’s oldest. Art enthusiasts can stop by the Smoky Mountain Art Gallery to browse and purchase paintings, while the Iris Theatre is a great spot to unwind with brilliant shows and performances.

Also, don’t miss out on panoramic views of the town and the Smoky Mountains at Gatlinburg Space Needle, with an observation deck 407 feet above ground. Meanwhile, thrillseekers can have more fun at Roaring Fork Motor Trail, a beautiful road that slices through the woods, with a gushing mountain stream, lush vegetation, and log cabins as visual delights.

Bristol

Bristol is a unique town in Sullivan County and the twin of its namesake town in Virginia. This town is so remarkable that one side of its downtown is in Tennessee while the other is in Virginia. Hence, exploring the main street could have one shopping in Tennessee and dining in Virginia. While in the area, pick up vintage items and antiques at Willow Creek Antiques & Collectibles in Bristol, Virginia, and dine at Delta Blues BBQ in Bristol, Tennessee.

Proceed to A Work of Art Gallery and Gifts to browse through paintings and purchase some as souvenirs. Notably, Bristol is renowned as the birthplace of country music, and there is a special museum for it known as the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. Additionally, the town has unique natural attractions like the Bristol Caverns, featuring an underground river and stunning mineral formations.

Jonesborough

Jonesborough is the oldest town in Tennessee, and its main street houses 200 years of history while hosting an array of businesses. Visitors to this historic main street can relish fresh soups and sandwiches at Main Street Cafe & Catering or have a unique dining experience at Amigo Mexican Restaurant. As the storytelling capital of the world, visitors can also visit the Storytelling Center on Main Street to see exhibits and watch stage performances.

For art enthusiasts, Griffin Art Gallery is a must-visit while the Jonesborough Washington County Museum is a great stop for history enthusiasts as it houses an extensive array of artifacts related to the county and town. For more history, Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum is worth visiting as it details the history of Jonesborough from its creation in 1779 to the present through various exhibits.

Greeneville

Greeneville is the second oldest town in Tennessee, with a historic main street that offers so much history and fun. An unforgettable experience in this downtown can begin with a cup of coffee at Tipton’s Cafe or a hearty meal at Brumley’s Restaurant and Lounge. For avid shoppers and antique collectors, a visit to the Greeneville Antique Market is a must, while history lovers have to explore the President Andrew Johnson National Historic Site. The site contains some of his houses, a museum, his tailor shop, and his tomb within the National Cemetery. Auto enthusiasts can head to the City Garage Car Museum to see a stunning collection of vintage cars dating back to the 19th century. In addition, the Greeneville Greene County History Museum invites visitors to learn about the storied past of the town and county via exhibits and photography.

Main Streets are the hearts and cores of towns and cities, hosting the highest concentration of business, art, historic, and outdoor activities. In Tennessee, they are as lively as they come and more spectacular in small towns, some of which are surrounded by or near world-famous attractions. Visit these bustling main streets, and you will find it hard to leave as there is so much to see and do.