This Is The Friendliest Small Town in Tennessee

As the oldest town in Tennessee, Jonesborough was founded 17 years before the state itself. As a result, the community, located in the northeastern part of the state, is extremely tight knit, with many families dating back generations. Each week, residents come together to share stories, and local establishments, some of which have stood for decades, focus on supporting the area’s farming community by sourcing ingredients locally. Visitors quickly feel at home, welcomed by inn owners offering smiles and warm rooms. Think you’ve experienced the best of Tennessee’s southern hospitality? Jonesborough is a friendly force to be reckoned with. It might just be the friendliest small town in Tennessee.

Storytelling

Known as the "Storytelling Capital of the World," Jonesborough always has an interesting tale to share. Since 1973, storytellers from across the country have traveled to Jonesborough to share their stories at the annual National Storytelling Festival. This festival dates back to 1973, when a small group gathered around a farm wagon in Courthouse Square to share stories of Appalachia. In the following decades, the crowds began to grow, reaching around 10,000 listeners today, with storytellers sharing tales each October in tents set up around town.

Not able to attend Jonesborough during the festival in October? There are plenty of storytelling events happening year-round, giving you the chance to hear a tale or two. The International Storytelling Center hosts a storytelling season from May through October, featuring 20 nationally recognized storytellers who share everything from personal narratives to folktales and cowboy poetry. In December, the center presents a special holiday show series, including classic narrations, like Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol."

The Storytellers Guild, established in 1994, is another storytelling pillar in the community, standing as the only storytelling guild in the country with a weekly performance venue. Every Tuesday evening, the guild comes together at the Mary B. Martin Theatre to share stories for all residents and travelers who wish to attend.

Parks and Rec

With so many parks around Jonesborough, it is no surprise that the town has such a laid-back and friendly atmosphere. Jimmy Neil Smith Park, located right behind the International Storytelling Center, is a popular gathering place in town, centrally located and featuring walking paths, seasonal gardens, and open green spaces. Just a block away is tiny Mill Spring Park, a serene space with a gazebo in the middle and a babbling stream, making it popular for residents to have picnics. Community members also frequently hike with their friends and family at Persimmon Ridge Park, considered the town's flagship park. Spanning over 130 acres, it offers lots of hiking and biking trails, a basketball court, a baseball field, and a playground for kids. Residents know that summer in Jonesborough can bring the heat. Fortunately, the town has its own water park, Wetlands Water Park, to help beat the summer temperatures. In 2024, over 33,000 visitors flocked to the park, serving as an important point of congregation in the community. Throughout the park, you can find several waterslides, a lazy river, tumble buckets, a rain tree, and water bubblers, promising a whole day's worth of fun.

Restaurants and Nightlife

Much like the town's storytellers, the restaurants in Jonesborough each have their own story to tell. Main Street Cafe & Catering, the longest-running restaurant in town, has been family-owned since 1982; it's located in a historic building dating back to the 1930s. This restaurant is perfect for a hearty lunch, serving homemade soups, sandwiches, salads, and desserts. The Black Olive is another cozy restaurant to visit, offering Italian-inspired dishes made with organic and locally sourced ingredients to support the area’s farmers. In the mood for a beer or spirit? Make sure to add Depot Street Brewing to your list. This brewery has been operating in Jonesborough since 2004 and brews its beer in small batches. Visitors can also tour the brewery by appointment. For a locally distilled spirit, Tennessee Hills Distillery is one of the best options in town. This laid-back brewery embraces the motto “embracing heritage,” using traditional distilling methods, time-honored recipes, and locally sourced barley and dent corn as ingredients.

Bed and Breakfasts

To experience the full warmth of Jonesborough's southern hospitality, travelers should spend the weekend in one of its charming inns or bed and breakfasts, like the restored Hawley House Bed & Breakfast, built in the late 1700s, making it the oldest standing structure in town. Or consider the Jonesborough Bed and Breakfast, housed in a bohemian-style Queen Anne cottage, guests are greeted with a warm welcome and treated to a locally sourced continental breakfast each morning. Another classic option is Franklin House Bed and Breakfast, a vernacular-style home built in the 1840s, where visitors can enjoy breakfast on the covered porch each day. Located in the historic district, this accommodation is just a few-blocks walk from downtown, making it easy to explore without needing to use a car.

Final Thoughts

Jonesborough is the friendliest small town in Tennessee. While the entire state of Tennessee arguably has some of the kindest folk in the country, Jonesborough’s community spirit and long-lasting traditions have a special touch of southern charm that sets it apart. Whether you want to enjoy a picnic with loved ones at Mill Spring Park or attend a weekly storytelling event hosted by the Storytellers Guild, the people of Jonesborough will make you feel like one of their own.

Jonesborough's reputation is built on its warm southern hospitality and tight-knit community. As Tennessee’s oldest town, its charming historic district invites visitors with brick sidewalks, beautifully preserved buildings, and a welcoming atmosphere. The locals greet everyone like an old friend, whether at the downtown shops or during the International Storytelling Festival. Events and businesses foster connection, from cozy cafés to family-owned shops. The town’s spirit shines in its dedication to inclusion, support for the arts, and genuine kindness, making it a place where everyone feels at home.