Explore Jonesborough, TN: Tennessee's Oldest Town for History, Stories & Adventures

History, art, local shops, live music and family-friendly summer fun come together in the town of Jonesborough. Start with the historic district, then add museums, storytelling, downtown Jonesborough, TN, dining and seasonal events to round out your visit.
 

The first thing you’ll want to do when you arrive is connect to the stories of the people who established and lived in Tennessee’s oldest town. The Jonesborough Town Tour begins with a casual walk through Jonesborough's restored historic district personifies the area's Federal, Greek Revival and Victorian to modern 1970s architecture and rich history through 40 points of interest. Town Tours are guided by period-costumed locals and offered May to December on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Stroll along as stories behind the historic buildings come alive in fresh, new ways. 

• Costumed guides share stories about Jonesborough’s historic buildings, early residents and the lives they built in Northeast Tennessee.
• Tours depart from the Chester Inn State Historic Site & Museum at 116 W. Main St.
• Seasonal walking tours are typically available March through December at 1 p.m. Saturdays, with schedules subject to change.
• Tickets are $6 per person and can be purchased at the Chester Inn Museum.
• Free downtown parking is available throughout Jonesborough, including near the Visitor Center, Courthouse Square and Chester Inn.

After you hear the stories, see the artifacts, newspapers, photographs and more that highlight the cultural, economic and social history of Jonesborough’s people at the Jonesborough-Washington County History Museum & Archives. The museum’s collections help tell the story of the land and people once known as the “mother of Tennessee.”

• The museum is located inside the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center at 117 Boone St.
• Exhibits include Jonesborough’s first firefighting equipment, purchased in the late 1800s, and the clock from the 1847 Washington County Courthouse.
• Hours are listed as Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April-October; and Saturday-Sunday, 12:30-5 p.m. November-March.
• Admission is free, though donations are welcomed.
• The Visitors Center area includes parking, local recommendations and access to downtown Jonesborough.

The Chester Inn State Historic Site & Museum was first built as an inn in 1797, but now serves as a museum showcasing the history of Jonesborough from 1779 to the present. You'll find exhibits about the history of the Chester Inn, what Jonesborough looked like in the 1850s, the 1873 cholera epidemic and more. Upstairs, you'll find an historic parlor and dining room decorated in the Victorian era style of the late 1800s.

• The Chester Inn is located at 116 W. Main St. in downtown Jonesborough.
• The museum is on the street level of the oldest commercial building in town.
• Hours vary seasonally; May-October hours are listed as 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday through Saturday, and 1 - 5 p.m. on Sunday.
• January and February visits are by appointment only, see website for additional hours outside of the May - Oct. season.
• There is no admission fee, but donations are welcomed.
• Free downtown parking is available near the Chester Inn and other Main Street lots.

Learn about train travel at the Chuckey Railroad Depot Museum, the former Southern Railway train depot. The town's railroad legacy is told through exhibits, artifacts, maps and photographs. You also can't miss seeing the restored Southern Railway caboose on display outside. 

• The museum is located at 110 S. 2nd Ave. in downtown Jonesborough.
• Exhibits focus on local railroad history and the impact railroads had on small rural communities.
• March-October hours are listed as Thursday-Friday, 1-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
• November-February hours are listed as Thursday-Friday, 1-4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and Sunday, 1-4 p.m.
• The museum is closed Monday-Wednesday and most holidays.
• Free parking is available at the Chuckey Depot lot and other downtown parking areas.

Downtown Jonesborough, TN, blends preserved architecture with local shops, Appalachian crafts, restaurants and seasonal markets. Stroll Main Street to shop for locally made goods, grab a meal or settle in for a slower afternoon in one of Tennessee’s most charming small towns.

• Downtown Jonesborough is lined with small businesses, boutiques and specialty shops unique to Tennessee’s oldest town, making Main Street easy to explore on foot.
• Jonesborough Locally Grown connects visitors with local food through the Jonesborough Farmers Market, which runs Saturdays from May through October, 8 a.m.-noon, behind the courthouse.
• Boone Street Market offers local produce, meats, dairy products, baked goods, coffee, honey and more, with priority given to vendors within 100 miles of Jonesborough.
• Mill Spring Makers Market features handmade goods from more than 40 local and regional artists and makers.
• Kaleys & Co., Mauk’s of Jonesborough and Crafty Peddler offer locally loved stops for clothing, gifts, home goods and have-to-have finds.
• Free curbside parking and public lots are available throughout downtown; note that some lots may be unavailable during market hours or special events.

Southern folklore lives on in “The Storytelling Capital of the World,” where Jonesborough’s past is wrapped in tales of pioneers, travelers, families and front-porch traditions. Visit the International Storytelling Center on Main Street to learn about the art behind homespun tales and experience one of the town’s signature cultural attractions.

• The International Storytelling Center is located at 100 W. Main Street in the heart of downtown Jonesborough.
• Its campus includes the Mary B. Martin Storytelling Hall, gift shop, Jimmy Neil Smith Storytelling Park and the historic Chester Inn.
• Storytelling Live! programming runs May through October.
• The National Storytelling Festival is held the first weekend in October and draws visitors from around the country.
• Experience a virtual tour of the International Storytelling Center.
• Accessible parking and limited-mobility drop-off options are available during major festival operations; check current event details before visiting.
• Free downtown parking is available nearby, though special events may use shuttle or designated parking plans.

Add live entertainment to your visit at The Jackson Theatre, a restored downtown venue on Main Street. The theater brings film, music and performing arts to the heart of historic Jonesborough.

• The Jackson Theatre is located at 121 W. Main St. in downtown Jonesborough.
• The venue presents arts and entertainment programming designed to support storytelling, cultural preservation and community life.
• Ticketing and schedules vary by performance, so check current listings before planning your visit.
• Free downtown parking is available near Main Street, including public lots and curbside spaces.

For family-friendly summer fun, add Wetlands Water Park to your list of things to do in Jonesborough, TN. Located within Persimmon Ridge Park, Wetlands Water Park in Jonesborough, TN, offers water slides, a lazy river, zero-depth wading area, water bubblers, a café and sand volleyball.

• Wetlands Jonesborough is located at 1523 Persimmon Ridge Road.
• The 2026 primary season is listed as May 23-Aug. 3, with hours Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and Sunday, noon-5:30 p.m.
• After early August, the park transitions to weekend-only public operations through August and September.
• Daily admission is listed as free for children 2 and under, $11 for ages 3-12, $13 for ages 13 and up, and $11 for seniors 55 and up.
• Everyone ages 3 and older must pay admission, even if not swimming.
• Children 15 and under must be accompanied by a responsible person 18 or older.
• Outside food, drinks, coolers, glass containers, chewing gum and alcoholic beverages are not allowed.
• Nearby Persimmon Ridge Park amenities make this an easy add-on for a summer family day in Jonesborough.

Jonesborough, TN, restaurants range from casual local favorites to elevated dining experiences, giving visitors plenty of ways to turn a day trip into a full weekend getaway.
 

• Jackson’s Prime in Jonesborough, TN, is located at 111 W. Main St. in historic downtown Jonesborough.
• The restaurant focuses on USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, curated wines and bourbons.
• Reservations are available online.
• It’s a good fit for date nights, special occasions or travelers looking for an elevated dinner after exploring Main Street.
• Free downtown parking is available near Main Street public lots, though availability may vary during events.

• The Black Olive in Jonesborough, TN, serves Italian and Mediterranean favorites, including pastas, hand-tossed pizzas, calzones, strombolis, salads and small plates.
• The restaurant is located at 125 E. Jackson Blvd. #8.
• Posted service hours are Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9:15 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
• Dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering, outdoor seating and a private dining room are available.
• This is a convenient option for families or groups looking for a casual meal near downtown Jonesborough.

Summer is one of the best times to visit Jonesborough, Tennessee, especially if you want live music, local food, family activities and small-town festival energy.

• Jonesborough Days is the town’s Independence Day celebration and one of the region’s signature summer events.
• The 2026 event listing appears for July 3-4, with event details updated through the Town of Jonesborough.
• Festival activities may include food, music, vendors, patriotic programming and family-friendly entertainment.
• Parking and traffic patterns can change during the festival, so check the latest event page and parking guidance before arrival.
• Some activities may be free while others may require tickets or advance registration.

• Music on the Square in Jonesborough, TN, is a free outdoor concert series in downtown Jonesborough.
• The 2026 series runs Friday evenings from May 1-Sept. 25, 7-9 p.m.
• Music styles include bluegrass, jazz, rock, Americana and blues.
• Visitors can bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy the townscape of downtown Jonesborough as the backdrop.
• Food options include rotating food trucks and downtown restaurants.
• Free downtown parking is available, though arriving early is recommended during busy summer evenings.

• Brews & Tunes in Jonesborough, TN, takes place Sunday afternoons June through September on the plaza in front of the International Storytelling Center.
• Food and drinks begin at 4 p.m., with live music from 5-7 p.m.
• The event includes local music, craft beer, cider and food trucks.
• The outdoor setting makes it an easy summer add-on after a downtown stroll, museum visit or historic tour.
• Check the current lineup before visiting, especially around holidays or special events.

Turn your visit into an overnight getaway with a stay near Jonesborough’s historic district. Lodging options include historic inns, modern hotels and bed-and-breakfasts within easy reach of shopping, dining, theater and music.
 

• Jonesborough, Tennessee, is nestled between Johnson City, Kingsport and Bristol, making it a convenient base for a Northeast Tennessee trip.
• Local lodging options include historic inns, hotels and bed-and-breakfasts near downtown.
• The Historic Eureka Inn is located on Main Street and offers nine uniquely decorated rooms with modern private baths, high-speed Wi-Fi and individual climate control.
• Staying downtown makes it easy to walk to shops, restaurants, performances and storytelling attractions.
• Book early around major events like Jonesborough Days, Music on the Square in Jonesborough, TN, weekends and the National Storytelling Festival.

History, art, small-town dining and Main Street charm blend for an unforgettable getaway in Jonesborough, Tennessee. Plan your own visit to Tennessee’s oldest town and discover why its homespun tales still have something new to say.