This Historic Tennessee Town Feels Stuck In Time With Fun Activities For Everyone

When it comes to choosing a destination that delivers fun activities for everyone, Tennessee ticks all the boxes. The state not only offers interesting things for first-time visitors to enjoy, but its capital, Nashville, is also an iconic music city rich in both culture and cuisine. However, if your idea of a getaway involves visiting small historic towns, a trip to Jonesborough might be exactly what you need. Named after a North Carolina legislator, Willie Jones, this small town — which serves as the county seat of Washington County — was founded in 1779 and has a population of about 6,700 (via World Population Review).

As the oldest town in Tennessee, Jonesborough's nickname, "The Storytelling Capital of the World," fits perfectly — and you'll feel it the moment you walk through the restored 18th- and 19th-century buildings in its historic district, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Downtown features an array of antique shops, galleries, and eateries. You'll also find scenic parks throughout the area offering fun adventures for the whole family — from hiking trails to splashing and wading in the water, and much more.

Jonesborough welcomes visitors year-round thanks to its cooler weather, but October stands out as the best time to visit. That's when the National Storytelling Festival takes place, drawing more than 10,000 visitors who gather to experience the tradition that gave this town its famous nickname. The town also makes for a perfect day trip. The Tri-Cities Airport, which serves northern Tennessee, is within a 30-minute drive, while McGhee Tyson Airport, served by several airlines, is under a two-hour drive away.

Your day in Jonesborough begins the best way possible: on foot. Downtown is compact, walkable, and lined with brick sidewalks, and history lovers will particularly enjoy taking a self-guided tour. The Washington County Courthouse, the 1777 Log Cabin, and numerous other historic structures are sights to behold, and a walk through downtown will convince you that Jonesborough deserves to be considered among America's most charming, retro towns that feel stuck in time.

One stop stands out as a must-visit: the Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum. Built in 1797 by Dr. William Chester, it's the oldest commercial building in Jonesborough and sits right on Main Street. Restored by the State of Tennessee and reopened as a museum in 2011, it tells the town's story through rotating exhibits, photographs, and artifacts. Visitors can explore the parlor, dining rooms, and lodging rooms that once hosted U.S. presidents including Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, and Andrew Johnson. The museum offers kid-friendly activities like scavenger hunts and coloring books. Open from March through December with varying hours  — and by appointment only from January to February — admission is free.

Located on Boone Street, Veterans Memorial Park features more than 1,600 bricks honoring Washington County veterans. Here, visitors can wander among native plants and memorial benches. Finally, for fans of the silver screen, the Jackson Theatre has something for you, too. Founded in 1945 but screening films as early as 1922, the theatre is open Tuesday to Saturday and shows classic films, while its stage hosts plays and concerts. Be sure to check the theater's website to see what's playing during your visit  — it's one of the best ways to share space with locals, many of whom often spend their Saturdays here.

Before you continue on your adventure, you might need a quick pick-me-up. Main Street Café, housed in the town's former 1930s post office building, stands out for its old-world charm, with pressed-tin ceilings, hanging globe lamps, and other period architectural details. The restaurant serves homemade soups, salads, burgers, and sandwiches. On Tripadvisor, one visitor raved: "Great food and charming atmosphere in downtown Jonesborough, TN. Quite a selection of sandwiches, burgers and salads." Texas Burritos & More is another spot worth checking out. The restaurant is best known for its Tejano dishes, burritos, and Tex-Mex staples, all made with recipes passed down for more than 50 years.

If you're still feeling adventurous after filling your stomach, the nearby Wetlands Water Park opens Memorial Day through Labor Day and boasts plenty of water activities for all ages. The park features a café, a volleyball court, picnic areas, and restrooms. Meanwhile, outdoor enthusiasts can head out to explore Persimmon Ridge Park, a 130-acre park offering biking and hiking trails. Golden Oak Park and Stage Road Park also serve as playgrounds for children and offer scenic walking trails.

Finally, Brights Zoo offers a safari-style experience right in Jonesborough. The zoo is home to a variety of animals — including kangaroos, spider monkeys, red pandas, and rare and endangered species like addax and bongo. At the time of writing, park admission ranges from $17 for children to $20 for adults. Although feeding zoo animals is typically prohibited, the zoo offers paid feeding experiences for certain animals.