The Friendly Small Town In Tennessee That's Perfect For A Summer Day Trip
By Chris Dodge|Published May 23, 2023
×
Chris Dodge
Author
My name is Chris Dodge and I live right here in the great state of Tennessee. My family and I are full adventurers filled with passion to see the amazing things our state has to offer. We are avid hikers and have explored many different places in Tennessee and beyond but we are always thankful to be living in such a glorious state.
In the South, it’s hard to go just about anywhere without seeing clear evidence of Southern hospitality. It’s not just an idealistic notion, but a very real way of living in Tennessee. You won’t be a stranger here for long, and there is one town that exhibits these qualities in the highest way. Jonesborough stands out as one of the friendliest towns in Tennessee. This is a place where the community truly gathers and makes you feel like family. Here’s what you can expect when you visit Jonesborough, the friendliest town in Tennessee:
Jonesborough is known far and wide as one of the best small towns in Tennessee for many different reasons.
The town is quaint, charming, and filled with history. This is the first town in Tennessee, and has played host to several big names in our state's past. Many people will visit for a lesson in our state's early years, but will certainly be struck with just how friendly the town is. People will welcome you with open arms whether you are new to the area or have been here for years. The sense of community is palpable and, frankly, unrivaled.
It is a place where families gather, and if you find yourself in town that day you are already part of that family.
Boone Street Market, 101 Boone St, Jonesborough, TN 37659, USA
Jonesborough loves to celebrate all things local and that includes the surrounding farms. Fresh and amazing local produce and products can be found in a little corner store called Boone Street Market. Their catering company hosts the annual Jonesborough Farm to Table Dinner. This event gathers the community and nothing brings people together better than a delicious meal. It is unique to see a gathering like this and speaks to just how close the town really is and the value of time spent together.
Advertisement
The main street through downtown is regularly closed to vehicles because Jonesborough puts on plenty of events.
Their calendars are filled with fun activities, festivals, and events, but perhaps one of the best ones is Jonesborough Days in the summer. Thousands of people come together to listen to live music, shop local vendors, and celebrate the community of Tennessee’s oldest town.
Browsing the shops is a great way to get a feel for the friendly people in the area. Stop by The Lollipop Shop for a retro ’80s-themed store that has sweets and treats.
The Lollipop Shop, 129 E Main St, Jonesborough, TN 37659, USA
You’ll find it is more than just a candy store -- it's an experience filled with fun throwbacks and lots of nostalgia. If that weren't fun enough, head upstairs for some classic arcade games. Amidst the fun that can be had in The Lollipop Shop, you will find that strangers strike up friendly conversations and it comes naturally adding to the overall atmosphere of Southern hospitality. I have been to this store many times and it is always my favorite stop in Jonesborough.
Other unique stores can be found all along downtown; Gabriel’s Christmas, for example, is the tri-cities' only year-round Christmas store and it is magical.
Gabriel's Christmas, 117 E Main St #101, Jonesborough, TN 37659, USA
The store is filled with floor-to-ceiling decorations from ornately decorated trees to displays of winter wonder. Maybe it is the joy of the season captured all within a store, but the workers are some of the friendliest people around. They go out of their way to make sure each guest is welcomed and seen; not only is it just good business, it's just the way people live here in East Tennessee.
If you wanted to dive deeper into the history of the region and Jonesborough especially, then the Chester Inn is the perfect place to visit.
Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum, 116 W Main St, Jonesborough, TN 37659, USA
Inside you will find a humble and cozy museum filled with the history of this amazing town. Learn a little bit more about the people’s heritage and gain insight as to what makes these happy people so welcoming. It's not new for people in this part of the world to treat others with respect and love, so don’t wait to visit one of the friendliest little towns in Tennessee.
Have you ever been to this small town? Would you agree that this is one of the friendliest towns in the state? Jonesborough, Tennessee, is certainly a special place of community, history, and charm. If you have not been then you owe yourself a visit and see firsthand just how incredible the people of this small town are.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
