Plan Your Visit

About the Town

Jonesborough is one of those unique towns that offers a glimpse into history. However, the town is not a museum nor a location where only history is reenacted. Jonesborough is a thriving community with a vision for the future, while strongly regarding its past as a treasure worthy of preservation. Jonesborough lets the traveler relax in warmth and quiet charm yet remains convenient to I-81, I-26, Johnson City, TN and Asheville, N.C.

Today, the history of Jonesborough comes alive through our stories. It's here that pioneers founded the "Lost State of Franklin," which is a story in itself. Then there is the story of the world's first periodicals devoted to the abolition of slavery, published in Jonesborough.

And the legends continue. In fact, as host of the National Storytelling Festival, Tennessee's oldest town has become known as the birthplace of the American storytelling revival. By intricately restoring its 200-year legacy, Jonesborough has proved that old tales never die.

Attractions in Jonesborough TN

• International Storytelling Center (Smithsonian Affiliate)
• Mary B. Martin Program for the arts, McKinney Center, Booker T. Washington school
• Arboretum and Butterfly Garden
• Chuckey Train Depot
• Heritage Alliance Oakhill School
• Wetlands Water Park
• Depot Street Brewing

• Tennessee Hills Distillery
• Trout Fishing
• Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society & Museum
• Jonesborough Yarn Exchange - NPR
• Jonesborough Repertory Theater
• Historic Jonesborough Dance Society (contra)
• Walking Tours
• Farmers Market

Attractions Near Jonesborough

• Bristol Motor Speedway - Nascar
• Whitewater Rafting

• Appalachian Trail
• Gray Fossil Site

Events

• Brews and Tunes (Sunday Afternoons: May - October)
• Chocolate Festival (Early Spring)
• Soda Festival (June)
• Quilt Festival (July)

• Music on Court House Steps (Fridays: May - September)
• Scoop Festival (August)
• Cheese and Wine Fest (September)
• National Storytelling Festival (October)