Welcome to Petersburg, Tenn.
Once a quiet town nearly lost to time, Petersburg, Tennessee has rediscovered its rhythm—and these days, it hums with charm, creativity, and the kind of hospitality that makes visitors feel like neighbors.
Tucked between Shelbyville and Fayetteville, Petersburg has become the kind of unexpected stop that becomes the highlight of your trip. Thanks to a grassroots revitalization effort that began not long ago, what was once a place many overlooked is now a must-stop destination for travelers, shoppers, and road trippers looking for something a little more meaningful than a gas station and a fast food sign.
The heartbeat of Petersburg is its historic town square, where century-old buildings share stories of prosperity, decline, and a stunning comeback. The vintage brick storefronts, some beautifully restored and others still proudly wearing their age, now house a variety of charming shops and local treasures.
Among these is a standout building once home to a bustling 1940s movie theater, now transformed into an art gallery. Right next door stands its older sibling, a relic from the days of silent film.
The pace is slower here, and that’s exactly the point. Whether you’re exploring antique shops, sipping on sweet tea, or admiring the craftsmanship of preserved architecture the town invites you to be present It’s a place ored, and s oring for a eel at home
A Local Perspective
A Town on the Rebound – Petersburg, Tennessee
“When you visit the small, charming town of Petersburg, you are likely to learn about our Revolutionary War hero–Joseph Greer who carried the message to the Continental Congress that a rough and tough group of frontiersmen had defeated the British at King’s Mountain. For that and other brave deeds, Greer was awarded a grant of 2500 acres anywhere he chose on the frontier that soon became the State of Tennessee.
Greer discovered that the beautiful valley of the Cane Creek had the best possible combination of rich soil, plentiful water and wide creek bottoms nestled between verdant rolling hills. Soon it became clear to Greer and others that they had the makings of a town so they founded Petersburg near where two small streams joined to form the Cane Creek.
Petersburg prospered. The farmers and merchants got a boost when the railroad came to town in 1882. Horses and mules were the backbone of the rural economy and Petersburg became known as one of the best places to find exceptional stock. The Petersburg Colt Show was started in 1884 and grew to be a premier event for showing and selling horses and mules along with Jersey Cattle and a full array of farm produce.
Like many small towns, Petersburg declined after World War II. The railroad pulled out in 1961. The famous Morgan Prep School became a public high school in 1950 but closed in 1970. The elementary school followed its demise in 1992. The lone factory shut down, and businesses that filled the town square fell one by one. Petersburg was struggling.
Miracles happen. Good, industrious people would not let a tarnished jewel remain hidden. Downtown Petersburg, the Morgan School and the Presbyterian Church were already on the National Register of Historic Places, but now they are being preserved and restored to their original elegance. “
- Warren Gill
Dining in Petersburg
Good food, friendly faces, and a seat at the table— that’s what you’ll find when dining in Petersburg.
At Paislee’s Place, Southern cooking takes center stage. With generous breakfast plates, rotating lunch specials, and hearty supper entrees, this is the place where neighbors catch up over biscuits and gravy or a plate of fried chicken and mashed potatoes. Don’t be thrown by the dual signage. Locals know it as Paislee’s, but the Tina’s sign remains as a nod to the building’s past and the family that started it all.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, head over to Good Shepherd Coffee Company on the square. This inviting café offers fresh-brewed coffee, homemade pastries, and a cozy place to take a break.
Whether you’re just passing through or staying for a while, don’t miss a chance to taste what this small town is serving up. Meals are made from scratch, served with pride, and enjoyed in spaces where community still matters. It might just be the highlight of your trip!
More to Explore
Scan the QR code to read more about dining options in Lincoln County, Tennessee.
Unique Shopping
Blending creativity, hospitality, and a dash of whimsy, the boutiques in this revitalized town offer something for every kind of shopper. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift or just enjoying a leisurely day out, Petersburg invites you to slow down and explore.
Begin your exploration at The Babe Shop, a delightful children’s boutique that’s full of charm and color. Specializing in stylish and playful kids' clothing, it also serves as a perfect venue for birthday parties or small events. Just steps away, Red Heels-Wright Door offers an eclectic mix of fashion, personality, and old-school general store vibes. With clothing, accessories, small grocery essentials, and an array of whimsical finds, the space blends boutique shopping with a dash of everyday convenience and mystical flair. Then wander into The Thread, a cozy, thoughtfully curated shop run by a mother-daughter duo. Known for its vintage treasures and handmade goods like soaps, jewelry, and wax melts —it’s the kind of place where you’ll find one-of-a-kind pieces and leave feeling like you’ve discovered a hidden gem.
Petersburg’s boutiques are more than places to shop— they’re reflections of the town’s creative spirit, its welcoming community, and its commitment to preserving small-town charm. From interactive fun at The Babe Co., to inclusive style at Red Door Boutique, and vintage treasures at The Thread, each store brings its own personality and warmth to the square.
Take the time to wander, chat with shop owners, and discover why shopping in Petersburg is anything but ordinary.
Willow + Reed
Step through the doors of Willow & Reed in downtown Petersburg, and you’ll instantly feel it: the blend of southern hospitality, curated style, and that unmistakable sense of “this is just what I needed.”
Owned and thoughtfully curated by Jessica Tietgens, Willow + Reed is bright and beautifully styled and the shelves are stocked with a mix of stylish women’s apparel, gourmet jams and jellies, one-of-a-kind items for men, and charming gift ideas. It’s the kind of place where even the smallest items feel intentional, where you might come in for a quick gift and leave with a new favorite outfit, a jar of something delicious, and a smile you didn’t expect.
From locals who pop in regularly to out-of-town visitors who leave with something special in hand, Willow & Reed has quickly become a beloved part of Petersburg’s growing small business scene—an inviting stop you’ll want to return to again and again.
Open Thursday 10-4pm and Friday and Saturday 10-6pm
More to Explore
Scan the QR code to read more about shopping options in Lincoln County, Tennessee.
Lillian Art Gallery
Step into Lillian art Gallery, a vibrant space where art, history, and community come together. Founded in the spring of 2025 by local artist Anna Austin, the gallery came into being when Anna was unexpectedly gifted the space by its previous owner—a story as unique as the art inside.
The gallery features Anna’s own thought-provoking works alongside pieces from other talended local artists. Housed in a historic 1919 building that once served as Dr. Charles P. Marsh’s medical office, the gallery honors its past through its name, “Lillian,” a tribute to the doctor’s wife, described in an old letter as an artist whose medium was flowers.
In that spirit, the gallery offers more than just art. You’ll also find seasonal floral arrangements, handmade cards, artisan jewelry, leather goods, custom woodworks, and fine furniture all available for purchase.
Come see for yourself why Lillian Art Gallery is quickly becoming a beloved creative haven in the heart of town.
101 Church St. Petersburg, TN. 37144
Open Thursday, 1-5pm, Friday and Saturday 10-4pm
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by Rachel Key
Photo
Good Shepherd Coffee
Located on the historic square, Good Shepherd Coffee is more than just a coffee stop—it’s a welcoming space designed for gathering, unwinding, and feeling at home.
Founded by Kathleen “Kat” Coffey, the café was inspired by the idea of a “third place”—a setting beyond home and work where people come to relax, connect, and belong. When a customer shared that Good Shepherd had become her third place, Kat knew the vision behind the shop had truly come to life.
The space itself is warm and inviting, with tall glass windows, a stone foundation, flower-topped tables, and cozy conversation nooks. The aroma of freshly ground coffee and homemade baked goods fills the air, creating a comforting environment perfect for a quick stop or a long, leisurely visit.
Good Shepherd serves crafted coffees, fresh scones, cookies, and other baked goods, along with custom cakes and desserts made to order. Whether you’re catching up with a friend, getting a little work done, or simply taking a moment to yourself, it’s a place where you’re always greeted with a smile—and often stay longer than planned.
Kat’s journey to opening the café includes a background in entrepreneurship, community work, and a passion for bringing people together. Her goal? To create a space that feels like home for everyone who walks through the door.
Stop by Good Shepherd Coffee, and discover your third place.
Photo by Rachel Key
Fallen Trees Design
Founded by brothers Mark and Frank Eichler alongside expert woodworker Jeff Gentry, Fallen Trees Design specializes in transforming locally sourced, naturally fallen Tennessee hardwoods into stunning handcrafted furniture and home goods. The trio brings decades of combined experience to their craft, honoring the character of each piece of wood through thoughtful design and traditional techniques.
Their collection includes sleek live-edge coffee tables, sturdy kitchen islands, farmhouse-style benches, rustic shelving, charcuterie boards, and elegant mantels—each designed to highlight the natural grain and unique features of the wood.
Their hallmark? Spalted hardwoods, wood naturally marked by distinct lines and patterns created over time, which they use to create heirloom-quality items ranging from dining tables and consoles to cutting boards, home décor, and custom cabinetry. Every piece tells a story, bearing the unique grain, texture, and spirit of the land it came from, offering a shopping experience as genuine and lasting as the materials they work with.
At Colt Show Antiques & Hardwoods, the charming shop shared by Fallen Trees and Colt Show Antiques on Petersburg’s historic square, visitors will find a thoughtfully curated blend of handmade wood pieces, vintage treasures, and antique finds. The shop’s inviting atmosphere—warm wood tones, rustic displays, and a sense of reverence for both old and new makes it the perfect place to find something meaningful for your home or a truly unique gift.
