THE STORYTELLING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD H istory & H eritage in TENNESSEE’S OLDEST TOWN

History comes to life in this 18th century town as its well-preserved Main Street takes you on an exciting journey through the past. One of the best ways to experience Jonesborough is by taking a town tour with our preservation society, the Heritage Alliance. Your tour guide, dressed in period clothing, will escort you through the streets of Jonesborough sharing little-known facts and the story of the town from past to present.

Also, be sure to pay a visit to the Chester Inn Museum, located in the heart of downtown Jonesborough. The museum chronicles the history of Jonesborough from its inception in 1779 to the present.

The Storytelling Capital

On a warm October weekend in 1973, the first National Storytelling Festival was held. Hay bales and wagons were the stages, and audience and tellers together didn’t number more than 60. It was tiny, but something happened that weekend that forever changed our culture, this traditional art form, and Tennessee’s Oldest Town. The Festival now in its 51st year and acclaimed as one of the Top 100 Events in North America, conjures up nearly 11,000 visitors from all fifty states and numerous countries. There’s a certain magic about the National Storytelling Festival, a magic that shuts off smart phones and holds folks spellbound in the art of well-told stories by dozens of the world’s best storytellers.

Shop Local

Continue your Jonesborough experience and feelings of nostalgia as you discover antiques, handmade pottery, unique home decor and Appalachian Mountain crafts at the many shops on Main Street. For over 200 years, Jonesborough merchants have taken pride in offering exclusive goods from around the world. That tradition continues today with each quaint shop housed in picturesque historic buildings continuing to share that story.

There’s always something to do Jonesborough offers a unique and memorable experience yearround with a variety of events. From town-wide Christmas events during December, to our festivals and concert series offering live music each week, to live storytelling performances all year long, visitors are sure to delight in our charm. You’re invited to experience Jonesborough and the people that call it home all while leaving your footprint on the story that’s still being written.

All about Jonesborough: Visit Jonesborough.com for more information and the events calendar.

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