Top 21 Things To Do In Jonesborough, Tennessee

1. Buy souvenirs at Mauk's of Jonesborough

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Make a complete checklist of presents that you wish to bring back home before heading to this specialty store loaded with unique and hard to find items. Explore their line of products ranging from home decor, furniture, and fashion accessories perfect for your special someone. Experience the relaxation of seating in the most comfortable chair in the world as they are the exclusive distributor of Ekornes Stressless chairs and sofas. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to call the attention of the friendly staff who can give you a recommendation from the great assortment in the store.

Mauk's of Jonesborough

Address: 101 W Main St, Jonesborough, TN 37659, United States

Website: Mauk’s of Jonesborough

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 5pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 5:30pm (closed on Sun)

2. Plan a picnic at Stage Road Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Warm up your day by taking a leisurely walk or an afternoon jog in this fully fenced park perfect after a night of eating out in Jonesborough Downtown. Take a short time for a relaxing meditation or bond with your kids while taking advantage of the park’s amenities including a basketball court, walking trails, and a children’s playground. Fill your picnic basket with a scrumptious meal enough to energize your body after a perspiring activity on its ground with a pavilion. Make sure to bring enough liters of water to hydrate yourself while playing frisbee, kickball, or flying kites with your kids.

Stage Road Park

Address: 188 Stage Rd, Jonesborough, TN 37659, United States

Opening hours: 6am - 7pm (daily)

Price: Free

3. Learn more about history and culture with Heritage Alliance

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Have a deeper understanding of the town’s history and culture in this learning institution dedicated to preserving the heritage of the region and providing educational experiences for all ages. Get a glimpse into Tennessee’s first town while attending storytelling venues and walking tours while following informative guides that are in 1900s-style clothing. Enjoy a fun and unique tour acting as detectives busting the town’s myths from the facts or joining a cemetery tour to know the 1800s burial customs of the town. Whether you’re a history buff or simply a tourist who’s intrigued about Jonesborough, this company will never disappoint the wanderer in you.

Heritage Alliance

Address: 212 E Sabine Dr, Jonesborough, TN 37659, United States

Website: Heritage Alliance

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: 5 USD

4. Visit and admire Christopher Taylor House

Build by Christopher Taylor who fought in both the French-Indian wars and a major in the American Revolution, this structure is indeed one of the landmarks one should visit when in town. Admire how this V-notch cabin log house made in the 1700s managed to preserve its structure and historical value as you walk around its vicinity. Step back in time and see how the earlier settlers lived in a house built using just hand tools forming its walls, fireplace, and floor. Don’t forget to take a nice selfie shot with this house as this stood as a symbol of Jonesborough’s preservation efforts.

Christopher Taylor House

Address: 124 W Main St, Jonesborough, TN 37659, United States

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

5. Listen to stories at International Story Telling Center

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Walk your way to this institution tucked in the middle of Jonesborough to witness live concert series and social gatherings. Learn about important events within the town and its nearby areas through a series of storytelling from tale-tellers who have the power to resonate information to its listeners. Make friends with the locals, share laughter, and self-reflect while listening to stories told in such a way, you could see it unfold as if living it. After hearing some great stories, leisurely walk around the beautifully decorated downtown packed with shops and historical spots or look for any of the places to eat for a delicious treat.

International Story Telling Center

Address: 100 W Main St, Jonesborough, TN 37659, United States

Website: International Story Telling Center

6. Play basketball at Depot Street Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Stroll a little more after visiting Chunkey Depot Museum to reach this park complete with game courts, pavilions, and a children’s playground where you can rest under the shades of trees. Lay down on the bed of green grass while breathing in fresh air or enjoy the view of the nearby pond with ducks and geese playing under the heat of the sun. After a good rest, put on some sunscreen and get active by playing basketball. Make sure to drink enough water to hydrate yourself during the game.

Depot Street Park

Address: 405 Depot Street, Jonesborough, TN 37659 United States

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

7. Watch a musical play at Jonesborough Repertory Theatre

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Be entertained with A-rated performances in this community playhouse showcasing musical plays, concerts, and other theater acts from local and foreign talents. Take delight in the superb acting, colorful costumes, and amazing choreography of the actors from any of the plays that are currently being performed on the stage. Relax and take comfort on its padded sittings that were strategically arranged allowing good views of the stage production from anywhere you wish to be seated. For a hassle-free viewing, don’t forget to visit their official page to see the complete list of the events and to book your ticket in advance.

Jonesborough Repertory Theatre

Address: 125 W Main St, Jonesborough, TN 37659, United States

Website: Jonesborough Repertory Theatre

8. Camp for a day at Persimmon Ridge Park

Get acquainted with nature through camping at this green space where you can set up a tent for an overnight camp. Take advantage of the park’s amenities including established hiking trails, basketball court, and an 18-hole disc golf course enough to de-stress after a long month’s work. Gather the entire family around the bonfire with a cup of hot chocolate in your hand and talk about your plans for your next trip or next day’s activity around the town. Make sure to bring some insect repellants to avoid those nasty bites during your trip for a worry-free night with nature.

Persimmon Ridge Park

Address: 1523 Persimmon Ridge Road, Jonesborough, TN 37659, United States

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: 15 USD

9. Have a fun family day at Fender's Farm

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Put on your boots and cap and get ready to be dirty while having a blast in this traditional American farm providing the best fun for the whole gang. Create family bonding moments with activities including Animal Barn, Pig Race, Hay Ride, and the 7-acre (2.8 hectares) Cornfield Maze complete with all the tools used for farming. Let your kids be close to the wildlife while petting and feeding the farm animals after a day of enjoying rides such as the giant swing and the spinning chair. Check out their shop for some delicious canned goods and farm products including apple butter, jelly preserves, and their best-selling giant pumpkin.

Fender's Farm

Address: 254 TN-107, Jonesborough, TN 37659, United States

Website: Fender’s Farm

Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 4pm - 9pm; Fri: 4pm - 10pm; Sat: 10am - 10pm; Sun: 1 - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 13 USD

10. Make a splash at Wetlands Water Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Beat the heat and enjoy an all-day swimming experience in this waterpark during your summer getaway. Prepare for some adrenaline rush trying out the exciting slides perfect for kids and young at heart to have guaranteed enjoyable aquatic experience under the scorching heat of the sun. Get to play in the sand volleyball court for a friendly competition with the entire family or take advantage of the deck chairs to get the golden tan lines you wish to achieve. Fret not about going hungry for their cafe is just a walk away ready to sell scrumptious treats including burgers, pizzas, and refreshing sodas.

Wetlands Water Park

Address: 1523 Persimmon Ridge Rd, Jonesborough, TN 37659, United States

Website: Wetlands Water Park

Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm (closed from Mon - Fri)

Price: 12 USD

11. Visit Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum

Have a glimpse of the past in this well-preserved infrastructure that once was the best hotel in the Tennessee frontier area. Step back in time while browsing the wide array of memorabilia of the former inn including a diorama of Jonesborough in the 1850s, photographs, and articles about the town. View the restored upstairs to see the 19th-century period setting of the parlor, dining area, and the actual room of the hotel. If you’re coming with kids, let them enjoy activities like the museum scavenger hunt and coloring books enough to keep them busy while you’re doing the tour.

Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum

Address: 116 W Main St, Jonesborough, TN 37659, United States

Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 11am - 6pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm; Mon: 11am - 6pm (closed from Tue - Thu)

Price: Free

12. Quench your thirst at Tennessee Hills Distillery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Have a couple of drinks and be on high spirits after visiting the oldest distillery in Washington County selling a variety of liquors and other themed merchandise. Quench your thirst from any of the alcohol available in their storefront all brewed in the distillery including bourbon, vodka, and rum. For a one-of-a-kind experience, join the distillery tour to see where the “magic takes place” or have time to sample their great products before buying several bottles. Don’t hesitate to ask their staff anything about alcohol for they are more than willing to share some tips to keep your liquors in top-shelf quality.

Tennessee Hills Distillery

Address: 127 Fox St, Jonesborough, TN 37659, United States

Website: Tennessee Hills Distillery

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 6pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm

Price: Free

13. Learn to ride a horse at WF Stables

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Improve your skills in horseback riding at this family-owned facility offering many equine services including summer camps and riding lessons. Let your kids be closer with nature while riding a well-trained breed as they move around the stable together with experienced tour guides. Spend time helping the trainers to groom and feed the horses before or after touring the place to let your kids learn horse anatomy, its behavior, and have a hands-on experience around the beautiful creatures. If you still have time to spare, enjoy watching other enthusiasts while taking their lessons in the boarding facility to acquire more tips.

WF Stables

Address: 165 Tommy Campbell Rd, Jonesborough, TN 37659, United States

Website: WF Stables

14. Drink and be merry at Depot Street Brewing

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Have a late-night hangout with your friends at this small family-owned brewery serving craft beer made from the finest ingredients from around the globe. Enjoy the great atmosphere while playing some games with your travel buddies in the outside drinking area or just relax while savoring your alone time under the evening sky. Try the classic favorites like a glass of stout and lager or get addicted to seasonal milkshake India pale ale among other innovative new brews. Remember to make your stay worthwhile by having a serving of small-batch style craft pizza from their resident food truck.

Depot Street Brewing

Address: 904 Depot St, Jonesborough, TN 37659, United States

Website: Depot Street Brewing

Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 5pm - 8pm; Fri: 5pm - 9pm; Sat: 2pm - 9pm (closed from Sun - Tue)

15. Admire green spaces at Jimmy Neil Smith Park

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Leisurely walk behind the International Storytelling Center through the winding stone stairway to access this beautiful park featuring open green spaces. Breathe in the fresh air and the sweet smell of the blooming flowers in its seasonal gardens that will surely bring color to your Instagram feed. Spend time with your special someone while walking on its paved paths with luscious Bermuda grass on both sides complimenting the indigenous trees surrounding the park. Check out their schedule of events and join some fun and free activities hosted by the Heritage Alliance happening once in a while.

Jimmy Neil Smith Park

Address: 111 W. College Street, Jonesborough, United States

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

16. Indulge in Italian food at The Black Olive

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Let this restaurant take you to an Italian gastronomical adventure while savoring house-made dishes prepared and cooked with locally grown and organically sourced ingredients. Kick-start your sumptuous feast by giving your stomach some warm up with a hot bowl of soup partnered with a serving of chicken Caesar salad. Go for Italian food staples like the hand-tossed pizza or build your pasta complemented with slices of garlic bread. Cap off your lovely dining experience with a sweet ending through their dessert for the day and wash down your meal with a refreshing drink such as iced tea, soda, or coffee.

The Black Olive

Address: 125 E Jackson Blvd #8, Jonesborough, TN 37659, United States

Website: The Black Olive

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9:30pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10:30pm

17. Enjoy a sugar rush at The Lollipop Shop

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Visit this colorful store selling yummy treats you’ll love. Fulfill your sugary fantasies and take delight in non-stop decadence as soon as you step on its door and see the very well-decorated space matching the theme of the store. Browse the wide assortment of old school candy from your childhood that will surely bring back memories including Jelly Bellies, wax lips, and cigarette candies together with the great selections of different soda flavors. Be bold and dare to try other exotic treats for a surprising discovery of new flavors.

The Lollipop Shop

Address: 129 E Main St, Jonesborough, TN 37659, United States

Website: The Lollipop Shop

Opening hours: Sun - Fri: 9:30am - 8:35pm; Sat: 10am - 5pm

18. Take home fresh produce from Boone Street Market

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Head over to this market known as the only local food retail storefront in Tennessee featuring local produce from within a 100-mile (161 kilometers) radius of Jonesborough. Get to buy the freshest ingredients needed for your family dinner as you can shop meats, dairy products, and crops enough to prepare a hearty meal. Find something to buy for yourself while browsing in the artisan’s area selling handicrafts, artworks, and other merchandise. After shopping, visit some of the food kiosks selling delicious treats and enjoy eating with other locals in the seating area while enjoying the festive atmosphere around the market.

Boone Street Market

Address: 101 Boone St, Jonesborough, TN 37659, United States

Website: Boone Street Market

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 6pm; Sat: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sun)

19. Spend some bucks at Jonesborough Antiques & Artisans

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Feast your eyes in the wide collection of antiques, handicrafts, and odd items in this quaint shop filled with history and everything you might just need. Whether you’re looking for chinaware, treasure chests, and musical instruments, you’re bound to be impressed by the types of items in their shelves as well as seasonal pieces to complete your home decors. Browse not just the quirky things on the first floor but make sure to go upstairs to maximize your window-shopping experience. Remember to do the last-minute shopping and find that unique gift you think is perfect for that special someone back home.

Jonesborough Antiques & Artisans

Address: 115 E Main St, Jonesborough, TN 37659, United States

Website: Jonesborough Antiques & Artisans

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10:30am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 4pm

20. Hike The Lost State Scenic Walkway

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Spend a day close to nature while taking the established trail of this multi-use attraction spanning approximately 3 miles (4.83 kilometers) connecting Persimmon Ridge Park and downtown Jonesborough. Take a scenic hike through a natural wetlands area combined with moderately hilly zones that trekkers with any physical condition can enjoy. The trail is perfect for walking, biking, and running while breathing in the fresh air from the surrounding lush greens. Don’t forget to bring enough water to keep yourself hydrated.

21. Drink a margarita at Amigo Mexican Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Prepare to be impressed by the flavors of Mexico without flying out of the USA at this restaurant serving top-notch cuisines for a guaranteed unforgettable dining experience. Relax while lively music plays, complementing the elegant-looking interior. Bring some color to your dining table by indulging in palate-pleasing favorites including chimichangas, fajitas, and quesadillas that come in large servings that’s hard to resist. Make sure to take advantage of their full bar service for a glass of margarita, tequila, and other refreshing beverages to wash down the perfect meal.

Amigo Mexican Restaurant

Address: 5198, 125 E Jackson Blvd # 1, Jonesborough, TN 37659, United States

Website: Amigo Mexican Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Fri 11am - 10pm; Sat - Sun: 11:30am - 10pm

Discover everything Jonesborough has to offer

Walk down memory lane as soon as you step in the city of Jonesborough where the history is well-preserved and explained in a very unique way. Experience the town’s warm hospitality and meet its friendly locals all wearing smiles as you wander around every nook and cranny of this quaint town. From the natural landscapes to historical landmarks, you will never go wrong discovering these thrilling things to do in Jonesborough, Tennessee, that will make your itinerary jam-packed with memorable activities.