Jamestown TennesseeATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Jamestown, Tennessee.
1. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE PARADISE
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area offers over 125,000 acres of natural beauty with dramatic gorges and sandstone bluffs. Visitors can enjoy horseback riding, hiking, whitewater rafting, and camping amid breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife. The park preserves the free-flowing Big South Fork of the Cumberland River and its tributaries, providing a pristine natural experience.
2. Historic Jamestown Square
CHARMING TOWN CENTER
Historic Jamestown Square serves as the heart of this quaint mountain town, featuring a historic courthouse and traditional architecture. Visitors can explore local shops, restaurants, and experience the genuine small-town atmosphere that has remained largely unchanged for generations. The square hosts several community events throughout the year, including festivals and holiday celebrations.
3. Forbus General Store
STEP BACK IN TIME
Forbus General Store is an authentic country store that has been operating since 1892, offering a glimpse into rural Tennessee's past. Visitors can enjoy traditional country cooking, browse nostalgic merchandise, and experience the store's original wooden floors and vintage counters. The store is famous for its made-from-scratch biscuits and preserves the atmosphere of an early 20th-century general merchandise establishment.
4. Mark & Lois' Family Restaurant
HOMESTYLE SOUTHERN COOKING
Mark & Lois' Family Restaurant is a beloved local eatery known for authentic Southern comfort food that draws both locals and tourists. Their menu features hand-breaded country fried steak, homemade mashed potatoes, and freshly baked pies that reflect generations of regional cooking traditions. The restaurant's warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it a perfect place to experience genuine Tennessee hospitality.
5. York Grist Mill
HISTORIC MILLING TRADITION
York Grist Mill is a historic water-powered mill connected to the legacy of World War I hero Alvin C. York, located just outside Jamestown. The restored mill demonstrates traditional grain processing methods that were essential to rural Appalachian communities for generations. Visitors can see the original milling equipment and sometimes purchase freshly ground cornmeal and flour during operational demonstrations.
6. Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park
AMERICAN HERO'S LEGACY
Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park preserves the farm and home of America's most decorated WWI soldier, located a short drive from Jamestown. The park features York's two-story house, a working grist mill, and exhibits detailing his remarkable journey from humble farmer to international hero. Visitors can take guided tours of the property and learn about York's extraordinary life and lasting impact on American history.
7. Pickett State Park
NATURAL STONE ARCHES
Pickett State Park encompasses nearly 20,000 acres of spectacular wilderness known for its unique geological formations including natural stone arches, rock shelters, and pristine streams. The park offers miles of hiking trails through old-growth forests where visitors can explore sandstone bluffs and discover hidden waterfalls. Originally developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, the park features historic rustic cabins and camping facilities in a tranquil setting.
8. Brewster's Terminal Brewhouse
CRAFT BEER & DINING
Brewster's Terminal Brewhouse offers a modern dining experience with craft beers and contemporary cuisine in historic Jamestown. The restaurant features locally-sourced ingredients in creative dishes that blend traditional Appalachian flavors with modern culinary techniques. Its rustic-industrial atmosphere makes it a popular gathering spot for both visitors and locals looking for quality dining options in the region.
9. Twin Arches
MAGNIFICENT NATURAL BRIDGES
Twin Arches features North Arch and South Arch, which form one of the largest natural bridge complexes in the eastern United States within Big South Fork. The South Arch rises 103 feet high with a span of 135 feet, while North Arch reaches 62 feet high with a 93-foot span, creating an awe-inspiring geological wonder. A moderately challenging trail leads visitors to these magnificent formations where they can walk across the top of the arches and experience panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.
10. Mountain View Bulk Foods
AMISH COUNTRY STORE
Mountain View Bulk Foods is a charming country store offering Amish-style bulk foods, handcrafted goods, and regional specialties. Shoppers can find everything from homemade jams and fresh baked goods to practical household items and unique handcrafted gifts. The store provides a taste of traditional Appalachian commerce with friendly service and products rarely found in conventional retail outlets.
11. Rugby Historic Village
VICTORIAN ENGLISH COLONY
Rugby Historic Village is a meticulously preserved Victorian-era English colony founded in 1880 as a utopian community, located just outside Jamestown. Visitors can tour more than a dozen original structures including the magnificent Christ Church Episcopal and the Thomas Hughes Free Public Library, which contains many first-edition books. The village offers guided tours, special events, and dining at the Harrow Road Cafe, allowing guests to step back into the unique history of this planned social experiment.
12. Muddy Pond Mennonite Community
TRADITIONAL CRAFTS & FOODS
The Muddy Pond Mennonite Community offers visitors a glimpse into traditional Mennonite life through their sorghum mill, woodworking shops, and bakery. Their renowned sorghum syrup is made using horse-powered equipment and traditional methods that have remained unchanged for generations. Visitors can purchase handcrafted wooden furniture, freshly baked goods, and seasonal produce directly from community members who maintain their traditional lifestyle.
13. Honey Creek Loop Trail
CHALLENGING SCENIC HIKE
Honey Creek Loop Trail is considered one of the most spectacular and challenging trails in the Big South Fork area, featuring waterfalls, rock houses, and magnificent overlooks. The 5.5-mile loop takes hikers through diverse terrain including boulder fields, creek crossings, and lush forest environments with rare plant species. Though rated difficult due to rugged conditions and elevation changes, the trail rewards adventurous hikers with some of the most pristine and dramatic landscapes in Tennessee.
14. Colditz Cove State Natural Area
HIDDEN WATERFALL GEM
Colditz Cove State Natural Area protects 165 acres of pristine wilderness centered around the spectacular 75-foot Northrup Falls. The natural area features old-growth forest with massive hemlocks and a unique ecosystem that supports rare plant species in the sandstone gorge. A relatively easy one-mile loop trail allows visitors to experience the waterfall, rock shelters, and lush vegetation in this secluded natural treasure near Jamestown.
15. R.M. Brooks General Store
VINTAGE COUNTRY STORE
R.M. Brooks General Store has been serving the Rugby area since 1917, offering an authentic old-time country store experience not far from Jamestown. The store maintains its vintage character with original wooden shelving, glass display cases, and a pot-bellied stove while selling a mix of practical goods, local crafts, and nostalgic items. Visitors especially enjoy the store's renowned bologna sandwiches and moon pies served with an RC Cola—a traditional Southern snack combination.