Spend the Day in Downtown Morristown
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, downtown Morristown is the perfect place to spend a day. The picturesque district is anchored on one end by the Rose Center and on the other by the Farmer’s Market Pavilion and Downtown Green. Easily walkable and beautifully landscaped, alternating Tennessee and American flags flutter in the breeze above hanging baskets filled with colorful blooms. And although the word ‘unique’ gets tossed around far too often, it’s the ideal description for Morristown’s Main Street. The unusual second-story sidewalks, known as the Sky Mart, shield ground-floor storefronts from the elements, making it easy to shop no matter what the forecast.
Director of Downtown Development, Natasha Morrison, says the city has found the sweet spot between welcoming smart growth and preserving what makes small towns so special. “There is a tremendous amount of support to see our downtown thrive,” says Morrison. “I love the sense of community here.”
For visitors and residents, the flourishing downtown presents plenty of ways to enjoy sightseeing, shopping and delicious dining.
Shopping in Downtown Morristown
Morrison says local stores offer fabulous finds for both you and your home with antique and gift shops, specialty stores and clothing boutiques.
Retailers keep their customers fashionable from head to toe with classic cuts and on-trend outfits. Whether searching for a vintage vibe or glamorous formalwear, Main Street has the perfect stop. And don’t forget the finishing touches with gift shops that feature eye-catching accessories. For fine jewelry, Morrison notes East Tennessee Diamond Company is a downtown mainstay. “They are a third-generation small business and just celebrated their 45th anniversary,” she says.
An interior designer by training, Morrison loves searching for eclectic items to bring a look together. With beautifully staged shops and large antique malls filled with individual booths, there’s no shortage of opportunities to discover treasure downtown. Morrison adds there are many more stops in the blocks along Main Street and nearby Sherwood Commons, including an independent bookstore, makeup shop, apothecaries, handmade soap store, guitar shop, pottery studio, medispa and more. Don’t worry, she continues, furry friends aren’t forgotten. “At Barkery Tails, they make the most adorable
Restaurants and Breweries in Morristown
After all that shopping, you’re bound to be hungry. For a mid-morning or afternoon boost, pop in 60 Beans Coffee for a freshly brewed cup, along with made-to-order crepes and freshly baked pastries. On Main Street, Timeless Elegance Tea Room prepares homemade favorites daily for lunch. The menu features quiche, chicken salad, fried green tomatoes, chicken divan and other Southern classics.
Around the corner, Little Dutch Restaurant has been serving up wholesome, home-cooked meals since 1939. Open for lunch and dinner, the menu runs the range from lighter fare to house specialties, including veal parmigiana, chicken marsala and tenderloin tips accompanied by nearly 20 wines by the glass and bottle.
At 1907 Brewing Company, two dozen finely crafted brews, including ales, ciders and lagers, are on tap. Always fun, Morristown’s first brewery and taproom hosts numerous events throughout the week, including trivia nights, DJ bingo and live music.
Sightseeing & Special Events in Morristown
Originally opened in 1892 as a high school, the Rose Center Council for the Arts still fulfills an important educational purpose by hosting classes, exhibits and events. “It serves as the hub for the arts community in Morristown,” explains Morrison. In addition to permanent and traveling artist exhibits, the cultural center houses a children’s studio, the Senator Walters Historic Gallery and the Morristown Sports Hall of Fame. It’s also home to the annual Mountain Makins Festival in late October, celebrating Appalachian art, storytelling, music and dance.
On the opposite end of Main Street, the Farmer’s Market and Downtown Green serve as the staging area for many of the city’s most popular festivities. “Events are held throughout the year downtown,” says Morrison. “In May, we do Morristown’s Art & Bluegrass Festival; and in December, we host a huge Christmas parade and tree lighting.”
In between, she continues, “The Farmer’s Market season runs from May through October. We have lots of local farmers who participate. It’s also a maker’s market with an eclectic blend representing artisans, craftsmen, fresh-baked goods and local honey.” Morrison adds market days are Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays with a late market on Thursdays that runs until 7 p.m.
Next door, the Downtown Green is home to the “First Fridays” monthly concert series April through November, as well as many special events such as the International Food Festival and Arts in the Park.
1907 Brewery hosts Oktoberfest with live music, food trucks, family activities and the beloved wiener dog races. As the weather turns cooler, the annual Small Business Saturday and Holiday Craft Fair at the Rose Center get the shopping season off to a great start.
Plan to spend a day in Downtown Morristown soon.