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.”
Morrison says local stores offer fabulous finds for both you and your home with antique and gift shops, specialty stores and clothing boutiques. With beautifully staged shops and large antique malls filled with individual booths, there’s no shortage of opportunities to discover treasures 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, and more.
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. Between the Bricks Sandwich Company is the newest eatery and features a wide variety of hand-crafted sandwiches and freshly made sides.
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 in addition to their annual Maifest and Oktoberfest. “Rose Center for the Arts 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 museum, gallery, and local artisan gift shop. 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 between, she continues, “The Farmer’s Market season runs from May through October with many local farmers participating. It’s also a maker’s market with an eclectic blend representing artisans, craftsmen, fresh-baked goods and local honey.” 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.
Plan to spend a day in Downtown Morristown soon.
