Visiting Historic Livingston, Tennessee
Recently, we were traveling the backroads from Kentucky down to visit family in Tennessee when we saw signs for Livingston. As we typically do when we are on a road trip, we look for any antique stores or places to stop and visit. Google Maps showed several antique stores and a local museum so of course we had to spend some time.
We found Livingston to be the cutest little downtown with friendly people and a little bit of everything for a good stretch stop. The historic downtown square is easy to walk, so you can park once and spend some time browsing the local shops. Downtown is filled with antique stores, boutiques, and locally owned businesses that make you want to slow down and explore.
We enjoyed exploring The Antique Market and The Emporium, two of the downtown’s larger antique and vintage shops. Connected to The Antique Market is 1806 General Store, a restaurant that smelled so good when we walked through the store that we wished we had planned our stop around lunch.
While I often leave antique stores without buying anything and just enjoy getting inspired, this visit was different. I found a beautiful red and green quilt topper at The Antique Market that was just waiting for a new home. I can’t wait to get it in the quilting hoop and give it a new life.
After you’ve explored downtown, head just a couple of blocks over to the Overton County Heritage Museum. Admission is free, although donations are appreciated. The museum shares the history of Overton County through exhibits featuring local families, businesses, schools, military service, agriculture, and everyday life. It’s a great place to learn more about the area and appreciate the people who helped shape this community.
Don’t miss the downstairs exhibits, the jail cells, history of the schools in the county and the authentic memorabilia from the local citizens.
If you’re looking for an easy road trip stop between Kentucky and East Tennessee, don’t just drive through Livingston. Spend an hour or two walking around the square, browsing the antique stores, enjoying lunch, and learning a little local history. Sometimes the best discoveries happen when you simply decide to follow a sign off the highway.
