Jonesborough, TN: The Storytelling Capitol

On our drive from Nashville to the Blue Ridge Mountain Trail we happened upon a small town called Jonesborough, TN.  Following the highway system one would think the town is like any other metro area filled with McDonald’s and Wal-mart, however coming from a town where the industrial park lies on the highway, but the charm lies in the historical district, I took a turn when I saw a sign pointing to downtown.  It was 5 pm, closing time for most of the cute galleries and storefronts that lined the gorgeous brick walkways.  We found a place to park by the Carriage Ride Station and walked down the main street for a restaurant.  Along the way we passed an impressive looking structure called the International Storytelling Center.  I was awestruck.  I LOVE storytelling and think of it as a beautiful art form that is rarely appreciated.  Authors who read their own material, like David Sedaris, are bringing storytelling back into the mainstream by touring and sharing their short stories, but finding a place where you hear people say “Are you going to the storytelling tonight?” is rare, except if you’re in Jonesborough.
To our great fortune we found a little coffee shop along the way with amazing fried green tomatoes and meat loaf specials.  The Cranberry Thistle had a stage and a back room called The Gathering Space.  We entered the shop at the same time as Andy Offutt Irwin, the teller-in-residence.  That is correct, they have a Storyteller in Residence from May through October to give storytelling concerts throughout the week at various locations and that night it was at the coffee shop!
What is your favorite short story?

Read Full Post »