Known for its natural beauty, Loretto is a historic city in Lawrence County with small-town allure. Once an old lumber town thanks to the booming railroad industry in the late 1800s, Loretto continues to sparkle with history and Southern charm aplenty. The downtown boasts quaint boutiques, appetizing southern food, and outdoor exhibits. Heading to Lawrence County, Tennessee soon? Here's how to make the most of a day trip to Loretto.
Photo: Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce
Where to shop in Loretto
There are an assortment of boutiques and outlet stores in Loretto, each perfectly suited to match a variety of tastes. At Sarah C. Boutique, find women’s modern clothing perfect for any fancy outing or casual get-together. Lawson’s Outlet Store sells items for the whole family, with clothing and footwear for all types, plus various accessories to match your outfit.
The Downtown Farmers Market plays a large role in Loretto’s culture. Hosted every Friday from May through October, the farmers' market lives its motto “Make It, Bake It or Grow It” with locally grown produce, livestock, and even handmade crafts and accessories. The market is a part of Pick Tennessee, a statewide initiative that supports agriculture and commerce.
Where to eat in Loretto
Once home to the Old Bank of Loretto, the Noble Fox Eatery is a new restaurant in the heart of downtown. With handcrafted artisan foods, the restaurant features foods like savory wood-fired pizzas and juicy burgers—it also partakes in Taco Tuesday weekly. Don’t forget to take in the scenery and admire the history of the 100-year-old building while you're there.
Photo: Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce
If you can't get a table at Noble Fox, Loretto also lays claim to a number of other restaurants including Fiesta Mexicana and Rick’s Barbecue.
What to do in Loretto
One of the oldest operating businesses in the downtown is Loretto Milling Company, which has been family-run since 1895. Since its humble beginnings, tons of flour and cornmeal have passed through its doors. A local staple of Loretto’s culture, the company continues to stand out, milling animal feed for local farmers every day.
An iconic structure in Downtown Loretto is the Lawrence County War Memorial in Weathers City Park. Names of deceased veterans from Lawrence County are engraved on stones, memorialized next to the American flag, Loretto’s way of remembering the locals who perished in the conflicts of the 20th century. Near the memorial, a pavilion is the ideal spot to catch a break and enjoy the scenery.
Photo: Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce
Spanning a history of more than 150 years, the Sacred Heart Catholic Church is one of the few remaining Catholic communities established by Loretto’s early German settlers. The current gothic-revival style building was built in the early 1900s, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
One of the best spots to learn about Loretto’s unique history is the Loretto History Museum. Run by the non-profit Loretto Lift-Up, the museum is dedicated to sharing the fascinating stories of locals and their ancestors. The group always has an event going on, so be sure to check out their social media for more real-time information.
Photo: Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce
Traveling through the area soon? We have plenty of tips on things to do in Lawrence County, Tennessee.