Monterey is a small town, but it’s our sincere belief that the city’s ceiling reaches
the clouds (see their slogan). Read on to learn why the future of Monterey, TN looks
incredibly bright.
1-40 changed everything.
Before that, the main highway connecting Bristol to Memphis traveled through Monterey, TN disguised as Stratton Ave. Nine grocery stores, a bustling hotel (that quietly, and frequently, welcomed famous visitors like Alex Haley), coal mines galore, a world-renowned lumber yard, a movie theater, and multiple, locally-owned diners…. Monterey was thriving. Then, the interstate construction finished in the late 1960s, and the coal mines evaporated, the lumber company eventually closed, the theater was torn down, hotel patrons disappeared, industry largely left the city, and a period of decline set in.
Ok, enough doom and gloom.
That was then, this is now.
Monterey is back.
Commercial Avenue is brimming with trade. From One Bank’s impressive complex to small businesses like Los Agaves, Sapori di Napoli, BenAnna’s, Simply Divine, and more, Monterey’s Main Street is alive again.
Murals bringing new life to aging brickwork, concerts and races hosted by The Old Gray drawing visitors, delicious coffee at the Lovely Brew, outdoor adventure at Meadow Creek Park… all combine to say one collective statement, “The Future of Monterey is Bright.”
Monterey’s slogan reads “Where the Hilltops Kiss the Sky.”
And, when taking an honest look at the city’s trajectory, the motto has never felt more apt. I couldn’t be prouder to see Monterey reach its maximum potential or more grateful to those who’ve made it possible.