Paris, Tennessee, offers several distinct themes: the history of Downtown, the Paris-Henry County Heritage Center, a distinctive steel tower, and an annual festival. When planning your trip, consider which of these interests will shape your stay and whether you have a fixed date in mind. The World’s Biggest Fish Fry ties a visit to a period in April; the city’s history and architecture can be explored independently of the festival. If you’re looking for hotels in Paris, first decide whether the festival sets your travel dates or the city’s history is your main focus.
Downtown: Historic District and Town Square
Downtown Paris’s business district is part of a National Register Historic District. Downtown Paris’s traditional Tennessee town square is centered on the Henry County Courthouse. Together, these features offer two perspectives on Downtown: the business area within the Historic District and the Town Square, with the courthouse at its center. Downtown also has boutiques in buildings dating to around 1920. Individual businesses and their hours may change, so check in advance to see what will be open on your planned visit date.
The Heritage Center at Cavitt Place
The Paris-Henry County Heritage Center is housed in Cavitt Place, a two-story Italian Renaissance-style building constructed in 1916. The center has rotating exhibits and a permanent exhibit on the history of Henry County. Cavitt Place’s architecture and the exhibit offer different points of interest: the building is defined by its design and date of construction, while the permanent exhibit focuses on Henry County. Listed hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check before your visit to confirm these hours are still current.
Steel Tower and Water Wheelchairs
Eiffel Tower Park features a 60-foot steel tower shaped like the Eiffel Tower. Its height and steel construction give it a different character from the historic buildings in Downtown and Cavitt Place.
Water wheelchairs are available for use at the Eiffel Tower Splash Park; please ask the lifeguards for assistance.
World’s Biggest Fish Fry: Travel Dates and Fish Tent
The World’s Biggest Fish Fry is a weeklong festival in Paris, Tennessee, held during the last full week of April. It returns every year, but the specific event dates vary from year to year. The Fish Tent serves an all-you-can-eat catfish meal during the festival; the exact serving days may also vary by year. There are therefore two sets of dates to consider: the festival dates establish the event week, while the serving days determine when the meal is available. Check both for your planned travel year. If the festival is the reason for your trip, it’s a good idea to first confirm the festival week and, if applicable, the Fish Tent serving day, then look for hotels for those dates.
For an overview of the wider area: Henry County.
