Jefferson, a town of just over 2,200, is a relaxed  community caught comfortably in the 19th century.  Porch-sitting is an art form in Jefferson, especially at one of the nearly 60 bed and breakfast establishments in the area.  Horse-drawn carriages ramble through brick streets, carrying  visitors past magnolia-white mansions and neatly raised cottages. People come to Jefferson to discover history, bask in the natural surroundings and to slow down.  The town offers an abundance of shops,  restaurants and historic landmarks. Because Jefferson's historic  downtown is compact, you can park your car on arrival and not turn the ignition on again until it is time to head back home, therefore,  strolling is another past- time in Jefferson.