10 Coolest Tennessee Towns For A Summer Vacation In 2025
In 2023, Tennessee had over 100 million visitors from around the world, with Nashville and Memphis having the most visitors. A little-known fact about Tennessee is that it is landlocked, with eight states sharing its borders. Tennessee is known as “The home of country music” and many flock to Nashville to see The Grand Ole Opry, or visit Broadway, the honky-tonk district.
Although there is no ocean to visit, there are a lot of activities to do, such as watersports, picnics, hiking, biking, shopping, and visiting historical places. Many of these towns are not on your radar when thinking of a summer vacation, but there will be fewer crowds and more time to spend with family. From Gatlinburg, “the gateway to the Smokies," to Leiper’s Fork, here are the coolest Tennessee towns for a summer vacation in 2025.
Gatlinburg
In addition to visiting the Great Smoky Mountains, you can hike some of the 800 trails or enjoy a backcountry campout. Stop at the overlooks while traveling over the mountains for panoramic views. Sugarlands Riding Stable also offers a guided ride through the mountains.
If you have a sweet tooth and love taffy, stop by the Ole Smoky Candy Kitchen and watch them pull taffy. They offer many varieties, plus other sweets. For family fun, ride the incline 300 feet above the town to play 18 holes of miniature golf at Hillbilly Golf on the side of the mountain. Other attractions include visiting the Gatlinburg Space Needle and Ripley’s Aquarium. For something unique, visit Ole Smoky Distillery, take a tour, and sample some moonshine spirits. Book your stay at Brookside Lodge.
Cookeville
Before it was settled by the Europeans, the area was dominated by the Cherokee Indians. For history buffs, be sure to visit the Cookeville Depot Museum. There, you can see vintage trains and artifacts in the circa 1909 railroad depot. At Cummins Falls State Park on the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River, you can hike, look at the scenic views, swim, and enjoy a relaxing picnic. Be sure to check out the 75 foot Cummins waterfall.
In historic downtown, visit Glass Tangerine, a boutique of beautiful glass art and handmade gifts. When you need a break from shopping, stop at Cream City for creamy, handcrafted ice cream. For a nightcap, stop by Red Silo Brewing and taste one of their 30 beers. When it is time to call it a night, stay at Baymont by Wyndham.
Hohenwald
The name comes from German, meaning “High Forest,” and is home to The Elephant Sanctuary, the largest natural habitat sanctuary in the United States. It provides a home for elephants retired from circuses and zoos. Here you see educational programs and self-guided exhibits. Visit the Lewis County Museum, where you can see exhibits on the early American settlement and a collection of wild game trophies.
For a leisurely hike, visit Metal Ford for a short five-minute loop. You can also enjoy a picnic and splash in the Buffalo River. In downtown Hohenwald, take in a show at the Strand Theater, visit the wineries on the Natchez Trace Wine Trail, or get that special gift at This & That Shop. Embassy Inn is a great place to stay.
Pigeon Forge
This town got its name from the 19th century iron forge that was along the Little Pigeon River and is located 15 minutes from Gatlinburg. Many combine these two towns for a spectacular summer vacation. One of the main attractions is Dollywood, offers high-energy entertainment and more than 50 rides suited for all ages. There is also Dollywood’s Splash Country waterpark.
Family fun can be had at Pigeon Forge City Park with playgrounds, three trails for walking or racing, picnic areas, and more. Suitable for ages three and older, book a gentle two-hour lower Pigeon River Rafting trip with Raft Outdoor Adventures. For great Southern food and shopping for homemade goodies, go to Old Mill Square. Another must-visit is the Titanic Museum, which has over 400 artifacts. Spend your vacation at The Inn on the River Pigeon Forge.
Jonesborough
Jonesborough lays claim to being the Storytelling Capital of the World. In 1973, it hosted the first National Storytelling Festival. During the first full weekend in October the town hosts The National Storytelling Festival. The storytellers perform in circus-like tents around town.
Make it a family day at the Wetlands Water Park, enjoying the lazy river, toddler wade pool, and flume slides. Learn about the history of Jonesborough at the Chester Inn Museum in the town's oldest wood-frame building. Visit Persimmon Ridge Park for great hiking trails or walk the downtown trails. Reserve your room at Country Inns & Suites.
Greeneville
Greeneville is the home and burial place of Andrew Johnson, the 17th president of the US. The county is also the birthplace of Davy Crockett. While in the area, visit the Andrew Johnson National Historical Site to see his tailor shop and home. David Crockett Birthplace State Park shows his life with a living farm and a replica cabin. Take a day to visit historic churches and buildings, plus walk on brick sidewalks. While downtown, visit the Capitol Theatre, where you can see movies, live performances, and comedy events.
For your sweet tooth, nothing will satisfy you like chocolate, vintage, hard-to-find, or retro candy from Sweeter than Sweet candy shop. Margarette Falls Trails offer moderate hiking trails that cross the creek several times, ending at a platform where you can see a 60-foot waterfall. While on vacation, stay at the General Morgan Inn.
Rogersville
In 1775, the town was settled by Davy Crockett's grandparents. This is one of the coolest Tennessee towns for a summer vacation in 2025 for a family with children. In the eastern part of Rogersville is Rogersville City Park, which has four children’s playgrounds. There are even picnic tables and a duck pond. For those who like to keep fit, there are two walking trails and a fitness trail. To cool off or to swim, you have the Rogersville City Pool in the park.
The Thomas Amis Historic Site is home to the oldest stone dam in the state, constructed in 1780. While there enjoy a meal at the Amis Mill Eatery, serving burgers, barbecue, and homemade desserts. For a unique shopping experience, visit Olde Towne Emporium. Stay at Hale Springs Inn.
Townsend
This is one of the three “gateways” to the Smoky Mountains. When visiting here, head to Tuckaleechee Caverns, which runs under the Smoky Mountains National Park to Townsend. One of the features of this attraction is called the “Big Room” with many stalagmites, some reaching 24 feet tall. It also has the tallest underground waterfall called “Silver Falls” , a two-tier waterfall, 210 feet.
Here, you will find more outdoor activities like hiking trails, river tubing, or mountain biking. Be sure to take the self-guided auto tour of Cades Cove, an 11-mile loop where you may see white-tailed deer or black bears. There are scenic stops to see 18th—and 19th-century historical buildings. For souvenirs, visit Townsend Mercantile and stay at Best Western Cades Cove Inn.
Leipers Fork
It is located in middle Tennessee, which has an almost forgotten history of distilling whiskey in the United States. Bringing back the art of distilling whiskey is Leiper’s Fork Distillery. You can take a tour behind the scenes of the production facilities. After the tour, you can enjoy the tasting room, located in a restored log home from 1829. They have a gift shop to buy a bottle to take home with you.
If you like antiquing, visit Props Antiques, where you can find locally made goods like candles, retro toys, and more. Get a souvenir T-shirt at Creekside Trading Company. Before starting your day, visit The Country Boy for a classic breakfast. A few minutes from town, visit Wilkins Branch Mountain Bike Park, which has 13 mountain bike trails. Book a cottage from White’s Mercantile Room and Board.
Sevierville
In addition to being close to the Great Smoky Mountains, Sevierville is the birthplace of Dolly Parton. She is honored with a bronze statue in the middle of the historic district. This town has been called the "Shopping Capital of the Smokies" with Tanger Outlets and other shops where you can find weird and beautiful things at antique stores and boutiques.
For the adventurous souls, try the zipline that zips you 400 feet above the forest floor. You can also ride the rapids on the Little Pigeon River. If golf is more your sport, Sevierville is home to two championship golf courses at Sevierville Golf Club. Visit SkyLand Ranch, which offers beautiful views, and take a thrilling ride on the longest mountain coaster. If you are hungry, visit Skyland Cafe & Bakery. At the end of the day, stay at the Baymont by Wyndham.
When planning a vacation to the coolest Tennessee towns for a summer vacation in 2025, many of them center around the Great Smoky Mountains. The reason is that these towns have great hiking trails, rafting, tubing, and shops. They are Tennessee towns with something for every member of the family. You will never hear anyone saying “I’m bored.” From watching taffy pulling in Gatlinburg to visiting a distillery in Leiper’s Fork, there is so much to do that you will have trouble deciding your summer vacation destination.
