11 Best Tennessee Towns For First-Time Visitors

First-timers in Tennessee have a full plate of attractions to experience, thanks to the state's impressive blend of stunning natural resources, enduring country music culture, fascinating historical heritage, and unique Southern charm. But with so many options available, therein lies the risk of being overwhelmed and not knowing where to start your itinerary. While cities like Nashville and Memphis often steal the spotlight, the smaller towns truly capture the heart and soul of the Volunteer State.

From mountain escapes and riverfront hideaways to historic hamlets and artsy communities across the state, these towns offer an authentic Tennessee experience without the crowds. Whether craving outdoor adventure, toe-tapping live music, or a warm welcome, here are the best Tennessee towns for first-time visitors looking to fall in love with the state’s true character.

Bristol

Tennessee's country music heritage comes alive in this border town on the Virginia state line, aptly nicknamed the "Birthplace of Country Music." Bristol is home to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, which honors country music legends and explains the origins of the popular local genre through a vast collection of related artifacts. Adventurers are in for a surprise at the mystical Bristol Caverns. This ancient system of caverns offers a unique underground experience that exposes you to stalagmites, stalactites, columns, and an underground river.

Meanwhile, guests can spare a few hours to watch an entertaining new film at Marquee Cinemas Pinnacle 12. The intimate theater showcases first-run movies in a cozy venue with 3D screens. Alternatively, you catch a dizzying race at the Bristol Dragway and get a feel for an overwhelming stadium atmosphere with 30,000 cheering fans.

Lynchburg

Lynchburg is known for producing Tennessee's most famous whiskey and provides newcomers with an eye-opening journey into the origins of Jack Daniel's. Home to the Jack Daniel's Distillery, the town attracts whiskey enthusiasts looking to explore the history and craftsmanship behind the brand. A behind-the-scenes tour takes guests through the distilling process and old memorabilia before culminating in refreshing tastings in the sample room. Several barbecue hotspots ensure you don't start imbibing on an empty stomach. This includes Barrel House BBQ, which serves Southern-style favorites, such as pulled pork and glazed ribs. A journey through time to the early days awaits tourists at the Moore County Old Jail Museum. This former jailhouse serves as a museum with Victorian artifacts and relics, offering an idea of life in 19th-century Lynchburg.

Jonesborough

Jonesborough is the state's oldest community, and visiting this charming destination exposes first-timers to the storied beginnings of Tennessee. The town's historic district maintains structures from its early days, headlined by the Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum. This old hotel harbors a fascinating library of exhibits documenting Tennessee's history since its 1779 inception. A tour of the Christopher Taylor House feels like being transported back to the pioneer ages. Constructed in 1777, the rustic log cabin is the perfect example of pioneer architecture in the town.

Beer lovers can sample handcrafted local beers at Depot Street Brewing while hanging out with friendly locals. Elsewhere, outdoor buffs feel comfortable at Golden Oak Park, where picnic areas, nature trails, and pristine ponds let you commune with nature.

Savannah

Savannah lies along the Tennessee River banks and offers a quiet countryside atmosphere with exquisite views of the winding waterway. It harbors a rich river heritage that is extensively preserved at the Tennessee River Museum. This resourceful facility exhibits one-of-a-kind artifacts that chronicle the history of the Tennessee River Valley. The town's relaxed natural areas provide the perfect spot to sit back and wind. Guests can escape to the 10-acre Wayne Jerrolds River Park and take advantage of its nature trails, picnic pavilions, and a boat ramp. Savannah hosts an active restaurant, serving various flavors, including authentic Mexican cuisine at El Potrillo Mexican Restaurant. Furthermore, newcomers with change to spare can shop at the lively Savannah Farmers Community Market to mingle with local vendors.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is nationally recognized for housing the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so it makes perfect sense that it is one of the best Tennessee towns for first-timer visitors. Gatlinburg is the official gateway to the iconic park and sets the stage for unforgettable outdoor adventures in the raw rural scenery of Tennessee's countryside. A thrilling chairlift ride to the 1,800-foot summit of the Gatlinburg SkyPark spoils visitors with unprecedented panoramas of the Smokies' forested landscapes and an opportunity to walk across an intimidating SkyBridge.

Meanwhile, the Ripley's Mountain Coaster provides a unique way to experience the Smoky Mountains while zooming at 25mph through a dense forest landscape. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies to watch different marine species, including stingrays, sea turtles, penguins, and sharks, from behind a glass enclosure.

Union City

Union City is a lovely northwest Tennessee community known for its diverse cultural flair. You can tell this from the various flavors of the many downtown restaurants. If you have a soft spot for Mexican food, Don Sol Mexican Grill is the go-to joint for delicious tacos and burritos. The Discovery Park of America is a noteworthy point of interest in Union City. Set on a 50-acre property, the museum and heritage park showcase an array of interactive artifacts chronicling nature, history, culture, art, and more. For an outdoor escape, many people isolate themselves along the Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge, which lies on the shores of Reelfoot Lake. This clean and tranquil natural sanctuary is home to a thriving migratory bird population worth checking out.

Smithville

Smithville is a tiny village in the middle of Tennessee, set along the beautiful shores of Center Hill Lake. It has a quiet rural atmosphere and provides access to fun water fun at Hidden Harbor Marina. Tourists come here to rent boats, pontoons, and other vessels for a cruise on the calm lake. Furthermore, golf enthusiasts can find exciting opportunities at the Smithville Golf Club, whose serene greens and holes accommodate all skill levels. The Harvester Performance Art and Event Center hosts a lineup of social events near Center Hill Lake, where you and old residents alike gather to watch plays, concerts, and attend parties. Finally, those who appreciate visual art can visit the Appalachian Center for Craft to inspect or purchase a broad spectrum of creative pieces.

Paris

Paris feels weirdly familiar to many newcomers to the city, thanks to the picturesque Eiffel Tower that rises above the Eiffel Tower Park. Unlike the famous landmark in Paris, this is only a replica rising 60 feet, but it excites tourists with a perfect background for a selfie. The town preserves and interprets its long history at the Paris Henry County Heritage Center. Housed inside a 1910s mansion, the venue is rife with archives and memorabilia documenting the region's development dating back to the formative years.

The downtown region hosts a cluster of neighborly restaurants where you can find a delicious meal. Olive Pit A Pasta House is one of the most popular, serving luscious steaks and pasta in a romantic atmosphere. Meanwhile, one of the best times to visit the town is when it hosts its annual World's Biggest Fish Fry Festival.

Sevierville

Sevierville is home to one of country music's most recognized stars. Dolly Parton is a native of this quaint community in eastern Tennessee, and the town has immortalized her with a life-size statue in front of the Sevier County Courthouse. There is no shortage of attractions, with animal lovers finding time to interact with over 100 wildlife species at RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo. Tourists are welcome for an array of thrills at SkyLand Ranch, a fun amusement center with a mountain coaster, a 300-foot swing, a petting zoo, and a hayride.

Elsewhere, retail therapy lovers are in for a remarkable shopping experience at Tanger Outlets Sevierville, which houses multiple designer brands and national retail stores. Lastly, remember to sample tasty local wines at Hillside Winery whenever you feel like relaxing and unwinding.

Morristown

Morristown is a friendly town on the shores of the Cherokee Reservoir that promises a comprehensive tourist experience. It welcomes outdoor adventurers to explore the 1,400-acre Panther Creek State Park, where people hike, camp, hunt, boat, and fish at the Cherokee Reservoir. On the other hand, the downtown district remains abuzz with an array of entertainment, dining, and shopping venues. The sprawling College Square Mall offers an all-around experience, with a chance to shop at brand-name stores and dine at gourmet restaurants. Those who enjoy historical experiences can visit the beautiful Rose Center Museum. This resourceful cultural and museum facility, housed inside a red-brick 19th-century building, highlights the region's heritage with a vast library of artifacts, including Civil War relics.

Dyersburg

Dyersburg is a close-knit rural town near the Missouri border, known for its Southern hospitality, beautiful natural spaces, and a vibrant downtown region. At Dyersburg Dog Park, individuals and families from around the community visit to spend quality time outdoors with their canines in a lush park. The town also hosts several events that help unite the residents, headlined by the Spring Arts Festival. This is an excellent time to celebrate community and the arts through music, dance, crafts, and exhibits. The town square offers plenty of opportunities for foodies at different local restaurants, including a taste of savory Italian cuisine at Moustos Pasta & Grill. Meanwhile, those who love to shop can visit the Dyersburg Mall to check the latest fashion trends and decor items.

Friendly Towns for First-Time Visitors

While there is no shortage of pleasant places to explore in the Volunteer State, the above Tennessee towns for first-time visitors present a compelling case for starting your journey off the beaten path. Offering distinct countryside charm against mountain vistas, lakeside serenity, rich history, or authentic Southern culture, these welcoming communities promise scenic surroundings and memorable attractions to last a lifetime in the United States. Together, they showcase the heart and soul of Tennessee, making them ideal introductions to all the state has to offer.