14 Adorable Small Towns In Tennessee
Besides being a major exporter of cotton and distilled spirits, another thing that Tennessee has plenty of is small-town charm. Tranquil side streets bookended with trees wind through lovely little towns just waiting to be discovered by passersby stopping over between trips to Tennessee's main cities. Each has its own, unique flavor but all have their own strengths and attractions. Take a break from the urban centers and experience the Southern hospitality Tennessee is known for through its townships and villages. There is something for everyone.
Gatlinburg
Everyone knows Gatlinburg, and for good reason: it's incredibly popular with both locals and visitors. Known as the “gateway to the Smoky Mountains,” the town offers excellent cuisine and attractions worth exploring. It’s home to legendary distilleries like Ole Smokey. Visitors can enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, go on rollercoaster rides, and visit Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. Take the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tram up the mountainside or try whitewater rafting on the Pigeon River. There’s always something exciting to do in Gatlinburg.
Leiper’s Fork
This unincorporated village in Williamson County is secluded, charming, and just about a half-hour drive north of Columbia. It exudes a handcrafted, small-batch feel. Leiper’s Fork makes for an ideal weekend escape when you crave a break from everyday life. Although the town is only about a city block in size, it makes the most of its limited space. Notably, popular singer and actor Justin Timberlake resides here. For authentic Southern food and live music, visit Foxe and Lock. Enjoy outdoor activities by walking the Natchez Trace Parkway and the Garrison Creek Trailhead. Leiper’s Fork is a tranquil haven waiting to be explored.
Lynchburg
About an hour and a half southwest of Leiper’s Fork, the town of Lynchburg is a thoroughly endearing town that is fully steeped in the Tennessee distilling tradition. Visit the renowned Jack Daniel’s Distillery for a guided tour and, best of all, samples. Or, swing by the Moore County Old Jail Museum. Wiseman Park is perfect for a stroll, a picnic, and overnight camping. Dine at Barrelhouse BBQ or Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House. Mouth-watering Southern barbecue is known far and wide so eat up!
Jonesborough
Known as the storytelling capital of the world, the town of Jonesborough sits in the state’s northeast corner and is known for its pleasing old-world aesthetic. Founded in 1779, it is Tennessee’s oldest town. Jonesborough’s downtown area is replete with red brickwork and a joy to explore. Visit the International Storytelling Center, ideally in the fall when the National Storytelling Festival is held. There are plenty of events throughout the year, such as Music on the Square and the Jonesborough Days Festival. Stop by Boone Street Market and Crystal Raven for all your locally sourced produce and crystal jewelry needs.
Greenville
Greenville, situated in Northeast Tennessee, is a charming town rich in natural Appalachian scenery and history. Just a short drive from Jonesboro, it features great restaurants like Aunt Bea’s Restaurant. Visitors can also explore the President Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, which is filled with exhibits and historical landmarks. For outdoor activities, Cherokee National Forest provides excellent camping and fishing opportunities. The downtown area is equally inviting, with attractions like the historic 1934 Capitol Theatre offering entertaining shows.
Granville
Tennessee's small towns offer a variety of experiences for visitors. You can enjoy natural beauty, lively festivals, and amusement parks within the Volunteer State's municipalities. If you prefer a peaceful atmosphere, Granville is the perfect choice. The town features charming, storybook-style buildings like the T.B. Sutton General Store, built in 1865. On warm Saturday nights, you can listen to live Bluegrass music on the store's steps. Relax on one of Granville’s many inviting porches, you're welcome to linger as long as you like.
Erwin
Hikers, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts will love Erwin. This Appalachian Trail town is found in the Appalachian Highlands and is incredibly popular due to its natural beauty. Go mountain biking through the Cherokee National Forest which has some of the best trails in the state. Trek through the Appalachian Trail and spy the many birds that call it home. The highways around Erwin are some of the most scenic in the country, while there is plenty to do in town as well.
Dayton
The town of Dayton was the shooting location of the famed 1960 film Inherit the Wind, a film set in the 1920s about the Scopes Monkey Trial starring Gene Kelly and Spencer Tracy. The Rhea County Courthouse, which was the sight of the actual Scopes trial, is now a museum dedicated to the event. Outdoors, the Laurel-Snow Pocket Wilderness has hiking trails, waterfalls, and scenic vistas. Nearby, Point Park sits on the edge of Chickamauga Lake and is great for fishing. Lastly, the Tennessee Strawberry Festival is held each year in May.
Hohenwald
An hour southwest of Nashville, Hohenwald is home to an unbelievable blend of attractions that must be seen to be believed. Visit The Elephant Sanctuary, one of the largest sanctuaries of Asian and African elephants in the nation. Sip and stumble your way through the Natchez Trace Wine Trail, or trek through the Natchez Trace Wilderness Preserve. Lastly, the Meriwether Lewis Site seven miles east of Hohenwald pays tribute to the life of Lewis of the famed explorer duo, Lewis and Clark.
Pigeon Forge
Country music aficionados will want to make sure their visit to the Volunteer State includes at least a day trip to Pigeon Forge. Fans of Dolly Parton have been making pilgrimages to her hometown for years. Dollywood is a theme park dedicated to the country music icon’s life, featuring thrill rides and live shows. The town can get crowded at times, so be sure to book a trip during the off-season. Besides Pigeon Forge’s Dolly Parton-related parts, there is an aquarium, waterparks, the Pigeon Forge zip lines, and rafting.
Townsend
Less than half an hour’s drive from Pigeon Forge, Townsend is called the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” and makes for a wonderful retreat thanks to the bevy of natural beauty within arms reach. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has over 800 miles of hiking paths, gorgeous waterfalls, and mountain wildlife to see. Stop by the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum to learn about Townsend’s logging history. Rest and refuel at the Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, an award-winning culinary tour-de-force.
Columbia
Known as the “Mule Capital of the World,” Columbia was once a Mecca for mule breeders. Columbia honors its mule heritage with Mule Day, an annual festival that draws 200,000 visitors. History buffs will want to visit the President James K. Polk Home & Museum, while the Columbia Arts District is an awesome neighborhood to explore for its galleries and murals. Lastly, Chickasaw Trace Park is perfect for bird-watching, biking, and fishing.
Rogersville
The town of Rogersville is known for its marvelously preserved architecture, with some of the buildings there having stood since the 18th century. Visit Rogersville’s main street and the Federal-style buildings that ring the main square, and stop by Hale Springs Inn, an accommodation that has hosted such world-historical figures as Andrew Jackson. Grab a plate of soul food at The Red Dog on Main or at Oh Henry’s before stopping by the Swift Park Riverwalk. There are plenty of places for a relaxing stroll in Rogersville.
Tellico Plains
Found in Monroe County, Tellico Plains is near the prized Bald River Falls, a must-see for explorers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Visitors can either drive past Bald River Falls or climb to the top themselves! In town, the Charles Hall Museum has over 6,000 pieces of regional and Appalachian history. Swing by the Lost Sea Adventure to visit the nearby underground lake and caverns.
Visitors to the Volunteer State are not likely to be disappointed. The rugged, mountainous beauty combined with the small-batch charm of Tennessee’s towns make for an unbeatable combination. Sample the legendary bourbon which helped build Tennessee’s legendary distilling tradition into what it is today. One thing is for certain, Tennessee has Southern barbecue, bluegrass, and warm hospitality in spades.
