7 Best Small Towns In Tennessee For A Crowd-Free Summer

In 2024, Tennessee welcomed 147 million visitors, which is more than the entire population of Russia! Summer is arguably one of the busiest times for travel, meaning that the typical vacation destinations are buzzing. If you are looking to take your family somewhere a bit more laid-back this year, you might consider exploring Tennessee’s small towns instead. The following seven towns offer a quieter summer experience, with scenic byways, lakeside views, and farmers' markets that highlight one of the most authentic sides of the state.

Tellico Plains

Famous for the mountains and forests that surround it, Tellico Plains is the perfect travel destination during the warm summer months. Travelers can fuel up for the day at Tellico Grains Bakery, a beloved bakery that serves coffee, scratch pastries, bread, sandwiches, and wood-fired pizzas. Afterward, hop on your motorcycle or car and head out on the Cherohala Skyway, a 43-mile National Scenic Byway that connects Tellico Plains to Robbinsville, North Carolina. Throughout the scenic drive, you will pass mountains towering over 5,000 feet and lots of forested backcountry. To cool off, visitors can also spend a day at Indian Boundary Lake, a recreation area in the Cherokee National Forest that has a swimming beach, picnic area, grills, a 3.2-mile hiking trail, and a campground.

Jonesborough

If you want to immerse yourself in a good story this summer, Jonesborough is the place to be. From May through October, on Tuesdays through Saturdays, the town’s International Storytelling Center hosts the Storytelling Live series, where 20 nationally renowned storytellers perform riveting stories for the public. Harry Potter fans, meanwhile, should visit Jonesborough on August 9th for the Wizardly World of Jonesborough festival. All kinds of magical activities take place throughout the afternoon, including themed food and drink tastings, live owl meet and greets, and a Hagrid’s Hut exhibit. Just outside of town, travelers can explore the outdoors at Persimmon Ridge Park, a beautiful, 130-acre park with hiking and biking trails, sports fields, a playground, a waterpark, and an 18-hole disc golf course.

Sweetwater

Although Sweetwater is often a mere pit stop for travelers road tripping across the state, many may not realize that it is home to the country’s largest underground lake, known as The Lost Sea! Although the full size of the lake is still unknown, the visible portion stretches an impressive 800 feet long and 220 feet wide. Visitors can explore it on a 75-minute tour that travels about three-quarters of a mile through the cave while sharing its history. After exploring the cave, travelers can stop by the Sweetwater North Main Street Farmer's Market, which takes place on the third Saturday of each month from April through September, with local farmers and artisans selling their produce and goods. If Sweetwater’s local farming scene has caught your interest, consider a visit to Sweetwater Valley Farm, where you can see cutting-edge dairy technology in action and enjoy a complimentary cheese tasting.

Morristown

Situated between two lakes, Morristown is the ultimate vacation destination for those who want to spend their vacation by the water. Travelers can head just north of town to the Cherokee Reservoir, which features 400 miles of shoreline and has plenty of opportunities to boat, fish, kayak, and canoe. Traveling about a half hour south of town, meanwhile, you will reach Fancher's Campground and Lakeside Rentals along the shores of Douglas Lake, where you can camp, swim, launch your boat from the dock, or play basketball on the property’s court. To conclude a day on the lake, head back into town for dinner at Holston’s Kitchen, where you can enjoy a hearty sirloin, ribeye, or pork chop.

Columbia

Travelers looking to escape the city crowds this summer can head just 50 minutes south of Nashville to Columbia, a welcoming town of about 47,000 residents. Here, you’ll find rivers, parks, and historic inns to fill a weekend. Travelers can kick off their weekend with a rental from The River Rat’s Canoe Rental, which offers both kayak and canoe trips along the Duck River. Travelers preferring to stay on land can enjoy an afternoon at Woodland Park, a 61-acre park with a walking trail, a playground area, a pond and fountain, picnic pavilions, and a disc golf course. For a memorable stay, the Blythewood Inn is the perfect place to spend the night, housed in a historic home that dates back to the 1850s.

Bell Buckle

Bell Buckle embodies a small-town Southern spirit unlike anywhere else in Tennessee. One of the best places to experience this small town community is at the weekly Bell Buckle Farmers Market, taking place on Fridays between June and September. In addition to shopping for locally grown produce, eggs, and other regional goods, travelers can chat with local farmers and meet some of the residents who help make the town special. Afterward, get ready to hone your horseback riding skills at Roberson Equestrian Facility, which offers riding lessons for all skills and ages. To cool down after a day in the sun, grab some ice cream from Bluebird Antiques & Ice Cream Parlor, a nostalgic soda and ice cream bar that doubles as an antique shop.

Oneida

Oneida is often considered a gateway to the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area, the fifth largest national park service site in the eastern US. This park, which spans 125,000 acres, is filled with potential for summer activities, including whitewater rafting, mountain biking, horseback riding, picnicking, and swimming. Golfers will love a trip to Oneida as well, where they can enjoy a game of golf in the town’s Oneida Municipal Golf Course, a nine-hole, scenic course. Travelers can further immerse themselves in Oneida’s nature by spending the night at Timber Rock Lodge, a boutique countryside hotel featuring a network of on-site hiking trails.

Final Thoughts

Tennessee is easily one of the quirkiest and fun-filled states in the US. While it is great to be surrounded by so many entertaining attractions, this can also contribute to larger crowds in some areas, eager to experience the state’s fun. Luckily, if you are hoping to avoid these crowds this year, it is easier than you might expect. Towns like Jonesborough offer eccentric events like storytelling performances and Harry Potter festivals, while other towns, like Morristown, have multiple lakes just a short drive away. All you have to do is pack your bags and get ready for a memorable summer!