7 Best Small Towns in Tennessee to Visit in 2026
In places like Jonesborough, Tennessee's stories became a civic tradition, passed across porches and festival stages as naturally as church bells carry down Main Street. In Lynchburg, limestone-filtered spring water and shaded hollows helped define an entire whiskey-making identity.
The most memorable visits happen when you notice these local “why here?” details: a museum built around a working past and a music venue that doubles as a grocery. Follow the geography and the history, and Tennessee starts introducing itself town by town!
Townsend
Townsend is referred to as the "Peaceful Side of the Smokies" and does offer a more serene version compared to the hustle and bustle found in neighboring towns, which are well-known draws for tourists. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that it is surrounded on all sides by natural settings—rolls of hills and lush forests. Cades Cove is a beautiful valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park surrounded by scenic beauty and wildlife that couples can enjoy. The rich history of logging in the area is recounted at the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum, which is filled with antique locomotives and equipment used in logging, all nestled amidst the beautiful countryside of Townsend.
Jonesborough
The oldest city in Tennessee, Jonesborough still has features that showcase how historic it is. There are brick sidewalks on Main Street, and historic buildings with varied storefronts. Jonesborough, reputed to be the storytelling capital of the world, is the seat of the National Storytelling Festival staged every year in October at the International Storytelling Center. It is at the Chester Inn Museum where this town's long history in heritage and culture is really deep-rooted. Consider exploring Oak Hill School for a glimpse into the past. It is a19th-century schoolhouse that helps visitors see what educational was like back then.
Leiper's Fork
Leiper's Fork is really more of an artists' community. This village, wrapped by rolling hills and expansive farmland, just oozes rustic beauty. Beautifully restored historic buildings within Leiper's Fork Village host art galleries, antique shops, and great eateries. Puckett's Grocery is kind of the local watering hole where live music and really great Southern food are served—a metaphor for the state's rustic beauty that it shares with its food. Resting in some of the prettiest countryside one can imagine, Leiper's Fork Distillery operations are back in full swing with tours and tastings that bring to life the craft of whiskey-making and a history of region distillation. This would be the perfect wind-down for whiskey aficionados and their minions.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is situated at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and adventure lovers. The town is highly picturesque, offering stunning views of the Smoky Mountains, which are rich with outdoor activities. The Gatlinburg SkyLift Park provides scenic panoramic vistas of the mountains via a picturesque chairlift ride. At Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, visitors can enjoy comprehensive marine life exhibits and interactive displays amid beautiful Smoky Mountain scenery. The Gatlinburg Space Needle, an observation tower with an outdoor viewing deck, offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Bell Buckle
Bell Buckle boasts a charming collection of Victorian homes and businesses, along with arts, making it an ideal setting for photos and memories. The historic district offers a postcard-perfect scene for the town, with beautifully preserved Victorian architecture hosting antique shops, galleries, and coffeehouses. A local favorite is the Bell Buckle Café, known for Southern comfort food; live music adds to its charm, enhancing the small village atmosphere. Every October, the community hosts the Webb School Art & Craft Festival, where local artists and artisans display their work amid scenic historic streets and rolling hills, creating a picturesque backdrop.
Collierville
Located on the outskirts of Memphis, Collierville is rich in history while offering modern amenities. Its historic town square and charming old buildings provide a perfect setting for strolling and photography. The quaint shops and restaurants embody the small-town charm that defines Collierville. The Morton Museum of Collierville History, housed in a historic building, showcases a remarkable collection of exhibits and artifacts that reveal the town's past, adding to its character. W.C. Johnson Park, long and expansive, is a beautiful spot where visitors can spend hours enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and picnicking.
Lynchburg
The Jack Daniel's Distillery, renowned worldwide, is situated in Lynchburg. Due to its popularity, many visitors prefer to spend more time exploring Lynchburg's historic architecture, antique shops, and cafes. Tours at Jack Daniel's, the oldest registered distillery in the U.S., demonstrate whiskey production. Visitors can sit atop to learn about the brand's history, with scenic views of rolling hills and forests as a backdrop. The town's historic streets and monuments add to Lynchburg's charm, making it even more appealing. These small Tennessee towns offer various ways for tourists to experience and immerse themselves in local culture and attractions.
Tennessee is more than the country music state it has grown to be. Each town in this state has its own special touch making Tennesse what it is. Mixing history, culture, and beauty, each city has its very own special flair that gives it that uniqueness from the others. These places share their picture-perfect quality and historic landmarks, perfect to enjoy the surrounding beauty with friends or family, placed for relaxing in the state of Tennessee.
