7 Most Overlooked Tennessee Towns For 2025
The 15th most populous state in America, the beautiful Tennessee, forms an important part of the Southeastern region of the nation, where intriguing history meets stunning natural beauty. Also known as the Volunteer State, Tennessee is a charming destination to enjoy a vacation, and all ages will surely find something amazing to discover. Although the cities of Nashville and Memphis remain Tennessee’s most well-known centers, the State also hosts a number of smaller yet equally captivating communities showcasing Americana in a friendly and scenic ambiance.
From river towns to 18th-century missionary settlements, these delightfully overlooked towns for 2025 are great ways to see another side of the Volunteer State. So wait no longer and come visit the great State of Tennessee through a stop to these awesome towns and see why the State has captivated the young and old alike for many years!
Waverly
The seat of Humphreys County in west central Tennessee, the lovely town of Waverly was established back in the 1830s, and today a modest population of just over 4,000 inhabitants call it home. Scenically situated along the Tennessee River in the Trace Creek Valley, and a convenient hour’s drive from Nashville, Waverly is a most welcoming community where visitors can enjoy a genuine slice of small-town allure and historic intrigue. Enjoy hot summer and warm winter temperatures where opportunities for cycling, swimming, fishing, canoeing, and wildlife watching are always inviting.
Take in fun cultural events like the summer Humphreys County Fair, while such unique attractions like the Waverly Train Disaster Memorial, the County Museum and Civil War Fort, and the Waverly Country Club and its awesome golf ranges, are perfect places to get better acquainted with some of Tennessee’s history. Do not forget about the nearby Johnsonville State Historic Park and learn more about the Civil War conflict through preserved landmarks and costumed interpreters ready to transport guests back to the eventful days of the 1860s.
Finally, end the day with a great locally cooked meal at a business like the Rusty Rooster. Cute local shops, including Vintage Treasures, are ideal for bringing back a special piece of small-town Tennessee home.
Greeneville
Greeneville lies beautifully near the Appalachian Mountains where warm summers, and cool winters delight guests. Seat of Greene County in Tennessee’s northeastern corner, this charming historic community of just over 15,000 residents was founded in the 1780s, making it one of the oldest non Indigenous settlements in the State. Explore the Historic District and its numerous preserved 18th and 19th-century landmarks, many of which are also named on the National Register of Historic Places. These include the Hotel Brumley (1884), the First Presbyterian Church (1847), the Dickson Williams Mansion (1820), and the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, commemorating the 17th President.
Meanwhile, be sure to enjoy Greeneville’s pleasant natural ambiance and spend time at the lovely Veterans Memorial Park and Hardin Park, amongst other inviting public green spaces. And if you visit in the summertime, you cannot miss the Greene County Fair, which has been entertaining people of all ages for over 150 years! End (or start) the day with delicious home-style dishes at eateries like Southern Craft Barbecue and The Butcher’s Block, and visitors will be sure to add Greeneville to the list of Tennessee towns to return to time and again.
Tiptonville
Established in the 1850s, Tiptonville serves as the seat of Lake County along the border with the States of Missouri and Kentucky. Home to a humble population of just under 4,000, this scenic community along the path of the Mississippi River and Reelfoot Lake is a great place to enjoy a slower pace of life in a most friendly and historic ambiance. Featuring hot summers and warm winters, spending time outdoors is an attractive proposition throughout the year, and guests can enjoy many varied activities. These include boating on the River and Lake, as well as picturesque hiking and cycling trails at the nearby Reelfoot Lake State Park. And do not forget about the Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge, where close encounters with many mammal species and birds are a most peaceful and memorable outing for the young and old alike.
Meanwhile, visit historic landmarks like the County Courthouse, where a fine assortment of locally run businesses creates a most alluring snapshot of small-town US. Enjoy a meal at eateries like Sherry’s Kuntry Kupboard and Boyette’s Dining Room, while the cute Little General Store offers warm smiles, a friendly greeting, and special souvenirs of time spent in a most delightful Tennessee town.
Surgoinsville
Surgoinsville was founded by French missionaries in the early 1800s, and today this most alluring historic community continues to charm guests with its natural beauty and intriguing stories of the past. Near the border with Kentucky and Virginia, nearly 2,000 residents call this delightful place home, where winters are warm, and summers are hot. Located near the Holston River, summertime visitors will not want to miss the annual Surgoinsville Riverfront Festival in August, featuring live music, vendors, great Southern food, and plenty of entertainment for the whole family. As a river town, visitors can be sure to enjoy plenty of great water-based activities, including fishing, boating, and even kayaking in a serene and picturesque environment.
Additionally, history enthusiasts can certainly appreciate Surgoinsville and its collection of preserved landmarks. These include the Stony Point House (1790), the Long Meadow House (1763), and the Fudge Farm (1851), amongst other fascinating destinations also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Finally, with its close proximity to the city of Knoxville (around a 90-minute drive), Surgoinsville serves as a great pit stop for those coming and going from the city, offering travellers a wonderful chance to see small-town Tennessee within the vicinity of a larger urban center.
Kingston Springs
For those visiting Nashville, a wonderful day trip awaits in the lovely town of Kingston Springs, just a short 30-minute drive away. With just under 3,000 residents, this scenic community along the Harpeth River and surrounded by stunning bluffs boasts pleasing year-round temperatures and a most relaxing ambiance, making it the ideal place to escape from the busyness of big city life. Relax and unwind with such outdoor activities, including jogging, biking, hiking, swimming, and even canoeing and kayaking, against a backdrop of lush greenery and the sights of local wildlife.
Add in inviting cultural attractions like the Farmers and Artisans Market and awesome local businesses, including the Iron Skillet Restaurant and the Jollifrogs Gift Shop, and all ages can come to appreciate a taste of small-town Tennessee.
Linden
The seat of Perry County in west central Tennessee, Linden is a beautiful community that lies along the path of the Buffalo River. With a foundational history dating to the 1850s and a modern population of just under 1,000 residents, this charming town remains a great place to enjoy a slower pace of life and feel a genuine old-world allure. Featuring a climate known for warm winters and hot summers, enjoying the outdoors is always easy in Linden, and time spent along the Buffalo River remains ever popular. And at the pretty Mousetail Landing State Park, guests can go fishing, swimming, sailing, and camping in a most picturesque ambiance.
Meanwhile in town proper, explore a variety of preserved historic landmarks including the County Courthouse (1928), while a fine collection of quaint local businesses and shops dot the Main Street. Enjoy great American-style food at Eddie’s River Market and the Video Corner Café, while finding the perfect souvenir has never been easier at Tamara’s Gifts, ensuring this pretty Tennessee town will not be soon forgotten.
Copperhill
Copperhill lies along the border with Georgia, and this former mining center, founded in the 1890s, continues to be a most attractive place of natural beauty and small town charm. Home to under 500 permanent residents, what Copperhill may lack in size it compensates for with plenty of heart and stunning scenery. Enjoy time spent along the Toccoa Ocoee River, where swimming, sailing, and even whitewater rafting remain ever popular, and at the nearby Gee Creek Wilderness Area, perfect hiking and biking trails await.
Back in town fun cultural attractions like the annual Independence Day Celebrations, the Twin Cities Farmers Market, and the Copperhill Special Train Ride, offer a most unique vacation experience full of genuine snapshots of Americana. Add in fine local eateries like the Waterfront Bar and the Copper Grill, and this small Tennessee town will definitely leave a most positive impression on the young and old alike.
Also known as the “Volunteer State”, Tennessee is an important component of the Southeastern United States, and visitors traveling through this part of the country will definitely not want to pass by! While the cities of Memphis, Knoxville, and Nashville always come to mind first, Tennessee is also home to a number of equally beautiful small towns that showcase another side of this great State. From the river communities of Linden and Surgoinsville to the historic centers of Greeneville and Waverly, these awesome places may be overlooked, but they offer no less allure than their big city counterparts. So add Tennessee to the itinerary and come explore its inherent beauty through a stop in these wonderfully charming towns. Here, everything from natural beauty to historic intrigue awaits, ready to give all ages a holiday experience that will surely last a lifetime.
