7 Stress-Free Tennessee Towns For A Weekend Retreat
The Union’s 16th State, Tennessee, a photogenic singly landlocked state in the Upper South subregion of the Eastern US, is distinguished for its topographical and cultural multifariousness. Vaunting incomparable natural scenes, storied heritage, and plenteous leisure-time activities, each of the Volunteer State’s three Grand Divisions, from east to west, embraces a variety of cultural elements idiosyncratic to the Appalachia region plus the Upper and Lower South subregions. Nonetheless, far from the state’s megalopolises: Nashville (the capital city), Memphis, and Knoxville, there are countless small communities that provide perfect settings for a stress-free vacation.
Sewanee
This 2,535-resident Franklin County settlement, forming a portion of the Winchester, Tennessee Micropolitan Statistical Area, is set on the Cumberland Plateau’s western periphery in the southeastern section of Middle Tennessee. Sewanee is acclaimed for the 13,000-acre ‘Domain’ of The University of the South, along with the adjacent green spaces ideal for outdoor recreational activities and for peerless views of the circling valleys at Memorial Cross and Green’s View. Downtown Boutiques like The Lemon Fair, budget stores like Hospitality Shop, eateries like The Blue Chair Café & Tavern, and accommodations like The Sewanee Inn are must-stops when in this attractive college town.
Lynchburg
Situated in the undulating hills of southern Middle Tennessee, backed by flourishing agricultural lands, Lynchburg is a scenic Moore County town, constituting a part of the Tullahoma-Manchester Micropolitan Statistical Area. Both the placid country farms of the region and the undefiled spring waters of the town have favored the setting up of the functioning Jack Daniel’s distillery, a much-visited tourist trap where, through organized excursions, travelers can acquire knowledge about the manufacturing of the globally famous Tennessee whiskey. Similarly, notice the long-standing structures like the Moore County Old Jail Museum in the Downtown Square, collect some Jack Daniel’s keepsakes from The Lynchburg Hardware & General Store, and have a relaxing stay at The Lynchburg Country Inn.
Paris
Paris, the seat of government of Henry County, named after the French capital as a mark of respect to the American Revolutionary War hero Marquis de La Fayette, is the foremost incorporated community of West Tennessee. Presenting a distinctive ‘City of Love’ ambience and seamlessly fusing timeless sophistication and southern cultures, globetrotters sojourning in Paris should stop by the 1:20 life-sized replica of the Eiffel Tower, a frisbee golf course, tennis courts, a public Olympic-sized swimming pool, and children’s playgrounds at the Eiffel Tower Park. Further, spectate stage performances at the 500 to 600-seat auditorium of the Krider Performing Arts Center, and have a pleasant stay at the classy Hampton Inn by Hilton Paris.
Jonesborough
Tennessee’s oldest town, founded in 1779 by European Americans, Jonesborough is the Washington County seat, located in the extreme northeastern corner of the state and forming a portion of the Johnson City Metropolitan Statistical Area. Excursionists taking a trip to this 5,860-inhabitant town titled after the North Carolina lawmaker Willie Jones, must inspect the Jonesborough Historic District’s untold historic edifices such as the Jonesborough United Methodist Church, travel back in time at the Chester Inn State Historic Site & Museum, check out the storytelling exhibits and merchandise available at the International Storytelling Center Gift Shop, attend the Annual National Storytelling Festival - the country’s grandest storytelling event on October 3 to 5, 2025, and spend the night at The Historic Eureka Inn.
Bell Buckle
Home to only 410 residents as per the 2020 US Census, Bell Buckle, set in Bedford County’s northeastern part, is a small railroad town established around the first half of the nineteenth century. The Downtown area of this picture-perfect town is chock-full of excellently preserved Victorian-era structures, churches like the Bell Buckle First Baptist Church, fashion boutiques like Shady Acres Creations, LLC Boutique and More, and vintage shops like Livery Stable Antique Mall. Unwind at the family-friendly Seasons Bed & Breakfast and join the Bell Buckle Chamber of Commerce organized RC Cola-Moon Pine Festival, celebrating the South’s initial fast food through colorful parades, quirky, fun-filled contests, and challenging RC-MoonPie 10 Mile & 5K Races on the third Saturday in June every year.
Cookeville
The largest town and government seat of Putnam County, Cookeville occupies the Upper Cumberland region in north-central Tennessee, roughly 79 miles east of Nashville. As the ‘Hub of the Upper Cumberland’ and a regional ethnical and scholastic focal point, Cookeville houses the principal campuses of Tennessee Technological University and Tennessee Bible College in addition to the Volunteer State Community College’s branch campus. Take note of the numerous Tennessee Central Railway artifacts at the National Register-listed Cookeville Depot Museum, watch live theatrical performances at Cookeville Performing Arts Center, peruse the Downtown gift shops like The Market on the Square, savor palatable Southern American dishes at Seven Senses Food & Cheer, and rest at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cookeville.
Pigeon Forge
A four-season family-focused alpine resort destination, this captivating Sevier County town sits by the side of the West Fork of the Little Pigeon River, precisely 5 miles north of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Pigeon Forge’s mind-boggling Smoky Mountain spectacles and enlivening entertainment facilities spellbind country music and southern lifestyle zealots alike. While holidaying in Pigeon Forge, do drop by the Alcatraz East Crime Museum, where you get to learn more about America’s crime history; and the international award-winning Dollywood Theme Park, which features artisanal crafts, traditional food products, and soothing music of the Smoky Mountain region, besides conventional thrill rides; gorge on toothsome Southern comfort food served by Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen; and catch some z’s at the Best Western Plaza Inn.
From Bell Buckle’s Victorian charm to Cookeville’s scholarly milieu, the serene communities of Tennessee catch the eye of every out-of-towner. Whether you want to be enthralled by the natural magnetism, browse the innumerable antique stores and conspicuous landmarks lining the walkable downtown streets, be a participant in yearly community events, or be pleased by the warm hospitality of the townspeople, these tranquil Tennessee towns are where all your stresses will undoubtedly fade away.
