8 Eclectic Small Towns In Tennessee
Tennessee is a southern United States masterpiece offering a little something for everyone. Home to the enchanting Great Smoky Mountains, the state features an unbeatable, expansive wilderness perfect for sightseeing. Indulge in culinary staples like fried catfish, moon pies, and Tennessee whisky straight from the source. From The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald and the eccentric Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum in Gatlinburg, Tennessee boasts many oddball attractions promising an unforgettable time. Check out these eight eclectic small towns in Tennessee.
Jonesborough
Tennessee's oldest town is also renowned for being the storytelling capital of the world. Kick off the spooky season in October at the annual National Storytelling Festival. Join the locals at circus tents around downtown Jonesborough to hear Appalachian tales, chilling ghost stories, and other captivating narratives. The International Storytelling Center is another lively gathering spot from May until November. Let loose and be delighted by weekly alluring performances from national storytellers perfect for all ages.
Established in 1779, Jonesborough is a historic town with many well-preserved landmarks, including a delightful old-world downtown. Formerly a hotel, The Chester Inn showcases its longtime heritage as one of the oldest buildings in the town. The museum features rotating exhibits, showcasing vintage photographs, African American history in Appalachia, and the history of transportation in Jonesborough, including horses and railroads. Take a tour of the Old Jonesborough Cemetery, an eerie but peaceful site with grave markers dating back to the 1800s. Built around 1819, The DeVault Tavern is another spectacular example of 19th-century architecture that served as an inn and tavern back in the day. The family home contains original woodwork and has housed three presidents as guests.
Bell Buckle
A town with a quirky name like Bell Buckle is known for its unique annual extravaganza. Celebrate two iconic Southern delights at the RC Cola and Moon Pie Festival, held in June. This odd and energetic event is chockful of thrills for all ages. Check out the Midstate Cloggers, an exciting parade, and the World's Largest Moon Pie. Visitors attending other times throughout the year should head to the Bell Buckle Cafe for their Moon Pie fix. Try the Moon Pie Sundae in this cozy, rustic cafe that feels like indulging at grandma's house.
Take home a taste of Tennessee at The Bell Buckle Country Store, a historic and homey retailer. The doors opened in 1995 and have been a local favorite ever since. Crafted in small batches, try Captain Rodney's Boucan Glaze, pineapple pepper jelly, and farmhouse pickles, or indulge with Mama Lee's fine selection of hot chocolates. The range of products at The Bell Buckle Country Store gives a taste of home that is truly unbeatable.
Hohenwald
Hohenwald translates to "high forest" in German and is a striking Lewis County gem with many hidden treasures. This idyllic city is home to The Elephant Sanctuary, a one-of-a-kind refuge striving to provide a safe dwelling for elephants. Although not open to the public, visitors can view the live EleCam camera or head to The Elephant Discovery Center. The interactive museum is an incredible experience for all ages. Learn about the sanctuary's day-to-day life, elephant species, and how to take care of these majestic creatures.
Although tiny, the city has some memorable events. Since Hohenwald possesses a German name, it makes sense that the town celebrates Oktoberfest. Visit the downtown area for two days packed with food trucks, vendors, live entertainment, and a classic car show. Join the locals for the first two weeks in December for holiday fun. Christmas in the City is another lavish adventure dazzling with carriage rides, ice skating, glittering lights, trolley rides, and Christmas-themed vendors.
Adams
Paranormal enthusiasts and visitors looking for spooky thrills will love Adams' sinister atmosphere. The creepy city is known for the Bell Witch Cave, a haunting tale that dates back to the early 1800s. Legend states that the Bell Family was tormented by a malicious entity. Tour the uncanny grounds with a lantern or take a thrilling hayride through the ghostly landscape. See where it all started at the John Bell Cabin and the farm or enter the surrounding woodlands at night.
Adams is a quintessential fall destination for Halloween lovers. Bring the family to the Bell Witch Fall Festival, an uplifting but chilling attraction. This bewitching five-week event presents fantastic live shows. SPIRIT takes the audience on a journey through the full story of the Bell Witch. Discover the roots of Tennessee's tobacco industry with a fun performance from SMOKE: The Ballad of the Night Riders.
Wartrace
Wartrace is an endearing, rural Tennessee town known for its ties to the Tennessee Walking Horse, making it a hotspot for equestrians. Dive into the lineage of this beautiful breed at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum. Browse an incredible collection of exhibits and artifacts displaying horse history through photographs, various documentation, previous championship medals, horseshoes, and saddles. Afterward, check out the Strolling Jim Historical Marker, just a short walk from the museum. This plaque commemorates the world's first Tennessee Walking Horse, Strolling Jim. His remains are underground in the field behind the Walking Horse Haunted Hotel.
Stop at some of the many unconventional spots in the area. The Sparrow's Nest is a peaceful retreat. Guests can seek a quiet space to read the store's library and purchase local delicacies like jam, relish, tea, and honey. Sparrow's Nest has cute seasonal crafts, such as handmade Christmas ornaments, and plenty of Tennessee charm, like horseshoe welding. Indulge in fine Tennessee cuisine at Granny Fishes' House, with a delightful menu of Southern Catfish and homemade desserts. Since 1985, Granny's has been a Wartrace favorite that is proudly family-owned.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a scenic Tennessee mountain town brimming with oddities and curiosity. Truly one-of-a-kind, The Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum is an unorthodox adventure. View an eccentric collection of around 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers. The museum has everything from astronauts to Loch Ness Monster shakers. For another unparalleled adventure, check out Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies. This top attraction in Gatlinburg is a mesmerizing peek into the deep depths of life underwater. See the penguin parade, and magnificent aquatic life in the underwater tunnels. Do not forget to wave hello to the sharks and stingrays.
Get the ultimate panoramic view of the rocky Tennessee landscape and Smoky Mountains on the SkyBridge. It takes the medal as the longest pedestrian cable bridge in North America. Clingmans Dome, or Kuwohi, is another phenomenal lookout point offering expansive views of the rocky terrain and Tennessee wilderness. Visit just before nightfall for incredible sunsets or come around mid-October for stunning fall foliage. Bring a camera to remember the best views of Gatlinburg forever.
Red Boiling Springs
Take a journey to the past with Red Boiling Spring's old-timey atmosphere. The town formerly known as Salt Lick Creek was a hotspot back in the day due to the mystical mineral springs. Many believed these magical waters could cure diseases and provide healing. Catch a ghost or two at the Thomas House Hotel, welcoming visitors since 1890. The guestrooms are a beautiful blend of Southern charm and vintage comfort. Haunting encounters include hearing mysterious whistling and voices as well as shadowy figures. Room 37 is reported as having the most paranormal activity.
Embrace the comforting country lifestyle of Tennessee. A Southern Marketplace is an essential Red Boiling Springs stop perfectly located on Acres of Grace Farms. This shopping venue truly encompasses rural life, featuring homemade Southern comfort foods, charming antiques, handmade crafts, jewelry, and decor. Acres of Grace Farms comes alive in the fall season and is a perfect family destination. Ride on the train cart, get lost in the corn maze, make a new friend at the petting zoo, mini excavators, and endless pumpkins. Grandpa's House is another small-town gem focusing on rural handicrafts. Purchase Mother's Gingham Babies, Tennessee barn art, or wooden trinkets in this historical and cozy property.
Woodbury
Woodbury is an artsy old town in the center of Cannon County flourishing with many family-friendly activities. One of the most notable town landmarks is The Arts Center of Cannon County, a celebrated creative hub. With everything from live performances and concert series to a captivating gallery, the art complex offers something for all tastes. Regular visitors can hone their skills with private lessons for musical instruments and theatre or join a class such as mastering acrylics. Mingle with Woodbury residents in April at the annual Cannon County Good Ole Days festival. This lively event covers two days with vendors, food trucks, live music, a parade, and a dog show.
Nothing beats an authentic taste of Tennessee-made bourbon, whisky, and moonshine. Take a tour or join a mixology class at Short Mountain Distillery on a stunning 400-acre property. Crafted in small batches to perfection, take home a special bottle of Apple Pie or Prohibition Shine. For a memorable experience, tour the grounds on a wagon pulled by mules. The entire grounds of Short Mountain Distillery are action-packed with year-round events, beautiful walking trails, disc golf, and live music.
Explore the Diversity of Tennessee
Tennessee is a Southern delight overflowing with history, natural beauty, and peculiar treasures. Wartrace is a horse lover's paradise or see the otherworldly legend of the Bell Witch come to life in Adams. Have a taste of Tennessee whisky and other spirits in Woodbury or celebrate other Southern goodies in Bell Buckle. Kick back with a slower-paced rural lifestyle in Red Boiling Springs or visit the storytelling capital of Jonesborough. Regardless of preference, these eight eclectic small towns in Tennessee are waiting to be explored.
