8 Most Idyllic Small Towns in Tennessee
Uniquely located at the junction of three major geographic regions - the Appalachian Mountains, the Cumberland Plateau, and the Gulf Coastal Plains, the landlocked state of Tennessee in the American Southeast is acclaimed for its rich history and outstanding natural splendor. Although the glitz of urban metropolises like Memphis, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Clarksville, and the state capital Nashville appeal to visitors from worldwide, the innumerable idyllic small towns dotting ‘The Volunteer State’ are often overlooked despite their distinctive charms. Each Tennessee town with breathtaking sceneries, renowned landmarks, diverse attractions, and ample recreation is waiting to enchant vacationers either on their short escapades or long holidays with loved ones.
Cookeville
Putnam County’s seat and biggest city, Cookeville is a quintessential college town in north-central Tennessee’s Upper Cumberland region, roughly halfway between Nashville and Knoxville. Christened in honor of Richard Fielding Cooke, an early pioneer, the town houses the principal campus of Tennessee Technological University, Tennessee Bible College, and a branch campus of Volunteer State Community College. Lovingly called the “Hub of the Upper Cumberlands,” Cookeville is a regional hub for education, retailing, health care, and cultural activities. The Downtown area has many locally-owned retail stores, cute boutiques, gift shops, eateries, and cozy cafes catering to tourists and residents alike. The 282-acre Cummins Falls State Park with its namesake 75-foot waterfall, Cookeville Performing Arts Center, Tennessee Legend Distillery, Dogwood Park, Cookeville Depot Museum, Red Silo Brewing Company, Cookeville History Museum, Dogwood Outdoor Performance Pavilion, and Burgess Falls State Park are some noteworthy sites of interest.
Gatlinburg
Often referred to as the “Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains,” this famed mountain resort town in eastern Tennessee’s Sevier County sits along U.S. Route 441 on the boundaries of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, approx. 30 miles southeast of Knoxville. Initially named White Oak Flats, the town was renamed Gatlinburg after Radford Gatlin and is esteemed for its awe-inspiring sceneries, great shopping, and abundant outdoor recreational activities. Aside from serving as a perfect base for adrenaline junkies looking to explore the numerous offerings of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, tourists visiting Gatlinburg must check out notable attractions such as the Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park, Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, Hollywood Star Cars Museum, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community, and 407 feet tall Gatlinburg Space Needle that provides panoramic views of Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains.
Leiper’s Fork
Home to only 650 inhabitants, Leiper’s Fork is an unincorporated rural village located on the picturesque Natchez Trace Parkway in Williamson County, about 45 minutes southwest of Nashville. Ringed by endless acres of rolling fields and horse farms, Leiper's Fork's rural atmosphere and laid-back life are ideal for those looking for a quick weekend retreat. The town’s main business district is chock-a-full of boutiques, privately owned art galleries, inns, one-of-a-kind souvenir shops like Tennessee Turquoise Company, and antique stores like Props Antiques. When in town, stop by the Copper Fox Gallery, Leiper’s Creek Gallery, Leiper’s Fork Whisky Distillery, Fox & Locke Restaurant, the RedByrd Coffee Shop, and Wines In The Fork - for a unique wine-tasting experience along the gurgling Leiper’s Creek.
Townsend
One of the three gateways to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Townsend, is situated in Tuckaleechee Cove along the meandering Little River at the northern foothills of the Smokies in the eastern part of Blount County. Proudly upholding its motto: “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” this 550-resident community prides itself on its surrounding natural beauty and multiple scenic spots. Outdoorsy types must drive into the Smokies by traversing the 11-mile Cades Cove Loop Road or by taking a 1.5-mile hike to Spruce Flats Falls. Just outside the National Park, visit Townsend’s most prominent attraction, the “Tuckaleechee Caverns,” for a spellbinding 1.25-mile tour through its extensive old rock formations and a 210-foot-tall subterranean waterfall named “Silver Falls” - the tallest of its kind in the Eastern US. History buffs who wish to know more about the area’s cultural and environmental history must tour the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Museum, and the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. Every year, Townsend hosts the Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival, Grains & Grits Festival, Townsend Spring Heritage Festival & Old Timers Day, and Smoky Mountain Winter Heritage Festival.
Pigeon Forge
This alpine resort town in East Tennessee’s Sevier County, situated only 5 miles north of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is an all-season, family-friendly holiday destination along the West Fork of the Little Pigeon River. With gorgeous views of the Smokies and a reverberating entertainment scene, Pigeon Forge appeals to fans of both country music and Southern culture. Besides scores of gift shops, boutiques, musical theaters, outlet malls, and amusement rides, the town’s admired attractions include the Alcatraz East Crime Museum, Dollywood Theme Park, WonderWorks Children Museum, Dollywood’s Splash Country, Wear City Park, Titanic Museum, Pigeon Forge City Park, Hollywood Wax Museum, and the 16-acre Patriot Park. Enjoy theatrical performances at the Comedy Barn Theater and Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud, and savor mouthwatering Southern cuisines at any of Pigeon Forge’s cozy restaurants, such as Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen and The Old Mill Restaurant.
Bell Buckle
Bell Buckle, with only 410 inhabitants as per the latest US Census, occupies the northeastern part of Tennessee’s Bedford County. Established in 1852, this railroad village is best known for its well-preserved Victorian homes, antique shops, churches, locally-owned boutiques, and eateries in and around Bell Buckle’s picturesque downtown area. History buffs visiting this small town steeped in Southern charm must take note of the late 19th-century and early 20th-century buildings in the National Register-listed Bell Buckle Historic District and learn about equestrian history at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum. Adventurists must take part in recreational activities at the nearby parks like Short Springs Natural Area and Henry Horton State Park, while merrymakers should find time to attend the town’s popular events like the Webb School Arts & Crafts Fair and the RC Cola & Moon Pie Festival.
Rogersville
Hawkins County’s administrative center, Rogersville, named in honor of the town founder Joseph Rogers and settled by the grandparents of Davy Crockett in 1775, is Tennessee’s second-oldest town. The town’s engrossing history is well reflected in its noteworthy historical sites such as the Hawkins County Courthouse - the second oldest courthouse in the state; the Thomas Amis Historic Site, which has the colonial Amis House and the state’s oldest stone dam; the Amis Mill Eatery; and the Rogersville Printing Museum where Tennessee’s first newspaper ‘The Knoxville Gazette’ was printed. Wander through the streets of Rogersville Historic District and peruse the many historically significant structures in the downtown area, including the Hale Springs Inn and Overton Lodge. The Crockett Spring Park and Rogersville City Park are perfect for those who wish to spend time amidst the greens.
Jonesborough
The seat of government of Washington County, Jonesborough, located in the extreme northeastern corner of the state, is Tennessee’s oldest town,, founded in 1779 by European Americans. Travelers visiting this town, christened after the North Carolina politician Willie Jones, can get exclusive insights into the town’s past at the Chester Inn State Historic Site & Museum and the Chuckey Depot Museum, which pays tribute to the railroad heritage of the region. Take a walking tour through the Jonesborough Historic District, which is noted for its countless contributing buildings in various architectural styles, including Federal, Greek Revival, and Queen Anne. Revel in a day of shopping at multiple stores like Jonesborough Antiques & Artisans, Mauk’s of Jonesborough, International Storytelling Center Gift Shop, and Paul’s Pens Odds & Ends that fill Jonesborough’s downtown. If you want to survey the outdoors, hike the 3-mile-long Lost State Scenic Walkway that passes through the Persimmon Ridge Park. Additionally, try to attend the National Storytelling Festival in October, the Made Around Here Market in November, Doggone Christmas in December, the Jonesborough Chocolate Fest in February, the Jonesborough Garden Gala in June, and the Jonesborough Days Festival in July.
From the college town of Cookeville to Gatlinburg - “Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains,” there is no dearth of gorgeous towns in Tennessee. Each of these close-knit communities is celebrated for its warm hospitality, exclusiveness, unforgettable sights, lively festivals, and walkable downtown streets lined by vintage galleries and historical sites. These picturesque small towns are worth adding to your lists when you are in search of serene locales to vacay on your next holiday to the Volunteer State.
