9 Most Hospitable Towns In Tennessee
This is what hospitality looks like in Tennessee. It's a whole town gathering to race catfish in Paris, where the local Eiffel Tower marks downtown. It's Bell Buckle throwing an annual festival for the MoonPie, complete with cloggers and contests you have to see in person. It's Jonesborough deciding that the best use of an October weekend is professional storytelling. These nine towns plan their calendars around fun. Pull up a chair, somebody's already saving you a seat.
Jonesborough
Tennessee's oldest town is famous for its warm community atmosphere and storytelling heritage. Located in Northeast Tennessee, Jonesborough was established in 1779. Take the Jonesborough Town Tour, a casual walk through the restored historic district guided by tour guides dressed in period costumes, to learn how each building came to be. After the tour, head to the Jonesborough-Washington County History Museum & Archives to see collections on the area's cultural, economic, and social history.
A huge hit is the International Storytelling Center, located on Main Street. Every first weekend in October, the National Storytelling Festival is held here, bringing stories to life through art. During the summer months, enjoy Music on the Square, a live outdoor concert series that includes styles like bluegrass, jazz, rock, and blues.
Greeneville
Settled in the foothills of the Appalachians is the home of President Andrew Johnson. As the state's second-oldest town, Greeneville has a rich history, and its well-preserved downtown makes it easy to experience. Step into the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, where visitors can explore places connected to the 17th president, including his visitor center, tailor shop, homestead, and national cemetery.
Take a walk in the National Historic District, where you'll find Greeneville Antique Market, a three-floor antique shop on West Depot Street that has operated since 1989 and is home to dozens of vendors. For car lovers, check out the City Garage Car Museum, where you can see the evolution of the automobile. Round out your night with a live performance at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. There are a variety of shows that come through, including musicians, comedians, and theater productions.
Paris
Located just two hours from Nashville is the small town of Paris. Of course, you need to see the replica of the famous Eiffel Tower. No matter the season, the tower makes for an amazing backdrop in photos. After a beautiful photo session, head to Sally Lane's Candy Farm on East Wood Street, where handmade candies remain the draw. If you are here around a major holiday, check out one of the specialty assortments.
For the outdoor lover, a short drive from Paris, Paris Landing State Park spans 1,126 acres along Kentucky Lake. Go fishing, boating, golfing, hiking, or birding while taking in the lake scenery. The 2026 World's Biggest Fish Fry runs from April 18 to 26, bringing family fun, fried catfish with all the trimmings, carnival rides, catfish races, parades, rodeo events, and more.
Gatlinburg
Go no further than Gatlinburg to find a small town that welcomes newcomers with open arms. It is a tourist destination, as the town sits at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Take a walk across Gatlinburg SkyPark's SkyBridge, a pedestrian cable bridge known for its sweeping Smoky Mountain views. The views from there allow you to see across the Great Smoky Mountains in a full panoramic view.
A must while in town is to ride the glass elevators of the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Once you reach the top, there are free viewfinders and benches to take in the view. At night, downtown lights up, and the view from the top allows you to see it in all its glory. Directly below the Space Needle is Arcadia, a large family entertainment center with arcade games, bowling, immersive attractions, and New York-style pizza from Slice. For those who would rather keep their feet on the ground, take a trip to see the Ripley's Believe It or Not museum to see items from all around the world that will make you question if they are real or not.
Bell Buckle
Set in the rolling hills of central Tennessee, Bell Buckle is a small town known for being a top spot for antique hunting. There are many places to track down antiques, but set aside a few hours to check out the Livery Stable Antique Mall on Main Street. This 10,000 square foot warehouse has collectibles from over 30 vendors. If you want to fuel up before your shopping trip, stop by and chat with the locals at Bell Buckle Coffee Shop & Book Swap. You can grab a full breakfast while picking up a new read.
On the third Saturday in March each year is Daffodil Day. This little festival started in 1978 to celebrate the coming of spring, and today it is a day full of fun with music, vendors, and free tree seedlings. For some wacky fun, the RC Cola-MoonPie Festival brings people from all over the world, where music, cloggers, contests, MoonPie games, and a parade occur to celebrate the South's original fast food.
Cookeville
Cookeville is a lively Upper Cumberland community that blends college-town energy with small-town friendliness. Take a look around The Market on the Square, where you will find a multi-level shopping building. The street level is full of food and different kitchen decor, while downstairs is full of home decor and even a whole room dedicated to Christmas. After shopping, take some time to enjoy a classic pub atmosphere at Father Tom's Pub. Try the Bernie Mac, a house-made white cheddar mac and cheese topped with hot chicken, a local favorite, while enjoying a good local brew.
The Cookeville Depot Museum is on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to many artifacts from the Tennessee Central Railway. It is a train lover's dream, as you learn about the history while seeing a replica of Cookeville in 1955. Get some fresh air at Dogwood Park, with walking trails, a rose garden, and several picnic areas. There are also some great murals in the area that make perfect photo spots.
Smithville
Located in Middle Tennessee near the shores of Center Hill Lake, Smithville is a small town where Southern hospitality comes naturally. Go fishing, boating, or kayaking on Center Hill Lake, where you can take in the peaceful surroundings. Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy exploring nearby Edgar Evins State Park, which offers hiking trails and wide views of the surrounding hills and water.
Downtown Smithville features locally owned shops and restaurants that reflect the town's welcoming spirit. There is an old-fashioned soda fountain at F. Z. Webb & Sons for those seeking a nostalgic experience. If you are visiting during the summer, do not miss the famous Fiddlers' Jamboree, an annual celebration of bluegrass and traditional Appalachian music that has drawn visitors for decades.
McMinnville
Catch your breath through the calming town of McMinnville, where there is no bumper-to-bumper traffic, and Southern hospitality is around every corner. One of the most memorable places to visit is a short drive away at Rock Island State Park. It is home to Twin Falls, an 80-foot waterfall that spills dramatically from a limestone cliffside. There are hiking and biking trails in the area as well, for a day packed with adventure. For those who want to spend time on the water, Smooth Rapids Outfitters in McMinnville rents kayaks and tubes for scenic floats on the Barren Fork River.
For those who want a unique way to spend the night, have an overnight excursion 333 feet underground at Cumberland Caverns. For those not looking to spend the night, Cumberland Caverns also offers daytime tours through its underground passageways. After your adventure, head to Collins River BBQ & Cafe for finger-licking good baby back ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, and mouthwatering sides.
Tullahoma
The final stop on our list is a town that combines outdoor recreation, aviation history, and a relaxed pace of life. Just minutes from downtown is Short Springs State Natural Area, with its wooded hiking trails, rock formations, and waterfalls across its 420 acres. A short drive away, Tims Ford State Park sits on Tims Ford Reservoir and is popular for boating, fishing, hiking, biking, golfing, camping, and lake scenery.
For the history buffs, the Beechcraft Heritage Museum is dedicated to Beechcraft aviation history and traces its roots back to 1973. The building houses 38 aircraft, including the Model 17R. Another great spot is Cascade Hollow Distilling Co., the home of George Dickel Tennessee Whisky, where visitors can tour the distillery and enjoy a tasting.
Slow Down A While
Tennessee's small towns are filled with warmth, character, and unforgettable attractions, whether that's the historic streets of Jonesborough, the mountain views of Gatlinburg, or the lake country near Tullahoma. These communities may be modest in size, but they excel at making visitors feel welcome.
