9 Quirky Little Towns In Tennessee
Beyond its music, natural beauty, well-known cities, and southern charm, Tennessee houses small towns brimming with personality and quirks that make them unforgettable. From colorful murals and eccentric shops to local traditions that feel straight out of a storybook, these towns capture the imagination and offer a delightful escape from the ordinary. Each destination has its own unique vibe, whether it’s a festival that draws visitors from across the state or a historic landmark with an unusual backstory. Perfect for road trips or weekend getaways, these nine quirky little towns showcase the playful, creative, and sometimes surprising side of Tennessee that keeps travelers coming back for more.
Jonesborough
The oldest town in Tennessee, Jonesborough, is a historic place that offers unique and eclectic experiences you can’t find anywhere else. A center for the movement to end slavery, Jonesborough’s landmark sites are unmatched and give an inside look into some of the region’s history. To get an upfront look into the history, take a walking tour of the sites. Not your ordinary tour, the Historic Jonesborough Walking Tour offers a walking history lesson with a guide dressed in 19th- and 20th-century clothing to immerse you in the time. While many towns provide a renowned performing arts center, Jonesborough’s International Storytelling Center hosts an array of storytelling events throughout the year, including the National Storytelling Festival, where you can hear from plenty of renowned speakers year-round.
Throughout the year, the town hosts a variety of events and festivals that showcase its unique charm. One of the most renowned events of the year is the Jonesborough Chocolate Fest in February, where vendors and stores offer a wide range of chocolate-inspired treats over a weekend. Before heading out, don’t forget to pick up a souvenir at the Mill Spring Makers Market, which features over 40 local artists and craftsmen and many unique finds. Full of small-town charm, Jonesborough is an eclectic town with history and enriching activities.
Bell Buckle
With just under 500 residents, Bell Buckle's population may be small, but it's got an enormous personality that more than makes up for it. Rich in history and culture, Bell Buckle is a dream escape for anyone looking to immerse themselves in vintage stores and quaint locales. Those looking to get a feel for the community can stop by Bell Buckle Coffee Shop & Book Swap for a cup of coffee and to participate in the cafe's book swap, where book lovers can leave a used book and take another home. Like many historic towns, Bell Buckle dives into its past with gusto, especially around the holiday season. Visit the town during its Old Fashioned Christmas event, where the holiday spirit is alive, and the town transforms into a vintage Christmas feel.
For traditional Southern cuisine, stop by Bell Buckle Cafe. This famed cafe has earned recognition for its big portions and even bigger flavor. Be sure to leave room for dessert, because Bell Buckle's most unique event, the RC Cola- MoonPie Festival, is a must-visit. Held on the third Saturday of June, this festival draws visitors from across the region to celebrate the "South's original fast food." In addition to an ice-cold RC Cola and a MoonPie, guests will enjoy music, unique contests, and an eclectic parade. From a sweet festival to a vintage holiday celebration, Bell Buckle has just about everything you need for a memorable trip.
Gatlinburg
Set on the banks of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg is a quaint mountain village offering one-of-a-kind experiences that make it a hidden gem. Known for its over-the-top attractions, a trip to Gatlinburg promises an eccentric time. To start your journey, take some time to visit The Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum, where you can explore over 20,000 sets of shakers of all forms. Afterward, step into the glamour of television and film at the Hollywood Star Cars Museum, where you can catch a glimpse of over 50 iconic vehicles from famous TV shows, movies, and attractions from all over the world. To complete your journey through unique exhibits and museums, check out the famous Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium. Full of galleries of oddball and eccentric exhibits and finds, you'll never find a similar item outside of Ripley's.
For more family-fun adventures, check out Gatlin’s Fun Center, an arcade and entertainment center with an array of activities to fill your trip. From laser tag to electric bumper cars, this fun center has everything you need to have a good time. Those looking to explore the outdoors can ride the Ripley's Mountain Coaster, which propels guests in gravity-powered carts down the mountain for a thrilling experience. Whether you're looking for unique finds or looking to pass the time with family-friendly games, Gatlinburg is the perfect blend of it all.
Lynchburg
Tennessee whiskey isn't just a staple of American liquor; it's a product of the creative, distinctive spirit of Lynchburg. This American whiskey hails from the historic town of Lynchburg, which is set among the rolling hills of Moore County. While the town's history has produced many attractions and landmarks, there are additional must-see places nearby that you can't find anywhere else. Visitors flock to the Jack Daniel Distillery, America's oldest registered distillery, where you can learn more about the process and taste samples of the products. For a closer look at 1920-style architecture, visit the Moore County Courthouse and Jail, a historic courthouse that provides a glimpse into the town's history.
While many towns tout their best cuisine, Lynchburg's food scene is among the best in the region. Stop by Barrel House BBQ, a local favorite that serves up some of the best barbecue you'll find on your trip. Before leaving town, be sure to stop by Jack Daniel's Lynchburg Hardware and General Store for all kinds of Jack Daniel's memorabilia and souvenirs you can't get elsewhere. While Jack Daniel's seems to be the town's theme, Lynchburg is a historic town whose popularity has turned it into a must-visit destination.
Pigeon Forge
While the town's name is Pigeon Forge, its unique attractions and sites truly captivate tourists' attention. In addition to its prime location in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Pigeon Forge offers a wide range of outdoor activities to enhance your trip. Visitors to town will need to stop by the Outdoor Gravity Park, the only place in the United States for zorbing, an activity in which people roll down a hill inside an inflatable ball. Regardless of when you visit, Pigeon Forge offers the chance to play in snow at Pigeon Forge Snow, a year-round indoor snow tubing location that brings winter magic to any time of the year.
If zorbing and indoor snow tubing aren't eccentric enough for your visit, pop by Goats on the Roof, a unique attraction where you can ride a roller coaster and get to meet and feed goats. Finish off your fun journey with a stop at WonderWorks. This amusement park isn't just full of hundreds of science exhibits and entertaining games; it's an entertainment space set inside an "upside-down" building that teaches kids while having fun. With plenty of fun and eccentric attractions, Pigeon Forge is a necessary stop for anyone visiting the region.
Cookeville
Balancing Tennessee's metropolitan cities and the state's more rural towns, Cookeville sits in the middle, with economic strength and small-town charm. Cummins Falls State Park is the ideal place to start your Cookeville journey, with the idyllic views of a 75-foot waterfall and a natural swimming hole. Far from your more wild attractions, this waterfall offers unique natural beauty unlike any other. Back in town, the Cookeville Depot Museum is a railroad depot that served the state until the 1950s. Here, you can learn more about the town's railroad history and see a replica of the town as it was in the summer of 1955.
Stop by Red Silo Brewing Company for a drink at the first microbrewery on the west side of Cookeville. Here, you can sample unique beers while mingling with the community. Nearby, the Tennessee Legend Distillery offers samples and drinks in a historic building with charm. With a mix of history and natural beauty, Cookeville is a balanced town where you can experience a little bit of everything.
Adams
Housing a small population, Adams has lore rooted in a famous legend surrounding the Bell Witch. To get an up-close feel of the legend, stop by the Bell Witch Cave Tours, where visitors can experience the haunting legends personally. Approximately 490 feet long, this tour is available in the summer and October for all of your haunted needs. Afterward, pay your respects to the Bell family at the Bellwood Cemetery, where the graves of the iconic families lie. During the fall season, you can experience more of the mystic and legend at the Bell Witch Fall Festival, which features community fun and plenty of storytelling.
Located on the Trail of Tears, Port Royal State Park offers guests a view of a historic landmark and plenty of lessons. For a rush of adrenaline and adventure, take a trip to River Adventures Nashville, where visitors can go river tubing, kayaking, and canoeing. Teemed with mystery and haunted stories, Adams isn't your typical small town.
Paris
Although it may share a name with the popular European destination, Paris, Tennessee is full of its own charm and quirkiness. While it may differ in many areas, Paris still offers some of France's charm to visitors. Eiffel Tower Park provides a unique experience for those seeking the French lifestyle, featuring a 60-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower, along with trails, disc golf, and sports courts. Like many European cities, Paris is full of charming small cafes and restaurants, such as Paris Station. This unique venue combines a taproom, venue, restaurant, and indoor lawn into one space where you can hang out and mingle among the community.
If you're in the mood for a sweet treat, Sally Lane's Candy Farm is the perfect place to stop by. Covered in pink and candies, this shop is a staple in the community and houses just about any treat you could want. Those looking to spend more time outdoors can visit Paris Landing State Park. This full-service marina not only offers water views but also an 18-hole golf course, swimming pools, a restaurant, a convention center, a hotel, picnic tables, and various courts. Visitors looking to add a global destination to their Tennessee itinerary should consider Paris, a charming and distinctive city.
Smithville
Music is central to Tennessee's charm, and Smithville is a perfect example of how the arts can drive community spirit. Home to a variety of community events, Smithville exudes small-town charm and offers unique opportunities. The town's most renowned event, the Fiddler's Jamboree, is an annual festival held in July, drawing hundreds of visitors to experience music, crafts, and community. Between bluegrass music and handmade crafts, this festival is the town's most prominent event and has been since its inaugural in 1972. For those seeking even more creative experiences, the Appalachian Center for Craft offers seasonal workshops, studio space, and art galleries to help you get into the creative spirit.
Continue to mingle with the community at The Burlap Room, a family-friendly space that's recognized as the state's largest beer garden. This beer garden consistently exudes excitement and activity, with regular concerts, themed events, and more. Grab a cup of coffee and souvenirs at Buttonwillow General Store, a small coffee shop that sells handmade items and unique gems you can't find at other stores. A community-oriented town, Smithville's uniqueness lies in the extensive opportunities for visitors to get to know the locals and experience Southern charm.
Tennessee's Most Eclectic Small Towns
Discovering Tennessee’s quirky little towns is a chance to experience the state more intimately and unexpectedly. Each town offers something special, from offbeat attractions and charming local businesses to events that celebrate the community’s distinctive personality. Exploring these hidden gems allows visitors to engage with the culture, history, and creativity that are often overlooked in larger cities. Whether wandering through an eccentric museum, attending a whimsical festival, or simply enjoying the local flavor, these towns offer memorable experiences that are both fun and meaningful. By venturing off the beaten path, travelers gain a deeper appreciation for Tennessee’s charm and discover a state that is lively, colorful, and unique.
