Tennessee's 6 Most Laid-Back Towns
With over half of Tennessee covered by forest and more than 90% of its land classified as rural, the state is full of peaceful pockets. Many small towns sit within these calm pockets, surrounded by natural beauty. If you are looking for a chance to disconnect from the chaos of everyday life, the following six towns are among the most laid-back, offering iconic hiking trails, underground taverns, and distilleries that will help you slow down and enjoy the little things.
Mountain City
Mountain City lies between the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by hiking trails, campgrounds, and recreation areas. The Doe Mountain Recreation Area is a favorite near town, offering 8,600 acres of mountain terrain and nature trails. Here, you can enjoy the outdoors year-round, with hiking, mountain biking, and off-roading among the most popular choices.
Back in town, you can browse some local art at The Johnson County Center for the Arts, a non-profit art center that exhibits Appalachian arts and crafts. The center also frequently hosts workshops and classes, so consider checking out its calendar before your visit! For a hearty meal, grab a bite at Jen's West Main Cafe, which serves diner classics like biscuits, omelets, sandwiches, salads, wraps, and more.
Gatlinburg
If you’ve been craving a trip to the Smokies, Gatlinburg is a fantastic option, with miles of hiking trails and waterfalls just minutes away. Cataract Falls, for example, is only 10 minutes southwest of town. This waterfall drops 40 feet and is reached by a short 0.7-mile trail. Grotto Falls is another popular cascade in the area, standing at 25 feet and accessible by a 2.6-mile round-trip trail.
After a busy day of hiking, head back to town for a drink at Sugarlands Distilling Co. Located in the heart of the downtown district, this distillery serves over 20 different products, including rum, whiskey, moonshine, and vodka. If you’re looking for a cozy place to spend the night, you’ll find plenty of lodges in the area. The Bearskin Lodge is a wonderful option, located just an arm's reach from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and offering amenities like a free continental breakfast, an outdoor pool, and gas fireplaces.
Lynchburg
Home to the famed Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Lynchburg makes it easy to relax with a whiskey tour and tasting. Travelers can visit this distillery for themselves, choosing between a classic distillery tour, a barrel tour, a bonded whiskey tour, and an immersive, day-long tour. Once you wrap up your distillery tour, head over to Barrel House BBQ for a savory meal. This highly rated barbecue joint serves all your smoky favorites, such as pulled pork, smoked sausage, and ribs. Its grilled cheese was previously voted the best in the state, filled with pepper jack or American cheese and pit-smoked pork, sausage, or chicken! Those looking to relax outdoors will love Tims Ford State Park, which features a 10,700-acre lake great for bass fishing, boating, camping, biking, hiking, swimming, picnicking, and much more.
Sewanee
Home to the University of the South, Sewanee is a tranquil college town in south-central Tennessee, perfect for visitors seeking a quiet and scenic getaway. Visitors who are interested in golfing can book a time on the Course at Sewanee, a highly rated golf course that sits on the Cumberland Plateau, offering beautiful views, nine green complexes, and challenging bunkers. A short drive from town, you can also reach The Fiery Gizzard, one of the state’s most iconic trails. Extending 13 miles, this trail has all kinds of beautiful features, such as waterfalls, sandstone, and beautiful fall foliage in the autumn months.
If all of that golfing and hiking has started to work up an appetite, you are in luck! You can choose from all kinds of dining options in town. Judith Tavern is a phenomenal choice, serving creative dishes made with seasonal ingredients. A few of the entrees you’ll currently find on the menu are trout, Milanese, and smashburgers.
Rogersville
Founded in 1775, Rogersville is one of the oldest towns in Tennessee. Walking through town, you’ll be greeted by brick sidewalks and Federal-style architecture that will remind you of another era. There are several museums in town, including the Swift Museum, which exhibits 80 years of African American history, life, and culture.
For a unique souvenir, the Local Artists Gallery offers handmade crafts and fine art, along with a variety of art classes. For dinner, stop by The Red Dog On Main, a taproom and eatery that serves wood-fired pizzas, subs, steak, chicken, and pasta. To round out your visit, consider spending the night at the Hale Springs Inn, which is set in a historic home that dates back to 1824. Three presidents have even been guests in the inn: Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnson, and James K. Polk.
Townsend
Known as the “Gateway to Cades Cove,” Townsend gives you year-round opportunities to get outside and explore the valley. If you’re looking to explore Cades Cove, consider signing up for a Cades Cove Heritage Tour, which departs from the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, allowing you to learn about the history of the area, its natural resources, and hear stories about what makes it so unique.
Tuckaleechee Caverns is also in Townsend, which contains the tallest subterranean waterfall in the Eastern US and a cave room that is almost as large as a football stadium. Conclude your adventure with a meal at The Riverstone Restaurant, which is located on the National Park end of town and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Let Yourself Slow Down
When the stress starts to build, it helps to pause and take a breather. Even with just a weekend free, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding a relaxing place in Tennessee to escape to. Towns like Rogersville will allow you to experience some of that small-town spirit that you have perhaps been missing in a larger city, while Gatlinburg or Sewanee are wonderful if you prefer to focus your weekend outdoors. So start looking at those dates and planning your getaway. You deserve it!
