Tennessee's 7 Most Underrated Towns
Bristol sits proudly on the Tennessee-Virginia border and holds the special title as the birthplace of country music. Mt. Juliet flourished thanks to its convenient commuter rail access and beautiful greenway corridors that invite outdoor enjoyment. In Tullahoma, the gentle flow of the Duck River, scenic waterfalls, and Arnold Air Force Base set a steady, welcoming pace far from the bustle of weekend tourists. Columbia’s charming downtown revolves around its historic courthouse square and proud Mule Town heritage, while Cookeville acts as a friendly gateway to stunning spots like Cummins Falls, Burgess Falls, and the breathtaking Upper Cumberland plateau. Greeneville’s landscape is rich with early American history and the rolling foothills of the Appalachians. Germantown, just east of Memphis, prefers to focus on lovely parks, scenic trails, and welcoming neighborhoods over crowded tourist attractions. All together, these towns paint a beautiful picture of Tennessee — a place shaped by winding rivers, inviting back roads, and vibrant local centers that truly capture the heart of the region.
Bristol
Head to Bristol, a town east of Boone Lake and west of South Holston Lake, named the 'Birthplace of Country Music' by Congress in 1998. Experience the unique sensation of standing in two states at once on State Street, where Tennessee and Virginia borders meet in Bristol’s Historic Downtown. Explore the stunning Bristol Caverns, walking along paved paths through an underground river formed 200 to 400 million years ago. Stop at Bristol Motor Speedway, home to NASCAR races since 1961, or visit the Bristol Dragway, affectionately called Thunder Valley for its thunderous sounds, if you crave more high-speed excitement.
Mt. Juliet
Join the celebration in Mt. Juliet, a charming town situated between the J. Percy Priest Reservoir to the south and the Cumberland River to the north. Known for its shopping options, it features the largest mercantile complex between Nashville and Knoxville. Yet, there's much more to explore beneath the surface. Visit Gargoyles to find a French treasure, with their website noting: “From hand-carved antique desks, beds, and armoires to pottery bowls, wine bottles, and apple baskets, all our treasures are beautifully unique.” You can also acquire top-quality Polish pottery outside Poland’s museums at Music City Polish Pottery. Make sure to try the exquisite barbecue at Candied Rib Company before leaving town.
Tullahoma
Tullahoma has long been a hub for aviators and space fans, where the sky is not the limit. Explore the University of Tennessee Space Institute for a glimpse into space. Get your adrenaline rush with Skydive Tennessee. Head 3.5 miles to Short Springs, a 420-acre natural area featuring the stunning Machine Falls trail. Tullahoma is located northwest of Woods Reservoir and south of Normandy Lake, offering plenty of natural beauty. Normandy’s delicate branches stretch into town, making it easy to enjoy without traveling far. Savor George Dickel spirits with a tour of Cascade Hollow Distilling Company, right at its home.
Columbia
Welcome to a town celebrated for its beautiful architecture. Columbia features several historic estates, many now owned by celebrities. The most recent is country musician Jason Aldean, who has a large 120-acre estate with a grand mansion at its core. Experience history at the President James K. Polk Home and Museum, where the building on West 7th Street, completed in 1816, is Polk's only remaining private residence. Don't forget to enjoy a pint or two at Bad Idea Brewing before departing.
Cookeville
Plan a trip to the charming and curious Cookeville centered around an auction at the Cookeville Antique Mall. The mall itself is impressive, even when no event is happening. Start your day with a jog along the beautiful trails at Cane Creek Park. Make sure to pick up a bottle of Salted Caramel whiskey from Tennessee Legend Distillery's Maddux Place and some Root Beer from Red Silo Brewing before you leave. If you're looking for something stronger, enjoy a pint of The Wild Corgi brown ale. Conclude your visit with your last night at Crawdaddy’s, splurging on as many appetizers as possible.
Greeneville
Flee to historic Greeneville, north of the Nolichucky River, blessed with a plethora of charming creeks. Try not to get too revved up at the City Garage Car Museum, where you can find a 1969 Excalibur, a 1936 Auburn Boattail Speedster, a 1981 DeLorean Gullwing, and the car Sterling Marlin won the 1994 Daytona 500 with—all under one roof. Plan your visit around a show at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, showcasing regional and traveling talent. Stay at the General Morgan Inn, a historic property defining southern hospitality since 1884. The lot previously hosted the DeWoody Tavern, built in the early 1790s.
Germantown
Germantown is famous for its Oktoberfest celebrations each fall. Venture into the surreal at Memorial Park, where the Crystal Shrine Grotto awaits. This unique site houses the only man-made crystal cave in the world, along with several awe-inspiring pieces by Mexican artist Dionicio Rodriguez. There’s never a shortage of interesting jogging routes, as Germantown boasts over 800 acres of public land across 31 parks and special facilities. Stop by the renowned fine dining destination Limelight from 4:30-5:30 for Neighborhood Hour deals on drinks and dishes, offering a general epicurean heaven-experience.
Real travelers respect the lands they explore. Please remember to remove all trash from national, state, and municipal parks. Report sightings of invasive plant and animal species to eddmaps.org. Keep an eye out for Japanese Honeysuckle, the red fire ant, and Chinese lespedeza. Consider supporting Native American businesses whenever possible. Before the arrival of Europeans to Tennessee, the Chickasaw nation roamed the state’s western lands, while the Cherokee nation inhabited southeastern Tennessee and northeastern Georgia.
