Tennessee's Best Small Towns for a Weekend Escape
In Rogersville, one of Tennessee’s oldest communities, a courthouse, printing museum, and stone mill sit within walking distance, tracing a line from frontier presses to present-day patios. In another Tennessee hidden gen, Sewanee, the landscape spreads across a mountaintop on the Cumberland Plateau, where a 13,000-acre university campus blends sandstone halls, woodland trails, and bluff-top views into a single, walkable landscape.
Each town in our list below offers a distinct way to experience Tennessee’s layers of history, music, and landscape at a human scale, with mornings that begin on courthouse squares or college greens and evenings that settle in inns, porches, and parks made for unhurried weekends.
Rogersville
Rogersville, the administrative center of Hawkins County, settled in 1775 by Davy Crockett’s grandparents and christened in honor of its founder Joseph Rogers, is the state’s second-oldest town. The town’s interesting history is well noted in its many prominent sites such as the Thomas Amis Historic Site which comprises the old Amis House and the oldest stone dam in the state; the Rogersville Printing Museum where the Volunteer State’s foremost newspaper ‘The Knoxville Gazette’ was printed; the Hawkins County Courthouse - Tennessee’s second oldest courthouse; and the Amis Mill Eatery. Walk down the streets of Rogersville Historic District and browse the several remarkable historical structures, gift shops, art galleries, first-class eating places, and hotels like Hale Springs Inn and Comfort Inn & Suites. Rogersville City Park and Crockett Spring Park are must-visits for those who wish to spend quality time outdoors.
Gatlinburg
Dubbed, “Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains,” this pleasant mountain resort town sits along U.S. Route 441 in Sevier County on the borders of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, approximately 30 miles southeast of Knoxville. Primarily called White Oak Flats, the settlement was later renamed after Radford Gatlin for its enchanting sceneries, great shopping opportunities, and multiple recreations. Gatlinburg, therefore, functions as a quintessential jumping-off point for adventurists looking to discover the diverse offerings of the National Park. Holidayers must have a comfortable night’s sleep at Bear Creek Inn following their tour of Gatlinburg’s different attractions such as the Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park, Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community, Hollywood Star Cars Museum, Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, and the conspicuous 407 ft tall Gatlinburg Space Needle.
Jonesborough
Tennessee’s oldest town established by European Americans in 1779, Jonesborough, Washington County’s seat of government is at the extreme northeastern corner of the state. Vacationers holidaying in this town called after Willie Jones - a North Carolina politician, can learn more about the community’s glorious past at the Chuckey Depot Museum and Chester Inn State Historic Site & Museum. Stroll down the Jonesborough Historic District and take note of the myriad contributing properties built in various architectural styles. Indulge in a day of shopping at umpteen stores like the International Storytelling Center Gift Shop, Jonesborough Antiques & Artisans, Paul’s Pens Odds & Ends, and Mauk’s of Jonesborough in the tree-lined downtown. Additionally, hike the Lost State Scenic Walkway that passes through the Persimmon Ridge Park, spend the night at the Historic Eureka Inn, and find time to participate in any of Jonesborough’s unique festivals such as the National Storytelling Festival, Doggone Christmas, Jonesborough Garden Gala, Made Around Here Market, Jonesborough Days Festival, and the Jonesborough Chocolate Fest.
Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is a serene alpine resort town located only 5 miles north of Great Smoky Mountains National Park in East Tennessee’s Sevier County along the Little Pigeon River’s West Fork. Boasting awe-inspiring views of the Smokies and an electrifying entertainment scene, this year-round family-friendly vacation retreat fascinates Southern culture and country music fans. Apart from the abundant gift shops, musical theaters, amusement rides, boutiques, and outlet malls, the town’s impressive sites of interest include the Dollywood Theme Park, Hollywood Wax Museum, Wonder Works Children’s Museum, Pigeon Forge City Park, Dollywood’s Splash Country, Titanic Museum, Wear City Park, the 16-acre Patriot Park, and the Alcatraz East Crime Museum. Savor delectable Southern cuisines at the Old Mill Restaurant or Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen, get enthralled by theatrical performances at Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud and the Comedy Barn Theater, and de-stress overnight at Margaritaville Island Inn and Best Western Plaza Inn.
Paris
Considered West Tennessee’s oldest incorporated town, Paris is the administrative center of Henry County. Named after the French capital city, the town exudes a distinctive ‘City of Love’ vibe enticing tourists with its 70-foot-tall scale model of the Eiffel Tower at the Eiffel Tower Park. The park which is an outstanding family-centric recreation hub also provides holidayers with a public Olympic-sized swimming pool, walking trails, splash pad, tennis courts, frisbee golf course, soccer fields, and children’s playgrounds with pavilions. Throughout the year, watch musical events at the Krider Performing Arts Center and many artistic events at the Paris-Henry County Arts Council. Have a pleasant stay at premier accommodations like Home Sweet Home Bed & Breakfast, and Hampton Inn by Hilton Paris.
Cookeville
Putnam County’s seat and its biggest community, Cookeville occupies the Upper Cumberland region approx. halfway between Nashville and Knoxville. This typical college town is home to Tennessee Technological University, the private Tennessee Bible College, and Volunteer State Community College’s branch campus. Famed as the “Hub of the Upper Cumberlands,” Cookeville is a regional mecca for education, retail, health care, and cultural activities. Cummins Falls State Park, Burgess Falls State Park, Cookeville Depot Museum, Cookeville Performing Arts Center, Dogwood Outdoor Performance Pavilion, etc., are some noteworthy sites of interest. Furthermore, check out the town’s downtown chock-a-full of locally-owned retail stores, cozy cafes, restaurants, and accommodations like Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Cookeville, and Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Cookeville.
Sewanee
Sewanee is a census-designated place in Franklin County, located on the western edge of the Cumberland Plateau in southeastern Middle Tennessee. This beautiful town is best known for its scenic campus of Sewanee: The University of the South, a private liberal arts college run by the Episcopal Church. The university’s 13,000-acre estate and nearby state parks are perfect for activities like hiking, golfing, mountain biking, and horseback riding, offering stunning views of the surrounding valleys from landmarks such as the Memorial Cross and Green’s View. Visitors can enjoy strolling through the charming downtown, which features unique shops, restaurants, and accommodations like the Sewanee Bicycle House, catering to hikers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts, and the Sewanee Inn—a 43-room hotel blending Gothic charm with Southern hospitality. The community hosts annual events like the Sewanee Writers’ Conference and the Sewanee Summer Music Festival, attracting students and tourists alike.
Bell Buckle
This small railroad village in northeastern Bedford County has just 410 residents. Established in 1852, Bell Buckle is famous for its well-preserved Victorian homes, churches, vintage shops, gift stores, boutiques, galleries, and award-winning diners around its charming downtown. Visitors should explore the historic district with its late 19th and early 20th-century buildings, visit the Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum to learn about equestrian history, enjoy recreation at Henry Horton State Park and Short Springs Natural Area nearby, and attend annual events like the RC Cola - MoonPie Festival and the Webb School Arts & Crafts Fair. After a busy day, relax at the Seasons Bed & Breakfast.
Townsend
Townsend proudly embraces the motto: “Peaceful Side of the Smokies.” Nestled along the winding Little River in Tuckaleechee Cove at the northern foothills of the Smokies, this town in eastern Blount County serves as one of the three gateways to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Home to about 550 residents, it is celebrated for its scenic beauty and numerous charming sites. Adventure seekers can explore the Smokies with a 1.5-mile hike to Spruce Flats Falls or an 11-mile drive along the Cades Cove Loop Road. Just outside the park, visitors find Townsend’s main attraction—the Tuckaleechee Caverns—which features impressive rock formations and the Eastern US’s tallest waterfall, Silver Falls. History enthusiasts should visit the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, and the Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Museum to learn about the area's cultural and environmental heritage. For accommodations, consider staying at Dancing Bear Lodge or Little Arrow Outdoor Resort. Plan to enjoy local festivals such as the Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival, Smoky Mountain Winter Heritage Festival, Grains & Grits Festival, and Townsend Spring Heritage Festival & Old Timers Day.
From Cookeville - the “Hub of the Upper Cumberlands” to Gatlinburg - “Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains,” there is no shortage of picture-perfect towns in Tennessee. Embark on an unforgettable vacation to explore The Volunteer State’s tight-knit communities which are excellent locales for your weekend retreats, waiting to captivate tourists with their exclusive allures and warm hospitality in addition to providing a much-needed escape far away from the maddening crowds of urban metropolises.
