The Best Small Towns in Tennessee to Chill Out
A storytelling festival, art deco theaters, and towns with 200 miles of trails are just some of what await those looking to unwind in Tennessee. There's no doubt that towns like Jonesborough and Greeneville are steeped in history, providing many ways to explore and learn about what's built in this portion of the United States. But history may not be everyone's cup of tea when it comes to a getaway where the sole purpose is to chill out. That's the thing about relaxing; it can mean different things to different people. Fortunately, Tennessee simply cannot be described in one way, nor can its best small towns. Each of them has something for everyone, whether it's a day at Dollywood, a bunch of beers during Oktoberfest, or getting lost along a forested trail.
Jonesborough
Jonesborough, about seven miles from Johnson City in northeastern Tennessee, was founded in 1779 and holds the distinction of being the state's oldest town. Its downtown streets host the International Storytelling Center and Jonesborough Repertory Theatre, forming the base for the National Storytelling Festival each October. The festival draws storytellers from across the country and acts as the perfect setting for just about anyone wanting to escape their hectic day-to-day by delving into story. Older narratives continue to prosper in the many historic sites sprinkled around town, including The Chester Inn, built in 1797. Downtown buildings also housed The Emancipator, the first abolitionist periodical. Local retail continued in historic structures, including Jonesborough Antiques & Artisans, Mauks of Jonesborough, and Main Street Cafe & Catering, which operates in a restored building from the 1930s. Staying in any number of the town's bed & breakfasts will put you within walking distance of many of these sites, as well as another one of the better ways to chill out in Jonesborough: Persimmon Ridge Park. This green space covers 130 acres with trails and picnic areas, linking to the Lost State Scenic Walkway for extended hikes.
Morristown
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Main Street in Morristown is filled with late-19th-century commercial buildings and the Sky Mart, second-story sidewalks that run above storefronts and keep foot traffic moving in all weather. The Downtown Green supports the First Fridays monthly concert series from May through October, along with larger annual gatherings. Aside from wandering around the local Sky Mart stores, popping in for a beer at 1907 Brewing Company, or timing your visit to align with Oktoberfest, Morristown is home to four championship disc golf courses, including Kiwanis at Wayne Hansard Park. Many of these courses are designed for pros, but there's nothing stopping visitors from having a casual round or two. Cherokee Park and the Cherokee Reservoir are also close to town, making Morristown a great place to kayak, canoe, or simply hang out by the water.
Pigeon Forge
There are two ways of enjoying Pigeon Forge. One way is to go all in on the eccentric attractions, including Dollywood, Dollywood's Splash Country, and the TITANIC Museum Attraction, where visitors can explore the ship's artifacts and exhibits. The other is delving into nature along the West Fork of the Little Pigeon River, which flows through the town's narrow valley. Whichever way is preferred, Pigeon Forge accommodates a variety of interests, making it ideal for families or groups where each person can find a way to relax while others pursue more active attractions. For slower-paced outings, Parrot Mountain and Gardens presents hundreds of tropical birds and thousands of plants across winding paths. The Smoky Mountains Coaster stretches over a mile and provides a measured ride through the foothills of the Smokies. Outdoor enthusiasts can also choose horseback riding at Jayell Ranch Adventure Park (just outside of town) or take scenic hikes and picnics at trails near the Little Pigeon River. The Blue Mountain Mist Country Inn & Spa offers a Victorian-style retreat with twelve uniquely decorated guest rooms, five cottages, fireplaces, Jacuzzis, and spa services, all overlooking the surrounding mountains.
Tellico Plains
Anyone who finds peace in nature won't be disappointed with Tellico Plains. The town sits at the gateway to the Cherohala Skyway and Cherokee National Forest, about 60 miles from Dayton in southeastern Tennessee. The town forms a base for exploring the West Fork of the Little Tennessee River, with trails, waterfalls, and forested slopes extending into the Unicoi Mountains. The Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center provides maps and information for the 43-mile scenic byway leading to Robbinsville, North Carolina, while the Conasauga Falls Trail offers forested paths alongside streams and waterfalls for hikers of all levels. The area's trail network totals more than 200 miles, including hiking, backpacking, equestrian, and mountain biking paths. The town itself has a compact main street, with a small variety of shops and restaurants, including Peach Street Grill. While other Tennessee towns offer a large variety of ways to relax, Tellico Plains really has its locals and visitors focus on connecting back with nature by getting outside, no matter the time of year.
Rogersville
Rogersville's brick sidewalks and Federal-style buildings frame the National Register-listed historic district, including the Hale Springs Inn, where Presidents Jackson, Johnson, and Polk once stayed. Just off Main Street is Crockett Spring Park. Here, 36 tree varieties and limestone sidewalks from the town's earliest settlers create a space for quiet strolls. Heritage Days, celebrated every October, transforms Main Street into a space of shared activity with traditional Appalachian music, crafts, and historical reenactments. Beyond the town center, the Thomas Amis Historic Site preserves Big Creek, the state's oldest stone dam, and the Amis family homestead, providing trails for wildlife observation and a little quiet adventure. Bays Mountain Park, just 30 minutes away, adds a natural counterpoint with 3,750 acres of forest, a planetarium, and twilight barge rides.
Greeneville
A stay at the comfortable and historic General Morgan Inn puts you right at the heart of Greeneville, a town at the northeastern corner of Tennessee near the North Carolina line. Just down the street is the Art Deco-style Capitol Theatre of Greenville, which runs concerts, comedy, films, and touring shows in a restored venue. While the Inn is home to the top-rated Brumley's Restaurant and Lounge, it's also within walking distance to a number of Greeneville's better spots to eat. It's also right by a few of the town's most historic sites, including former President Andrew Johnson's Early Home, his statue, and the Big Spring footbridge. Not only does Greeneville have a strong connection to America's 17th president, but also to General Nathanael Greene of the Revolutionary War, for whom the town is named. Therefore, the town is imbued with history, making it feel both sleepy and rich in the type of character that's easy to settle into. But a visit to Greeneville doesn't have to be all restaurants and historic sites; there's also nature to be enjoyed. Margarette Falls Trail begins a short drive south of downtown and follows a maintained 2.4-mile route to a 60-foot fan-shaped waterfall within the forest.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg borders the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and was developed as a mountain resort along U.S. Route 441. The town emerged from the White Oak Flats settlement and has grown around its proximity to cascading streams, forested trails, and alpine terrain. While the city attracts visitors year-round for its assortment of exciting resort-style attractions, the focus can really be about slowing down the pace. Rachel's Labyrinth behind the Buckhorn Inn offers a 60-foot stone maze for meditative walking, surrounded by gardens and mountain streams. The SkyBridge at SkyPark extends across a pedestrian cable span with glass panels, letting visitors pause over the treetops and mountains. LeConte Lodge perches on Mount LeConte at 6,360 feet, accessible only by a 5-8 mile hike that ends with lodge dining and overnight accommodations. Downtown, Sugarlands Distilling Co. produces over 20 spirits, including whiskey, rum, moonshine, and vodka, and is just one of the few distilleries to visit after your day exploring the wilderness.
From the mountain trails around Tellico Plains to the historic streets of Jonesborough and the riverside leisure in Morristown, Tennessee's small towns offer ways to pause, play, and breathe. Dollywood and the Smoky Mountain Coaster in Pigeon Forge balance excitement with spots for quiet moments. Each town provides a mix of natural and local attractions where groups or solo travelers can find their own rhythm. These are places where relaxing isn't optional but instead built into the layout of the town or embraced through the remarkable landscape that surrounds it.
