8 Overlooked Towns In Tennessee Worth Visiting

Tennessee is a popular destination, famous for its rich music heritage and attractions such as the Great Smoky Mountains. It is also where to find tourist hotspots like Gatlinburg and Memphis. But besides its well-known destinations and attractions, the Volunteer State hides many overlooked towns like Tullahoma, which can also be exciting and beautiful. Plus, some of the features that make Tennessee unique can be found in these small towns. For instance, Tullahoma may be less popular, but it is home to one of the state’s most unique whiskey brands, which you’ll learn more about later. Similarly, Manchester is often overlooked, yet it hosts one of the largest outdoor festivals in North America. So, although lesser-known, these towns in Tennessee have what it takes to make a vacation memorable.

Morristown

Morristown is one of Tennessee's best-kept secrets, tucked deep in the ridge and valley region of the Appalachians, waiting to be discovered. This town is right on the Cherokee Lake, a dam on the Holster River, and a hot spot for fishing and boating. Access to this lake is provided at Cherokee Park, which has a marina and boat ramp, a disc golf course, a splash pad, sports facilities, picnic pavilions, a campground, and walking trails. Panther Creek State Park also offers access to Cherokee Lake and more recreational facilities to delight adventurers. This park features a golf course, campsites, and over 30 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Point Lookout Trail, one of the park’s top trails, is a must-experience as it is 1.9 miles long and presents gorgeous views of the lake and the surrounding countryside. On the side of history, the town hosts the Crockett Tavern Museum, a replica of the boyhood home of David Crockett, built in the 1950s to resemble the original tavern established on the site by his father in 1794. As for art and culture lovers, the Rose Center for the Arts is a great place to catch musical performances and explore artworks from local artists.

Winchester

This charming little town in Franklin County is unsung. Hence, it is a lovely escape with attractions that will delight travelers with diverse preferences. Those who are into history will have the Old Jail Museum to explore and discover artifacts reflecting the town’s pioneer and the Civil War eras. Outdoor buffs are always welcome at the nearby Tims Ford Lake State Park for endless water sports on the 10,700-acre Tims Ford Lake. The park features a marina with boat rentals, a boat launch, campsites and cabins, an 18-hole golf course, and over 20 miles of hiking and biking trails. Elsewhere, the Oldham Theatre presents premium movies and shows in a 1950s setting, while Filo’s Tavern is always open to keep everyone satisfied with delicious meals, including steaks and seafood.

Jonesborough

Please leave it to the small town of Jonesborough regarding history, as this is the oldest town in Tennessee, incorporated in 1779. Surprisingly, this historic town is less visited, despite hosting the Chester Inn State Historic Park and Museum, home to one of the oldest structures in town - the Chester Inn. The hotel was built in 1797 and regarded as the finest inn in the Tennessee Frontier, hosting the likes of Andrew Johnson. Today, Chester Inn serves as a museum. It contains exhibits about the town's history, including information on the State of Franklin, a proposed state in present-day East Tennessee that never fully materialized.

Furthermore, Jonesborough is regarded as the storytelling capital of the world and hosts the International Storytelling Center, whose goal is to inspire people to tell their stories and listen to the stories of others. The center hosts the National Storytelling Festival every October, a three-day event featuring music, poetry, and lots of storytelling. As if that’s not enough, Jonesborough is home to fun attractions such as the Wetlands Water Park, where children and adults alike are welcome to splash away with incredible scenery. Additionally, the Tennessee Hills Distillery is in town and is one of the best places to enjoy the pleasures of Tennessee spirits.

Tullahoma

Tullahoma flaunts a rather unusual name that may not ring a bell for tourists. However, the town makes a case for its position in the spotlight with a few attractions, including the Beechcraft Heritage Museum. Aviation enthusiasts will love this museum as it displays dozens of airplanes, artwork, and artifacts reflecting the long history and contributions of the Beechcraft Aircraft Corporation. Perhaps even more exciting, Tullahoma is home to Short Spring State Natural Area, one of Tennessee's most naturally endowed spots. This 420-acre natural area alone is worth visiting the town, as it contains waterfalls, lush trees, and wildflowers that blossom beautifully in spring. Thankfully, trails are accessible, and the Machine Falls Loop is the most popular. This trail is short and winds along rock formations and heavily wooded areas, en route to the 60-foot Machine Falls. Nearby, travelers will find the beautiful Rutledge Falls, a natural pool ideal for swimming, albeit for those who can brave the cold water. For those who appreciate authentic whiskey, the Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. is enough reason to visit Tullahoma. This distillery invites visitors to taste the George Dickel Bourbon Whisky and learn more about the brand born out of redefining American whiskey to rival the world’s finest scotch whiskies.

Lenoir City

Lenoir City is a laid-back gem on the Tennessee River, part of the Knoxville Metropolitan Area. Naturally, it is overshadowed by the grandeur of Knoxville, the third-largest city in Tennessee. However, this town is exciting, especially for those looking for recreational hideaways. For starters, it is home to Lenoir City Park, which has picnic areas, a playground, and a three-mile greenway. The park also has a boat ramp offering access to Fort Loudon Lake, one of Tennessee’s top natural attractions and a haven for boating, swimming, and fishing. Meanwhile, adjacent to the park is Fort Loudon Marina, one of the state’s largest marinas, featuring boat rentals, wet slips, dry boat storage, and the Calhoun’s dockside restaurant, which offers delicious BBQs and great views. In addition, travelers are always welcome at the WindRiver Golf Club, which has a gorgeous course, a lakefront restaurant, and a marina providing access to Tellico Lake.

Elizabethton

Elizabethton is one of the most historic towns in the United States, being the site of the first independent American government west of the original Thirteen Colonies. Today, visitors will be met with the Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, where the independent American government was created in 1772. Built between 1775 and 1780, the Carter Mansion in the park is now the primary surviving evidence of this independent government and is worth visiting. The park even has a visitor center with displays about the area’s history, a reconstructed 18th-century fort, and two miles of trails that wind through wooded areas along the Watauga River. Visitors to Elizabethton will also enjoy walking on the Elizabethton Historic Covered Bridge, which is gorgeous and among the oldest of its kind in Tennessee, built in 1882.

Away from the history, adventurers in Elizabethton will be delighted by the short hike to Blue Hole Falls, which has a pool ideal for swimming. Additionally, the Watauga River in town is perfect for paddling and tubing, and outfitters like Wahoo’s Adventures are available to help visitors enjoy the experience.

Sparta

Sparta may be an overlooked town and one of the smallest in Tennessee, with a population below 5,000. But this town is exciting, and hosts the Burgess Falls State Park, where travelers can hike and witness Falling Water River as it drops 250 feet over three waterfalls. Burgess Falls is the most famous of these waterfalls and plunges over 130 feet into a gorge. Nearby, Virgin Falls State Natural Area offers more natural beauty and adventures, including camping. This natural area is famous for Virgin Falls, a mysterious waterfall that emerges from an underground stream and plunges 110 feet into another underground spot. This waterfall can be reached via a nine-mile out-and-back trail that winds along more natural wonders, including sinkholes, caves, boulder fields, and waterfalls. For those who love wine, the Northfield Vineyards Winery in town offers a variety of wines and hard ciders in a gorgeous setting. And as for history buffs, Sparta is home to some historical attractions, including Sparta Rock House. This stone building, surrounded by trees, was built between 1835 and 1839, and once served as a rest stop and toolhouse.

Manchester

Manchester is one of Tennessee’s towns, often overshadowed by the nearby Nashville. Yet, this town is spectacular and hosts the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, one of the largest outdoor festivals in North America. This four-day festival is usually held in June and features a variety of music genres, ranging from folk to bluegrass and country, alongside dance, comedy, and parades. The festival aside, history enthusiasts in Manchester will be thrilled at the Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, home to the Old Stone Fort Native American structure, reportedly constructed between 80 and 550 CE and used for ceremonial purposes. Visitors can hike around the structure and admire the surrounding wooded areas and the Duck and Little Duck rivers. Meanwhile, the park has a museum with exhibits highlighting the area’s Native Americans and their culture. Manchester also has the Beans Creek Winery to delight with award-winning wines, plus the Little Duck River Greenway is a 2.4-mile path in town offering a relaxing hike through boardwalks, bridges, and green areas.

Tennessee is more than Nashville, Memphis, and the touristy Gatlinburg. Across this landlocked state in the American Southeastern region are these overlooked towns full of pleasant surprises, scenery, and serenity. These towns deserve to be on any Tennessee must-visit list, as they each hold slices of what makes the state unique. From Sparta to Lenoir City, visit these towns today and experience some of the best of Tennessee without the crowds.