9 Small Towns in Tennessee with the Best Downtowns
Tennessee has especially nice downtowns because its 19th- and early-20th-century brick business districts are enriched by a cultural mix shaped by the South, Appalachia, and the Mississippi Valley. Jonesborough shows that appeal with its red brick sidewalks and the International Storytelling Center, which helps give downtown a character you do not find just anywhere. Bell Buckle makes its case through Railroad Square, where antique shops and the Bell Buckle Café keep the old railroad-town core lively. Out of the nearly 350 towns, municipalities, and villages in the state, we've chosen 9 that have thriving downtown districts full of history and bustling activity.
Jonesborough
Located in the northeast corner of Tennessee, this small, charming community is the state's oldest town. Jonesborough maintains a thriving downtown district, fully accessible on foot, paved with red brick sidewalks, adorned with 18th-century architecture, and home to various annual festivals. Its charming boutiques, diverse eateries, educational museums, and the famous International Storytelling Center make this a historic landmark worth stopping in for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Jonesborough is home to the International Storytelling Center, which hosts the annual National Storytelling Festival. This three-day event attracts writers from all over, sharing their stories, tales, and traditional folklore. History buffs will want to check out the town’s multitude of museums, including the Jonesborough-Washington County History Museum, which covers the area’s rich heritage, and the Chester Inn Museum, which chronicles the history of Jonesborough from its inception in 1779 to the present.
With music in the square every Friday night in the summer, there’s always something to do when visiting downtown Main Street. Take a walk on one of the town’s historic walking tours, stop in for a cup of Joe at The Corner Cup, and seek out an antique souvenir at the Antique Mart. When it’s time to relax and unwind, find a comfortable spot under a tree and watch nature unwind at Jimmy Neil Smith Park, located behind the Storytelling Center.
Sweetwater
With a name like Sweetwater, you could say this town is full of sweet surprises. It contains a wide variety of local dineries and unique shopping, and this charming community is ready for you to eat, play, and stay. The downtown area is compact and walkable, filled with parades, festivals, and Friday night live music in beautiful Duck Park. Start with a glimpse into the transportation and history of this culturally rich town through photographs and other memorabilia at the Sweetwater Heritage Museum. Antique shoppers will find vintage souvenirs at the Dogwood Lane Boutique, while those with a sweet tooth can stop in at the Tennessee Toffee Company located directly on Main Street, serving up fresh handmade toffee and truffles.
The town is also home to the Lost Sea, a large underground lake part of the extensive and historic Craighead Caverns. Visitors can venture 140 feet underground on a guided tour of these crystal-clear waters, home to unique rock formations and fragile spiky clusters commonly called cave flowers.
Greeneville
The charming village of Greeneville is nestled in the Appalachian Mountains. It also features a completely accessible downtown full of national war monuments, historical markers, unique shops, over 20 culinary options, and several museums. Greeneville was once the home of former President Andrew Johnson, and visitors today can discover this legacy through several walking tours, including the Greeneville Civil War Trail and the “A Walk With the President Tour.” Along the way lies the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, a national park preserving his two homes, and the Dickson-Williams Mansion, a federal-style mansion that hosted important historical figures such as Andrew Johnson and Davie Crockett.
Car enthusiasts can take a trip back in time to the City Garage Car Museum, featuring a diverse collection of cars from 1930 to the present day. For a refined atmosphere and delicious bite to eat, stop in at Brumley’s, located inside the historic General Morgan Inn. Then take your time and stroll through the Greenville Antique Market and relax at one of this community’s multiple green spaces and memorial parks.
Leiper's Fork
Another small town worth visiting is the small village of Leiper’s Fork. An upscale spot where celebrities and many of today’s country music stars own property, including Chris Stapleton, Tim McGraw, and Faith Hill, this intimate, slightly higher-end community is located about 40 miles southwest of Nashville. Leiper’s Fork is a rural community surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque countryside. With southern charm and quiet neighborhoods, its thriving downtown features local shops, galleries, and intimate music venues. This quaint, peaceful village is packed with music venues, local barbeques, art galleries, and shopping centers.
Food is a must in Tennessee, and Leiper’s Fork features a selection of locally owned eateries, including The Country Boy, a go-to for breakfast or lunch known for its rustic charm, and the Fox & Locke, which serves up cherry wood smoked pulled pork BBQ, and Southern fried catfish. Catch live music, including some of Nashville’s best talent, at this friendly, family-gathering spot every Wednesday through Saturday.
Visitors can take a tour of Leiper’s Fork Distillery, a local favorite that highlights premium spirits made with only local ingredients and limestone-filtered water, resulting in whiskey with a signature taste. For a high-end shopping experience, visit the Tennessee Turquoise Company, owned by Chris Stapleton’s wife, offering a curated collection of vintage silver & turquoise. Then stop by Patina Home and Garden, a wife-and-husband-owned home décor shop offering classic, timeless pieces.
Rogersville
Rogersville is a town just waiting for you to fall in love with. This small-town getaway is full of history, beauty, and charm. One of the oldest towns in Tennessee, Rogersville offers a myriad of activities showcasing its history throughout its pedestrian-friendly downtown. Roam the streets of this community’s historic district and gaze in wonder at the aesthetically appealing neoclassical architecture on the Hawkins County Courthouse, one of the state’s oldest courthouses, built in 1836. Next, venture over to the town’s post office, the oldest continuously operating post office site in the state, and the Rogersville Printing Museum, home of Tennessee’s first newspaper.
Main Street offers a variety of boutique shops, such as Olde Town Emporium, a treasure trove full of antiques, vintage clothing, and collectibles, and Luella’s Gift Market. Stop in for a cup of joe and a pastry at Coffee at the Kyle, and for a bite to eat, enjoy the mouthwatering menu and some Tennessee whiskey at the Red Dog Taproom. Or, for a more nostalgic experience, check out Anne Mills Eatery, a popular venue with outdoor seating overlooking a cascading waterfall. Get some rest while spending the night in the comfy accommodations of Hale Springs Inn, a historic inn with modern-day amenities built in 1824.
Pulaski
A small town located in the central part of the state, Pulaski captures the true essence of Tennessee's southern charm. Whether visitors come here for the unique shopping experience, smoky barbecue, or to learn about this town’s authentic history, this old-world village offers something for everyone. The history of Pulaski culminates in its historic district, with buildings’ architecture ranging from the Greek Revival style of the Giles County Courthouse to the Victorian Daly-Horne House, a hotel and events venue.
While visiting Pulaski, tourists can explore the community’s Civil War history with a self-guided tour of the Sam Davis Memorial Museum and a visit to the former farm and home of Franklin C. Mars, the founder of Mars Candies and the infamous Milky Way. Milky Way Farm, as it’s called, is over 1,100 acres of historic barns, cottages, and the 20-bedroom stone and wood-framed manor built in the 1930s.
Food enthusiasts will enjoy trying the town’s local dining options. One can indulge in a home-cooked meal at Kathy’s Tavern and Grill or enjoy the nostalgia of the 1950s while grabbing a burger and fries at the Soda Pot Junction. Ready to hang your hat for the night? Try a beer at Nirvana Roadhouse. Their fun, laid-back atmosphere features local music acts, outdoor seating, and a camping area for overnight stays.
Bell Buckle
The little town of Bell Buckle is home to a bustling downtown called Railroad Square, a central hub full of antique shops, cozy cafes, and delectable dining options. This downtown area is completely accessible on foot and is situated near the town’s original railroad. It is the center for the community’s annual events and festivals.
Antique enthusiasts from all over come to Bell Buckle for its array of unique antique shops and boutiques. The Livery Stable Antique Mall is a must-see treasure trove featuring over 35 local vendors, each offering collectables, vintage décor, glassware, hard-to-find items, model train supplies, and rare coins. Other antique shops include Hilltop, Bluebird, and JR’s Antiques, each featuring a wide selection of unique souvenirs and memorabilia.
For a bite to eat, swing by the Bell Buckle Café. Known for its southern hospitality, it is a family-owned restaurant offering classic fare and live music on weekends. The Bell Café and Book Shop serves up coffee with a twist, where you can shop for antiques, books, and Bell Buckle’s famous MoonPie Swag. For a truly southern belle experience, make a reservation at the Southern Charm’s Tea Room. Teatime has never been so perfect as beautifully served in this unique tearoom and boutique gift shop.
Pigeon Forge
A gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, the small town of Pigeon Forge is a tourist attraction known for its high-energy thriving downtown and its most famous attraction, Dollywood. Although not located in the center of town, Dollywood, created by country music icon Dolly Parton, plays a significant role in the community's tourism success. The park features thrill rides, carnival-style games, award‑winning food, the Splash Country Waterpark, and a steady lineup of concerts, including occasional performances by Dolly and other regional and national artists.
Much of the action in Pigeon Forge centers around Parkway, home to The Island, a bustling entertainment district featuring its own attractions. Visitors can enjoy the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, live music, free fountain light shows, and a wide variety of unique shops. History buffs will want to venture over to the Old Mill District, where a 200-year-old working gristmill anchors a collection of regional culinary options, a general store, and a farmhouse kitchen. Other food options downtown sure to please the palate include the Local Goat, offering modern American fare, Huck Finn’s Catfish, known for its play on southern fried catfish, and the Old Mill Restaurant for a taste of country-style cooking.
Shopping is another major draw. Beyond the 40‑plus shops at The Island, the historic Old Mill remains a favorite stop. Its front door still bears the tacks and nail heads that once held community notices, an enduring reminder of life before the digital age.
Tracy City
The small town of Tracy City is a former coal mining and railroad town. It is home to a charming downtown area, fully accessible on foot, full of local history, shopping, and culinary favorites. In the center of downtown is the Grundy County Historical Society Heritage Center, a museum that offers extensive information on the town’s coal mining and railroad history. Located directly across the street sits the Old Roundhouse Park, where you can access the 3-mile paved and scenic Mountain Goat Trail and walk along the path of the former railroad.
For a deep dive into this town’s culture, stop by the historic Dutch Maid Bakery, Tennessee’s oldest family-owned bakery, offering bread, cakes, pastries, and other baked goods since 1902. The building was redone in the 1920s after a fire destroyed it, but many of the ovens, mixers, and other pieces of equipment are still in use. For all your universal shopping needs, swing by the Henry Flury & Sons General Store, known for its old-fashioned southern charm. Then stroll down Railroad Avenue and explore the local boutiques, including Olde House Shoppe, which offers unique gifts, t-shirts, and home and garden décor. Curb your hunger by trying out Hank’s Corner Grille, a family-friendly restaurant with a bar-like atmosphere, or enjoy a night out on the town with live entertainment and American cuisine at a local favorite, Off The Rail.
Soak in Tennessee's Small-Town Life
Each of these small towns offers a window into Tennessee’s rich history and distinctive southern culture. Whether you’re hoping to explore the state’s role in the Civil War, learn how the railroad and coal industries helped shape the nation, or simply soak in the sights, sounds, flavors, and charm of small‑town life, these communities offer something memorable for every member of the family.
