Flaunting its glorious natural landscapes and vibrant mild climate, Tennessee is a US state that captures the attention of vacationers. From live music at every corner to the Great Smokey Mountain National Park, there is a myriad of attractions that delight visitors and offer an incredible experience. Along with this, there are bountiful small towns in Tennessee that add an extra dose of charm to your vacation and provide a mesmerising escape from the hustle and bustle of the city crowd. Let your eyes and senses indulge in the blissful aura of these small towns and create countless memories. In this guide, enjoy a visual tour of Tennessee describing the charm of its numerous tiny oases.
8 Wonderful Small Towns In Tennessee
Embark on a mesmerising journey and explore the hidden gems of these small towns in Tennessee that are capturing the attention of locals and tourists alike with their unique scenic charm.
1. Bell Buckle
Packed with preserved Victorian homes and churches, Bell Buckle is a quaint place counted among the must-visit small towns in Tennessee. Prevailing the echoes of equestrian history and cradled in central Tennessee’s horse country, the town boasts many historic inns where the visitors can also stop for a night stay. The major attraction of Bell Buckle is the annual RC Cola-Moon Pie Festival which is a great crowd-puller and attracts tourists from far and wide. It is also home to the Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum famous for its smooth riding gait. The town is dotted with several cafes, antique shops, galleries and ice cream shops worth dining in during your visit to this spectacular town.
Location: Bell Buckle, TN 37020, USA
Places To Visit: Bell Buckle Cafe, Blue Bird Antiques, Bell Buckle Park
Places To Stay: Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Shelbyville, Belmont Inn, Normandy Home
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2. Gatlinburg
Hailed as the ‘gateway of the Smoky Mountain’, Gatlinburg is one of the picturesque towns in Tennessee that beckons travellers from far and wide with its gorgeous scenery. Known as one of the crowd-puller towns, it invites guests to closely observe the Appalachian culture and hear the echoes of the tales from the bygone era. The prime attraction of Gatlinburg is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which is known for its amazing diversity of flora and fauna. Apart from this, the town also captures the attention of thrill seekers by offering a range of adventure activities such as snow sports, a mountain tram, horse-riding trails, and action-packed rides.
Location: Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Places To Visit: Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Gatlinburg Space Needle, Ober Mountain
Places To Stay: Howard Johnson, Days Inn & Suites, Brookside Lodge
3. Jonesborough
Perched at the proximity to Kingsport, Bristol, and Johnson City, Jonesborough is one of the oldest small towns in Tennessee founded in 1779. Hailed as the ‘storytelling capital of the world’, and housing the International Storytelling Center in its vicinity, the major attraction of the town is the National Storytelling Festival that celebrated every year in autumn. Fortified with cafes, historic museums, buildings, and shopping places, this one of the best small towns in Tennessee is also famous for its grand Jonesborough Days Festival held every year in June. whether you are looking for a delightful treat for your sweet tooth or want to immerse yourself in an enchanting live music show, Jonesborough is an amazing town that captures the attention of leisure travellers, family and friends.
Location: Jonesborough, TN 37659, USA
Places To Visit: Boone Street Market, Wetlands Water Park, Jonesborough Repertory Theatre
Places To Stay: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Jonesborough Home, Home2 Suites By Hilton
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4. Leipers Fork
Home to numerous historical buildings, enchanting scenery, and wonderful restaurants, Leipers Fork is one of the must-visit small towns in Tennessee nestled in rural Williamson County. A popular place among adventurous enthusiasts such as bikers, horseback riders, and campers, the town is famous for its Tennessee whiskey and serves as a getaway to the Natchez Trace Parkway. Take a stroll through the local street of the town packed with numerous galleries, studios and artistic museums, and explore the work of local and regional artists. Whether you are a nature admirer or a thrill seeker, the town is packed with wonderful surprises for all worth discovering.
Location: Leipers Fork, TN 37064, USA
Places To Visit: The Copper Fox Gallery, Leiper’s Fork Distillery, The Country Boy Restaurant
Places To Stay: Full Circle Farm Inn, Lead Me Home, The GATEHOUSE
5. Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is a vibrant mountain town located in close proximity to Dolly Parton’s hometown. Packed with numerous attractions such as a Dollywood theme park, antique shops, entertainment centres and amazing parks, the town is counted among the wonderful small towns in Tennessee. From adventurous souls to curious minds, the town offers an amazing retreat for people of all ages and different interests. The prime attractions of the town include Wonderworks, Titanic Museum, Comedy Barn Theatre, and Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show. During your visit here, don’t miss to embark on a thrilling journey to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which captures the attention of adventure seekers. Pigeon Forge also boasts amazing food restaurants worth dining in and treating yourself to delicious meals.
Location: Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, USA
Places To Visit: Hollywood Wax, Dollywood, TITANIC Museum, Parrot Mountain and Gardens
Places To Stay: Grand Smokies Resort Lodge, Music Road Resort Hotel and Inn, Howard Johnson by Wyndham
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6. Greeneville
Flaunting the historic charm of the region, Greeneville is one of the gorgeous small towns in Tennessee known for its well-preserved buildings and ancient architecture. Home to the Doak House Museum, the town is surrounded by Appalachian mountains and welcomes tourists from all over the world to immerse in region’s rich history and heritage. For adventurous travellers, the town offers proximity to the Cherokee National Forest where you can enjoy several exciting activities, including fishing, hiking, trekking and camping. For art enthusiasts, Greeneville also offers 1934 Capitol Theatre where you can enjoy art shows and learn about the interesting art and culture of the region. Furthermore, the town invites people from all walks of life to indulge in the music, local art and southern cooking of the town by participating in the annual Irish Festival.
Location: Greeneville, TN 37743, USA
Places To Visit: Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, Greeneville Antique Market, Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Places To Stay: General Morgan Inn, Relax Inn Greeneville, Quality Inn Greeneville
7. Cookeville
Image Credit: Brian Stansberry for Wikimedia Commons
Known as a paradise for adventure travellers, Cookeville is one of the wonderful small towns in Tennessee that offers a peaceful escape amidst nature’s lap. Located just an hour’s drive from Nashville, the town boasts the rich history and culture of the region and is packed with amazing historic places. The main attraction of the town is Cookeville Depot Museum which features 1909 central railroad exhibits and a 1913 Baldwin steam engine, capturing the attention of curious minds, as well as kids. Moreover, don’t miss to take a pedestrian ride at the Historic Putnam Country Courthouse Square which is packed with unique stores worth exploring on your visit here.
Location: Cookeville, TN 38501, USA
Places To Visit: Dogwood Park, Judd’s Antique Mall, Cookeville Depot Museum
Places To Stay: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Home2 Suites By Hilton,
Baymont by Wyndham
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8. Rogersville
Holding the dignity of being the second oldest town in Tennessee, Rogersville is one of the amazing small towns in Tennessee known for its historic treasures. Fortified with Federal-style buildings and offering a shopping paradise for arts and antique lovers, this town is famous for its red-brick Main Street that provides many sights of attractions and activities for leisure travellers. The two grand festivals of the town include the American Car Festival and Rogersville’s Annual Heritage Days, which capture the attention of curious minds and history buffs from all walks of life. To indulge in the interesting history and culture of the town, an exciting visit to the Hawkins Country Courthouse is worth including in your itinerary.
Location: Rogersville, TN 37857, USA
Places To Visit: Tennessee Newspaper & Printing Museum, Local Artists Gallery, Hawkins County Courthouse
Places To Stay: Comfort Inn & Suites, Hale Springs Inn, Quality Inn
Further Read: 8 Enthralling Places To Visit in Tennessee
From Bell Buckle, a town packed with scenic vistas to Rogersville which flaunts its historic charm, there are countless small towns in Tennessee worth visiting during your next trip to North America. All these towns have their own story to tell and their own charm to exhibit. Don’t let these spectacular towns slide away from your itinerary that offers an enchanting escape far from the hustle and bustle of city life!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Small Towns In Tennessee
What are the best small towns in Tennessee to live in?
Tennessee is an amazing place packed with countless mountainous towns capturing the attention of adventurers, curious minds and nature lovers. Here are some of the best small towns in Tennessee:
- Bell Buckle
- Leipers Fork
- Gatlinburg
- Jonesborough
- Pigeon Forge
- Greeneville
Which is the smallest town in Tennessee?
Cottage Grove is the smallest town in Tennessee and is only 20 minutes away from Paris in Henry County. The place is known for flaunting its historic charm and attracting history buffs from all walks of life.
What is the best time to visit Tennessee?
The best time to plan your visit to wonderful towns in Tennessee is during the month of April, May, October and November. The spring season and the fall months are the best time to visit this gorgeous place and enjoy its serenity at its best.
What are the famous small lake towns in Tennessee?
If you are looking for the charming lake towns in Tennessee, here is the list:
- Waverly
- Kingston Springs
- Copperhill
- Dover
- Ashland City
What is Tennessee famous for?
Embracing its natural charm and rich music heritage, Tennessee is a wonderful US state that captures the attention of tourists with its Tennessee Whiskey. Fortified with the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and hiking trails, the place is a famous tourist destination in America especially for history buffs and curious minds.
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