10 Little-Known Towns In Tennessee
Unambiguously located at the juncture of three crucial geographical regions: the Appalachian Mountains, the Cumberland Plateau, and the Gulf Coastal Plains, the photographic, singly landlocked state of Tennessee in the American Southeast is distinguished for its topographical and cultural heterogeneity. Notwithstanding the fact that the razzle-dazzle and megalopolitan atmosphere of Knoxville, Memphis, Chattanooga, Clarksville, and Nashville - the state capital are the biggest crowd-pullers, vacationers on a visit to The Volunteer State must head right to the innumerable scarcely known communities scattered all over Tennessee’s 41,235 sq. mi. terrain. With stupendous natural scenery, hypnotic attractions, a strong cultural legacy, and plentiful recreation, these teeny settlements are worth adding to your travel plans.
Jonesborough
Dubbed ‘Tennessee’s Oldest Town’ this Washington County administrative center which forms a part of the Johnson City Metropolitan Statistical Area, is situated in the state’s farthest northeastern corner. Globetrotters sojourning in Jonesborough can observe the contributing properties in varied architectural styles in the Jonesborough Historic District, gonna learn about the community’s grandiose backstory at the Chester Inn State Historic Site & Museum and the Chuckey Depot Museum and indulge in a shopping spree at the Downtown’s International Storytelling Center Gift Shop, Paul’s Pens Odds & Ends, Jonesborough Antiques & Artisans, etc. Traverse a portion of the Lost State Scenic Walkway in Persimmon Ridge Park and turn up at any of the town’s superb carnivals like the National Storytelling Festival, Jonesborough Garden Gala, Jonesborough Days Festival, and Doggone Christmas.
Bell Buckle
Placed in Bedford County’s northeastern portion, Bell Buckle is a tiny railroad village home to only 410 residents as per the latest US Census. The town invites vacationers from worldwide to come and witness its painstakingly maintained late 19th and early 20th-century buildings in the National Register-listed Bell Buckle Historic District, as well as the downtown’s antique stores like Livery Stable Antique Mall, one-of-a-kind gift shops like Bell Buckle Embroidery & Gifts, and top-class diners like Bell Buckle Café. Participate in leisure-time activities at the abutting Short Springs Natural Area and Henry Horton State Park and be present at the town’s annual fiestas like the Webb School Arts & Crafts Fair and RC Cola - MoonPie Festival.
Leiper’s Fork
This 650-resident town is an unincorporated rustic village in Williamson County set on the lovely Natchez Trace Parkway, roughly 45 minutes southwest of the state capital. Circled by equine facilities and limitless acres of rolling fields, Leiper's Fork's countryside vibe and relaxed lifestyle are flawless for those looking for locales to spend an unperturbed weekend break. Shop for antiques, gifts, farm style décor, eclectic furniture, etc., from The Pick-it Fence, in addition to stopping by Leiper’s Fork Whisky Distillery, RedByrd Coffee Shop, and Wines In The Fork for tasting wines along the Leiper’s Creek.
Pigeon Forge
An alluring alpine hospitality destination in East Tennessee’s Sevier County, Pigeon Forge is located next to the West Fork of the Little Pigeon River, precisely 5 miles north of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Flaunting bewildering Smoky Mountain panoramas and a resounding entertainment scene, the town bewitches both country music and Southern culture aficionados. Apart from the plethoric gift shops like Unique Gifts & T’s of Pigeon Forge, outlet malls like Pigeon Forge Factory Outlet Mall, women’s clothing stores like Michelle Boutique, performing arts theater like the Grand Majestic Theater, and amusement parks like WonderWorks Pigeon Forge, excursionists gotta check out the Alcatraz East Crime Museum, Pigeon Forge City Park, Dollywood Theme Park, Patriot Park, Hollywood Wax Museum, Wear Farm City Park, Titanic Museum, and WonderWorks Indoor Amusement Park.
Paris
Paris, named after the French capital city and in veneration of Marquis de Lafayette - the Revolutionary War hero, is the Henry County seat and the first incorporated town of West Tennessee. The town radiates a one-of-a-kind ‘City of Love’ ambiance, mesmerizing vacationers at the Eiffel Tower Park with a 70-foot-tall full-scale model of the Eiffel Tower. Furthermore, the park is a family-attuned recreation mecca providing wanderlust souls with a regular-size public swimming pool, frisbee golf course, splash pad, soccer fields, walking trails, and children’s playgrounds having pavilions. All year long, watch a wide variety of musical events at the Krider Performing Arts Center and creative events at the Paris-Henry County Arts Council.
Rogersville
Called in honor of Joseph Rogers - the town founder, this administrative capital of Hawkins County, settled in 1775 by Davy Crockett’s grandparents, is considered the state’s second-oldest town. Rogersville’s gripping history is flawlessly mirrored by its conspicuous tourist spots such as Hawkins County Courthouse - the state’s second-oldest courthouse, the Rogersville Printing Museum where ‘The Knoxville Gazette’ - Tennessee’s first newspaper was printed, and the Thomas Amis Historic Site housing the oldest stone dam in the state and the colonial Amis House. Saunter the streets of Rogersville Historic District and browse the numberless landmark properties, art galleries like Local Artists Gallery, gift shops like LuElla’s Gift Market, restaurants like Red Dog On Main Taproom & Eatery, and home-like accommodations like Comfort Inn & Suites. The Crockett Spring Park and Rogersville City Park are ideal places to nurture connections surrounded by vibrant greens.
Cookeville
The biggest community and seat of government of Putnam County, Cookeville is an archetypal college town in the Upper Cumberland region of north-central Tennessee, nearly equidistant from Knoxville and Nashville. Widely known as the ‘Hub of Upper Cumberlands’ and besides being home to the main campus of Tennessee Technological University, the branch campus of Volunteer State Community College, and the private Tennessee Bible College, the town is also a regional center for learning, health care, marketing, and cultural activities. When in Cookeville, peruse the several locally owned gift shops like Southern Traditions, boutiques like Uptown Boutique, coffee shops like Soul Craft Coffee-Downtown, and restaurants like Seven Senses Food & Cheer, aside from the different noteworthy sites of interest such as Cummins Falls State Park, Dogwood Outdoor Performance Pavilion, Cookeville Depot Museum, Burgess Falls State Park, and Cookeville Performing Arts Center.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg, a tranquil resort community in Eastern Tennessee’s Sevier County, sits close to U.S. Route 441 on the borders of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Primarily labeled White Oak Flats and later rechristened after Radford Gatlin, the town entices tourists with its stunning sceneries, abundant shopping opportunities, and assorted leisure-time activities. Besides being an apt jumping-off point for adrenaline junkies who wish to discover the National Park’s various offerings, holidayers touring Gatlinburg should take note of Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park, Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Hollywood Star Cars Museum, Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, Gatlinburg Space Needle, Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, and Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community.
Townsend
One of the three entryways to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Townsend is set at the northern base of the Smokies in Tuckaleechee Cove alongside the flowing Little River in Blount County’s eastern portion. Pridefully endorsing its aphorism: “Gateway to Cades Cove & Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” this 550-inhabitant community is applauded for its natural settings and countless amazing spots. Adventure lovers can drive into the Smokies by journeying the 11-mile-long Cades Cove Loop Road or trekking the 1.5-mile hike to Spruce Flats Falls. Right outside the National Park, tour the town’s most loved attraction, the spellbinding ‘Tuckaleechee Caverns’ and the subterranean ‘Silver Falls’ - the tallest cascade in Eastern US. Historical buffs must drop by the Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Museum, the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, and the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, while merrymakers should try to attend the Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival, Townsend Spring Heritage Festival & Old Timers Day, and Smoky Mountain Winter Heritage Festival.
Lynchburg
A 6,461-inhabitant town in Moore County tucked within the rolling hills of the state’s south-central region, Lynchburg is best known for its internationally renowned Tennessee whiskey. The town’s most-visited tourist magnet is the operational Jack Daniel’s Distillery, where visitors through guided tours get to learn more about the art of making the world-famous whiskey together with riveting tales about the distillery’s founder. In addition, take note of the Italianate Moore County Courthouse & Jail and other vintage architecture in the downtown square; the old clothing and artifacts in Moore County Old Jail Museum; pay homage to the whiskey legend Mr. Jack at the Lynchburg City Cemetery; taste Southern-style handcrafted wines at the Lynchburg Winery, shop for Jack Daniel’s memorabilia at the Jack Daniel’s Lynchburg Hardware & General Store, and savor scrumptious Southern meal at Miss Mary Bobo’s Restaurant.
From Jonesborough - the oldest town in the state to Gatlinburg - a recognized access point to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the several lesser-known communities in the 15th most populous and 36th most expansive state of the nation proffer a treasure trove of experiences for every holidaymaker. So, better not waste your time; pack your luggage and set out to explore these terrific Tennessee towns with your loved ones on your forthcoming vacations to the Volunteer State.
