10 of the Most Unique Towns in Tennessee
The small towns in Tennessee are full of surprises, experiences and fun with their peculiar qualities. Experience mountains at Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Townsend and the nature thrills at Tellico Plain and Paris. Towns like Townsend and Columbia are packed with history, rich culture and fascinating architecture, starting from the Mediterranean-themed architecture of Pigeon Forge and the living history of President Andrew Johnson embedded in museums and sites to the replica of Paris in Paris and home of the famous Jack Daniel’s origin, Lynchburg. You will also find unique festivals and celebrations like Mule’s Day in Columbia and Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough. Bringing everything together, here are the 10 most unique Tennessee towns you should visit.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is a beautiful small town in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains offers unique Mountain town view, adventure and history. Mountains like the Anakeesta Mountain and the Skybridge pedestrian- the longest pedestrian in North America overlooks the Smoky Mountains here.
Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with a mix of stunning landscape views, wildflowers, lush forests and animals like black bears. Learn about the park and natural areas with a ranger or hike on the Appalachian Trail. There’s more, and it’s endless, from a joyful ride at Gatlinburg Skylift Park with a stunning view of the mountains, riding a coaster in Ripley’s mountain, exploring history with the Gatlinburg Pinball Museum to being a part of the town’s art scene with the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts community.
Jonesborough
Get ready for a storytelling trip at this beautiful small Washington County, Northeast Tennessee town. Jonesborough is the oldest town in Tennessee, so there’s no surprise it has a rich history represented in museums, arts, old buildings and historic sites. Walk back into the 18th century at the Jonesborough History Museum or the Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum, offering insights into the town’s dramatic past. Beyond history, the town has a reputation for storytelling. It is regarded as the “Storytelling capital of the world” due to its annual National Storytelling Festival hosted by the International Storytelling Center. However, Jonesborough offers more than just tales. Experience live music at the town’s Music on the Square series, which runs every Friday from July to September. Also, visit the Jonesborough Repertory Theater for live action or the Depot Street Brewing to have a taste of locally-made wine and beers.
Pigeon Forge
Another mountain town in Eastern Tennessee, Pigeon Forge, is popularly known as the home town of country singer Dolly Parton’s Appalachian-themed park. Start your day with a visit to Dollywood Park, jointly owned by Herschend Family Entertainment and the music legend. The park packs loads of fun in live entertainment, rides, and a close range of the Appalachian area. Visit the Parrot Mountain and Gardens for a refreshing time with nature and learn more about animals, especially parts with Mediterranean-themed architecture. Take a historical tour of Pigeon Forge’s museums, such as the Titanic Museum and Beyond the Lens interactive museum showcasing the town’s stories through artifacts and technology. You can also enjoy various performances, comedy shows and musical shows in the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show, Elvis & the Superstars and Unbelievable Magic Show. Enjoy a view of the smoky mountains through bus tours or a jeep ride.
Greeneville
Greeneville is a shy small town with grand appeal with its vibrant history, local restaurants and beauty. Begin your journey with a tour through the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site dedicated to America’s 17th president, which includes a representation of his home and grave site. You will also find other historic sites devoted to him, including President Andrew Johnson Museum and Library and National Cemetery. Additionally, the Greeneville Greene County History Museum offers more context into the town’s past and the old building of Dickson Williams Mansion.
Away from history, embrace natural wonders, visiting Margarette Falls and the Buffalo Trail Orchard. You also collect unique antiques and arts in shops such as The Burlap Bunny or Greeneville Antique Market and enjoy great food at Aubrey’s. Wrap up your visit with an exciting time at the Capitol Theater.
Columbia
Columbia sits in Maury County, Tennessee in the Nashville Metropolitan Area with over 40,000 population and a thriving community. It is known as the Mule Capital of the world due to its annual celebration of all things related to Mules on “Mule Day”, dated as far back as the 18th century, formerly known as “Breeder’s Day”. This festival attracts several people worldwide and features great music, crafts, Appalachian food and dancing. However, suppose you’re less interested in mules. In that case, you can explore the town’s history through old buildings and historic sites like the James K. Polk Home & Museum, the home of the 11th President of America or visit the Athenaeum Rectory. Feeling adventurous? Take a leisure trip to the Chickasaw Trace County Park and engage in various recreational activities such as biking, hiking, and fishing in the Park’s Duck River, where you may also go kayaking and canoeing.
Paris
No, this is not the Paris you think of when someone mentions the Eiffel Tower, but you could make this small town into your ideal Paris experience. Paris in Henry County, Tennessee is a fabulous recreation of Great Paris with a replica of the Eiffel Tower and a historic downtown. After a quick photo session with the 70-f00t-tall Eiffel Tower and playground games at the Eiffel Tower Park, head to the Paris-Henry County Heritage Center for a historical moment through artifacts and exhibits. Visit the Paris Landing State Park on the shores of Kentucky Lake, with hiking and biking trails and swimming and boating opportunities for visitors. Experience nature at the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center and relish in the fresh air. Finish up with a time at one of Paris’ annual events, including the World’s Biggest Fish Fry and Eye Full of Paris Weekend.
Lynchburg
Home to Jack Daniel’s Whiskey, Lynchburg has earned its place as one of Tennessee’s most unique small towns. Start with one of the most visited places in the town, Jack Daniel’s distillery and take a guided tour through the popular whiskey-making process and some intriguing history. Not a fan? You’ll find other historic tales in Moore County Old Jail Museum with a reflection of the place’s preserved jail cells and other exhibits. Lynchburg also has something for nature lovers at Wiseman Park, boasting beautiful greenery and a perfect spot for picnics. You may also hike or drive through the Short Springs State Natural Area and revel in the admirable waterfalls and trails. Take a well-rounded trip around the town, and when you’re done, settle at one of the local restaurants like Barrel House BBQ and Miss Mary Bobo’s Restaurant for a fulfilling meal.
Tellico Plains
This town is a natural hub in Monroe County, home to various natural attractions, including Bald River Falls, Cherohala Skyway, Baby Falls, Conasauga Falls Trail and more. You already know several waterfalls here, so start your tour there, watching the fantastic water flows at Bald River Falls or the breathtaking landscape at Cherohala Skyway. Take an exciting ride through the town’s history at the Charles Hall Museum, holding a collection of antiques, old photographs and vintage cars. Have an incredible outdoor experience at Cherokee National Forest with scenic drives, biking and hiking trails, and camping and fishing opportunities. Experience the town’s festivals and events scheduled at different times of the year, such as the Candlelight Walk or the Cherohala Skyway Festival, featuring entertainment, food and more.
Leipers Fork
This small village in Williamson County, Tennessee, is an idyllic town perfect for a quiet getaway. The town’s square is lined with beautiful buildings and shops like the Props Antiques, where you can collect unique art and antiques. And speaking of arts, feel the town’s vibrant art scene with Leiper’s Creek Gallery, which exhibits various artists’ work around the country, or take a tour through The Copper Fox to explore an impressive collection of arts and sculptures.
Experience the thrills of outdoor spaces at the Natchez Trace Parkway or the Garrison Creek Trailhead, which provides riding opportunities and recreation activities such as biking, hiking and horseback riding. Grab a taste of locally-made wine and a bit of history at Leiper’s Fork Distillery, or have a little get-together with family and friends at the tree-framed Lawnchair Theater.
Townsend
“The Peaceful Side of the Smokies”, as it is called, is a serene, beautiful town in Blount County at the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It also is a gateway to Cades Cove, a picture-perfect valley with a fascinating wildlife view and natural scenery; you may encounter various animals while you explore, including white-tailed deer, black bear, wild Turkey and more. The town’s name originates from the Cherokee tribe, meaning “peaceful” or “green place”; a tour around it will convince you it indeed is. The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum are where you should start touring, offering history buffs a lesson about Townsend’s logging heritage through a display of artifacts. You may also learn cultural history at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center with a view into Native American history. Finally, engage in recreational activities like tubing and fishing at Smoky Mountains River Rat.
Tennessee towns offer peculiar experiences from nature and wildlife preserves at the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in Paris to biking and hiking in the Anakeesta Mountain, Gatlinburg. You could also take a part of these towns home by collecting antiques and art in specialty shops like Greeneville Antique market. Get intentional about making the most out of your trips and visit one of these unique Tennessee towns.
