10 Offbeat Towns to Visit in Tennessee
Tennessee is famous for its rich musical heritage, including the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and Elvis Presley's Graceland in Memphis. However, many other beautiful attractions are worth exploring beyond these landmarks if you plan to visit the state. From the Mississippi Delta in the west to the Smoky Mountains in the east, numerous small towns throughout Tennessee offer unique histories, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Whether you're looking for a day trip, planning a romantic weekend, or wanting to stay longer, these offbeat small towns are the best places to experience the genuine, authentic Tennessee flavors that make the Volunteer State the true treasure it is.
Bell Buckle
Bell Buckle sits in the central part of the state in Bedford County and enjoys its distinction as a former railroad community filled with well-preserved Victorian homes and churches. Today, the town is a thriving arts and antique community with yearly festivals. One of the most popular occurs each June when the town celebrates the RC Cola & Moon Pie festival. The weekend activities are an excellent chance for families to experience mountain bluegrass music, funnel cakes, and hickory smoked BBQ.
The downtown district seems to be straight off a postcard with its canopy-covered boutiques and shops. Spend some time strolling through the Phillips General Store or Blue Bird Antiques, which has a turn-of-the-century soda parlor. If you need a place to eat, The Bell Buckle Cafe is a casual, old-fashioned diner serving hearty burgers, pizza, and homemade desserts. The Cafe offers live music every Thursday through Saturday, adding to the Southern ambiance.
The Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum is located nearby, with excellent exhibits and displays. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are many well-paved trails in the region, perfect for hiking or biking. Whether you want to spend a day in the woods or explore the rich curiosities of the town's antique shops, Bell Buckle invites visitors to appreciate the simplicity and charm that make it a standout destination in the heart of Tennessee.
Jonesborough
Jonesborough is a small town with lots of enormous appeal. The town is the oldest settlement in Tennessee, founded in 1779, seventeen years before statehood. The community celebrates its deep historical roots with several well-preserved buildings, including the Chester Inn, built in 1797 and still standing downtown. History lovers will want to explore the Jonesborough - Washington County History Museum with fascinating local history displays.
Today, the town is the home to the International Storytelling Center, which holds an annual festival every fall. The festival features nationally-recognized performers who entertain the crowds with tales of homespun stories. The weekend has been a part of the town's culture for over 35 years and shouldn't be missed.
The Main Street has eclectic, locally-owned shops, boutiques, and galleries. Be sure to check out the Lollipop Shop, where the main floor is filled with candy and toys, while the upstairs contains dozens of classic, old arcade games. If you need a bite for breakfast, you can't do better than the Old Towne Pancake House for a stack of hotcakes, biscuits and gravy, or bottomless coffee.
Dayton
If you are a history student, you may know this Tennessee town is the location of the famous Scopes Monkey Trial. This trial took place in the 1920s and dealt with the issue of whether or not evolution could be taught in public schools. The Rhea County Courthouse, a historic landmark, houses the courtroom and the museum, where you can learn more about the trial and its impact.
The Laurel Snow Pocket Wilderness area explodes with trails, waterfalls, and steep gorges. The area is named after Laurel Falls (85 ft) and Snow Falls (35 ft). As you hike through the rich, dense forest, the trail will snake its way ever deeper until you end up at the base of the falls. Chickamauga Lake is half an hour south of town and is home to some of the best bass fishing in the nation.
Downtown Dayton is a unique blend of small shops, galleries, and restaurants that offer various items, ranging from home decor, chocolates, and candies to fresh produce. Head to the Monkey Town Brewery Company if you want a tasty burger and beer. Their IPA is one of the finest in the area, and the Elvis burger is a half-pound of pure deliciousness.
Granville
This small town sits on the Cumberland River in north central Tennessee, an hour to the east of Nashville. It is known as the birthplace of Vice President Al Gore, but as famous as their native son might be, that isn't why this quaint village is so appealing. The town enjoys a peaceful and rural existence, often called "Tennessee's Mayberry Town." The Granville Museum is a popular attraction featuring pictures, displays, and stories about the town's development as a rural riverboat town.
The Sutton General Store is a step back in time, and a $7 ticket can get you a tour of the town, including the likes of the old Sutton Homestead, the I Love Lucy Museum and the Whiskey Stop Saloon. If you visit on a Saturday, get a ticket for the Sutton Ole Time Music Hour for a live bluegrass radio show. The Cordell Hull Lake is close by for outdoor enthusiasts, with 22 miles of horseback trails popular for riders of all ages.
Gatlinburg
The town of Gatlinburg attracts around 12 million visitors every year. The community is the gateway to the Smoky Mountains and is known for its gorgeous scenery, beautiful attractions, and great shopping. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park sits on the edge of town, and with one of the primary entrances to the park in Gatlinburg, it's easy to see why this town is so famous. With over 522,000 acres across two states, this national park is a glorious paradise of old-growth forests, abundant wildlife, and beautiful picture-perfect moments.
While in town, visitors should consider taking a tour of one of the many distilleries. The Holler at the Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery is proud to be the first to produce moonshine in the area. For families, Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is a clean and well-designed aquarium with a great selection of fish and ocean creatures. The Gatlinburg Skylift Park has the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge and offers stunning views of the Smoky Mountains. Kids and adults will love the glass floor, which always adds excitement.
The Downtown District is a great place to explore offbeat shops and galleries with something for everyone. You can watch artisans handcraft wonderful crystals at the Glass Blowers of Gatlinburg, take a selfie with the legendary Bigfoot at the Bigfoot HQ, or explore tricks for your next performance at Doc's Magic Shop. For a special treat, Tennessee Jed's is a craft sandwich and hotdog shop that uses only slow-smoked fresh meats daily.
Rugby
If you ever dreamed of living in a utopian society away from everyday life, you might feel right at home in Rugby. The community got its start as a utopian experiment dreamed in the mind of English author Thomas Hughes in 1880. Though the utopian experiment largely failed, many residents stayed, raised their families, and prospered through the 20th century. Today, most buildings have been restored to their Victorian glory, and the village operates as a living history museum where visitors can step back in time.
As one of the best preserved Victorian villages in the Stay at one of the town's historic lodging places, like the beautiful Newbury House, a Victorian-era inn from the 1880s, there are guided interpretative tours Sundays through Thursdays during the summer, with other events and festivals year-round. The British Festival occurs this May, and the two-day event will celebrate the community's early residents.
The Big South Fork National Recreation Area borders the town and, as you might imagine, has glorious hiking trails waiting to be explored. The Brewster Bridge Trail begins near the RM Brooks Store and wanders through the wild past several waterfalls. The RM Brooks Cafe is a special nostalgic place for breakfast, with good food and decent prices.
McMinnville
McMinnville sits in a region of the state where fertile soils and raw natural beauty have blended in almost perfect harmony. The town enjoys its label as the "Nursery Capital Of The World" due to the large number of farms, orchards, and greenhouses in the area. With plenty of lush rolling hills to explore, this small town is a great place to begin a Middle Tennessee adventure.
One of the best places to satisfy a hunger for new experiences is the Cumberland Caverns. This underground labyrinth of caves is one of the country's longest caverns and offers daily walking and adventure tours. History buffs will want to view the Falcon Rest Mansion with its Victorian furnishings and features. Shop in the quaint gift shop, have a cup of tea in the parlor or spend the night in one of four guest suites.
The downtown district is anchored by charming Courthouse Square, where countless historic buildings feature unique small shops and stores. The Southern Museum and Gallery of Photography, Culture, and History offer exciting glimpses into the town's role as a draw for nature lovers. A few blocks away, the Black Museum resides in the old hospital, with informative exhibits about some of the town's residents. If you love Barbeque, Collins River Barbeque has excellent food and an even better slogan, declaring, "I'll rub your ribs if you pull my pork."
Athens
Travelers who drive through this small Tennessee town will feel an instant urge to stop and see the sights. Whether you are strolling down the historic Main Street, biking along a trail, or just sampling some of the world's best ice cream at Mayfield Dairy, there is plenty to see and do. History buffs will want to visit the McMinn County Living Heritage Museum for insight into the local area. The Gardens of Sunshine Hollow features neatly planted flowering beds and serene walkways perfect for a few moments of respite.
The town is home to Tennessee Wesleyan University, and its free arts center has many fresh monthly gallery exhibits worth viewing. In addition, there is an excellent farmers' market with a wide selection of fresh fruit and veggies. Be sure to bike the Eureka Trail, a 5.6 mile that comes alive in the fall with vibrant colors. The trail is paved, ADA-accessible, and perfect for an afternoon of riding and picnicking. If you need a place to eat, try Maddie Mae's Cafe or Jenkins Grille and Market for the best sandwiches in town.
Columbia
Columbia is a city in Maury County, situated in central Tennessee. It proudly proclaims itself as the "Mule Capital of the World." Each year in March, Columbia celebrates Mule Day, an annual festival that pays tribute to the role of mules in the local economy before tractors, cars, and trucks dominated the road. The festival features a parade, where hundreds of wagons, carriages, and carts are on display, with mules pulling the loads. There are other events, including a Mule Pulling Contest, barrel racing, and even an award for the best-looking mule of the event.
History enthusiasts may want to visit the home and museum of James K. Polk, the 11th President of the United States. Daily walking tours are available, and many interesting exhibits about his leadership exist. Columbia also has several antebellum homes, including Elm Springs, just outside the town. The Anteneaum is another classic home featuring Greek and Moorish influences.
Downtown Courthouse Square is a charming place with various shops, galleries, and places of interest. Bleu 32 is a three-story vintage marketplace offering a great collection of antiques. Square Market and Cafe is a cozy diner that serves delicious food and is very popular among the locals. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the scenic trails at the Chickasaw Trace County Park, which covers 240 acres of beautiful landscape and is a favorite spot for hikers and bikers.
Lebanon
If antiquing is your game, Lebanon, Tennessee, is the place to play. The small town sits as the county seat of Wilson County and boasts of being the "Antique Capital of the South." With more than 20 vintage stores in the region, there are many places to explore to find your favorite memorabilia. Downtown Lebanon has plenty of shops specializing in being the keeper of mementos, including Antiques on 231, the Lebanon Antique Mall, and Butter Churn Antiques, to name a few.
The Cedars of Lebanon State Park is nearby, with over 1100 acres of pristine red cedar forest and natural habitat. The campground features 117 spots, and the park is famous for a few days, particularly during the summer.
While you are in Lebanon, the Fiddler's Grove Historic Village has over 60 buildings that offer a glimpse of early pioneer life, and the venue hosts festivals, shops, and demonstrations throughout the year. For a tasty treat, make sure to frequent the Snow White Drive In, featuring car and table service. This old-fashioned carhop joint has some of the best ice cream treats and burgers in the state.
In Conclusion
From the artistic haven of Bell Buckle to the vintage treasures of Lebanon, each small town in Tennessee offers a distinctive character worth exploring. And a glimpse into Tennessee's rich cultural heritage. While many travelers will explore the rich musical heritage of places like Nashville and Memphis, the best experiences are often found beyond the well-trodden paths. As you journey into the heart and soul of Tennessee, take the time to appreciate how these offbeat towns make for an unforgettable journey through the Volunteer State.
