10 Towns in Tennessee With the Best Downtown Areas in 2024

Tennessee's top destinations, from Nashville to Memphis, are known for their bustling downtowns, rife with culture, cuisine, and community. However, some of the state's best-kept secrets lie in its smaller locations, where walkable downtowns thrive with authentic Southern flair. These often-overlooked towns in Tennessee offer a unique taste of the Volunteer State which very few visitors experience.

Bell Buckle

This rural gem in Bedford County boasts a charming downtown region listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Bell Buckle Historic District houses a mix of Victorian homes, historic churches, antique stores, and local craft outlets, oozing rustic flair at every turn. Conveniently walkable, guests hunt for unique treasures at establishments like Blue Bird Antiques and Livery Stable Antique Mall. Several restaurants lining the main drag invite visitors to sample sumptuous Southern-style delicacies in a family-friendly atmosphere. You will love the old-fashioned vibes at the Bell Buckle Cafe if you enjoy American dishes.

Downtown Bell Buckle hosts the annual RC Cola & Moon Pie Festivals, which brings the neighborhood to life as townsfolk step out to enjoy two of its most beloved treats. Other family-friendly activities, including live music, dance, kid games, and a parade, culminate in an immersive cultural experience for tourists.

Jonesborough

Tennessee's oldest town is a rich tapestry of local and regional history. Strolling through its historic downtown presents a surreal trip down memory lane as antique homes and landmark inns offer a unique perspective of the state's formative years. The Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum is a prominent stop along Main Street Jonesborough, where guests can explore archives and artifacts chronicling the town's storied past from its inception in the 1700s. Jonesborough maintains its cultural flair with famous gathering spots like Jonesborough Repertory Theater. Residents gather inside to enjoy diverse live shows, such as plays and musicals.

The cultural experience continues at Griffin Art Gallery, where a collection of murals, canvas works, and paintings showcase the talent of a celebrated local artist. Jonesborough maintains a prominent part of state culture at the Tennessee Hills Distillery, offering visitors a taste of locally crafted spirits.

Lynchburg

A quintessential small town in Tennessee's Moore County, Lynchburg is home to the state's most recognized export, Jack Daniels. The Jack Daniels whiskey distillery welcomes guests for insightful guided tours that showcase the intricate process of producing the popular whiskey brand. You can find more tasting opportunities at the Lynchburg distillery along Main Street, which has preserved a long whiskey-drinking culture in the historic downtown square. The corridor offers a glimpse of local history at the Moore County Old Jail Museum. Constructed in the late 1800s, it exhibits old clothing and historical artifacts depicting the lives of inmates at the time.

Additionally, tourists will encounter one of the town's best-kept secrets, Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurants. Housed in a historic antebellum mansion, this classic eatery has been serving delicious dishes since 1908 and continues to delight customers with its original old recipes.

Cookeville

Situated between Nashville and Knoxville, Cookeville offers a more navigable town center area with thinner crowds than its two prominent neighbors. The well-preserved historic district boasts a rich display of old Victorian buildings housing museums, galleries, antique stores, and restaurants that visitors will enjoy exploring at a snail's pace. Notable spots include the Cookeville History Museum, where a vast collection of historical artifacts documents the town's captivating past. You can also visit the Cookeville Depot Museum, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and focuses on regional railway heritage.

Several antique outlets in Cookeville promise to keep tourists busy searching for the perfect souvenir item to add to their collection. Cookeville Antique Mall is locally known for its incredible selection of antiques and collectibles across a 9,000-square-foot facility.

Gatlinburg

Famous for being the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg receives a barrage of tourists on their way to exploring the state's crowning jewel. Unsurprisingly, the town hosts a vibrant downtown area with endless attractions, from quaint shops and trendy restaurants to upbeat pubs and amusement centers. Gatlinburg boasts one of the most visited aquariums in the country, and tourists flock to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies for rare encounters with fantastic marine species. The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a hit with first-timers around the year, allowing them to enjoy sweeping views of the smokies from over 400 feet.

Several distilleries in downtown Gatlinburg, including Sugarland Distilling Company, help maintain Tennessee's rich whiskey culture while offering exciting tasting opportunities and tours.

Columbia

Proclaiming itself the "Mule Capital of the World," Columbia is one of the most exciting Tennessee destinations. This Maury County community is home to a historic downtown square, whose skyline is dominated by the iconic 1906 Courthouse. Classic buildings with antique stores, museums, restaurants, and galleries dot the neighborhood, attracting visitors in numbers. You can sample local history at the President James K. Polk Home and Museum, which preserves the legacy of America's 11th president.

With this, the bustling downtown harbors a bustling arts community, represented by many galleries and craft shops. Muletown Pottery is an excellent venue if you appreciate the intricate process of creating pottery work. Finally, be sure to stop by Southern Tre Steakhouse when you need to replenish with sumptuous Southern-style barbecue.

Greeneville

America's 17th president, Andrew Jackson, was born in this historic Greene County town named after Nathaniel Greene, a Revolutionary War hero. Greenville, one of the oldest towns in Tennessee, has a site-rich historic district with landmarks offering a window into yesteryears. The Andrew Jackson National Historic Site is a must-see attraction and honors the life and times of the former national leader. The same is true for the Dickson-Williams Mansion, a gorgeous Federal-style mansion constructed by Irish artisans in 1821. Besides its beautiful facade, the home delights guests with period artifacts and rare memorabilia.

However, tourists should visit the Greene County History Museum to delve deep into the area's past. It has stacks of archives and manuscripts to explore. Beyond the history, Greenville hosts a bustling art scene visitors can sample by catching a live play at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.

Bristol

Recognized by the U.S. Congress as the official "Birthplace of Country Music," Bristol delights with a rich cultural heritage evident at every corner of its quaint downtown. Friendly and walkable, this town’s neighborhood encourages exploration on foot, allowing visitors to experience attractions like Paramount Bristol. This luxurious performance venue stages world-class acts, live musicals, concerts, and comedy specials. Guests can enjoy an opulent shopping experience at the Pinnacle, a 240-acre shopping complex with dozens of dining, shopping, and entertainment venues.

Those curious about the town's country music heritage will find all the information they need at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. The magnificent facility pays tribute to some of the biggest names in the genre and preserves some of the earliest country music recordings in the country.

Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park results in a large number of tourist traffic for most of the year. Unsurprisingly, the downtown area has developed to keep up with the barrage of visitors, hosting a blend of restaurants, museums, amusement centers, and entertainment venues to address all preferences. The town is especially popular among visiting families, who enjoy quirky attractions like the Titanic Museum and the Hollywood Wax Museum. Several amusement parks in Pigeon Forge deliver unadulterated fun for all ages, highlighted by Dollywood.

Meanwhile, guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to theater experiences. They can stop by Dolly Parton's Stampede, which stages different family-friendly live shows. Alternatively, they can have such an experience at Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud.

Cleveland

The seat of Bradley County has an exciting downtown area where tourists can have various fun experiences. There is something for everyone, From museums to shopping venues to restaurants and movie halls. Historically inclined travelers will fancy touring the Museum Center at 5ive Points to uncover the town's fascinating past. Meanwhile, moviegoers can catch the latest blockbusters from Hollywood at UEC Theaters 14 at discounted ticket prices. Those visiting with kids can take them to Jumpin' Junction for fun activities.

Downtown Cleveland has a bustling wine and dine scene, with multiple trendy eateries and watering holes throughout the corridor. At Pokey's Musical Hall & Eatery, guests enjoy a unique culinary experience featuring delicious food, refreshing cocktails, and live music.

Final Thought

There is more to Tennessee than its famous cities of Nashville and Memphis. Numerous small towns with much to lie hidden amongst the rolling hills and valleys. From reinvigorated river outposts to thriving mountain enclaves, each of the downtown districts highlighted here demonstrates a strong sense of community and cultural heritage across the state. Whether bustling with live music venues, seasonal events, or historic architecture, their pedestrian-friendly main drags exemplify the character and charm of their local region. For those seeking a weekend escape in the Southern United States, any of the above small towns in Tennessee is an excellent destination.