Downtown sidewalk in Jonesborough, Tennessee. Image credit Nolichuckyjake via Shutterstock

11 Serene Tennessee Towns For A Weekend Retreat

Serenity tends to be underrated, especially in this day and age. Whether it is the relaxation provided by a cabin in the wilderness or the peace gained from staying at a rustic inn in town, Tennessee is the place to visit. Though it is known for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Radnor Lake State Park, both located in Nashville, the Volunteer State has a variety of small towns that possess tranquil ambiance. From Sewanee and Natural Bridge State Park to Townsend and Tuckaleechee Caverns, uncover eleven of the most serene Tennessee towns that are ideal for that perfect weekend retreat.

Savannah

The Tennessee River on a cloudy day in the summer in Savannah, Tennessee.
The Tennessee River on a cloudy day in the summer in Savannah, Tennessee. Image credit Sabrina Janelle Gordon via Shutterstock

Savannah, known for the Battle of Shiloh, an important battle of the American Civil War, is also home to Wayne Jerrolds River Park, which possesses a plethora of activities aimed toward rest and relaxation. These include watching the majestic Tennessee River, strolling languidly through ten acres of scenic wilderness, and having a relaxing picnic with the family.

Another calming attribute of Savannah is the Tennessee River Museum, which attracts people of all ages with its history of the Tennessee River. This phenomenal museum has several awesome exhibits, including a replica of the Shiloh Effigy Pipe and artifacts from the USS Cairo. For those wanting to spend the weekend, check into hotels such as Days Inn by Wyndham Savannah.

Pigeon Forge

The Island in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
The Island in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Image credit Ritu Manoj Jethani via Shutterstock

One of the most popular vacation spots in Tennessee, Pigeon Forge is perhaps best known for its 160-acre Dollywood, an awesome theme park situated in the depths of the Great Smoky Mountains. With amusement park rides like the Barnstormer and events like Harvest Festival, held every autumn, Dollywood is a venue that fits into everyone’s schedule.

Pigeon Forge is also popular due to Parrot Mountain and Gardens, which allows guests to feed a fabulous array of tropical birds and visit the Garden of Eden, which includes a variety of scriptures scattered throughout the park, a manger scene, and a prayer garden. If you wish to stay the entire weekend exploring Pigeon Forge at your leisure, lodging options include Timbers Lodge and Dollywood DreamMore Resort.

Paris

A street in Downtown Paris, Tennessee.
A street in Downtown Paris, Tennessee.

Not enough money in the budget to visit Paris, France? There is a second option. The quaint town of Paris, in Tennessee, has a plethora of awesome attractions, like its very own Eiffel Tower. Located in Eiffel Tower Park, this replica is 60 feet tall and is situated at the front entrance. The park also has a splash-park within its boundaries, for kids of all ages.

Several other amenities can be found in Paris, including Back Alley Paris, which features murals created on the backsides of buildings, depicting the history of Paris. One can stay overnight at Home Sweet Home Bed and Breakfast in downtown Paris, as well, which offers comfy rooms and a tasty breakfast the next morning.

Lynchburg

Aerial view of Lynchburg, Tennessee.
Aerial view of Lynchburg, Tennessee.

Approximately 25 miles from Manchester, the quaint town of Lynchburg is home to a variety of historic sites worthy of the most avid historian. The building holding the Moore County Old Jail Museum was built in 1893 and was used as a jail until 1990. Moore County Confederate Memorial, built in 1927, honors Confederate soldiers who died during the American Civil War.

Another awesome find in Lynchburg is Cave Spring Hollow, which dates back to 1866 and is the only source for the limestone water Jack Daniels Distillery utilizes to create its whiskey. If the family wishes to spend another day exploring Lynchburg, this town has several cozy lodging choices, including Mulberry Cottage, which offers a guest house and several individual cottages.

Townsend

St. Francis of Assisi church on the Little River in Townsend, Tennessee.
St. Francis of Assisi church on the Little River in Townsend, Tennessee. Image credit Nheyob, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

From Tuckaleechee Caverns, with their “cave onyx” formations, to staying for the weekend at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort, quaint Townsend, known as the Peaceful Side of the Smokies, is home to a variety of comforting amenities. With its plethora of lodging options, such as Best Western Cades Cove Inn, tiny Townsend is as serene as anywhere in Tennessee.

Some other great comforting attributes of Townsend include visiting Dark Island Swinging Bridge, which has awesome views as it spans Little River, and don't forget to check out the Lily Barn Farm and Garden. This phenomenal farm and garden includes a fabulous wedding venue.

Sewanee

University Avenue at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee.
University Avenue at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee.

The town of Sewanee, 50 miles northwest of Chattanooga, has several awesome attractions that encourage people to visit over and over. From Natural Bridge, which is a part of South Cumberland State Park, to Mountain Goat Trail, which travels from Sewanee to Monteagle, natural amenities abound in and around this quaint town.

Sewanee is also home to several great historic sites, like the Sewanee Memorial Cross. The Cross, which stands at the end of Tennessee Avenue, was constructed in 1922 as a remembrance for those from the county who died during World War I. Sewanee also has a plethora of great lodging choices, including The Sewanee Inn, which is located on University Avenue.

Rogersville

Street view in Rogersville, Tennessee.
Street view in Rogersville, Tennessee. Image credit Dee Browning via Shutterstock

North of Holston River and founded by the grandparents of Davy Crockett, the town of Rogersville is home to several different spas, including Wayfaring Massage and Wellness, Amy & Co. Skin Care Spa, Simply You Day Spa, and Reflexology Massage Therapy. Nothing suggests relaxation and tranquility like the amenities of a great spa. All of them offer unique amenities that cater to achieving a calming, peaceful ambiance.

And, if you wish to spend all weekend exploring the different options, Hale Springs Inn offers comfortable rooms and a free breakfast the following morning.

Gatlinburg

Aerial view of Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Aerial view of Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

Picturesque Gatlinburg, home to Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, offers several other relaxing venues as well, including the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While the aquarium offers everything from an underwater tunnel to interactive exhibits, the national park provides several scenic hiking trails, including Rainbow Falls Trail and the Alum Cave Trail to Mount LeConte.

Some downtown amenities of Gatlinburg that promise rest and relaxation include staying overnight at the Bearskin Lodge on the River, with its own swimming pool and breakfast the next morning, and the Hollywood Star Cars Museum. This phenomenal museum features the Ghostbuster Hearse, the Dukes of Hazzard car, and many more amazing vehicles.

Jonesborough

Aerial view of Jonesborough, Tennessee.
Aerial view of Jonesborough, Tennessee.

From Chester Inn State Historic Site & Museum, first opened in 1779 and showing exhibits featuring amazing items like an 1850s diorama of Jonesborough, to Nolichucky Daylilies, a fabulous daylily garden with rows and rows of beautiful flowers, the town of Jonesborough is the place to visit when you wish to relax.

Some other tranquil attributes of Jonesborough include Fender’s Farm & Corn Maze and Wetlands Water Park. Fender’s Farm has attributes including the maze, Paw Paw’s Pumpkin Patch, and the Lucky Strike Gem Mine, while Wetlands Water Park features several flume slides, otter slides, and tumble buckets. Jonesborough B&B, the Franklin House B&B, and the Hawley House B&B are all located in town as well.

Ducktown

People waiting to launch their rafts in the Ocoee River flowing by Ducktown, Tennessee.
People waiting to launch their rafts in the Ocoee River flowing by Ducktown, Tennessee. Image credit Scott Woodham Photography via Shutterstock

Home to the Ducktown Basin Museum, featuring attractions like the fiddle owned by George Barnes, one of the last copper haulers within the basin, picturesque Ducktown is a sight to see in southern Tennessee. Located along the Ocoee River, several options await for white-water rafting as well, like Raft One and Ocoee Rafting, for those choosing to relax in this fashion.

Thunder Rock Recreation Area is another awesome location. The campground allows guests to experience tent, RV, or even cabin lodging for the weekend while natural amenities, like hiking along the Thunder Rock Trail, await anyone who enjoys nature. Plus, for those who prefer to stay indoors, the Company House Bed & Breakfast offers a unique overnight stay while still being close to the river.

Sevierville

Dollywood Theme Park in Sevierville, Tennessee.
Dollywood Theme Park in Sevierville, Tennessee. Image credit Ritu Manoj Jethani via Shutterstock

Not to be outdone, the town of Sevierville is home to Smoky Mountain Deer Farm and Exotic Petting Zoo, and Rainforest Discovery Adventures Zoo. The Smoky Mountain Zoo allows guests to acquaint themselves with exotic animals like kangaroos and zebras, along with tame deer and goats. Rainforest Adventures, situated in downtown Sevierville, has over 130 different species of exotic animals to experience with the family.

Foxfire Mountain Adventure Park is another great attribute of Sevierville. Home to the famous Foxfire Mountain Swinging Bridge, which is the longest in the United States, this adventure park is great for all ages, whether you wish to hang around or hike to nearby Prospect Mountain and view Lost Mine Falls. Berry Springs Lodge is rumored to be the best B&B in Sevierville.

Friendliest Little Towns In TennesseeIf you crave a dusty courthouse square, a folk festival no one's heard of, or just the comfort of a place where local lore is handed down in a slow drawl, Tennessee's friendliest little towns deliver that come-on-in vibe you can’t fake.

Though the great state of Tennessee has a plethora of exciting attractions, like Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, Graceland in Memphis, and Ijams Nature Center in Knoxville, rest and relaxation can still be experienced within the smaller towns. Whether you choose a state park, a museum, or even a petting zoo for the kids, these small towns are best experienced in person. From the Exotic Petting Zoo in Sevierville to the 60-foot Eiffel Tower replica in Paris, these are only eleven of the most serene Tennessee towns that are perfect for the weekend.

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Crys McAllister April 2 2025 in Places

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