13 Nicest Small Towns In Tennessee
Often heralded for its captivating country music scene, trademark Southern hospitality, and majestic natural scenery, Tennessee draws a steady barrage of excited tourists throughout the year. While most newcomers gravitate towards the glitz and glamor of Nashville and Memphis, the quiet charm of its small towns offers a fresh breath of air from the chaos in the city. These hidden gems showcase the true character of the Volunteer State through their rich histories, unique traditions, and natural treasures.
These towns have a slow pace of life and abundantly green surroundings, presenting the perfect setting for a short weekend getaway or longer vacations with family. From the historic streets of Jonesborough to the scenic mountains of Pigeon Forge, these are some of the nicest small towns in Tennessee.
Pigeon Forge
This storybook mountain town in eastern Tennessee is known for its stunning natural surroundings, fun theme parks, and quirky museums. Pigeon Forge is famously home to Dollywood, a beautiful amusement venue owned by the legendary country singer Dolly Parton. This popular family destination excites guests with waterslides, thrill rides, and award-winning shows across a sprawling property set against the dreamy backdrop of the Great Smoky Mountains.
The Hollywood Wax Museum is another of the quirky attractions Pigeon Forge is known for. This unique building displays life-like wax figures of famous Hollywood personalities, from musicians to movie stars, which guests can pose next to for a photograph. The town's outdoor scenery is best explored by riding the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster. This adrenaline-inducing excursion winds through the mountainous forest of the Smokies along a mile-long track.
Greeneville
This historical town in Greene County harbors a rich heritage that stretches back to its 18th-century establishment. Greeneville's historic downtown is dotted with rustic buildings with classic red-brick construction, including the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site. This former home of the country's 17th president preserves his legacy through a collection of personal artifacts. Meanwhile, guests can get a deeper glimpse into the community's chronology at the Greeneville Greene County History Museum. This resourceful facility showcases piles of archives, manuscripts, and other memorabilia to educate the public on regional history.
Besides discovering the engrossing history, vacationers can watch invigorating live shows at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. Professional performers gather in this state-of-the-art facility to entertain audiences with comedies, concerts, plays, and musicals.
Tullahoma
Tullahoma attracts visitors with its blend of enchanting outdoor scenery, fascinating history, and vibrant arts. It is home to the Tullahoma Fine Arts Center, known for exhibiting a diverse library of painting, woodwork, and textile art, as well as historical displays inside a gorgeous Italianate building. Tullahoma's curious aviation heritage is preserved and interpreted by the Beechcraft Heritage Museum. The 78,000-square-foot facility stores dozens of vintage small planes and artifacts from the Beech Aircraft Corporation.
Stepping outside, you will encounter beautiful green spaces with a tranquil environment. However, none is more prominent than Short Springs Natural Area. This 420-acre sanctuary harbors a system of spell-binding waterfalls and nature trails tailored for hikers.
Paris
Paris is a unique town in Henry County with an imposing replica of the world-famous Eiffel Tower. The 60-foot landmark can be found at the heart of the Eiffel Tower Park and attracts curious admirers looking for a delightful photo opportunity. However, the rest of the park features quiet grounds with grassy picnic areas meant for relaxation. Meanwhile, those interested in Paris's past can visit the Paris Henry County Heritage Center. Its historical exhibits bring back past memories, stretching back to the formative years.
Paris grabs the nation's attention every time it hosts the World's Biggest Fish Fry Festival. This annual extravaganza sees thousands of pounds of catfish getting fried and features wholesome fun for the family, including carnival rides, live music, and a parade.
Jonesborough
Jonesborough's moniker, "Tennessee's Oldest Town," speaks to its enduring heritage, and newcomers to this quaint Washington County borough can look forward to an eye-opening journey through time. It has a preserved historic district with vital sites and markers, particularly the Chester Inn State Historic Site. Constructed in the 1770s, it is the oldest wooden frame building in the district and harbors rare memorabilia, painting a vivid picture of the early days.
The Christopher Taylor House is another noteworthy site in the neighborhood. The log cabin was built in 1777 by a former officer who participated in the American Revolutionary and French and Indian Wars. Meanwhile, the Tennessee Hills Distillery allows first-timers to sample freshly crafted whiskeys and gins in an 1840s establishment.
Ripley
This little-known village in Lauderdale County provides an escape for those who feel at home in the great outdoors. It has beautiful natural spaces, led by the expansive Chickasaw National Wildlife Refuge. This 25,000-acre park straddles the banks of the Mississippi River and houses an abundance of native wildlife. It is a popular hub for fishermen, hikers, campers, and animal enthusiasts. Ripley also provides access to the calm waters of Chisholm Lake, which fuels a variety of activities, including boating, paddling, and angling.
Beyond the outdoors, the downtown district excites culinary connoisseurs with numerous opportunities to sample local cuisine. You can visit Olympic Steakhouse for mouth-watering Southern-style steaks, chicken, and seafood.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is one of the most visited and nicest small towns in Tennessee, owing to its location at the entrance of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The town is steeped in outdoor beauty, and one of the best ways to soak it all in is to brave the ride to the 140-foot deck of the Gatlinburg SkyPark. It also features a pedestrian cable bridge delivering unmatched panoramas of the Smoky Mountains.
Visiting families jostle for space at Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, home to an amazing mix of marine life such as giant sea turtles and penguins. Finally, those who relish a classic scare can visit the Mysterious Mansion for a heart-pounding tour through eerie passageways and winding hallways with unexpected frights.
Savannah
Savannah is a charming village on the Tennessee River with friendly residents and idyllic natural areas. It is excellent for tourists seeking privacy and isolation, providing access to tranquil spaces like Wayne Jerrolds River Park. This 10-acre oasis has lovely hiking pathways, picnic sites, and a boat ramp for those who want to get on the water. Those interested in local history can visit the Tennessee River Museum and peruse a vast collection of exhibits documenting the river's heritage.
Savannah hosts a weekly farmer's market that breathes life into the otherwise sleepy community. On Wednesdays, you can witness a group of local crafters and farmers congregating in the downtown region to sell their merchandise.
Sevierville
If you need a break from the choking crowds of Knoxville, Sevierville presents a ready small-town escape, less than thirty minutes away. The town is widely known as the hometown of country music legend Dolly Parton. At the front of the imposing Sevier County Courthouse, you can see a bronze statue holding a guitar that pays homage to the town icon. Meanwhile, the Rainforest Adventures Discovery Zoo welcomes guests to interact with beautiful wildlife species in a family-friendly facility.
After viewing the animals, you can take the kids to Wilderness at the Smokies for some aquatic fun. This sprawling property is home to Tennessee's largest waterpark and features an indoor adventure forest, providing year-round fun entertainment for all ages.
Lynchburg
Lynchburg has many claims to fame, but most people best recognize it as the "home of Jack Daniels." This small town hosts the Jack Daniels Distillery, where guests can learn the intricate details behind creating Tennessee's most respected whiskey brand. The distillery has a Visitor Center where guests can find rare artifacts and memorabilia about the iconic brand.
The town has a fascinating history, which is documented at the Moore County Old Jail Museum. The 19th-century jail showcases an array of artifacts offering an idea of how prisoners used to live. Downtown Lynchburg harbors a cluster of restaurants that serve a mix of local and international flavors. If you enjoy Southern cooking, be sure to stop by Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant for the best Southern dishes.
Smithville
Smithville's waterfront setting and small-town atmosphere culminate in the perfect escape for an easygoing escape. It promises tourists plenty of water fun at Hidden Harbor Marina, ranging from boating and paddling to water skiing and canoeing. Away from the water, golfing enthusiasts will feel at home on the green fairways of Smithville Golf Club. This 9-hole course boasts beautiful natural surroundings and challenges amateurs and professionals alike.
Along Main Street Smithville, townspeople often meet at the Harvester Performance and Event Center for a variety of social events. These include private parties, weddings, concerts, and more, making it an important social hub in the community.
Townsend
Despite being underrated for being on the quiet side of the Smokies, Townsend is an exciting destination that presents the ideal alternative to Gatlinburg. It also sits at the entry point to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and harbors several outdoor opportunities. This includes exploring the mysterious Tuckaleechee Caverns. The site stands out for its dramatic crystalline formations and pristine waterfall. Golf enthusiasts won't mind a round at Wild Laurel Golf Course, an 18-hole championship course in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains.
Townsend also offers a decent arts and culture landscape, with several galleries scattered across downtown. You can interact with the local arts community inside the Townsend Art Center, where regional creatives showcase pottery, paintings, fiber arts, and other art forms.
Cleveland
Cleveland is steeped in railroad history and saw its first railway system erected in 1868. The town boasts a network of green spaces that provides enough room for their time outdoors. This includes the 70-acre Fletcher Park, which features green woodlands, a Japanese garden, and delightful nature trails. While exploring the outdoors, you can learn about Cleveland's history at Red Clay State Historic Park. This sprawling wilderness was once a hub for Native American cultural events, but currently serves as a playground for picnickers and hikers.
Apart from the open areas, guests can also dive into the annals of Cleveland's history at the Museum Center at 5ive Points. This historical landmark displays various artifacts about different aspects of regional history.
Final Thought
The Volunteer State is jam-packed with amazing experiences outside its major cities, and the nicest small towns in Tennessee showcase the diversity of attractions waiting to be discovered. If you are searching for a quiet spot to free your mind and spend some time alone amidst the embrace of Mother Nature, any of the discussed places qualify as an ideal getaway. So, pack your bags and set the stage for a remarkable getaway in Savannah or Townsend.
