6 Cozy Towns to Visit in Tennessee
Tennessee is every inch the heart and soul of the Southeastern region of the United States. From the blues of Memphis to the country sounds of Nashville, Tennessee is famous the world over for its music, with communities big and small across the state tuned in to this dynamic musical heritage.
The “Volunteer State” is also highly regarded for its famous Southern hospitality, a fact that makes it a great place to visit for those wanting an authentic taste of the South’s rich culture. Add to this some of the USA’s most stunning scenery, and there are plenty of great reasons to include these six cozy towns in a visit to Tennessee.
Bell Buckle
Let’s face it: Bell Buckle just sounds cozy, doesn’t it? This quaint town of just 500 Southerners is located off the I-24 south of Murfreesboro, making it an ideal add-on to a Tennessee road trip. The “cozy quotient” here is highest in the lovely Bell Buckle Historic District, a must-visit spot noted for its many charming old Victorian homes, antique shops, and art galleries. A walkabout in this National Register-listed historic district also includes the historic campus of Webb School, founded in 1870 and the South’s oldest continuously operating boarding school.
The Bell Buckle Train Depot is another fun blast from the past. Built in 1853, it’s now an event space and museum that offers a glimpse into the town's rich railroad history. Plan to stop in at the Bell Buckle Café, an iconic local eatery serving up hearty Southern cuisine… and, yes, live music. For an added dose of cozy, time a visit to coincide with popular events such as the RC Cola and MoonPie Festival held mid-June with a day full of quirky contests, live music, and a parade, and the Bell Buckle Arts & Crafts Fair in October, showcasing handmade goods, unique crafts, and local art.
Townsend
It’s for good reason that Townsend is known as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies.” This tranquil town of just 500 souls is located on the northern edge of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is a quieter alternative to the busier towns associated with the Smokies, like Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. Those who do visit should head first to the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center for the lowdown on the region's rich cultural history, including Native American history, pioneer life, and the natural history of the Smokies. Visitors can also check out authentic log cabins, a general store, and other historic structures.
Tuckaleechee Caverns is another attraction worth seeing. Dubbed by savvy marketers as the “Greatest Site Under the Smokies,” guided tours lead through a labyrinth of underground formations, including the massive Big Room and the Silver Falls waterfall. Other places to visit in and around this cozy town include Cades Cove, a scenic 11-mile drive through a stunning valley area with diverse wildlife, preserved log cabins, churches, and a grist mill.
Gatlinburg
While the busiest of the Smokies’ top travel destinations, Gatlinburg isn’t without its cozy corners. Situated at the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, couples and families can cozy up aboard the famous Gatlinburg SkyLift, a scenic chairlift ride to the top of Crockett Mountain. Here, the SkyBridge, the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, offers breathtaking views of the Smokies and the town below.
Ober Gatlinburg is another must-visit and is especially cozy in winter when skiers and snowboarders hit the slopes. There’s also a fun tramway with scenic views, a mountain coaster, wildlife encounters, and an ice skating rink to enjoy before cozying up in front of a firepit or fireplace. Other notable Gatlinburg attractions include the family-friendly Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, the Gatlinburg Space Needle, and, for a cozy Christmas retreat, the Winter Magic festival with its always colorful Trolley Ride of Lights.
Leiper's Fork
Less than 40 minutes from downtown Nashville by car (just follow the I-65 south), Leiper's Fork is another quaint and cozy town with a village-like appeal. It’s a trendy day trip destination for art lovers and is home to numerous studios and galleries. Must-sees include Leiper's Creek Gallery, which showcases an impressive collection of contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media works by local and regional artists, and the David Arms Gallery, housed in an old barn and featuring captivating works by its namesake artist.
Feeling peckish? Cozy up at Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant, This much-loved spot has been serving locals and visitors alike with tasty Southern cuisine and live music since the 1950s and regularly hosts performances by local and nationally recognized musicians. Follow this up with a visit to Leiper’s Fork Distillery for a tour and a tasting. It’s worth mentioning, too, that Leiper’s Fork is located near the fantastic Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile-long historic scenic trail that connects Natchez, Mississippi, with Nashville.
Jonesborough
As the oldest town in Tennessee, Jonesborough knows a thing or two about cozy. Founded in 1779 in the Appalachian Mountains, these days this attractive old town is perhaps best known as the storytelling capital of the world for its role as the home of the International Storytelling Center. This world-class facility is itself home to the National Storytelling Festival every October, a popular event that draws storytellers and listeners from around the globe to celebrate the art of storytelling through performances and workshops.
The Jonesborough Historic District is another great reason to visit. In addition to its many well-preserved 18th and 19th-century buildings, it’s home to the Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center, a first-rate attraction that serves as a great starting point to get to know the town and the surrounding area. The Chester Inn Museum is another must-visit. This historic inn dates back to 1797 and features exhibits on the town’s history, along with artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays.
Greeneville
Greeneville is another cozy Tennessee town that’s worth visiting. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in the northeast corner of the state, and the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site is located here. Dedicated to the USA’s 17th President, visitors can tour Johnson’s early home, a tailor shop (he started out as a tailor’s apprentice), and even the cemetery where he’s buried. Another excellent historic sightseeing opportunity is presented at the Dickson-Williams Mansion, built in 1815, with exhibits relating to its Civil War history.
Greeneville’s Downtown Historic District is fun to wander, as is the Tusculum University campus. Just a short walk away from the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site, here you’ll find the Doak House Museum, the historic home of Samuel Doak, a prominent educator and minister (tours are available).
The Volunteer State, as Tennessee has been nicknamed, offers travelers no end of great excuses to stop in for a visit. Topping our list of reasons to explore this beautiful region of the USA are Tennessee’s many quaint small towns, the best of which offer a genuine taste of everything that’s wonderful about the South. From Jonesborough, the state’s oldest town, to Gatlinburg, the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, each of these six cozy towns to visit in Tennessee is well worth exploring.
