6 of the Quirkiest Towns in Tennessee
Tennessee is well known not only for its stunning natural beauty – it is, after all, where you’ll find the spectacular Smoky Mountains – but also for its vast array of interesting, even quirky attractions. Dotted around the “Volunteer State” and easy to get to thanks to a great (and often scenic) road network, the quirkiest of these small-town Tennessee experiences will delight even the most curious of travellers.
From Jonesborough, the state’s oldest town, to Townsend and Gatlinburg, the gateways to the Great Smoky Mountains – and numerous fun stops in between – these small towns in Tennessee demonstrate a different perspective of the state that’s truly authentic and well worth exploring.
Greeneville
Located just a short distance from the state border with North Carolina and only an hour’s drive from Asheville, Greeneville is named after Revolutionary War hero Nathanael Greene and is the only town in the United States with this spelling (there are, however, 36 spelled “Greenville”). It was here that President Andrew Johnson's political career began, his early experiences here playing an important role in setting him on the path to becoming a supporter of the abolition of slavery, and ultimately to President.
Little surprise, then, to find that Greeneville is home to the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site. Here visitors get a comprehensive look at the life and legacy of the 17th President of the United States, including the chance to tour his early home. Outdoor activities are also in abundance in and around Greeneville, with highlights being Margarette Falls, Buffalo Trail Orchard, and the nearby Appalachian Mountains.
Bell Buckle
Ah, Bell Buckle. This often-overlooked gem of a town is surprisingly easy to get to and is only an hour’s drive south of Nashville along the I-24 highway. Perhaps the quirkiest named community in Tennessee, legend has it that this curious moniker was bestowed on the town after a group of travelers sighted a tree with a carving shaped like a cowbell and buckle on it. The name stuck, and today the entirety of this charming town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Bell Buckle Historic District.
The town is celebrated for its arts and crafts scene, with quilting enthusiasts and craft lovers in particular drawn here. For these folks, the big ticket event is the Webb School Art and Craft Show, a yearly event that showcases a wide variety of handmade goods and offers a wonderful opportunity to experience local culture and creativity. Add to this mix of places to visit like Phillips General Store with its selection of Moon Pies and RC Cola and it’s easy to see how Bell Buckle appeals to travelers in search of quirky destinations.
Jonesborough
Jonesborough, Tennessee’s oldest town, is also one of the state’s most charming places to visit. Its quirkiest title is that of "the storytelling capital of the world," a lofty name bestowed on it by savvy marketers after the launch of the National Storytelling Festival in 1973. Today, this popular annual event attracts well over 10,000 storytellers and fans from around the globe every October to celebrate the art of storytelling, a tradition deeply embedded in Appalachian culture.
Jonesborough's Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum, located in the town's oldest commercial building, offers insights into the area's history, while the Jonesborough Repertory Theatre provides entertainment with its variety of theatrical performances.
Townsend
Townsend, while referred to as "The Peaceful Side of the Smokies," is nevertheless a fun place to visit. A popular gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and even horseback riding along the park's numerous trails, the best of which offer superb mountain views.
Townsend’s quirkiest attraction is the Tuckaleechee Caverns. Popular for its impressive formations and underground waterfalls, these spectacular caverns were carved out over a period of tens of thousands of years and provide an intriguing and educational experience for visitors of all ages. Interested to learn more about the cultural and historical aspects of Townsend? Head to the Little River Railroad & Lumber Museum which highlights the town’s early years as a logging and railroad town in the early 1900s.
Dandridge
Dandridge is the second oldest town in Tennessee and is well worth visiting for its attractive setting in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Curious travelers should begin their adventures in the historic heart of Dandridge, a charming downtown area listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Highlights include numerous well-preserved 19th-century buildings such as the Jefferson County Courthouse. Built in 1845, this elegant red brick building now serves as both a courthouse and a local museum.
Dandridge's proximity to Douglas Lake is another big plus. The lake offers outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and picnics, all with the stunning backdrop of the picturesque Smoky Mountains
Gatlinburg
You can’t get much closer to the Great Smoky Mountains and still enjoy an array of fun, theme-park-like attractions than Gatlinburg. The most popular tourist destination within the Smoky Mountains and only a few miles drive from the spectacular Newfound Gap scenic driving route, here you’ll find no end of quirky family fun, including Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, a world-class facility that’s home to a remarkable collection of sea life along with interactive experiences like the Penguin Playhouse and Shark Lagoon.
Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium is another of the quirkiest places to visit in Gatlinburg, as is the Gatlinburg Space Needle. Standing at over 400 feet tall, this fascinating structure offers a 360-degree view of the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg below. For a taste of culture with a twist, the quirky Salt and Pepper Shaker Museum is a must-visit and displays over 20,000 sets of salt and pepper shakers from all over the world. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the quirky side of nature with a visit to the Mysterious Mansion, Gatlinburg's oldest and scariest haunted house, or by taking a ride on the Gatlinburg SkyLift, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
The Final Word
Together, these six towns in Tennessee — Gatlinburg, Jonesborough, Townsend, Dandridge, Bell Buckle, and Greeneville — each offer a unique and quirky glimpse into the state's rich heritage and culture. From the historic charm of Jonesborough to the natural beauty of Townsend and the quaint allure of Bell Buckle, these destinations provide a diverse range of offbeat adventures just waiting for the curious traveler to experience.
