7 Charming Tennessee Towns For The Perfect Getaway
Tennessee, a single landlocked state in the Southeastern United States, is distinguished for its variegated terrain in East, Middle, and West Tennessee, as well as a mingling of aesthetic features exclusive to the Appalachia, Upper South, and Lower South regions. Beyond the glitziness of the Volunteer State’s urban agglomerations like Knoxville, Nashville, Clarksville, and Memphis, there are dozens of charming towns that purvey all elements for a hassle-free getaway, adding an extra dose of glamour to all your vacations in this music-loving state.
Lynchburg
Forming a portion of the Tullahoma-Manchester Micropolitan Statistical Area, this Moore County town is set in the softly curving hills of southern Middle Tennessee, backed by halcyon country farms. The region’s cultivable lands, coupled with the town’s unsullied spring waters, have helped the establishment of the operational Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Lynchburg’s most commonly-visited tourist magnet, where excursionists get to learn about the production of the universally lauded Tennessee whiskey through escorted tours.
Additionally, take note of Downtown Square’s archaic structures, visit the Lynchburg City Cemetery to pay homage to the whiskey legend, purchase souvenirs from Jack Daniel’s Lynchburg Hardware and General Store, and enjoy your stay at The Lynchburg Country Inn.
Jonesborough
The Volunteer State’s oldest town, Jonesborough, named for Willie Jones, a North Carolina legislator, and set in the extreme northeastern corner of Tennessee, is the administrative center of Washington County.
Travelers on a tour of this town situated close to Johnson City should peruse the many Downtown shops including the International Storytelling Center Gift Shop, gain knowledge about the bygone times of this ‘Storytelling Capital of the World’ at the Chester Inn State Historic Site & Museum, spend the night at Country Inn & Suites by Carlson and attend annual events such as the National Storytelling Festival to be held at the International Storytelling Center from October 3 to 5, 2025.
Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is an enticing family-friendly holiday getaway in Sevier County, situated parallel to the West Fork of the Little Pigeon River, exactly 5 miles north of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The town’s staggering Smoky Mountain panoramas and gladdening amusement scenes cast a spell on both Southern traditions and country music addicts.
Aside from the plentiful musical theaters like the Grand Majestic Theater and outlet malls like Pigeon Forge Factory Outlet Mall, the town’s other notable sites, such as the Alcatraz East Crime Museum, Dollywood Theme Park, and the 16-acre Patriot Park, are not to be missed. Spend the night at the Best Western Plaza Inn after feasting on luscious Southern cuisine at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen.
Paris
Henry County’s seat of government, Paris, baptized after its homonymous capital city of France, is West Tennessee’s primary incorporated town located roughly 60 miles west of Clarksville. Proffering a special ‘City of Love’ ambiance, holidaymakers are particularly drawn to the 70-foot-tall model of the Eiffel Tower, football fields, children's playgrounds, and a public Olympic-size pool at the Eiffel Tower Park.
Plus, witness live performances at the Krider Performing Arts Center and be a guest at any of the town’s classy accommodations like Hampton Inn by Hilton Paris.
Townsend
A hypnotizing Blount County settlement, Townsend sits at the northern foothills of the Smokies in the Tuckaleechee Cove by the sinuous Little River. Parading infinite heavenly spots and ideal location as one of three entry portals of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the town proudly upholds its tagline: “Gateway to Cades Cove & Peaceful Side of the Smokies.”
While visiting Townsend on your minivacations, embark on a scenic driving trip through the Cades Cove Loop Road, an 11-mile one-way paved road in the Smoky Mountains, be informed of the area’s cultural heritage at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, take note of the subterranean Silver Falls, the Eastern US’ tallest cascade, and rest at the Townsend River Breeze Inn.
Bell Buckle
This 410-resident railroad town (as per the 2020 US Census), settled in the first half of the 19th century, sits in Bedford County’s northeastern portion. Wander through Downtown Bell Buckle, which is a part of the National Register-listed Bell Buckle Historic District, crammed with carefully maintained age-old buildings, antique shops like Livery Stable Antique Mall, and boutiques like Shady Acres Creations, LLC Boutique & More.
Concertedly, dig deeper into the equestrian history at the nearby Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum, engage in outdoor activities at the Henry Horton State Park, and back in town, slack off at the Seasons Bed and Breakfast.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg, named after the general store owner Radford Gatlin, is a mesmerizing mountain resort community in eastern Tennessee’s Sevier County, close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s northwestern entrance. Thanks to its marvelous settings, the town acts as an exemplary base for all who wish to experience the multifarious offerings of the National Park.
Come and explore Gatlinburg’s outstanding sites of interest including the 407 ft tall Gatlinburg Space Needle presenting an amazing 360° view of the Great Smoky Mountains, observe the impressive collections at Hollywood Star Cars Museum and the interactive exhibits at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, and enjoy a peaceful slumber at Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg.
From the oldest town, Jonesborough, to Gatlinburg, one of the entry gateways of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the lesser-known communities in the 36th largest and 15th most populous state of the country are ardently waiting to welcome every world traveler. So, whether you want to take in the unfathomable natural environments, stroll the inviting Main Streets flanked by assorted praiseworthy sites, participate in multiple recreations at the different urban oases, and be a recipient of the townsfolk’s magnanimous hospitality, escape to these fantastic Tennessee destinations far from the disorganized rabbles of urban jungles.
