7 Close-Knit Towns to Visit in Tennessee

Tennessee is known for amazing music (looking at you, Nashville!), and the breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains. But outside the bigger cities are charming little hamlets with close-knit communities that are warm and welcoming. Whether you want to go antiquing in Bell Buckle or dine on world-class BBQ in Lynchburg, these towns are well worth the drive. There’s even a spot in Cumberland Gap that offers a one-of-a-kind view of Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky! So, pack a bag and get ready to fall in love with these friendly Tennessee towns!

Bell Buckle

Calling all antique hunters! If you adore quaint little towns with a treasure trove of antiques and locally made crafts, look no further than Bell Buckle. While Bell Buckle is far off the beaten path in Tennessee, it’s well worth the long, but incredibly scenic drive. The historic Victorian village feels like stepping inside a postcard, and the tree-lined streets offer fantastic opportunities to antique shop for one-of-a-kind treasures in spots like the Livery Stable Antique Mall. No trip to Bell Buckle is complete without indulging in some fine southern cuisine at the historic Bell Buckle Café.

To honor the long history of the arts and craftsman of Bell Buckle, the area hosts the annual Bell Buckle Arts and Crafts Festival in October. Other notable town events include the incredibly fun RC Cola and MoonPie Festival. It hosts a parade, a 5k race, and family-friendly games. But you can’t miss the grand finale: the cutting of the world’s largest MoonPie! Bell Buckle's strong sense of community will make you feel like you never left home.

Jonesborough

Jonesborough is Tennessee’s oldest town, founded 17 years before Tennessee was even a state! Walk the brick sidewalks of Main Street and stop in cozy shops like Jonesborough Antiques or the Mill Spring Makers Market with the Appalachian Mountains casting shadows over this delightful neighborhood. With deep roots and that classic Southern hospitality, no one is a stranger in Jonesborough!

And if you plan your stay just right, you can catch a spectacular seasonal event like the Jonesborough Days Festival or the Christmas in Olde Jonesborough. If you miss one of the seasonal events, you can catch the weekly Storytelling Live held in the International Storytelling Center every week. Aside from its tight-knit community and scenic surroundings, the area is also known as the storytelling capital of the world! It’s the perfect retreat for families that brings everyone together.

Lynchburg

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Moore County is the scenic hamlet of Lynchburg. The area’s biggest claim to fame is the Jack Daniels distillery, the oldest registered distillery in the country! Take a tour of the plant to see how it’s made, or sit down for a tasting in one of their tasting rooms. Lynchburg also holds annual whiskey-themed events in the town square, like the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue. Come for the whiskey, stay for the world-class Tennessee BBQ!

But there’s so much more to Lynchburg than just whiskey. The picturesque town square is home to historic buildings like Lynchburg Hardware and General Store where you can purchase one-of-a-kind gifts to take back home. And if you want to get out and enjoy nature, Tims Ford Lake is just a short 20-minute drive away! From whiskey to classic Southern BBQ to amazing views, Lynchburg is a proud Southern town that’s a must-see (even if you don’t like whiskey).

Leiper’s Fork

With a population of under 1,000, Leiper’s Fork is a delightful town where time moves a little bit slower. With a rich musical heritage, it’s a great place to kick back and listen to amazing live music. Fox & Locke is the happening spot in town, which was formerly Puckett’s Grocery in the 1950s, and still retains its old-timey charm. When you want to get to know the friendly locals of Leiper’s Fork, you’ll find them at Fox & Locke listening to up-and-coming musicians and dining on classic Southern cuisine!

After getting to know the locals at Fox & Locke, explore everything that Leiper’s Fork has to offer. Head to the Copper Fox Gallery to shop local art in a warm and welcoming space. And if you want to explore the vast Tennesse countryside, there’s no better place than Timberland Park right off the Natchez Trace Parkway. It offers scenic hiking trails and overlooks to unwind after a rowdy night at Fox & Locke!

Cumberland Gap

Cumberland Gap is one of those Tennessee gems with the perfect blend of quirky and old-timey shops with amazing opportunities for outdoor adventure. Walk the quiet, sleepy streets downtown under the cooling shadows of the Cumberland Mountains in the distance. Stop in fun and friendly shops like the Nutty Squirrel Trading Post, or grab a cup of coffee at the cozy Gap Creek Coffee House.

While the downtown area of Cumberland Gap is amazing and friendly, you can’t beat the views! The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is a popular spot to unwind in nature and offers over 85 trails to discover. There are also historical markers along the trail that detail the importance of the Cumberland Mountains to Native Americans and early American settlers who traveled through the Appalachian Mountains. But for a real treat, check out the Pinnacle Overlook Trail which offers a one-of-a-kind view of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia.

Gatlinburg

Tucked away in the Great Smoky Mountains is the charming town of Gatlinburg, known as the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Fun fact: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the United States and for a good reason! It offers visitors over 500,000 acres of untapped wilderness and misty mountains. And if you want to explore one of America’s most beloved parks, Gatlinburg is sure to capture your heart as much as the mountains.

One of the most iconic attractions in the area is Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, perfect for families. To gain a better view of this historic area, a must-see for visitors is the Gatlinburg Space Needle. It’s a 407-foot-tall observation tower that provides breathtaking panoramic views of the area. To get up close and personal with the mountains, check out the Gatlinburg SkyLift Park which takes you to the top of Crockett Mountain.

Rugby

The old-world charm of Rugby delivers classic Southern hospitality and so much to discover. While it’s far and away from the bigger cities of Tennessee, it’s well worth the drive! As a restored Victorian village, the residents of Rugby work hard to preserve its charm that feels like stepping back in time. Explore beautifully restored buildings like the Rugby Museum and the Christ Church Episcopal, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The close-knit town hosts annual events like the Thanksgiving Marketplace and the British Festival which are perfect for families.

When not engaging in community events, many of the locals head to the stunning Rugby State Natural Area. Hike the Rugby Trail or White Oak Flat Trail that takes you through the Cumberland Plateau, or head out onto the waters at the Big South Fork National River for a day of fishing. Many of the locals volunteer at the visitor center to offer educational tours of the surrounding area. Spending the day in Rugby will make you feel like you’ve lived there your whole life!

These close-knit Tennessee towns are wonderful places to visit when you need to escape the noise of the big city. However, they are so friendly and welcoming that you may just want to pack up and move there forever! And who could blame you? From the amazing walking trails of the Great Smoky Mountains to the darling festivals, it’s hard not to fall head over heels for these communities. Whether you're wandering the quiet tree-lined streets of Bell Buckle, or kicking back with live music at the Fox & Locke in Leiper’s Fork, these small towns feel like home.