7 Of The Most Eccentric Towns In Tennessee
Think Tennessee is only about country music and whiskey? Well, kind of, but that’s not all. Tennessee stretches from the Mississippi River in the west to the Great Smoky Mountains in the east, crossing valleys, flatlands, and old southern settlements. The state is known for its Civil War legacy, Whiskey Trail, and musical roots, but there is an eccentric side, too. These seven towns don’t fit the mold. They feature unusual landmarks and local traditions, and there is no interest in conforming. Check the map, pick your route, and see how Tennessee keeps it eccentric for those willing to go off the beaten path.
Pigeon Forge
Fair warning: some tough choices have to be made in Pigeon Forge. Start your visit by picking between two headline attractions. Alcatraz East Crime Museum focuses on forensics and American crime history, while the Titanic Museum Attraction features a full-size replica, 400 artifacts, and boarding passes linked to real passengers.
Next, pick your pace. Indoors, WonderWorks Pigeon Forge delivers upside-down architecture and interactive exhibits. Outdoors, Dollywood brings rides, shows, and mountain flair. For something quieter, Parrot Mountain and Gardens offers hillside paths and tropical birds. If you are visiting in September, stay for the Fall Rod Run, a three-day car show packed with vintage rides and crowds.
Lynchburg
Everything in Lynchburg circles back to one name: Jack Daniel’s. Start with a tour of the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, where you witness how spring water and charcoal mellowing turn corn mash into whiskey. Then head across the square to Jack Daniel’s Lynchburg Hardware & General Store. Since the distillery can’t sell merchandise, this is the place for gifts and keepsakes.
One block over, visit the Moore County Old Jail Museum, housed in a 19th-century stone jail. Then, grab lunch at Barrel House BBQ, known for its pulled pork grilled cheese. October is the best time to visit, when the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue takes over town. Teams from ten countries smoke 3,900 pounds of meat in 24 hours, with bluegrass bands, local vendors, and a packed judging tent.
Bell Buckle
This town fits into a small footprint. Grab a coffee to go from Bell Buckle Coffee Shop & Book Swap, located right in the Bell Buckle Historic District. Walk the narrow streets lined with old storefronts and wood-frame buildings. Then, step into The SWH Art Studio for local pottery, prints, and art workshops. If you are still in the mood to browse, Blue Bird Antiques holds vintage signs and railroad items with no fluff.
Take a quiet loop on the Webb Perimeter Trail, a half-mile path behind town lined with trees and benches. Come back into the center for the RC Cola and Moon Pie Festival, held every June with parades, contests, and enough sugar to make it through the summer.
McMinnville
Get ready to go from mountaintop meditation to underground caverns. Start at the Isha Institute of Inner Sciences, a 1,400-acre meditation retreat with forest trails, panoramic views, and sculpture gardens. It is open to day visitors, and the setting feels far removed from town. Then descend into Cumberland Caverns, one of the country’s largest cave systems. The guided tours pass through huge chambers and narrow stone paths.
Back in town, follow the Barren Fork River at Riverfront Park, where bridges and shaded paths follow the water. Feeling hungry? Stop at Collins River BBQ & Cafe for brisket nachos and music. End your day at the Park Theater, a restored 1939 venue that still books concerts and live events.
Columbia
Columbia keeps things odd in the best way. Begin your trip downtown, where brick buildings now house vinyl stores and Bleu 32 Vintage Marketplace, a massive antique shop stacked with retro clothes, decor, and collectibles. A short walk away, the James K. Polk Home & Museum preserves the former president’s possessions and home life. Next, it is not a bad idea to get a drink at Bad Idea Brewing Company, inside the Columbia Arts Building, with small-batch beer and food trucks.
Drive over to Chickasaw Trace Park, a public spot with fishing, hiking trails, and riverside biking. If you visit in April, don’t miss Mule Day, a longtime eccentric town festival with costumed mules, parades, and food tents.
Rogersville
Founded in 1775 by Joseph Rogers, Rogersville is one of Tennessee’s oldest towns. First, head to the Rogersville Historic District, where stone churches and preserved storefronts frame the streets. Then, make your way to the Tennessee Newspaper and Printing Museum to see working presses from another era. Next door, the Hale Springs Inn will host a year-long event series from September 2024 to August 2025 to celebrate its 200th birthday.
Then head outside town to Red Dog Ridge Farms for eggs, honey, and a quiet hillside break. In October, the Heritage Days Festival brings crafts, food stands, and music into the center of town.
Hohenwald
No intro needed. Just follow the signs for elephants and waterfalls. Start your visit at the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee — Elephant Discovery Center, where indoor exhibits, videos, and live trackers follow the elephants that now roam in safety. Then head to the Lewis County Museum, which highlights Meriwether Lewis, Native American life, and Civil War history. Refuel at Lewis and Clarke’s Restaurant and Lounge, a laid-back bar and grill that keeps the local connection going.
Before you leave, make the short drive to Fall Hollow Falls, a quiet roadside waterfall hidden among trees. If you arrive in time for the Oktober Heritage Festival, you will see downtown Hohenwald bring its history to life with food, crafts, and music.
Why These Towns Are Worth It
Each of these towns deviates from the conventional template in its own way. Some give you an elephant or an underground cavern, while others hand you a Moon Pie or a vinyl record and send you down historic streets. They all have real people, local events, and strange details that add up to more than a quick stop. Whether you come for the caves, the cars, or the coffee, there is always an odd combination that works. These are small towns, but they never feel empty. They keep their history visible and their customs intact. Tennessee has its big names, but these are the places that hold your attention. No distractions. No wasted stops. Just solid, strange places worth your time.
