7 Quirkiest Tennessee Towns You Didn't Know Existed

With around 93% of Tennessee’s land classified as rural, there is so much to see beyond the state’s cities. In fact, some of the quirkiest attractions in the states lie in towns with fewer than 10,000 residents. If exploring underground lakes, visiting whiskey distilleries, and attending thrilling dinner shows sounds like your idea of an exciting weekend away, these seven quirky towns in Tennessee are sure to fascinate you.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater, a town of fewer than 7,000 residents, is best known for The Lost Sea—America’s largest underground lake. Located just a ten-minute drive from downtown, travelers can explore this wonder by boat. After touring the lake, visitors can head to Sweetwater Valley Farm, a local dairy that offers tours from Tuesday through Saturday of its robotic milking facility! Another favorite stop is Towns Toffee, an artisan toffee shop with a charming gift shop along Main Street. Those visiting Sweetwater during the first weekend of May should not miss the Blooms, Bluegrass, & BBQ Festival, which brings together bluegrass bands, barbecue vendors, local artisans, a carnival and kids zone, and more.

Dayton

Dayton, Tennessee, may ring a bell for its role in the Scopes Monkey Trial, a landmark legal case that debated whether teaching evolution in the classroom was lawful. Visitors can explore the history of this case at the Scopes Trial Museum and Rhea County Courthouse, which was renovated in 2018 and now features a range of exhibits. Afterwards, they can appreciate the outdoors at the Laurel-Snow State Natural Area, a 2,259-acre reserve that features waterfalls, creeks, gorges, and diverse plant species. Anglers, meanwhile, will love spending an afternoon at Chickamauga Lake, which is considered one of the top spots in the state for bass fishing. After a busy day exploring the quirky town, travelers can unwind for the evening at Monkey Town Brewing Company, a local, award-winning brewery that serves a long list of beers, from IPAs and Pilsners to experimental coffee lagers and brown ales!

Tellico Plains

Tellico Plains is notably home to Bald River Falls, a 90-foot cascade recognized as one of the region’s best waterfalls. Although the falls are currently closed due to a construction project, travelers can check the US Forest Service website for updates on its status. About 20 minutes west of town, visitors will find Indian Boundary Lake—a 96-acre destination offering 3.2 miles of trails, 87 campground sites, picnic areas, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and more. For a look into the town’s past, stop by the Charles Hall Museum, which showcases the collections of former Mayor Charles Hall, including antique phones, coins, photos, artifacts, and vintage equipment. One of the newer restaurants worth checking out in town is Peach Street Grill. Established in 2023, this craft bar and kitchen serves dishes like shrimp tacos, grilled salmon, burgers, ribeye, and much more.

Lynchburg

Despite having fewer than 7,000 residents, Lynchburg is home to a major industry: the Jack Daniel’s Distillery! Travelers can visit the distillery for themselves by registering for a variety of tours, including a traditional facilities tour, barrel tasting tours, bonded whiskeys tours, and innovation tasting tours. For a Jack Daniels souvenir, visitors can stop by the Lynchburg Hardware & General Store after, which has barrel products, clothing, glassware, and more. If the whiskey tour worked up an appetite, stop by Miss Mary Bobo's Restaurant, open since 1908, for a traditional southern meal. Lynchburg Valley Inn is a great place to spend the night, set in a 19th-century inn and offering a full breakfast each morning.

Mountain City

Sitting at an elevation of 2,418 feet, Mountain City is Tennessee’s highest incorporated city. Those wanting to explore the wilderness that surrounds the town can visit the Doe Mountain Recreation Area, an 8,600-acre reserve with over 60 miles of multi-use trails. The town also has a unique scene for arts and culture. The Johnson County Center for the Arts is a good example, showcasing the work of local artists and offering occasional art classes. The Mountain City Sunflower Festival is one of the town’s most iconic festivals, taking place in July and celebrating the season of sunflowers with food and craft vendors, a Sunflower Pageant, a car show, live entertainment, and more. The Mountain City Fiddler’s Convention attracts countless visitors to town in October, featuring two days of Old Time and Bluegrass tunes.

Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is a wonderful base for one of the country’s most beautiful national parks: the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. With over 850 miles of trails and places to camp, fish, and horseback ride, you could easily spend several days exploring. Pigeon Forge is also famous for its quirky dinner shows. Travelers can jump into the life of pirate Blackbear with the Pirates Voyage Dinner & Show, or enjoy a western-style, action-packed performance at the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud. For an adrenaline-filled day, head over to Dollywood, a theme park with over 50 attractions and rides.

Cumberland Gap

With over 80 miles of hiking trails nearby, Cumberland Gap is a hiker’s paradise. Travelers can start their adventure on the Ridge Trail to White Rocks, a 19-mile trail that runs through Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, great for backpacking and camping. If you prefer a shorter trail, consider hiking the fifth-mile Pinnacle Overlook Trail, which only takes about five minutes to hike and offers panoramic views of the town from above. Travelers can also enjoy views of the Pinnacle Overlook at the Gap Creek Coffee House, a cozy coffee shop that offers sandwiches, bagels, and seasonal hot drinks. After hiking, make sure to explore the town’s art scene at the Cumberland Gap Artists Cooperative, which showcases local work from Appalachian artists.

Final Thoughts

Tennesseans know their state has a quirky side, and these seven small towns are some of the best places to see it in action. Towns like Dayton explore some of the country’s most interesting court cases, while destinations like Pigeon Forge are home to surprisingly massive amusement parks. Whatever type of attraction interests you, you are sure to find something intriguing in these towns, reminding you of the personality that makes Tennessee so unique!