Dollywood is a picture-perfect theme park in the city of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Image credit Michael Gordon via Shutterstock

8 Picture-Perfect Towns in Tennessee

Tennessee may be famous for its whiskey, hot chicken, and country music, but many people may not know it is also home to some of the most beautiful small towns that ooze character and charm. Uncover eight of the most visually pleasing towns in Tennessee. While some of these picture-perfect locales are peaceful mountain towns with scenic beauty, others are bustling with activities like theater, music, and live events!

Gatlinburg

Busy street in summertime with tourists and cars, Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Image credit Miro Vrlik Photography via Shutterstock.com

With nearly 4,000 inhabitants, Gatlinburg is a small town in Sevier County (which attracts several million tourists each year). This is among the most peaceful mountains on the east side of Tennessee, and is also sometimes called the “gateway to the Smoky Mountains.” What makes this town highly attractive for tourists is its stunning scenery and exciting outdoor adventure activities. Take the famous Chondola ride to Anakeesta Mountain and walk across North America’s longest Skybridge for pedestrians. Spend a day in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park enjoying activities like whitewater rafting, ziplining, hiking, fishing, and golfing! When hungry, grab a meal at one of the best eateries in Gatlinburg, like Mountain Trail Grill & Pizza, Tennessee Jed’s Winery Square, and Pizzeria of Gatlinburg, among others.

Bell Buckle

Garden at the Bell Buckle Banquet Hall and Theatre in Bell Buckle, Tennessee.
Garden at the Bell Buckle Banquet Hall and Theatre in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. Image credit Brian Stansberry via Wikimedia Commons

One of Tennessee's most popular small towns, Bell Buckle boasts beautiful Victorian architecture, an exciting arts scene, and a welcoming vibe. This downtown area is picturesque and has several unique boutiques, antique shops, and local eateries, such as the Bell Buckle Cafe. Calling all history fans, Bell Buckle has some well-restored landmarks and buildings in the Bell Buckle Historic District. Popular events hosted by the town include the RC-MoonPie Festival and the Bell Buckle Craft Fair. Some of the most scenic parks in the city are the Henry Horton State Park and Short Springs Natural Area, both of which are ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing.

Franklin

Memorial to the confederate solders of the American Civil War along Main Street in Franklin, Tennessee.
Memorial to the confederate solders of the American Civil War along Main Street in Franklin, Tennessee. Image credit Fotoluminate LLC via Shutterstock

Franklin was a focal point of the legendary American Civil War, so it is no surprise that this small town in Tennessee is home to multiple sites of the Civil War, including the Carnton Plantation, Lotz House, and Carter House. These offer intriguing guided tours that give tourists a comprehensive background of the Battle of Franklin. Several interesting annual events are also hosted by The Heritage Foundation of Williamson Count, like the Dickens of a Christmas and Main Street Festival. Another must-visit destination in this Tennessee town is the Franklin Theatre, which showcases classic films, concerts, and live performances in a beautifully restored venue from the 1970s. To get your hands on local art pieces and antiques, stop at either the Heirloom Shop or Gallery 202.

Jonesborough

Historic downtown of Jonesborough, Tennessee
Historic downtown of Jonesborough, Tennessee. Image credit Dee Browning via Shutterstock

Despite its small size, Jonesborough is one of the most appealing towns in Tennessee. It is a hub of great shopping, live music, and ancient history (the town was founded in 1779). One of the key attractions of Jonesborough is the International Storytelling Center, which organizes the National Storytelling Festival every year in October. The town is also called the “storytelling capital of the world.” But there is more to Jonesborough than just storytelling. Tourists can look forward to enjoying Music on the Square, a live music event held every Friday from July to September. There is also the fun of shopping at the Made Around Here Market, where regional and local artisans showcase their exclusive goods.

Townsend

Aerial view city of Townsend in Tennessee next to the Smoky Mountains
Overlooking Townsend, Tennessee.

Often called the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” Townsend has much to offer to vacationers seeking a calm and restful nature retreat. Perhaps the best way to begin your exploration of Townsend is to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which has an abundance of wildlife, stunning waterfalls, and hiking trails to offer. A key park attraction is Cades Cove, which is famous for its scenic meadows, historical buildings, and wildlife spotting. Those passionate about history should visit the Lumber Company Museum and The Little River Railroad. These spots showcase the extensive logging heritage of the town through artifacts and exhibits. The Great Smoky Mountains Range Center is a great place to learn more about the pioneer settlers of the town.

Hohenwald

Log cabin marks the site of Grinder’s Stand where Meriwether Lewis died while traveling on the Natchez Trace.
Log cabin marks the site of Grinder’s Stand where Meriwether Lewis died while traveling on the Natchez Trace, Hohenwald, Tennessee. Image credit EWY Media via Shutterstock

Located southwest of Nashville, the town of Hohenwald has a lot to offer to visitors. On top of the must-see places is The Elephant Sanctuary, which has existed for over 25 years and provides a natural habitat for captive elephants. Currently, it houses a variety of Asian and African elephants. Other attractions like the Natchez Trace Wilderness Preserve, Natchez Trace Parkway, and Natchez Trace Wine Trail are close to the sanctuary. Some top-rated restaurants recommended by the locals include Hank’s Family Diner, which serves an array of delicious burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and salads, among other things. Other popular eateries are Lewis & Clarke’s and Junkyard Dog Steakhouse.

Pigeon Forge

Old Mill District in the tourist area of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Old Mill District in the tourist area of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Image credit littlenySTOCK via Shutterstock

Pigeon Forge is another beautiful small town in Tennessee with multiple tourist attractions, the most popular being Dollywood, a one-of-a-kind entertainment complex and theme park created by Dolly Parton herself. The music legend did a good job of making the park interesting for all age groups. It hosts live shows, offers thrill rides, and the chance to explore the region’s Appalachian heritage. For a fun family day out, visit WonderWorks, a unique science museum with multiple interactive elements. Pigeon Forge is also known for its theater and has venues like the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show and the Comedy Barn Theater, where one can expect to enjoy fun musical performances and comedy acts.

Lynchburg

Downtown street in Lynchburg, Tennessee
Downtown street in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Image credit Paul McKinnon via Shutterstock

A charming little town packed full of history, Lynchburg is a town in Tennessee worth visiting for a relaxing holiday or weekend getaway. The first stop for many tourists in this town is the famous Jack Daniel’s Distillery. The guided tour gives visitors a deep insight into how the world-famous whiskey is processed and offers a sampling of its exemplary products. The Moore County Jail Museum in Lynchburg is a must-visit for all history buffs as it provides information about the past through exhibits and jail cells. To witness the natural beauty of Lynchburg up close, visit Wiseman Park, an amazing green space ideal for a family picnic.

Coziest Small Towns In TennesseeWhether, your idea of cozy comfort, includes shopping along a classic main street, taking in the sights on a nature hike, or simply watching the world go by from a picnic blanket, the “Volunteer State” is sure to have a small town that fits the bill.

The quaint small towns in Tennessee have a plethora of attractions and activities to offer visitors. From historical sites and outdoor adventures to vibrant cultural festivals, music scenes, and charming eateries, these lovely towns will surely provide tourists with an incredible holiday experience!

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Arushi Gujral January 20 2024 in Places

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