8 Towns In Tennessee With Thriving Local Businesses
Independent, locally owned businesses play an essential role in small towns. Besides fueling the local economy, they reflect the area's culture and heritage and bring the residents a sense of pride and belonging. Beyond the well-known music cities of Nashville and Memphis, smaller communities across Tennessee boast thriving downtown business districts dedicated to homegrown entrepreneurs.
Touring them is an excellent opportunity for travelers to meet spirited local merchants while soaking up an authentic taste of Southern charm and hospitality. Whether planning to sample the culinary scene, shop for local handicrafts, or indulge in vibrant farmers' markets, these quaint small towns in Tennessee invite travelers into their day-to-day lifestyle while promising fulfilling experiences with the locals.
Columbia
The self-proclaimed "mule capital of the world" boasts a revolutionary entrepreneurial spirit, evident in its rich mix of local businesses. Walking the vibrant Main Street of its historic downtown reveals a selection of boutiques, antique shops, grocery marts, and other locally owned ventures housed in antique buildings. Bad Idea Brewing Company is a fond representation of Columbia's thriving craft brewery scene due to the establishment being the first on-site brewery in the area. Several antique shops complement the rustic downtown atmosphere, leaving tourists with unique treasures from Columbia Antique Marketplace, as well as Bleu 32 Vintage Marketplace.
Meanwhile, the Columbia Farmers Market makes the most of the town's growers and craftsmen to offer visitors fresh-from-the-farm produce and adorable handmade crafts. The restaurant landscape is abuzz with all kinds of Southern flavors, and Puckett's Restaurant stands out for its mean barbecue steaks.
Hohenwald
Hohenwald is famous for its quaint elephant sanctuary, which was designed as a natural habitat haven for African and Asian elephants. However, elephants aren't the only exciting thing in Hohenwald; the town, although small, hosts a diligent community of local merchants selling their wares in the adorable downtown. While there are multiple eateries in the area, Snappy's Pizza stands out as the go-to pizzeria in town. Those planning a retail therapy adventure in the town can find trendy clothing at Priss and Pearls Clothing Boutique, which prioritizes female wear.
Alternatively, visitors can explore The Flight Home for more options beyond women's clothing. Finally, souvenir hunters can leave the town with a memorable collectible by perusing the offerings in This & That Gift Shop.
Jonesborough
Tennessee's oldest town boasts some of the oldest local brands in the state, proof of its undying merchandising spirit. This town’s rich history and vibrant culture are reflected in the many businesses lining its downtown streets. At Depot Street Brewing, visitors can tour the longest-running brewery in the Tri-Cities region and try tasty craft beers. Also, Mill Spring Makers Market hosts a diverse collection of handmade crafts created by over 60 local artists. Besides admiring their creations, tourists can support the local industry by purchasing cute pieces as souvenirs.
There is no shortage of clothing outlets in downtown Jonesborough catering to both classic and contemporary fashion interests. If you want something nice to put on, you can stop by Scarlett & Company or Primped & Pretty Boutique to browse what's on offer.
Dunlap
This quiet community in Sequatchie County boasts a packed history dating back to the mid-1800s. This town sits on a green countryside, allowing the local agriculture industry to thrive. This is clear during the Dunlap Farmers Market as local growers display their bounty of fresh produce for townsfolk and tourists to buy. Tennessee's renowned spirit-making culture is well represented in Dunlap by the Rolling Oak Distillery. This family-owned distillery sources local ingredients from Dunlap and uses a family recipe to produce tasty moonshine.
While multiple restaurants dot the downtown corridor, many visitors cannot help but stop by Cookie Jar Cafe. This welcoming eatery prepares various Southern-style delicacies, from homemade cookies and pies to cakes. Meanwhile, antique enthusiasts can discover unique items displayed by Carousel Gifts & Antiques.
Cleveland
Cleveland's vibrant downtown reflects the strong purchasing power of the local community, which independent merchants have harnessed to establish thriving ventures within the community. Walking along Main Street, visitors will encounter a charming cluster of restaurants, antique stores, boutiques, and pubs. Antiquing is part of local culture in this town, and enthusiasts can participate by perusing the offerings at Grit & Grace. Multiple pubs and taverns in the area provide the ideal hangout after a long day, enabling newcomers to interact with locals over a refreshment at trendy spots like The Press.
Cleveland has something for everyone, including shoppers hoping to find the latest fashion accessories. Ocoee Street Boutique is the perfect place to start, but if you don't find something fancy, you can continue searching at the Orange Blossom Boutique.
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg's proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains Nationals Park results in a constant flow of visitors. This implies local entrepreneurs have a sustained customer base to purchase their wares, making it one of the best towns in Tennessee for local businesses to thrive. With so many hungry stomachs coming to town, local eateries like Smokehouse have stepped up to serve customers some of the best Southern-style barbecues in the area. As well as this, Gatlinburg boasts a vibrant brewery and winery scene, which has allowed Tennessee Homemade Wines to be the leading local wine producer.
Shopaholics are spoilt for choice, considering Gatlinburg's wealth of shopping malls. However, if you want to support independent entrepreneurs, you can check out Happy Hippie Lifestyle Gifts & THC or the Sock Shop for different accessories.
Wartburg
Despite hosting a small community of less than 1,000 residents, Wartburg hosts a charming square which has encouraged local businesses to find considerable success. MoCo Brewing Project is an excellent example. This famous brewery is a sought-after oasis for beer lovers, serving 16 craft beers on tap and tasty coffee for non-alcoholics. Those searching for a reliable grocery store will find one at Darnell's Food Market 41 or IGA, which sells an assortment of produce sourced from local growers.
Elsewhere, Wartburg has a wide array of antique and gift shops where tourists can find something unique to add to their collection. Simply Unique is a popular stop for souvenir hunters, offering various treasures worth checking out.
Fayetteville
From antique stores and restaurants to pubs and craft stores, Fayetteville boasts a booming business environment along its Main Street, culminating in increased fortunes for independent merchants. There are numerous places visitors can head to find a cute gift or keepsake, led by Sissy's Antiques & Interiors and Flashback Antique Mall. The same principle applies to those searching for a nice spot to eat, considering the numerous eateries in the area. Cahoots Restaurant is among the top-rated restaurants in town, serving casual American fare in a unique environment.
Additionally, Fayetteville hosts several farmer's markets, which bring together local growers and craftsmen to sell and promote their wares. Monks Market is a great place to sample a fine selection of produce, from fresh veggies to canned fruit.
Final Thought
These diverse towns in Tennessee showcase the integral role that independent, locally-owned businesses play in rural communities. Whether situated in mountain valleys, along scenic waterways, or nestled in rolling pastures, each location exhibits a lively small-town character through the distinctive shops, cafes, and cultural attractions that line its main streets. Exploring these destinations rewards curious visitors with a glimpse into authentic Southern United States charm and a chance to support high-spirited entrepreneurs.
