9 Most Quaint Small Towns in Tennessee
The etymology of “Tennessee” is derived from the Cherokee name “Tanasi”. Tanasi was a Cherokee town on the eastern part of the state that existed well before European settlement. The name was adapted from a Yuchi word that loosely translates to “where the waters meet,” which is apt as Tennessee lives between the Tennessee and Mississippi Rivers. The towns between these waters are some of the quaintest in the United States. For an escape from the busy metropolitan crowds like Nashville and Memphis, venture through this checklist of Tennessee’s sweet, small town destinations. The Volunteer State has a quaint town gem at every turn.
Gatlinburg
East Tennessee’s Gatlinburg prides itself on being the “gateway to the Smoky Mountains.” The town of 3,600 hosts Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies. One may struggle to not trip over their feet while gazing at the multicolored fish and corals through the transparent, concave ceiling. Just getting to the amazing view atop Anakeesta Mountain is half the fun. Ride the chondola (chairlift + gondola) for a quaint view of the town. Convene with acrophobia on North America’s longest pedestrian skybridge on the continent. Once in the Tennessee mountains, a pandemonium of chilled-out bird watching or adrenaline-pumped ziplining opportunities await.
Jonesborough
Jonesborough aggressively fosters small town culture. The population-6,000 town is the actual birthplace of the International Storytelling Festival. The popular symposium began in 1973 when a local teacher named Jimmy Neil Smith invited Appalachian storytellers to convene at a hay wagon beneath the courthouse. The Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum immaculately maintains its 1880’s edifice with a sprawling front porch and contrasting trim creeping into arches. Persimmon Ridge Park has over 130 acres of trails set for hiking, cycling, and running or a cute picnic in the park. The Lost State Scenic Walkway trail is a phantasmagoria of arboreal eye candy that will help get the blood moving after a tall stack at the Olde Town Pancake House.
Granville
Granville’s “Farm to your Table” Agriculture Museum is a reservoir of important information that is vital to feeding future generations. The population-2,300 town is like a stroll through a Mayberry/I Love Lucy Museum every day. Whistle the Andy Griffith tune and skip to the Granville Artisans Gallery for a unique find. If 1950/60’s television is not far enough in the past, the immaculately maintained Sutton Homestead drops visitors into the 1880’s. Granville also has a pioneer village and car museum. Consider sticking with TB Sutton General Store for all hunger needs. For a truly cozy meal in a pretty setting, however, Wildwood’s Lakeside Restaurant on Cordell Hull Lake is an unforgettable experience.
Tullahoma
Before arriving in Tullahoma, pull over at the Short Springs Scenic Recreational State Natural Area for a peak at a cascade of white water over exposed Chattanooga shale. The city itself has a population of 20,300, adding to its charm. Tumble down an aviation history rabbit-hole at the Beechcraft Heritage Museum. Check the South Jackson Performing Arts Center website for a schedule of upcoming shows; the facility attracts big talent that can be hard to find outside of a stadium-like venue. For a relaxing alternative to a hike, tour the picturesque grounds of the Tennessee Whiskey Distillery.
Rogersville
Rogersville is a town of 4,600 people who love their home base for visits to Bays Mountain Park which is just a half hour away. Bays Mountain is a 3,750-acre nature preserve. It is a hub for stargazers, ideal for a romantic date night! In addition to housing a planetarium, the park hosts regular night sky observation sessions. Twilight barge rides give riders a view of the local wildlife from a safe distance. Before leaving town, catch some country notes with some brew at The Hollywood Hillbilly. For a sweet taste to-go, Oh Henry’s Family Restaurant keeps four pies and five cobblers on their permanent dessert menu!
Hohenwald
Hohenwald’s Elephant Sanctuary has a Discovery Center than is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9-4. The Sanctuary has provided homes for 32 elephants retired from lives in captivity. Hohenwald’s 3,700 residents love the nature they were blessed with. The Merriweather Lewis Monument and Gravesite is accessible from both the Natchez Trace Parkway and the foot trail, for those interested in some town history. Cruise to milepost 391.9 to see Fall Hallow Falls to witness scenic waterfalls. The 20-foot waterfall sprays moisture on surrounding rocks; visitors please be careful while snapping photos! Hiking the trail would be a hearty alternative after carb-loading at Frank’s Family Diner!
Pigeon Forge
“In Pigeon Forge, a moment can last a lifetime,” declares the Smoky Mountain town’s tourism website. There are crowds in Pigeon Forge, but they are corralled around the attractions of Dollywood, Wonderworks, and the Titanic Museum. The town’s 6,300 people know there’s still plenty of solace to be found in Pigeon’s Forge’s landscape. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has preserved many centuries-old elegant log cabins that can be spotted along a network of accessible trails. Do not leave without scoping the view from Clingmans Dome. Little Pigeon River can accommodate several naval wishes including, but not limited to, whitewater rafting.
Greeneville
Greeneville percolates with history. It was settled in 1783, when the land was a part of North Carolina. The surrounding mountains kept Greeneville cut off from state politics. Greeneville was the birthplace of Andrew Johnson, the nation’s 17thPresident. Tours of Johnson’s home and tailor shop can be arranged at the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site. Greeneville’s population of 15,000 shares a cornucopia of other treasures. The trail to Margarette Falls is a well-maintained jaunt that will fill your senses with nature’s shifting dance. Niswonger Performing Arts Center brings world-class talent to a small-town venue. Do not forget to visit the Greeneville Antique Market before leaving town.
Union City
Dive into local, national, and world history at Union City’s Discover Park of America. The city’s population of 11,000 enjoys Sadler’s Bar and Grill for the burgers and brick-oven pizza. Bald Eagles are frequently spotted at the Reelfoot National Wildlife Refuge. The area is a sequestered upper third of Reelfoot Lake, an area known for bulbous cyprus trees and migrating birds. Reelfoot has grown over the years to include Kentucky land, a rare story of successful cooperation for conservation. Before leaving town, find a rare antique at the Gallery Showroom and toss a strike at Southlane Bowling.
Everyone loves taking day trips to quaint, small towns. They offer a change of scenery, a slower pace, and relaxing vibes. Those who are in the Tennessee area are fortunate to have a wealth of these towns that are but a day trip away. From the incredible landscapes at Pigeon Forge, to stargazing in cute Rogersville, the aforementioned towns are quintessentially quaint and are sure to delight all who visit.
