9 Towns in Tennessee that Were Ranked Among US Favorites
Tennessee - a vivid singly landlocked state in the American Southeast, is esteemed for its topographical heterogeneity owing to its unbeatable location at the crossroads of three vital geographic regions: the Cumberland Plateau, the Gulf Coastal Plains, and the Appalachian Mountains. Although fascinating images of bigger metropolises like Knoxville, Memphis, and the capital city of Nashville invariably flash across the minds of holidaymakers, the numberless towns of the Volunteer State are mostly unnoted. Each of these teeny settlements flaunting a strong cultural heritage, charismatic allure, colorful fiestas, and copious recreations are worth spending some beautiful moments with close ones.
Cookeville
Cookeville, christened after Richard Fielding Cooke, is a model college town and seat of Putnam County, situated almost equidistant from Nashville and Knoxville in the Upper Cumberland region of north-central Tennessee. Affectionately called the ‘Hub of the Upper Cumberlands,’ the town aside from housing the main campuses of Tennessee Bible College and Tennessee Technological University, and Volunteer State Community College’s branch campus, is also a local hub of education, health care, recreational, employment, and retailing activities. While visiting Cookeville, peruse the downtown’s numerous native-owned boutiques, cafes, gift shops, retail stores, and eateries like Seven Senses Food & Cheer and Ralph’s Donut Shop. Notable sites like the Cummins Falls State Park, Dogwood Outdoor Performance Pavilion, Cookeville Performing Arts Center, Cookeville History Museum, Tennessee Legend Distillery, Red Silo Brewing Company, Dogwood Park, Burgess Falls State Park, and Cookeville Depot Museum are not to be missed.
Jonesborough
Washington County’s administrative center and Tennessee’s oldest town, Jonesborough, named in honor of Willie Jones - a North Carolina statesman, is situated in the farthest northeastern corner of the state. Tourists visiting this historic town can learn about the bygone years at the Chuckey Depot Museum and Chester Inn State Historic Site & Museum, aside from strolling the National Register-listed Jonesborough Historic District comprising 72 contributing properties in different architectural styles. Spare time to browse the downtown’s uncountable gift stores like Mauk’s of Jonesborough, International Storytelling Center Gift Shop, Jonesborough Antiques & Artisans, and Paul’s Pens Odds & Ends. Those wishing to explore the outdoors should head straight for the Lost State Scenic Walkway’s eastern trailhead that passes through the 130-acre Persimmon Ridge Park. Annually, the Jonesborough Chocolate Fest, Jonesborough Days Festival, Jonesborough Garden Gala, Made Around Here Market, National Storytelling Festival, and Doggone Christmas draw thousands of merrymakers.
Rogersville
Established in 1775, Rogersville, called after the town founder Joseph Rogers is Tennessee’s second-oldest town that serves as the seat of government of Hawkins County. The riveting history of the town is accurately reflected in the myriad remarkable sites of interest such as the Hawkins County Courthouse, Amis Mill Eatery, Thomas Amis Historic Site, and Rogersville Printing Museum. Roam the streets of Rogersville Historic District and gaze in wonder at the unparalleled historically valued structures, art galleries, diners, gift shops, and homey accommodations like Hale Springs Inn. The Crockett Spring Park and Rogersville City Park are perfect places to reconnect with the outdoors.
Gatlinburg
A serene alpine resort community, this ‘Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains,’ sits on the Great Smoky Mountains National Park boundaries alongside U.S. Route 441 in Sevier County of Eastern Tennessee. Originally named White Oak Flats and later relabeled Gatlinburg in memory of Radford Gatlin, the town is widely known for its alluring sceneries, multiple shopping venues, and profuse open-air activities. In addition to being an ideal starting point for adventurous souls wishing to engage in the various offerings of the National Park, holidaymakers visiting Gatlinburg must not miss the Gatlinburg Space Needle, Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park, Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Community, Hollywood Star Cars Museum, Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, Gatlinburg SkyLift Park, and Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
Bell Buckle
Home to only 410 inhabitants, this picture-perfect railroad village is set in Bedford County’s northeastern section. Officially incorporated in 1856, Bell Buckle is acclaimed for its carefully maintained late 19th and early 20th-century properties in the Bell Buckle Historic District, as well as the downtown churches, boutiques, antique stores, art galleries, gift shops, and top-notch restaurants like Bell Buckle Café. Furthermore, stop by the Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum, engage in a variety of outdoor recreations at Henry Horton State Park and Short Springs Natural Area, and take some time off from your hectic schedules to be present at any of the annual community events like the RC Cola & Moon Pie Festival and Webb School Arts & Crafts Fair.
Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is a scenic mountain resort destination adjacent to the Little Pigeon River’s West Fork in Sevier County of East Tennessee, approx. 5 miles north of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Southern culture connoisseurs and country music fanatics flock in large numbers to this perennial family-centric holiday retreat enticed by the exhilarating entertainment scene and mind-boggling vistas of the Smokies. Other than the infinite gift shops, outlet malls, musical theaters, boutiques, and amusement rides, sightseers must visit the Alcatraz East Crime Museum, Dollywood Theme Park, Hollywood Wax Museum, Pigeon Forge City Park, and Titanic Museum. Relish appetizing traditional Southern dishes at Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen and watch theatrical presentations at Comedy Barn Theater and Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Feud.
Paris
Henry County’s seat, Paris is West Tennessee’s first incorporated town. Labeled after the French capital and in honor of Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafayette, the town emanates a typical ‘City of Love’ aura intriguing visitors with a 1:20 scale lookalike of the Eiffel Tower at the Eiffel Tower Park. Apart from being a family-focused leisure center, the park provides adventure-seekers with a standard-size public swimming pool, splash pad, disc golf course, children’s playgrounds with pavilions, tennis courts, walking trails, and soccer fields. All year round, residents and tourists alike can watch various artistic events including Arts’ Round the Square at the Paris-Henry County Arts Council as well as musical events at the Krider Performing Arts Center. Have a unique dining experience at Prater’s Taters and get a good night’s sleep at Home Sweet Home Bed & Breakfast.
Leiper’s Fork
This unincorporated rural village in Williamson County is situated on the quaint Natchez Trace Parkway, around 45 minutes southwest of the state capital. Circumscribed by infinite acres of rolling landscape and equestrian farms, the rural settings and laid-back life of Leiper’s Fork are perfect for those who wish to escape from crowded metropolises. While visiting the town, do check out the main business district’s eccentric souvenir shops like Tennessee Turquoise Company, antique stores like Props Antiques, multiple boutiques, Copper Fox Gallery, Fox & Locke Restaurant, Leiper’s Creek Gallery, and Leiper’s Fork Whisky Distillery. Also, get a unique wine-tasting experience in the cozy tasting rooms of Wines In The Fork along the rippling Leiper’s Creek.
Townsend
Occupying the Tuckaleechee Cove down the winding Little River, Townsend, placed at the Smokies’ northern base in Blount County’s eastern part, is one of the three entryways to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Pridefully endorsing its tagline: “Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” outdoor enthusiasts visiting this 550-inhabitant town should drive into the Smokies by journeying the Cades Cove Loop Road or trekking the Spruce Flats Falls. Take a mesmeric 1.25-mile tour through the sweeping rock formations of the ‘Tuckaleechee Caverns’ and gape in awe at the ‘Silver Falls’ - a 210-foot-tall two-tier subsurface waterfall. The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, and the Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Museum are must-visits for history enthusiasts. Try to attend any of the town’s yearly festivities like the Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival, Smoky Mountain Winter Heritage Festival, Grains & Grits Festival, and Townsend Spring Heritage Festival & Old Timers Day.
From Jonesborough - Tennessee’s oldest town to Cookeville - the ‘Hub of the Upper Cumberlands,’ the postcard-pretty towns are the heart and soul of the 36th largest and 15th most populous state of the nation. Pack your luggage and set off on a memorable excursion to these fabulous Tennessee towns which are superb destinations for your upcoming holidays, waiting to spellbind travelers with their exceptionalities, iconic sites, and generous hospitality in addition to providing a much-needed getaway for fatigued souls.
