Top 8 Tennessee Towns To Visit In 2025

A new year brings new possibilities, and 2025 is the perfect time to work hard, cherish time with loved ones, and, of course, travel. But with spring break and summer right around the corner, where, exactly, in Tennessee should you go? Whether you want to opt for the outdoor experience, like exploring an underground lake, or prefer the urban experience appreciating street art and savoring Tennessee barbecue, these eight towns promise experiences worth talking about all year long.

Townsend

Affectionately known as “The Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” Townsend is the perfect destination for those wanting a laid-back vacation outdoors. The Little River, which runs through town, offers plenty of water activities, with tubing being the most popular. Visitors can grab a tubing pass from River Rat Tubing & Rafting for a relaxing afternoon float.

Golfers will definitely want to check out Wild Laurel Golf Course, a scenic course in a valley of the Smoky Mountains. On the premises, guests can enjoy an 18-hole golf course as well as a full-service tavern and bar. After a day outdoors, hungry visitors can grab dinner at The Abbey, a peculiar cafe in a cozy, old-timey chapel, serving craft beers and flatbread pizzas.

Columbia

Columbia is a classic southern town with an artistic flair, accredited as a Main Street Community with many quirky shops and restaurants. Visitors can start their morning at some of Columbia’s antique shops, such as Accents and Antiques, a local shop that has operated in town for over 20 years, featuring two floors of items to explore.

Afterward, they can stroll through the arts district, appreciating colorful murals like the Columbia Mural, Muletown Gothic Mural, and Arts District Mural. Puckett’s Restaurant is a town favorite for lunch, in a former factory and warehouse building that today serves mouthwatering barbecues, burgers, and sandwiches.

Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is one of Tennessee’s best mountain towns, in the foothills of the Smokies and surrounded by waterfalls, mountain springs, and forests. About 10 miles from town, visitors can reach Rainbow Falls, embarking on a five-mile hike to witness the misty falls, named for the rainbow effect created by the mist. Alum Cave Trail, about a half-hour drive away, is worth the trip as well.

This trail winds past incredible geological formations, including Arch Rock, a natural rocky arch, before ascending into Alum Cave—a historic landmark where the town mined Epsom salt in the 19th century. Make sure to save some energy at the end of the day for one of Pigeon Forge’s dinner shows, such as Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Supper Show, which offers guests an unlimited dinner buffet alongside live-action lumberjack contests.

Cumberland Gap

Lying within Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, the tiny and historic town of Cumberland Gap should be on your radar this year. There are numerous hiking trails within the national historic park to explore, such as the 2.2-mile Tri-State Peak Trail, which offers views of Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee, along with old rifle trenches from the Civil War. Those wanting a scenic trip down the water can rent a kayak via Shelley Belle’s, a rustic river resort that doubles as a kayak and tubing rental. After a long day of exploration, consider spending the night at the charming Olde Mill Inn Bed and Breakfast, a historic inn that dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The log cabin on the premises, from the 18th century, is the oldest building in town!

Greeneville

Greeneville has several annual events that you will want to check out this year. One of the most famous is its Firefly Festival, which celebrates the fireflies that inhabit the Cherokee National Forest. Throughout the event, attendees can enjoy live bluegrass music, Cherokee National Forest interpreters, and a firefly light show to conclude the night.

The Iris Festival, taking place in May, is another iconic event, celebrating the community’s culture through live entertainment, food, arts, and crafts. While in town, visitors should make sure to visit the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site. This site, honoring the 17th US president, includes his tailor shop, two of his homes, and the site where he is buried.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater is perhaps best known as the home of the Lost Sea, the largest underground lake in the country. Visitors can explore this incredible site year-round with The Lost Sea Adventure, which offers a guided tour of the caverns, starting with a ¾-mile walking trail followed by a boat ride across the lake. 2025 is a special year for Sweetwater as the town celebrates its 150th birthday.

Throughout the year, the town will host events like a Decades Concert, Derby Box Car Race, Sweetwater Fair, and Candlelight Ceremony, so be sure to check out the event schedule online. After enjoying the festivities, travelers can raise a glass at one of Sweetwater’s local taverns or pubs, such as The Lazy Beagle, which offers a rooftop terrace, American-style dishes, and an extensive beer list.

Dandridge

As the second oldest town in Tennessee, Dandridge offers plenty of history to explore. A walking tour through the historic district is one of the best ways to take it all in, with stops at landmarks like the 1845 County Courthouse, a well-preserved Revolutionary War cemetery, and the early 19th-century Shepard Inn. Those looking for an overnight stay can even book a room at this historic inn, conveniently located near many of downtown’s boutiques and restaurants. Just a block away, visitors can step into the Tinsley Bible Drug Store, where an old-fashioned soda fountain serves up handmade milkshakes that are sure to provoke a bit of nostalgia.

Morristown

Morristown is perfectly set between a variety of outdoor attractions, including Panther Creek State Park and Cherokee Lake. Panther Creek State Park, along the Cherokee Reservoir, has 17 hiking trails to choose from, some of which offer stunning views of the Cumberland Mountains and Cherokee Lake. Those who want to spend an afternoon fishing or birding can do so at Cherokee Lake, spanning over 30,000 acres and surrounded by green pastures and scenic rolling hills.

History buffs can stop by Crockett Tavern Museum, a reconstructed version of Davy Crockett’s childhood home, featuring period artifacts and exhibits on the famous frontiersman’s early life. You’ll most likely be hungry after spending the day outdoors, so head to one of Morristown’s homestyle restaurants, like Holston’s Kitchen, which serves premium-cut ribeyes and sirloins.

Top 2025 Destinations in Tennessee

Tennessee residents know that they are fortunate to live in a place filled with mountain chains, rivers, lakes, live music, and delicious southern barbecue. With so many great options, choosing where to go can be the hardest part. Hopefully, however, your decision feels a little easier after reading about these eight towns. So get ready to start planning your trip, because vacation season will be here before you know it!