9 Coziest Tennessee Towns To Visit In 2025
The Volunteer State, Tennessee, is a unique destination with endless opportunities. This state is famous for many things, from a rich music culture to whiskey and the Great Smoky Mountains. Tennessee also has several beautiful, cozy towns with low populations and laid-back atmospheres to please retreat seekers. These lovely small towns are idyllic destinations to relax amidst appealing natural features like forests and mountains while enjoying easy access to some of the state’s fascinating attractions. From Dayton to Jonesborough, here are the top destinations in Tennessee to visit in 2025 for a relaxing experience.
Lynchburg
The iconic home to the famous Jack Daniel's Whiskey surely deserves a visit for some cozy vibes, authentic whiskey experience, historical immersion, and unhinged fun. Once in Lynchburg, make the Jack Daniel Distillery your first port of call and discover how the Whiskey is created from natural spring water that emanates from a cave and serves the entire town and beyond. Also, taste the whiskey, grab souvenirs at its gift shop, and learn about its history on guided tours.
Proceed to the 1893 Lynchburg Old Jail Museum, which served as a jail until 1990 but is now a depot for historical artifacts about the town and jail. Afterward, visit the Lynchburg Cake & Candy Company to taste its signature Whiskey Cake and other tasty desserts. Meanwhile, lodge at the Lynchburg Country Inn to enjoy easy access to more of the town’s attractions.
Lawrenceburg
Lawrenceburg is a slightly larger town that retains its relaxing atmosphere. Visit this town and head to David Crockett State Park to swim and hike or enjoy Southern dining at Crockett’s Mill Restaurant. The park also has a 40-acre lake for boating and fishing, a small waterfall known as Crockett Falls, and a museum that chronicles the life of David Crockett, a frontiersman who settled along the creek. Even better, there are cabins within the park for lodging. While in town, check out some music history at the James D. Vaughan Southern Gospel Music Museum and shop at the New Moon Antiques. For more adventures, head to Bobby Brewer Park, which has sports facilities and picnic areas.
Granville
Granville looks unassuming, but this quiet, off-the-beaten town is remarkable. For one, it is the birthplace of renowned U.S. Senator Al Gore Sr., father to former U.S. Vice President Al Gore. Located on the banks of the Cumberland River, this historic town has plenty of interesting historical attractions. Visitors can start with the Granville Museum to peek into the area’s glorious past through exhibits and interpretive displays. The T.B. Sutton General Store is another historic stop and a must-visit in town as it was constructed in the 1880s and stands as the oldest structure in town while serving as a restaurant, general store, and bluegrass music venue every weekend. Also, check out some quilts at the Tennessee Quilt & Textile Museum or visit the Granville Artisan Gallery to see art and crafts from local artists. For those who want to stay longer in town, the Wildwood Resort and Marina offers chic accommodations.
Jonesborough
Jonesborough is a charming town full of history and adventures. Founded in 1779, this town is the oldest in Tennessee and invites visitors to check out some of its fascinating attractions like the Chester Inn State Historic Site & Museum. This museum has rotating exhibits reflecting the town’s earliest days and the restored Victorian-era Chester Inn.
The famous International Storytelling Center is also in town, where visitors can enjoy live storytelling events year-round. Additionally, the Jonesborough Repertory Theatre is an excellent place to enjoy shows, performances, and workshops, while the Griffin Art Gallery welcomes art enthusiasts to view some local artwork. To best enjoy this town, be sure to lodge at any of the best hotels in the area, like the Jonesborough Bed & Breakfast.
Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge is one of the most exciting vacation destinations in the U.S. Located on the Little Pigeon River, this beautiful town is most famous for serving as a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where thrilling adventures like hiking, biking, and fishing beckon year-round. The town also hosts the famous Titanic Museum, featuring over 400 actual Titanic artifacts and tours that take guests on a journey reflecting the original ship’s historic 1912 voyage.
Meanwhile, Dollywood’s Splash Country is an excellent stop for water adventures, with 16 attractions, including sparkling pools, fire towers, slides, and raging river rapids. Even more exciting, Pigeon Forge is home to the Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster, the second longest of its kind in the country, offering thrilling rides through forests and mountains. Visit this town today and head to the Hampton Inn & Suites for proximity to all its amazing attractions and premium comfort.
Dayton
Dayton is a charming small town in Rhea County where one can quickly lose track of time due to its abundance of recreational offers. This town is home to Chickamauga Lake, where tourists can boat, fish, paddle, and picnics with great views. Additionally, the Bluewater Resort is on this lake and offers campsites and cozy wood-decorated lodges with amenities like electricity, water, boat ramps, a laundry room, and a bathhouse. For wildlife lovers, the Hiawassee Refuge is also on the lake but around 20 minutes from downtown Dayton. This 6,000-acre refuge is worth visiting, especially in winter, to see one of the country’s largest winter flocks of Sandhill Cranes from an observation platform.
Back in town, the 1st Avenue Pizza, Books, and Ice Cream is a great place to enjoy desserts while browsing through some books. Also, the Gathering Place is a quaint store in town inviting visitors to check out its collection of antiques and collectibles. Before leaving, history buffs can head to the 1891 Rhea County Courthouse to marvel at its Romanesque Revival-Italian architecture and also learn about the famous Scopes Trail, where a young science teacher was found guilty in 1925 of teaching human evolution and subsequently fined.
Erwin
Erwin is a naturally adorable town near the Nolichucky River and surrounded by the Cherokee National Forest. Besides the scenic views and crisp mountain air visitors here will enjoy, plenty of attractions await exploration in the area. The Nolichucky River is one such attraction near the town where visitors can swim and raft. The Erwin National Fish Hatchery is another interesting must-see spot in town as it produces around 16 million trout yearly and offers opportunities to see the breeding operations.
Outdoor enthusiasts can also hit the 8-mile Erwin Linear Trail to bike or hike along the Nolichucky River. For more adventures, head to Rock Creek Recreational Area to camp, hike, picnic, and admire the picturesque Rock Creek Falls as it flows over the rocks. For lodging, the Super 8 By Wyndham Erwin is always a great option as it is near the town center and offers a wide range of amenities, including a complimentary light breakfast, free parking, and free Wi-Fi.
Tellico Plains
Tellico Plains is a small town along the Tellico River with a welcoming atmosphere and thrilling attractions. First, this town is the starting point of the 43-mile Cherohala Skyway, stretching through the Cherokee National Forest and towering mountains to Robbinsville, North Carolina. On the drive, visitors will enjoy expansive views of the Unicoi Mountains, waterfalls like the 90-foot Bald River Falls, and recreational areas. There’s also the Cherohala Skyway Visitor Center in town, where visitors can get maps of the skyway showing the most interesting stops to make.
On the other hand, history buffs head straight to Charles Hall Museum, which features hundreds of antique telephones, military weapons, and Native American artifacts reflecting the area's history. Meanwhile, do not miss the delectable carrot cake offered at the Tellicafe, and be sure to visit the 1916 Tellico Plains Inn for a pleasant stay in the historic structure.
Townsend
Townsend is a postcard-perfect, small town that is perfect for a relaxing vacation full of adventures. First, this town is a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, the most visited National Park in the United States. It is also home to attractions like the 10-mile loop Townsend Historic Trail, which runs along the Little Rive, and features attractions like the Little River Railroad Museum and the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center.
The Townsend Artisan Guild Gallery is another excellent point of interest in the town, showcasing local artworks. At the same time, the Little Arrow Outdoor Resort is ideal for lodging and enjoying access to adventures like swimming, tubing, hiking, and paddling. Those willing to brave the depths can head to the famous Tuckaleechee Caverns, which invites visitors to see its stunning rock formations and the world’s tallest underground waterfall on a tour.
Conclusion
Tennessee is one of the premier destinations in the United States, renowned for its vibrant cultures, pretty landscapes, illustrious history, and notable personalities. However, visitors who want to experience the state’s undiluted charms and hospitality must opt for its cozy towns. In these towns, nature is untamed and pristine, history is unsullied, the culture is still rich, and the populations are low. These elements combine to make them the perfect destinations for cozy vacations full of adventures and relaxation.
