7 Most Eccentric Towns in Tennessee

Between its barbecue, country music, national parks, and distilleries, Tennessee has some of the most defining traditions and characteristics in the country. While Nashville and Memphis are great places to experience Tennessee’s distinctiveness, some of the most intriguing traditions are found well outside city limits. Looking to discover a side of Tennessee like never before? These seven towns will definitely surprise you!

Jonesborough

Known as the “Storytelling Capital of the World,” Jonesborough is home to the International Storytelling Center and the annual National Storytelling Festival. Each October, this renowned event draws visitors from across the country to enjoy performances by award-winning storytellers. The rest of the year, Jonesborough keeps the art of storytelling alive with frequent series, including the Jonesborough Storytown Radio Show, Teller-In-Residence, and Jonesborough Storytellers Guild.

To explore Jonesborough’s history, spend an afternoon at the Washington County/Jonesborough History Museum or Chester Inn Museum, both of which tell the story of the town and region. Before exploring the town’s storytelling or history, visitors can fuel up for the day at Olde Towne Pancake House, a family-owned and operating restaurant that serves incredible country-style breakfasts and pancakes.

Granville

Nicknamed “Tennessee’s Mayberry Town,” Granville will remind visitors of the fictional Mayberry community from The Andy Griffith Show, showcasing small-town life and a close-knit community spirit. To celebrate this nostalgia, the town holds its annual “Mayberry-I Love Lucy Festival” each spring, which reminisces over both the Andy Griffith Show and I Love Lucy through dinner performances, special celebrity guests, look-a-like contests, and a national squad car show. Those not able to attend the annual event can still appreciate the shows’ legacies at the Mayberry - I Love Lucy Museum.

TB Sutton General Store is another nostalgic gem, operating since the 1800s and today selling old-fashioned candies, unique handmade items, overalls, pocket knives, and more. From 11 am to 2 pm, visitors can enjoy a country breakfast in the general store as well. Other historic landmarks in town include the Car Museum, Tennessee Quilt & Textile Museum, and the Farm to Table Museum.

Tracy City

Tracy City’s quirky culinary scene is enough of a reason to visit, including the state’s oldest family-owned bakery. Dutch Maid Bakery, in operation since 1902, still uses recipes from its founder, Baggenstoss, offering a variety of cakes, bread, and pastries. Other homegrown restaurants include Annex Cafe, Rosie's Farmhouse Kitchen, and Potbellies Family Restaurant, all casual-style diners.

Want to head outdoors? Tracy City has its fair share of natural attractions too. Go on a short 2-mile hike on Grundy Forest Day Loop, which will take you past various waterfalls, ancient hemlock trees, and interesting rock formations. The Grundy Lakes, previously a coal mining hub, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and, today, is a great place to swim and fish.

McMinnville

McMinnville attracts visitors from all over the state with its world-renowned nurseries. Those looking for some new plants to adorn their homes can stop by Cedarwood Nursery, Hale & Hines Nursery, or Warren County Nursery, to just name a few. Through December 31st, visitors can also enjoy McMinnville’s seasonal ice rink to get them into the holiday spirit.

Make sure to check out the historic Park Theater’s calendar, which has been operating since 1939 and puts on frequent musicals, concerts, and plays. Whether you are looking for a souvenir or a Christmas gift, McMinnville’s shops have you covered, with McMinnville Antiques & More, Red Door Boutique, and Tiger Lily Boutique all offering local and creative options.

Sewanee

Home to Sewanee University, the small town of Sewanee is a lively and quirky college town, offering plenty to explore both on and off campus. A section of the university’s land, known as the “Domain”, spans over 13,000 acres and is a great place for visitors to go hiking or biking, with 65 miles of hiking trails to explore. For panoramic views of the valley, make sure to stop by the Memorial Cross Landmark.

Also on campus is All Saints’ Chapel, a marvelous example of Gothic Revival architecture that draws tourists from all over the country. Keep an eye out for a brightly colored blue building, home to Shenanigans, a beloved pub and restaurant that has been operating since 1974.

Lynchburg

Lynchburg is best known as the home of the Jack Daniel’s Distillery, the oldest registered distillery in the country, which draws 250,000 visitors annually. Guests can tour the facility, learn about the whiskey-making process, and sample six distinctive varieties of Jack Daniel’s whiskey. For outdoor enthusiasts, Tims Ford State Park, just a 20-minute drive from town, offers opportunities for camping, boating, and hiking.

Downtown Lynchburg features a town square filled with restaurants and boutiques, perfect for souvenir shopping or a leisurely stroll. The square is also home to historic landmarks like the 19th-century Moore County Courthouse and the Old Moore County Jail. For a quaint night away, the Lynchburg Valley Inn provides a convenient option just a mile’s walk from downtown.

Leiper’s Fork

An eclectic mix of southern cottages, country music, art galleries, and distilleries defines the tiny village of Leiper’s Fork, home to about 650 residents. While in town, visitors should stop by Fox & Locke, a southern-style restaurant that doubles as a country music venue, with big names like Carrie Underwood occasionally rolling up for a performance.

The town may be small, but there is no reason to travel far for a cozy place to stay. Vacation homes such as the Brigadoon Cottage in the Fork, Sweeney Cottage, and Gratidude Ranch all promise a rural southern vibe while remaining comfortable and modern. Leiper’s Fork Distillery lies in the heart of town, an artisan distillery that honors the heritage of small-batch spirits, featuring a tasting room for visitors in a restored log home from 1829.

Final Thoughts

While many of these towns may have small populations, they are certainly not lacking in color or character. Whether you want to attend a storytelling festival, visit the country’s oldest distillery, or reminisce in the I Love Lucy Museum, you are sure to experience a range of experiences that you never would have expected in such small towns. Who knew small-town Tennessee could be so full of surprises?