Have You Ever Been To Tennessee?
Tennessee doesn’t fall short when it comes to charming and unique small towns.
From their tree-lined main streets, historical downtowns, and mom-and-pop shops to their local restaurants, antique stores, and adorable galleries, each small town has something different to offer its visitors who are passing through.
Set your sights on Tennessee’s most enchanting small towns, and you’ll be in for lots of fun. The Volunteer State appeals to every type of traveler, from history buffs to nature lovers to music enthusiasts.
It can be hard to know where to start with so many things to see and do here. That’s why we’ve considered various factors – including diversity of attractions, accessibility, affordability, and culinary options, to determine the best places to visit in this state.
Get to know these 10 small towns, and you’ll see the heart of The Volunteer State…it’s filled with hospitality, community, and small towns you’ll love revisiting year after year.
Bell Buckle
Even the name ‘Bell Buckle’ piques your interest, doesn’t it? There are a few theories for how it got this unique name. But it most likely came from nearby Bell Buckle Creek, which is named after a carving on a tree that resembled a cowbell and a buckle.
So why is a small town with a funny name and only 450 residents a great place to visit? This remote town is cradled in central Tennessee’s horse country.
What began as a railroad village is now a comfy spot where you can find a few home-cooked meals at the Bell Buckle Café, a refreshing scoop of ice cream at the neighborhood parlor, and an entire day’s worth of browsing at antiques shops and galleries.
You also shouldn’t miss their annual RC Cola-Moon Pie Festival.
Cookeville
The city of Cookeville might just be one of the best-hidden gems in the state, and we have a feeling you won’t want to miss out on the city’s small-town charm and its natural beauty.
It might not be on the “top spots” lists to visit in this state, but ask any local, and they’re bound to rave about the charm and beauty you can find in Cookeville.
It’s home to numerous restaurants, festivals, depot museums, antiquing, and boutiques, and it’s a world-renowned fitcation destination.
Located among outdoor getaways like Cummins Falls, Fall Creek Falls, and Burgess Falls State Parks, you have endless options for a stroll through nature.
Dine at restaurants with Southern flair at places like CHAR, 7 Senses Food & Cheer, and Father Tom’s Pub. The picturesque waterfalls alone make us want to drive here immediately!
Bristol
This Appalachian town that’s on the border of Tennessee and Virginia is the perfect weekend getaway.
Bristol is a charming, laidback little quaint town in the foothills of the Appalachians that played a massive role in the development of one of our country’s most popular types of music.
It’s also a short drive from multiple significant cities throughout the Southeast and Atlantic Seaboard and even into the Midwest. Bristol needs to be on your radar if you’re looking for a beautiful weekend getaway in a town you’ve never visited before.
Don’t miss Bristol Caverns, The Pinnacle, and Steele Creek Park. As well as in-town: stop by Paramount Center for the Arts, Lost State Distilling, and Elderbrew before you leave.
Leiper’s Fork
This darling little town is as laid back as you can get. Leiper’s Fork serves it up every time you want local art, antique shopping, and homecooked meals with a side of sincere Tennessee hospitality.
You can browse through their galleries like The Copper Fox and David Arms, which draw visitors from all over the world. And you’ll love walking through the boutique shops filled with unusual items at West and Company and Serenite Maison.
All you whiskey lovers will be in heaven courtesy of the new Leiper’s Fork Distillery. And if you’re looking to stay awhile, Pot N’ Kettle Cottages and Red Horse Barn are just some of the quaint and charming accommodations this town has to offer.
Columbia
Located south of Nashville, this is a perfect destination for boutiques, galleries, and anything art-related.
There’s so much to enjoy from the Town Square to the town’s lively Main Street, including Smith and York Co., Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, The Linen Duck, Vintage Winery, Goon, Muletown Coffee Roasters, Fork of the South, and Loblolly Interiors.
This town is peaceful and with beautiful scenery. There are beautiful farms and numerous wildlife, so Columbia is a great place to hunt and fish. The town encourages an expanding culture, but it’s not expanding too quickly, like in big cities such as Nashville.
Columbia can often help you escape the busy life we all live. The town square is relatively modern and is expanding daily. Columbia is stunning, quiet, and growing.
Pulaski
If you visit Pulaski, Tennessee, in Giles County, you’ll get to tour the world-famous Milky Way Farm, boasting more than 1,000 acres of pastures filled with wild turkey, deer, barns, trails, and many beautiful vistas.
The farm has one of the most extensive magnolia plantations in the South, and tours of the Manor House are always available. Travel through the South’s Mother Road.
Highway 31 through Pulaski offers an unbeatable blend of natural beauty, warm southern hospitality, and an authentic American feel. Smell the whiskey, taste the grapes, hear the music, and see the beauty of Tennessee’s wonderous countryside.
Franklin
This Williamson County hidden gem is only twenty miles away from Nashville, but it revolves in its own little world. It’s a special place for down-home families, farmers that live on the outskirts, and some incredible Tennessee BBQ.
Franklin should definitely be on your radar when it comes to the best day trips to take in Tennessee. You’ll find that it’s one of Nashville’s most charming small towns south of Nashville. It has a great downtown area that surrounds a tree-lined Main Street.
It’s home to antique shops, galleries, and many delicious restaurants. Be sure to shop through downtown at places like Avec Moi, Landmark Booksellers, and The Factory at Franklin while you’re in town.
Jonesborough
Five thousand residents live in the absolute OLDEST town in Tennessee. Did you know that? It was settled before Tennessee was even a state and throws some pretty fantastic historical events.
“Tennessee’s Oldest Town” is a mixed blend of shopping and outdoor excursions while staying true to its historical roots.
Appalachian culture is taken seriously in Jonesborough, preserved in museums like the Chester Inn Museum, Washington County/Jonesborough History Museum, and walking tours led by locals who have a passion for our roots.
This history is also preserved through storytelling, as Jonesborough has become the Storytelling Capital of the World, hosting the acclaimed National Storytelling Festival every year.
Paris
Have you always dreamed of going to Paris but never got the chance? Well, now you can! When in this town, it’s impossible to miss the replica of the Eiffel Tower.
Enter Eiffel Tower Park, and you’ll have photo ops aplenty and opportunities to splash around a water park, fish in the trout pond, and bike and hike area trails.
The Eiffel Tower in Memorial Park is nearby two walking tracks and recreation centers. You can stroll through downtown Paris with its antique shops and dining areas. Sip 26 different kinds of wines and walk the grounds of Paris Winery.
Kick back and watch the sunset at Paris Landing State Park. From its local restaurants, antique stores, and galleries, this small town has something to offer any traveler who’s passing through.
Sewanee
This small college town and its closeby community of Monteagle make for a fun road trip in central Tennessee. Don’t miss the views from the beautiful forested overlooks.
And be sure to browse through shops like Taylor’s Mercantile, The Lemon Fair, Mooney’s Market and Emporium, and Mountain Outfitters.
Stop for lunch at The Blue Chair Café and Tavern, Shenanigans, or Mountain Goat Market before leaving town to get some delicious grub. The downtown area of Sewanee offers a collection of charming shops and some of the best dining Middle Tennessee has to offer.
Multiple people of this town’s 2,300 citizens are teachers and artists, creating a lively community that values the arts. St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School and The University of the South frequently host lectures, art exhibitions, and concerts.
This town’s Friday Nights in the Park series and annual Angel Fest also provides free concerts in the village, closing the street to create a festival-like atmosphere for friends and neighbors to enjoy good food and music.
So what do you think? Have we convinced you to pack your bags yet? If you happen to live in the beautiful state of Tennessee and know of some hidden gems, be sure to tell us so we can share them with our readers!
Meanwhile, here’s another of OUR hidden gems: Best Hidden Vacation Spots in the U.S.
