12 Best Small Towns to Visit in Tennessee

Tennessee's small towns offer some of the most authentic and charming experiences in the American South. From the rolling hills of the Cumberland Plateau to the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, these hidden gems showcase the state's rich musical heritage, fascinating history, and warm hospitality. Whether you're drawn to historic storytelling festivals in centuries-old settlements, world-famous distilleries in tiny mountain communities, or Victorian villages frozen in time, Tennessee's small towns deliver experiences you simply can't find in larger cities. Each destination on this carefully curated list offers something unique – from underground concerts in mysterious caverns to festivals celebrating moonpies and fiddle music. These aren't just scenic stops along the highway; they're living, breathing communities where tradition meets modern charm, and where every visitor becomes part of the story.

Jonesborough - America's oldest town in Tennessee, featuring historic storytelling festivals, preserved 18th-century architecture, and the International Storytelling Center with year-round performances and workshops.

Established in 1779, Jonesborough holds the distinguished title of Tennessee's oldest town, and walking its tree-lined streets feels like stepping back through centuries of American history. The meticulously preserved downtown district showcases an impressive collection of 18th and 19th-century buildings, including the restored Chester Inn State Historic Site, where Andrew Jackson once practiced law, and the oldest original log courthouse still standing in Tennessee.

The International Storytelling Center serves as the crown jewel of this historic community, hosting the renowned National Storytelling Festival each October. This three-day celebration draws thousands of visitors from around the world to experience the ancient art of oral tradition in intimate tent settings throughout the historic downtown. Professional storytellers from diverse backgrounds share everything from Appalachian folktales to contemporary narratives, creating an atmosphere that's both nostalgic and surprisingly modern.

Beyond the famous festival, the Storytelling Center offers year-round programming including workshops, concerts, and special events. The facility houses extensive archives of recorded stories and provides educational programs that keep this traditional art form alive for future generations. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits that trace the evolution of storytelling across cultures and participate in hands-on workshops led by master storytellers.

Main Street's antique shops, art galleries, and locally-owned restaurants occupy beautifully restored historic buildings. The Salt & Pepper Restaurant serves hearty Southern fare in a casual atmosphere, while the more upscale offerings at Parlour Market provide farm-to-table dining with ingredients sourced from local producers. The town's compact size makes it perfect for leisurely strolling, with interpretive signs throughout the historic district providing context for the remarkable architecture and significant events that shaped early Tennessee history.

Bell Buckle - A charming railroad town known for its antique shops, the annual RC Cola & MoonPie Festival, and the historic Bell Buckle Cafe serving traditional Southern cuisine in a restored train depot.

This tiny railroad community of fewer than 500 residents packs an outsized personality into its historic downtown district. Named for a large bell-shaped buckle found near a local spring, Bell Buckle rose to prominence as a vital stop along the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway. Today, the beautifully preserved railroad architecture houses an eclectic collection of antique shops, art galleries, and specialty stores that draw visitors from across the region.

The annual RC Cola & MoonPie Festival, held each June, transforms this quiet community into a celebration of Southern culture and quirky fun. The festival honors two iconic Southern treats with live music, craft vendors, and the famous MoonPie eating contest. Local and regional musicians perform on multiple stages throughout the weekend, while food vendors serve up classic carnival fare alongside more sophisticated offerings from area restaurants.

The historic Bell Buckle Cafe occupies the town's restored train depot, offering diners the unique experience of enjoying traditional Southern cuisine in an authentic railroad setting. The menu features comfort food classics like country ham, biscuits and gravy, and fried green tomatoes, all served in a casual atmosphere where locals and visitors mingle freely. The depot's original architectural details, including exposed beams and vintage railroad memorabilia, create an atmosphere that perfectly captures the town's railroad heritage.

Antiquing enthusiasts will find treasure troves in shops like Moon Valley Antiques and Bell Buckle Antique Mall, where vendors offer everything from vintage furniture to collectible glassware. The town's compact layout makes it easy to browse multiple shops in a single afternoon, and many proprietors are longtime residents eager to share stories about their community's colorful history. The nearby Webb School, a prestigious preparatory academy founded in 1886, adds an additional layer of historical significance to this charming railroad community.

Lynchburg - Home to the Jack Daniel's Distillery, offering behind-the-scenes tours, tastings, and the chance to explore the charming town square with local craft shops and Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House restaurant.

Nestled in a hollow of the Tennessee hills, Lynchburg revolves around its most famous resident: the Jack Daniel's Distillery, the oldest registered distillery in the United States. This tiny community of approximately 600 people welcomes over 300,000 visitors annually, all drawn to experience the legendary whiskey-making process that has remained virtually unchanged since Jasper Newton "Jack" Daniel established his distillery in 1866.

The distillery tours provide fascinating insight into the meticulous craft of Tennessee whiskey production. Visitors witness every step of the process, from the grinding of corn, rye, and malted barley to the distinctive charcoal mellowing that sets Tennessee whiskey apart from Kentucky bourbon. The iconic rickhouses, where whiskey ages in charred oak barrels for years, create an almost cathedral-like atmosphere as guides explain how temperature fluctuations and time work together to create the final product. While Moore County remains technically dry, the distillery offers tastings that allow visitors to appreciate the subtle differences between various expressions of Jack Daniel's whiskey.

Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House Restaurant, operating since 1908, serves traditional Southern meals family-style at large communal tables. The fixed-menu lunch features rotating selections of country ham, fried chicken, vegetables, and desserts, all served by hostesses who share stories about the restaurant's history and the famous guests who have dined there over the decades. Reservations are essential, as this beloved institution fills up quickly with visitors eager to experience authentic Southern hospitality.

The town square offers additional attractions including the Lynchburg Hardware & General Store, which stocks everything from practical supplies for locals to Jack Daniel's merchandise for tourists. Local artisans sell handcrafted items ranging from pottery to woodwork, often incorporating motifs related to the distillery and Tennessee mountain culture. The nearby Jack Daniel's Distillery Visitor Center houses extensive exhibits about the company's history and the cultural impact of this world-famous Tennessee product.

Townsend - The "Peaceful Side of the Smokies" gateway town featuring luxury mountain resorts, the Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Museum, and prime access to Cades Cove's wildlife viewing.

Tucked into the foothills where the Little River flows from Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Townsend markets itself as the "Peaceful Side of the Smokies," offering a more tranquil alternative to the busier Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. This strategic location provides unparalleled access to some of the national park's most spectacular attractions while maintaining the intimate atmosphere of a small mountain community.

The Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Museum preserves the fascinating history of the massive logging operation that once dominated this region. The museum's collection includes vintage locomotives, logging equipment, and photographs that document how the lumber company's railroad transported enormous logs from the remote mountain valleys. Interactive exhibits explain the complex relationship between early conservation efforts and industrial logging, providing context for understanding how the national park eventually replaced the lumber operations.

Cades Cove, accessed via Townsend, offers the most popular wildlife viewing opportunities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The eleven-mile loop road winds through a preserved mountain valley where black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and occasionally elk can be observed in their natural habitat. Historic buildings scattered throughout the valley, including log cabins, churches, and gristmills, tell the story of the mountain families who called this isolated valley home before the national park's establishment.

Luxury accommodations in Townsend range from intimate mountain inns to full-service resorts. The Blackberry Farm, consistently ranked among the world's finest hotels, occupies a working farm where guests enjoy farm-to-table dining, outdoor activities, and spa services in an elegant yet relaxed setting. More accessible options include charming bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals that allow visitors to experience mountain hospitality without the premium price tag.

The Little River provides excellent opportunities for tubing, trout fishing, and simply relaxing alongside crystal-clear mountain water. Local outfitters rent tubes and provide shuttle services for lazy float trips, while fly fishing guides share their knowledge of productive pools and the native brook trout that inhabit these pristine waters.

Rugby - A preserved Victorian utopian colony founded by British settlers, featuring original 1880s buildings, the historic Harrow Road Cafe, and guided tours through America's most complete Victorian village.

This remarkable Victorian village represents one of America's most ambitious social experiments, established in 1880 by British author and social reformer Thomas Hughes as a utopian colony for younger sons of English gentry. Located on Tennessee's remote Cumberland Plateau, Rugby was designed as a classless society where intellectual pursuits would flourish alongside agricultural endeavors, free from the rigid social hierarchies of Victorian England.

Today, Rugby survives as America's most complete Victorian village, with seventeen original buildings meticulously preserved and maintained by Historic Rugby. The Hughes Public Library, built in 1882, houses over 7,000 original volumes including rare first editions and personal collections donated by the colony's educated settlers. The Gothic Revival Christ Church Episcopal still holds regular services, its English-made stained glass windows casting colorful light across wooden pews crafted by the colonists themselves.

Guided tours provide fascinating insights into daily life in this idealistic community. Costumed interpreters explain how settlers from privileged backgrounds struggled to adapt to frontier life, sharing stories of both remarkable successes and inevitable failures. The Commissary, which served as the colony's general store, now houses exhibits showcasing artifacts from the settlement's brief but culturally rich existence.

The historic Harrow Road Cafe occupies the restored Percy Cottage, serving traditional British and American fare in an authentically Victorian setting. The menu features items like shepherd's pie, Welsh rarebit, and traditional afternoon tea service, allowing visitors to dine as the original colonists might have. The cafe's intimate atmosphere, enhanced by period furnishings and artwork, creates an almost time-travel experience.

Rugby's remote location, surrounded by thousands of acres of undeveloped plateau forest, maintains the isolation that originally attracted Hughes and his followers. The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area borders the community, providing excellent opportunities for hiking, fishing, and exploring the rugged gorges and waterfalls that define this unique landscape. Overnight accommodations in restored historic buildings allow visitors to extend their Victorian experience, sleeping in rooms furnished with authentic period pieces.

Wartrace - Tennessee's official "Cradle of the Tennessee Walking Horse," offering horse farm tours, the annual Walking Horse National Celebration venue, and beautifully preserved antebellum architecture along the historic town square.

This small Middle Tennessee community earned its place in equestrian history as the birthplace of the Tennessee Walking Horse breed, a distinction officially recognized by the state legislature. The rolling bluegrass hills surrounding Wartrace provide ideal conditions for raising these naturally gaited horses, whose smooth riding characteristics made them beloved by plantation owners and continue to attract enthusiasts worldwide.

The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, held annually at the Celebration Grounds just outside town, represents the breed's most prestigious competition. For eleven days each August, the world's finest walking horses compete for coveted championships while thousands of spectators enjoy the pageantry and tradition surrounding this uniquely Southern sport. The grounds feature permanent facilities specifically designed for walking horse competitions, including climate-controlled stabling and a state-of-the-art show arena.

Wartrace's historic town square showcases remarkably well-preserved antebellum and Victorian architecture. The 1917 Wartrace Depot, restored to its original condition, now houses the town's visitor center and museum. Local artisans and antique dealers occupy several historic buildings around the square, offering everything from handcrafted pottery to vintage horse-related memorabilia. The Wartrace Antique Mall, housed in a restored 19th-century commercial building, features multiple vendors selling quality antiques and collectibles.

Several horse farms in the area welcome visitors for tours that explain the breeding, training, and care of Tennessee Walking Horses. These behind-the-scenes experiences allow guests to observe the patient process of developing the breed's characteristic running walk, flat walk, and canter. Many farms also offer riding lessons and trail rides, providing opportunities for visitors to experience the smooth gait that made these horses famous.

The Walking Horse Hotel, a restored historic property on the town square, provides convenient accommodations for visitors attending horse events or exploring the area's equestrian heritage. The hotel's period furnishings and vintage photographs create an atmosphere that celebrates Wartrace's unique place in Tennessee history. Local restaurants serve traditional Southern cuisine, with many establishments featuring horse-themed decor that reflects the community's passionate dedication to preserving this distinctive breed.

Monteagle - A mountain resort community known for the Monteagle Assembly's historic Chautauqua grounds, scenic overlooks along I-24, and proximity to South Cumberland State Park's waterfalls and hiking trails.

Perched atop the Cumberland Plateau at 2,100 feet elevation, Monteagle developed as a mountain resort destination in the late 19th century, attracting visitors seeking relief from summer heat in the valleys below. The community's crown jewel, the Monteagle Assembly, represents one of the South's last surviving Chautauqua grounds, continuing a tradition of education, culture, and spiritual reflection that began in 1882.

The Monteagle Assembly's Victorian cottages and historic buildings occupy 96 acres of forested grounds, creating a unique atmosphere where intellectual discourse and natural beauty intersect. During the annual summer assembly, distinguished speakers, musicians, and educators present programs covering everything from literature and philosophy to current affairs and social issues. The assembly's architecture, featuring gingerbread trim and wraparound porches, exemplifies the late Victorian resort style that once characterized mountain retreats throughout the region.

South Cumberland State Park, easily accessed from Monteagle, encompasses over 30,000 acres of plateau wilderness featuring some of Tennessee's most spectacular waterfalls and hiking trails. Foster Falls plunges 60 feet into a pristine swimming hole, accessible via a moderate hiking trail that winds through mixed hardwood forests. The more challenging Fiery Gizzard Trail, considered one of Tennessee's premier hiking experiences, traverses rugged gorges, crosses multiple streams, and provides access to numerous waterfalls and rock formations.

The scenic overlooks along Interstate 24 offer breathtaking views of the Tennessee Valley stretching toward distant mountain ranges. These roadside stops provide perfect opportunities for photography and simply appreciating the dramatic topography that makes the Cumberland Plateau so distinctive. The elevation change from the valley floor to Monteagle creates microclimates that support diverse plant communities, making the area popular with botanists and nature enthusiasts.

Local accommodations range from historic inns to modern mountain lodges. The Edgeworth Inn, built in 1896 as a summer resort hotel, maintains its Victorian elegance while providing modern amenities. The inn's wraparound porches and period furnishings create an atmosphere reminiscent of the grand resort era, while the restaurant serves contemporary cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients.

Paris - Home to a 60-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower, the World's Biggest Fish Fry festival, and Kentucky Lake recreational activities including fishing tournaments and waterfront dining at locally-owned restaurants.

This charming West Tennessee community embraces its Parisian namesake with distinctive flair, most notably through its impressive 60-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower, complete with lights that illuminate the structure each evening. Built in 1993, the tower stands in downtown's Eiffel Tower Park and has become an iconic symbol that draws photographers and curious travelers from across the region. The tower's base houses a gift shop and visitor information center, while the surrounding park provides picnic areas and walking paths.

The World's Biggest Fish Fry, held each April, transforms Paris into a celebration of regional culture and Kentucky Lake's abundant fishing opportunities. This four-day festival features live music on multiple stages, craft vendors, carnival rides, and, of course, enormous quantities of fresh-caught fish prepared by local volunteers. The event began in 1952 as a small community gathering and has grown into one of Tennessee's most popular spring festivals, attracting over 100,000 visitors annually.

Kentucky Lake, just minutes from downtown Paris, offers exceptional recreational opportunities on one of the South's premier fishing destinations. The lake's 160,000 acres provide habitat for bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish, supporting both recreational fishing and professional tournament circuits. Paris Landing State Park, located on the lake's eastern shore, features a full-service marina, championship golf course, and lodge accommodations with panoramic water views.

Local restaurants capitalize on the lake's bounty, serving fresh-caught fish alongside traditional Southern cuisine. The Willow Pond Catfish Restaurant, a local institution since 1983, offers all-you-can-eat catfish dinners in a rustic atmosphere that perfectly captures the region's down-home character. More upscale dining options include waterfront establishments where diners can enjoy sunset views over Kentucky Lake while sampling locally inspired dishes.

Downtown Paris showcases beautifully restored late 19