The Best Small Towns in Tennessee for a Peaceful Getaway

The United States is filled with stunning destinations, but if you're looking for breathtaking scenery, delicious cuisine, and a deep cultural heritage, the South is the place to be. In particular, Tennessee -- known as the "Volunteer State" -- features some of the most charming and picturesque small towns waiting to be explored.

From the mountain views of the Great Smokey Mountains and the incredible national parks to Dollywood and Graceland, there are so many sights to see and areas to explore. One of the best parts of Tennessee are the idyllic small towns scattered throughout the state that you should explore.

Greeneville is a small town located in Greene County, Tennessee. If you’re looking for a town filled with history, Greeneville is a great place to visit. There are many historical sites to see, such as the David Crockett Birthplace State Park, where you’ll find a replica of David Crockett’s cabin. Greenville, Tennessee has consistently made several best small town lists, including “Best 100 Small Towns in America,” and “The 50 Best Small Southern Towns.”

Franklin, Tennessee is another beautiful small town with loads of history to explore. Considering Franklin was an integral part of the Civil War, there are many historic sites and exhibits. Some of these sites include the Lotz House Museum, the Carter House, Carnton, and Downtown Franklin. Franklin has one of the most charming Main Streets in Tennessee with many restaurants and shops to explore.

If you’re looking for a small mountain town to explore, check out Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Pigeon Forge is a great family-friendly vacation destination in the Smoky Mountains. Not only is this small town home to the famous Dollywood Theme Park, but there’s also a myriad of museums, gardens, and other attractions to see. In the quaint streets of Pigeon Forge, you’ll experience real Southern hospitality and beautiful mountain scenery.

Gatlinburg is another beautiful mountain town that’s worth visiting during a trip to Tennessee. There are plenty of unique ways to explore the great outdoors on a trip to Gatlinburg. You can get around town easily on the Gatlinburg Trolley and there are three entrances to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in town. Whether you visit the quaint Village Shops or spend the day at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, you’ll never run out of things to do in Gatlinburg.

Just an hour outside of Nashville, Tennessee, you’ll find the picturesque town of Cookeville. Whether you want to learn about the town's history or find the best antique stores, there’s something for everyone in Cookeville. Part of experiencing this charming small town is experiencing the great outdoors. In Cookeville, you can go camping, kayaking, or visit some of the local state parks like Cummins Falls State Park.

In East Tennessee, you’ll find the small town of Jonesborough. Often known as “Tennessee’s Oldest Town,” Jonesborough is also considered the Storytelling Capitol of the World. Every year in Jonesborough, you can visit the National Storytelling Festival and the town is also home to the International Storytelling Center.

Located a short distance from the Great Smoky Mountains, you can explore the streets of Jonesborough while stopping by many of the delicious restaurants, shops, and charming downtown buildings.

If you’re looking for a laid-back small town to visit, try Townsend, Tennessee. This town is just outside the Great Smoky Mountains and is known as the “peaceful side” of the Smokies. It’s also the gateway to Cades Cove, a beautiful valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. When visiting Townsend, there are plenty of outdoor activities to engage in such as hiking, fishing, and golfing.

Dayton, Tennessee is worth visiting no matter your hobbies, but this town is a delight for those who love to fish. Many fishing tournaments are held in Dayton because of its proximity to Chickamauga Lake. Even if you’re not a fishing fan, you can visit Swinging Bridge Park, the Rhea County Courthouse, or one of the numerous hiking and wilderness trails.

Nolensville is a small town in Williamson County, Tennessee. A visit to this town should include a stop at some of the antique shops, local boutiques, and the Amish Country Market. The Amish Market has many seasonal items throughout the year, including various gourds in the fall. Your trip to Nolensville also wouldn’t be complete without having a meal at Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, which is the original home of the award-winning Martin’s restaurant.

In Hamblen County, Tennessee, you’ll find the charming town of Morristown. Morristown is home to numerous shops, restaurants, and parks. Some of the places worth visiting include the Briarwood Ranch Safari Park, Crockett Tavern Museum, and the Grovewood Baseball Museum. There are also plenty of ways to enjoy time outdoors at places like Panther Creek State Park or Cherokee Lake, which features 400 miles of shoreline for boating, kayaking, or fishing.

Located on the banks of the Cumberland River, Historic Granville Tennessee is known as “Tennessee’s Mayberry Town.” This small Tennessee town has been featured in Best Life, Southern Living, and Tennessee Home & Farm as one of the top small towns in the country.

The Sutton General Store is a must-see and was featured as one of the “Top 35 General Stores in the US” by Southern Living. You can also stop by the Mayberry I Love Lucy Museum, Pioneer Village, or the Granville Whiskey Decanter Museum.

In the town of Bell Buckle, Tennessee, you’ll find delicious restaurants, great music, and a variety of antique shops. One of the best parts about taking a stroll through town is viewing some of the beautiful historic buildings and Victorian homes.

Considering the size of the town, there’s no need to drive around since you can walk to any of the attractions in Bell Buckle. In addition to the many antique shops, there are also many local shops where you’ll find a variety of arts, crafts, cookware, and decor.

Many people dream of visiting Paris one day. Although Paris, Tennessee, isn’t the same as Paris, France, there is a replica of the Eiffel Tower in this quaint small town. Paris, Tennessee, has many historic structures to visit, including the Henry County Courthouse. This building is the oldest functioning courthouse in the state of Tennessee and was built in 1896. Downtown Paris also has many unique shops and beautiful architecture.

Another small town just a short drive from Nashville is Columbia, Tennessee. Columbia has a quaint main street downtown that is filled with shops and restaurants. This town in Tennessee, also known as “Muletown,” is worth visiting no matter what your interests are.

While in Columbia, you can visit the downtown area, the Columbia Arts District, and many of the historic sites. Columbia, Tennessee has been named one of the top 10 best small towns in the country by Southern Living and numerous other publications.

Hohenwald, Tennessee is located in Lewis County and is a beautiful place to visit, especially during the fall and holidays. In October, Hohenwald holds Oktoberfest festivities and in December, you can experience the excitement of Christmas in Hohenwald. On the first two weekends of December, there are trolley rides and carriage rides through town, which is fun for the whole family. You can also experience the beauty of Memorial Park decorated with lights.

Dandridge, Tennessee is known as “Tennessee’s Second Oldest Town.” With the warmth and hospitality of some of the best towns in the South, this town has a rich history and is only a short distance from cities like Gatlinburg and Knoxville. If you want to explore the history of Dandridge, you can take a walking tour through the historic downtown area.

Like many of the small towns in Tennessee, Harriman is known for its historic buildings and charming downtown. This town has both the unique charm that comes with a historic area and the amenities that come with a more modern city.

From local restaurants and shops to outdoor recreation, there are plenty of things to do when visiting Harriman. If you want to explore the history of the town, you can visit the Cornstalk Heights Historic District, a historic neighborhood in Harriman.

When it comes to charming towns with picturesque main streets, Rogersville, Tennessee has it all. Main Street in Rogersville is charming with its red brick buildings and it has become a popular place to spend the day antique shopping. While in town, you can visit the Rogersville Printing Museum, Red Dog Ridge Farms, or one of the numerous art galleries.

Visiting Leipers Fork, Tennessee is a unique experience. Even for a small town, there’s plenty to explore and lots of beautiful scenery. With a population of less than 700, this charming small town is a place where you’ll experience true Southern hospitality, like many of the other towns in Tennessee. While in Leipers Fork, you can visit the Leiper’s Creek Gallery, Patina Home & Garden, or the Copper Fox Gallery. There are also many restaurants and other places to grab a bite to eat.

Pulaski, Tennessee is a small but tight-knit community in Giles County. If you’re looking for a charming small town to visit, historic downtown Pulaski has all the Southern charm you need. In many ways, Pulaski has attempted to reclaim their troubling history while still retaining the historic nature of many of the buildings and sites in the area. Pulaski is known for many of the attractions there such as the Giles County Trail of Tears Memorial and the Sam Davis Memorial Museum.