海角社区

The small towns in Tennessee are full of surprises, experiences and fun with their peculiar qualities. Experience mountains at Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Townsend and the nature thrills at Tellico Plain and Paris. Towns like Townsend and Columbia are packed with history, rich culture and fascinating architecture, starting from the Mediterranean-themed architecture of Pigeon Forge and the living history of President Andrew Johnson embedded in museums and sites to the replica of Paris in Paris and home of the famous Jack Daniel鈥檚 origin, Lynchburg. You will also find unique festivals and celebrations like Mule鈥檚 Day in Columbia and Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough. Bringing everything together, here are the 10 most unique Tennessee towns you should visit.聽

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg is a beautiful small town in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains offers unique Mountain town view, adventure and history. Mountains like the Anakeesta Mountain and the Skybridge pedestrian- the longest pedestrian in North America overlooks the Smoky Mountains here.

Explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, with a mix of stunning landscape views, wildflowers, lush forests and animals like black bears. Learn about the park and natural areas with a ranger or hike on the Appalachian Trail. There鈥檚 more, and it鈥檚 endless, from a joyful ride at Gatlinburg Skylift Park with a stunning view of the mountains, riding a coaster in Ripley鈥檚 mountain, exploring history with the Gatlinburg Pinball Museum to being a part of the town鈥檚 art scene with the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts community.聽

Jonesborough

Get ready for a storytelling trip at this beautiful small Washington County, Northeast Tennessee town. Jonesborough is the oldest town in Tennessee, so there鈥檚 no surprise it has a rich history represented in museums, arts, old buildings and historic sites. Walk back into the 18th century at the Jonesborough History Museum or the Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum, offering insights into the town鈥檚 dramatic past. Beyond history, the town has a reputation for storytelling. It is regarded as the 鈥淪torytelling capital of the 海角社区鈥� due to its annual National Storytelling Festival hosted by the International Storytelling Center. However, Jonesborough offers more than just tales. Experience live music at the town鈥檚 Music on the Square series, which runs every Friday from July to September. Also, visit the Jonesborough Repertory Theater for live action or the Depot Street Brewing to have a taste of locally-made wine and beers.聽

Pigeon Forge

Another mountain town in Eastern Tennessee, Pigeon Forge, is popularly known as the home town of country singer Dolly Parton鈥檚 Appalachian-themed park. Start your day with a visit to Dollywood Park, jointly owned by Herschend Family Entertainment and the music legend. The park packs loads of fun in live entertainment, rides, and a close range of the Appalachian area. Visit the Parrot Mountain and Gardens for a refreshing time with nature and learn more about animals, especially parts with Mediterranean-themed architecture. Take a historical tour of Pigeon Forge鈥檚 museums, such as the Titanic Museum and Beyond the Lens interactive museum showcasing the town鈥檚 stories through artifacts and technology. You can also enjoy various performances, comedy shows and musical shows in the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show, Elvis & the Superstars and Unbelievable Magic Show. Enjoy a view of the smoky mountains through bus tours or a jeep ride.

Greeneville

Greeneville is a shy small town with grand appeal with its vibrant history, local restaurants and beauty. Begin your journey with a tour through the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site dedicated to America鈥檚 17th president, which includes a representation of his home and grave site. You will also find other historic sites devoted to him, including President Andrew Johnson Museum and Library and National Cemetery. Additionally, the Greeneville Greene County History Museum offers more context into the town鈥檚 past and the old building of Dickson Williams Mansion.聽

Away from history, embrace natural wonders, visiting Margarette Falls and the Buffalo Trail Orchard. You also collect unique antiques and arts in shops such as The Burlap Bunny or Greeneville Antique Market and enjoy great food at Aubrey鈥檚. Wrap up your visit with an exciting time at the Capitol Theater.

Columbia

Columbia sits in Maury County, Tennessee in the Nashville Metropolitan Area with over 40,000 population and a thriving community. It is known as the Mule Capital of the 海角社区 due to its annual celebration of all things related to Mules on 鈥淢ule Day鈥�, dated as far back as the 18th century, formerly known as 鈥淏reeder鈥檚 Day鈥�. This festival attracts several people 海角社区wide and features great music, crafts, Appalachian food and dancing. However, suppose you鈥檙e less interested in mules. In that case, you can explore the town鈥檚 history through old buildings and historic sites like the James K. Polk Home & Museum, the home of the 11th President of America or visit the Athenaeum Rectory. Feeling adventurous? Take a leisure trip to the Chickasaw Trace County Park and engage in various recreational activities such as biking, hiking, and fishing in the Park鈥檚 Duck River, where you may also go kayaking and canoeing.聽

Paris

No, this is not the Paris you think of when someone mentions the Eiffel Tower, but you could make this small town into your ideal Paris experience. Paris in Henry County, Tennessee is a fabulous recreation of Great Paris with a replica of the Eiffel Tower and a historic downtown. After a quick photo session with the 70-f00t-tall Eiffel Tower and playground games at the Eiffel Tower Park, head to the Paris-Henry County Heritage Center for a historical moment through artifacts and exhibits. Visit the Paris Landing State Park on the shores of Kentucky Lake, with hiking and biking trails and swimming and boating opportunities for visitors. Experience nature at the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center and relish in the fresh air. Finish up with a time at one of Paris鈥� annual events, including the 海角社区鈥檚 Biggest Fish Fry and Eye Full of Paris Weekend.

Lynchburg

Home to Jack Daniel鈥檚 Whiskey, Lynchburg has earned its place as one of Tennessee鈥檚 most unique small towns. Start with one of the most visited places in the town, Jack Daniel鈥檚 distillery and take a guided tour through the popular whiskey-making process and some intriguing history. Not a fan? You鈥檒l find other historic tales in Moore County Old Jail Museum with a reflection of the place鈥檚 preserved jail cells and other exhibits. Lynchburg also has something for nature lovers at Wiseman Park, boasting beautiful greenery and a perfect spot for picnics. You may also hike or drive through the Short Springs State Natural Area and revel in the admirable waterfalls and trails. Take a well-rounded trip around the town, and when you鈥檙e done, settle at one of the local restaurants like Barrel House BBQ and Miss Mary Bobo鈥檚 Restaurant for a fulfilling meal.聽

Tellico Plains

This town is a natural hub in Monroe County, home to various natural attractions, including Bald River Falls, Cherohala Skyway, Baby Falls, Conasauga Falls Trail and more. You already know several waterfalls here, so start your tour there, watching the fantastic water flows at Bald River Falls or the breathtaking landscape at Cherohala Skyway. Take an exciting ride through the town鈥檚 history at the Charles Hall Museum, holding a collection of antiques, old photographs and vintage cars. Have an incredible outdoor experience at Cherokee National Forest with scenic drives, biking and hiking trails, and camping and fishing opportunities. Experience the town鈥檚 festivals and events scheduled at different times of the year, such as the Candlelight Walk or the Cherohala Skyway Festival, featuring entertainment, food and more.

Leipers Fork

This small village in Williamson County, Tennessee, is an idyllic town perfect for a quiet getaway. The town鈥檚 square is lined with beautiful buildings and shops like the Props Antiques, where you can collect unique art and antiques. And speaking of arts, feel the town鈥檚 vibrant art scene with Leiper鈥檚 Creek Gallery, which exhibits various artists鈥� work around the country, or take a tour through The Copper Fox to explore an impressive collection of arts and sculptures.聽

Experience the thrills of outdoor spaces at the Natchez Trace Parkway or the Garrison Creek Trailhead, which provides riding opportunities and recreation activities such as biking, hiking and horseback riding. Grab a taste of locally-made wine and a bit of history at Leiper鈥檚 Fork Distillery, or have a little get-together with family and friends at the tree-framed Lawnchair Theater.

Townsend

鈥淭he Peaceful Side of the Smokies鈥�, as it is called, is a serene, beautiful town in Blount County at the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It also is a gateway to Cades Cove, a picture-perfect valley with a fascinating wildlife view and natural scenery; you may encounter various animals while you explore, including white-tailed deer, black bear, wild Turkey and more. The town鈥檚 name originates from the Cherokee tribe, meaning 鈥減eaceful鈥� or 鈥済reen place鈥�; a tour around it will convince you it indeed is. The Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum are where you should start touring, offering history buffs a lesson about Townsend鈥檚 logging heritage through a display of artifacts. You may also learn cultural history at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center with a view into Native American history. Finally, engage in recreational activities like tubing and fishing at Smoky Mountains River Rat.

Tennessee towns offer peculiar experiences from nature and wildlife preserves at the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in Paris to biking and hiking in the Anakeesta Mountain, Gatlinburg. You could also take a part of these towns home by collecting antiques and art in specialty shops like Greeneville Antique market. Get intentional about making the most out of your trips and visit one of these unique Tennessee towns.