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Late fall and early winter offer some of the best opportunities to visit Tennessee, with crisp temperatures ideal for cozy yet refreshing getaways in the mountains and countryside. With the holiday season approaching, a weekend escape is even more tempting. Whether you are eager to explore cute small-town antique shops, hike through the Appalachian mountains, or hunt for waterfalls, these quaint towns provide the perfect setting for a short getaway.

Greeneville

Greeneville is perhaps best known for its proximity to the Appalachian Mountains and its historic landmarks. Greene County offers several scenic waterfall hikes, including the Margaret Falls Trail, featuring a stunning 60-foot cascade, and Mary鈥檚 Falls, a hidden gem with a 35-foot drop. Within town, visitors have lots of antique shops to explore, including Greeneville Antique Market, Back Porch Antiques, and The Burlap Bunny.

For a night out, the Historic Capitol Theatre, built in 1934 with an art-deco style, hosts a variety of events, including upcoming Christmas shows and holiday movie screenings. To enjoy a getaway out in the forest and mountains, visitors can rent a rustic, bed and breakfast cabin with Nolichuckey Bluffs, each cabin boasting beautiful views of the mountainside.

Dayton

Dayton, located between Knoxville and Chattanooga, gained national attention in 1925 for the Scopes Trial, a prominent legal case that debated the teaching of evolution in public schools. Visitors can visit the courthouse, which dates back to 1891 and has a Romanesque Revival-Italian villa style, and visit the Scopes Trial Museum on the second floor, which contains original furniture and seatings from the trial.

The Lorenzen Flower Farm is another site worth visiting, flourishing with tulips in the spring and wildflowers in the summer months, perfect for photographers and flower lovers. Lake Chickamauga nearby is popular among bass fishers, with some of the country鈥檚 biggest bass hailing from the lake. Craving a relaxing, riverside retreat? Riverside Bed and Breakfast, in the neighboring town of Soddy-Daisy, is situated along Soddy Creek and serves a fresh and filling homestyle breakfast each morning.

Lynchburg

Lynchburg is home to the Jack Daniel鈥檚 Distillery, the country鈥檚 oldest registered distillery, attracting 250,000 visitors each year. Visitors can tour the distillery facilities and enjoy a whiskey sampling featuring six distinct varieties, sure to leave guests happy. Tims Ford State Park nearby is popular among nature enthusiasts, with places to camp, boat, and hike.

In downtown Lynchburg, the town square is lined with boutiques and restaurants, making it a great place to look for a souvenir. There are also several historic buildings in the square, including the Moore County Courthouse and the Old Moore County Jail, both built in the 19th century. To be centrally located, visitors can stay in Lynchburg Valley Inn, a 19th century inn that is only a mile鈥檚 walk away from downtown,

Pigeon Forge

Pigeon Forge is about an hour away from Knoxville and in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, making it a great escape in the outdoors. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is less than a 20-minute drive away, with other nearby attractions including Cades Cove, a 19th-century European settlement to explore, and Laurel Falls, an 80-foot waterfall accessible via a 2.6-mile loop trail.

Those looking for a thrill can visit Dollywood Amusement Park, which has over 40 rides to hop on or try out go-karting at one of the town鈥檚 many racing centers, such as Xtreme Racing Center. Located downtown, The Ramsey Hotel offers a well-rounded stay, complete with upscale amenities like a pool, restaurant, and fitness center on-site.

Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg, set in the Smoky Mountains, offers the ultimate gateway to Tennessee's mountain adventures. A visit to the Skybridge, the nation's longest pedestrian cable bridge, treats travelers to breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains. The Pigeon River is the perfect spot for whitewater rafting, with SMO Rafting offering thrilling adventures for visitors.

The town is also home to a number of murals that represent its wildlife, cultural heritage, and history, such as the Standing Strong Mural, Arrowmont Mural, and Makers Mural, which travelers can keep an eye out for while strolling through town. For those wanting to stay close to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and wake up to stunning mountain views, the historic Buckhorn Inn, in operation since 1938, offers a charming retreat.

Tellico Plains

With a population of just under 800, Tellico Plains is a peaceful mountain village, perfect to disconnect and recharge for a weekend. Those who enjoy hiking can visit Bald River Falls, Conasaga Falls, or Coker Creek Falls, all beautiful examples of the cascades in the surrounding area. To learn about the area鈥檚 history, the Charles Hall Museum and Heritage Center exhibits the Appalachian and American history from Monroe County.

Looking to camp? Indian Boundary Lake and Campground features clean campsites, a beach, a picnic area, and hiking trails to explore. Those looking for a more comfortable option can consider The Tellico Plains Inn, a historic landmark dating back to 1916 located in the downtown district.

Columbia

Just a 50-minute drive from Nashville, Columbia offers the perfect weekend escape for anyone seeking a quick change of pace. On December 6th, the town's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will feature food trucks, crafts, family-friendly activities, music from a DJ, and, of course, the much-anticipated tree lighting to kick off the holiday season.

Fishers can spend an afternoon at Henry Horton State Park, casting for catfish and bass, while kayakers take in the scenic views along Duck River, with rentals available from Higher Pursuits. For a unique experience, travelers can spend the weekend sleeping underground in the rustic Gully Hut facilities at Gully Farms.

Final Thoughts

Whether you are in search of outdoor adventure, fascinating history, or a cozy retreat, Tennessee's small towns offer the perfect setting for a refreshing getaway. From exploring local murals to sipping whiskey at a historic distillery, there's something for every kind of traveler. So, pack your bags and head to one of these charming towns to make the most of Tennessee's crisp fall and winter days.