Memphis has Elvis, Knoxville has the Vols, Chattanooga has the outdoors, and Nashville has music. But there’s much to discover between Tennessee’s major cities! Here are six charming small towns that show off the best of Tennessee’s Appalachian culture, Southern cuisine, and natural beauty.
Jonesborough
WHY WE LOVE IT
Jonesborough is Tennessee’s oldest town (founded in 1779) and the storytelling capital of the world. The town’s famous National Storytelling Festival started in the 1970s and still draws tens of thousands each October. Other seasonal events like Music on the Square, Halloween Haunts & Happenings, and Christmas in Olde Jonesborough are delightful times to visit. Costumed storytellers and pretty shops fill the town.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
Start your day with a hearty Southern breakfast and coffee at The Corner Cup before a stroll through the town’s historic downtown. As you explore the shops, art galleries, and boutiques along Main Street, you’ll pass well-preserved architecture and the beautiful Historic Eureka Inn. Learn about the town’s storytelling heritage and catch a live storytelling performance at the International Storytelling Center and Chester Inn & Museum. Grab a pre-dinner beer and game at the vibey Depot Street Brewing, then savor Italian cuisine at The Black Olive Bistro.
Leiper’s Fork
WHY WE LOVE IT
Thompson R. Leiper established a trading post and inn in the area during the early 19th century, and the “Fork” refers to the intersection of two roads at the village’s center. It has a laid-back, western style with many public spaces to relax and stargaze. Many take advantage of its proximity to the Natchez Trace Parkway — one of the country’s most scenic routes that shows off rolling hills, farmlands, and a famously designed bridge.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
Get caffeinated at the shipping-container-housed RedByrd Coffee Shop, then explore Leiper’s Fork’s famous art galleries, shops, and studios like David Arms and The Copper Fox Gallery. As you weave between galleries, find a cozy outdoor fire pit with free s’mores fixings. Pull up a chair and grab a milkshake or beer at Puckett’s — recently renamed Fox & Locke — a quintessential meat-and-three with almost daily live music. A little down the road, learn about Middle Tennessee’s history of whiskey-making with a tour and taste of small-batch whiskey at Leiper’s Fork Distillery.
Linden
WHY WE LOVE IT
Perched near the Buffalo and Tennessee Rivers, Linden is known for its serene outdoor beauty and friendly walkable downtown. Irish and Scottish settlers in the early 1800s were drawn to the fertile lands and natural resources and named the town for the linden tree. When visitors aren’t soaking up the area’s outdoor splendor on trails or water, they’re exploring a charming Main Street that nurtures a thriving community of artists and creatives.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
Visit the Buffalo River Artists Cooperative to see and shop arts and crafts from more than a dozen local artists. The 22-room Commodore Hotel has retro cars parked out front, a European-style café, and an adjacent speakeasy bar. Order Elvis’ Pink Cadillac (a dash of cranberry, orange liqueur, and tequila) before catching some live music at the hotel’s cafe. If you’re ready to get outside, rent a boat at Clifton Marina or hike one of the five trails through Mousetail Landing State Park, ranging from easy to difficult.
Smithville
WHY WE LOVE IT
Founded in the early 19th century by the Smith family of settlers, the town was occupied by both sides at different times throughout the Civil War. The town’s famous annual Jamboree celebrates Appalachian music, dance, and traditional crafts. Smithville has a robust little downtown, charming events at the courthouse square, artists ready to show you their craft, and ample ways to spend a leisurely afternoon on the water.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
Fuel up and start your shopping at Button Willow General Store & Coffee Shop. Even if you missed the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree (the first weekend of July), you may hear local pickers playing around town. Artists at the Appalachian Center for Craft are ready to show off their work. Outdoor adventure seekers can find waterfalls, trails, scenic lookouts, kayaking, fishing, and more at Edgar Evins State Park, Burgess Falls State Park, and Rock Island State Park — each containing portions of Center Hill Lake’s shoreline.
Sweetwater
WHY WE LOVE IT
Sweetwater’s history reflects its evolution from a small settlement to a railroad hub to an integral Civil War transportation center. Take a step back in time to discover unique antique shops and quirky attractions teeming with nostalgia, charm, and friendliness. Its main street is known as the “sweetest” in the state, and the town hosts the beloved Blooms, Bluegrass & BBQ Festival downtown each May.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
Snap some photos of the town’s growing collection of public art and colorful murals. And you absolutely cannot skip Lost Sea Adventure — America’s largest underground lake. Book an underground boat tour through this fascinating cave system that dates back to the 1700s. You can also drive the scenic Cherohala Parkway and hike to the 90-foot Bald River Falls. Top off the day with a fresh milkshake and grilled (local) cheese from Sweetwater Valley Farm & Cafe.
This is your nudge to explore Tennessee! And be sure to revisit our articles about small towns in:
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