5 Small Towns in Tennessee Worth Visiting

When you want to plan a relaxing getaway, there’s nothing quite like visiting a small town. Tennessee is brimming with these small, charming places that embody Southern hospitality and put other locales to shame, so be sure to add one of these to your travel itinerary:

Kingsport

Another small city, but one that’s larger than Dayton, Kingsport is part of the Mountain Empire that spans Southwest Virginia and the mountain counties of East Tennessee. Kingsport itself is idyllic and historic with easy access to state parks, spas, antique shops, smokehouses, and family-friendly events that include a popular hot air balloon festival. When you’re looking for a small-town feel with city amenities, Kingsport is the place to be.

Dayton

Located in Rhea County between Chattanooga and Knoxville, Dayton is a picturesque small city oozing with charm. If you’re familiar with the name, it’s probably because you’ve heard of Dayton, Tennessee, being the location of the famous Scopes Trial in 1925, which is the town’s main claim to fame. Dayton offers countless parks and recreational fields for its size, and the nightlife is an unexpected bonus with its exceptional restaurants and live music scene.

Townsend

Townsend tends to be overshadowed by the popularity of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville, but it’s a peaceful little town nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that should be at the top of your list of places to visit. There isn’t much here but ample opportunity for peace and relaxation, but that’s part of its appeal. Drive around the loop at Cades Cove, check out the Tuckaleechee Caverns, or visit the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center. You can bet your weekend will be packed with nothing but the natural beauty and quiet of the mountain region.

Jonesborough

This quaint little town is perfect for those who love Southern history. Jonesborough is home to more than 5,000 people, but it’s retained its historic charm in ways few towns in America have. Jonesborough’s claim to fame is that it’s the oldest city in Tennessee, even older than the state itself, so you can expect to encounter a lot of historical significance during your visit. Walk through the Chester Inn Museum, visit the International Storytelling Center, go antiquing, pop into one of the art galleries, or simply stroll along the picturesque streets.

Bell Buckle

The smallest on our list, Bell Buckle is home to just over 500 residents. It’s a close-knit art lovers’ community that will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. As it stands today, this tiny town is a preserved and restored railroad village featuring Victorian homes, farmland, and horse country that is known for its handmade crafts, country music, quilts, antiques, and Southern hospitality. You also can’t beat the home cooking. Thousands of visitors are drawn to Bell Buckle each year for its annual festivals, though the town is a great place to visit any time of year.

Give yourself a chance to breathe again. Get away from the daily grind and plan a trip to one of these laid-back Tennessee towns.

Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay 

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