Small Towns in Tennessee

Great as they are, there’s more to the Volunteer State than Nashville and Memphis. Wander away from the buzz of the Grand Ole Opry, Graceland, and Beale Street and into the small-town heart of this music-loving, Great Smoky Mountain-dotted state. Here are eight of the best small towns in Tennessee.

Gatlinburg

With a population of around 4,000, Gatlinburg remains small despite the fact that its location, Sevier County, attracts around 12 million visitors each year. People love coming to this quaint mountain town in eastern Tennessee — sometimes referred to as the “gateway to the Smoky Mountains” — for its gorgeous scenery, great shopping, and plenty of adventurous activities. Here, you can explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park, chase waterfalls, ride mountain coasters, and visit museums and a massive aquarium. Plus, Dollywood is just a short drive away in nearby Pigeon Forge, another popular small town for families that also happens to be full of all things Dolly Parton (she’s from the next town over).

Jonesborough

Jonesborough is small in size, but big in appeal. There’s live music, great shopping, and more than 242 years of history here in Tennessee’s oldest town (founded in 1779). Home to the International Storytelling Center, which hosts the National Storytelling Festival each October, Jonesborough is also considered the “storytelling capital of the world.”

Beyond storytelling, visitors can enjoy a free live music series, called Music on the Square, every Friday night from July through September (or Brews & Tunes on Sunday afternoons), as well as shop wares from local and regional artisans at the annual Made Around Here Market. Christmas in Olde Jonesborough is another highlight.

For a bit of time travel, visit the 1906 Chuckey Depot Museum, then take a carriage ride along the town’s well preserved Main Street, complete with historic buildings, antique stores, and charming little ice cream and candy shops.

Granville

Granville is perhaps the definition of a hidden gem. Though it was the birthplace of former U.S. senator Albert Gore, Sr. (father of former vice president Al Gore), few are in the know about this historic town.

Nicknamed “Tennessee’s Mayberry Town,” suggesting it as a utopian place to live, Granville is located an hour east of Nashville on the banks of the Cumberland River and boasts the slow and friendly pace of yesteryear. A $7 town tour ticket from Sutton General Store gives you access to highlights like the Granville Whiskey Decanter Museum, Whistle Stop Saloon, I Love Lucy Museum, Sutton Homestead, and Pioneer Village.