Charming small towns in Tennessee are everywhere. Some of them have gorgeous scenery and natural beauty and others have an inviting downtown with amazingly friendly people. There are so many to explore that it can be overwhelming, so we made a list to get you started. You can travel to these towns for the day or extend your stay to make it a weekend getaway; whatever you choose, these small towns are inviting you to enjoy all they have to offer!
January: Mountain City
Adam Tripp/ Alltrails Mountain City is simply gorgeous in every possible way. Towering mountains surround you everywhere you look and you are just far enough from other towns that it feels like a secluded mountain paradise. Mountain City will also see a significant amount of snow, more than anywhere else in Tennessee, which makes it a great place to visit in January. One of the best things to do is to rent a cabin, start a fire, and relax. Mountain City, TN 37683, USA
February: Sewanee
University of the South/ Facebook Sewanee is a small college town west of Chattanooga and is undeniably charming. The natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and wilderness is simply tough to beat. There are tons of trails that feature great views of stunning peaks and beautiful waterfalls. Take to the woods and spend a weekend exploring it all. If hiking in the winter months isn’t your thing, then visit Sewanee: The University of the South and marvel at this amazing campus. The architecture looks more like a castle than a college and is simply gorgeous to explore. Sewanee, TN, USA
March: Maryville
Capitol Theatre/ Google Things are starting to warm up a little this time of the year in Tennessee, and we think Maryville is a great place to visit during March. Looming in the distance you can see the Great Smoky Mountains towering high and the bustling downtown can lure you in. With all the unique shops and restaurants, you can easily spend a weekend exploring Maryville. The Capitol Theater is a town icon; the marquee is worth the visit alone, and inside, the lobby has been converted into an epic movie-themed ice cream parlor you don’t want to miss! Maryville, TN, USA
April: Sweetwater
GPA Photo Archive/ Flickr Sweetwater has undergone a big restoration by restoring this southern town to its former glory, filled with historic places to visit as well as unique shops. One-of-a-kind stores offer something for everyone, from unique gifts to lovely furniture. Sweetwater is a great town to enjoy on foot window shopping or treasure hunting for the perfect gift. On a rainy day make sure to head over to The Lost Sea Adventure to explore the largest underground lake in the country. Sweetwater, TN 37874, USA
May: Ocoee
U.S. Department of Agriculture/ Flickr By now everything feels like summer and we are ready for some amazing outdoor adventures. Spend some time in Ocoee which can be your hub for some incredible experiences. Travel along the Ocoee Scenic Byway and stop by the overlooks. Head to one of the beaches alongside Lake Ocoee or take in the scenery by hiking the many different trails. This area is so beautiful you can easily spend a weekend exploring it all. Ocoee, TN 37361, USA
June: Bell Buckle
Brian Stansberry/Wikipedia Bell Buckle is one of those quintessential charming small towns in Tennessee. The town has a known tradition for being artistic and loves to show it; the downtown has many unique shops you won’t find anywhere else. We choose June for a visit to Bell Buckle because they host an annual RC Cola and Moon Pie Festival. Both of these products were created in Tennessee, and this festival takes local pride to a whole new level. With plenty of games and activities, this is fun festival and unique you will not want to miss. Bell Buckle, TN 37020, USA
July: Jonesborough
Brent Moore/ Flickr Jonesborough is the oldest town in Tennessee and is undeniably one of the most charming. Filled with plenty of local pride, this town decorates for every season and is impossible to visit without getting caught up in the joy. With many celebrations filling the calendar it can be hard to decide on the best time to visit this historic town, but if you have to choose, visit in July. Pairing their annual Jonesborough Days Festival with the 4th of July makes for one giant, month-long celebration you will not want to miss. Jonesborough, TN 37659, USA
August: Erwin
USA Raft Adventure Resort/ Facebook When you are in the full heat of the Tennessee sun, you will want to make your way to the cool mountain water, so we’re heading to Erwin. USA Rafts is the perfect place to be to beat the heat. Camp in any one of their unique accommodations like a glamping tent, dome, or tiny house, then take to the water in a kayak, paddleboard, or boat. If you prefer, you can go whitewater rafting or simply float down the river in a tube. Either way, the outdoorsy town of Erwin is a fun summer destination! USA Raft Adventure Resort, 2 Jones Branch Rd, Erwin, TN 37650, USA
September: Martin
Tennessee Soybean Festival/ Facebook Martin is a small town tucked into the northwest side of the state. September is a busy time of year for this little town, with the annual soybean harvest and accompanying festival. With regard to the latter, the Tennessee Soybean Festival is chock-full of activities, rides, and food, making it fun for families of all ages. Martin, TN, USA
October: Townsend
Great Smoky Mountains National Park/ Flickr As the leaves start to change you will have plenty of places to go to enjoy them. One of the best places is, of course, the Great Smoky Mountains, and what better way to enjoy the crispness of fall than in a town that is referred to as “The Quiet Side Of The Smokies”? Rent a cabin and be surrounded by a fiery array of colors then take in a hike or two. The bears can be very active this time of the year so going on a drive around Cades Cove will give you a great opportunity to see our most beloved Smoky Mountain mascot. Townsend, TN 37882, USA
November: Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park/ Facebook Gatlinburg is an amazing little town sitting in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains. It is hard to resist the undeniable charm of this little mountain town, but during the holidays it’s even more magical. Lights are strung everywhere and simply walking around will fill you with the Christmas spirit. Walk along the SkyBridge, or take a trip to Anakesta for an incredible light display. There are so many things to do in this little town you can make a whole week out of it and you’ll still want to come back for more. Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
December: Franklin
EandJsFilmCrew/ Flickr Franklin is a suburb of Nashville, and the downtown undergoes a Christmas transformation each year that’s pure holiday joy. Praised as one of the most magnificent light displays around. make sure to head to Gaylord Opryland to see all of the Christmas magic alongside the annual Ice! event. Franklin, TN, USA
What do you think of these charming small towns in Tennessee? We got you started on some pretty amazing bucket list towns to visit this year, but what ones are on your list? Let us know in the comments below.
Adam Tripp/ Alltrails
Mountain City is simply gorgeous in every possible way. Towering mountains surround you everywhere you look and you are just far enough from other towns that it feels like a secluded mountain paradise. Mountain City will also see a significant amount of snow, more than anywhere else in Tennessee, which makes it a great place to visit in January. One of the best things to do is to rent a cabin, start a fire, and relax.
Mountain City, TN 37683, USA
University of the South/ Facebook
Sewanee is a small college town west of Chattanooga and is undeniably charming. The natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and wilderness is simply tough to beat. There are tons of trails that feature great views of stunning peaks and beautiful waterfalls. Take to the woods and spend a weekend exploring it all. If hiking in the winter months isn’t your thing, then visit Sewanee: The University of the South and marvel at this amazing campus. The architecture looks more like a castle than a college and is simply gorgeous to explore.
Sewanee, TN, USA
Capitol Theatre/ Google
Things are starting to warm up a little this time of the year in Tennessee, and we think Maryville is a great place to visit during March. Looming in the distance you can see the Great Smoky Mountains towering high and the bustling downtown can lure you in. With all the unique shops and restaurants, you can easily spend a weekend exploring Maryville. The Capitol Theater is a town icon; the marquee is worth the visit alone, and inside, the lobby has been converted into an epic movie-themed ice cream parlor you don’t want to miss!
Maryville, TN, USA
GPA Photo Archive/ Flickr
Sweetwater has undergone a big restoration by restoring this southern town to its former glory, filled with historic places to visit as well as unique shops. One-of-a-kind stores offer something for everyone, from unique gifts to lovely furniture. Sweetwater is a great town to enjoy on foot window shopping or treasure hunting for the perfect gift. On a rainy day make sure to head over to The Lost Sea Adventure to explore the largest underground lake in the country.
Sweetwater, TN 37874, USA
U.S. Department of Agriculture/ Flickr
By now everything feels like summer and we are ready for some amazing outdoor adventures. Spend some time in Ocoee which can be your hub for some incredible experiences. Travel along the Ocoee Scenic Byway and stop by the overlooks. Head to one of the beaches alongside Lake Ocoee or take in the scenery by hiking the many different trails. This area is so beautiful you can easily spend a weekend exploring it all.
Ocoee, TN 37361, USA
Brian Stansberry/Wikipedia
Bell Buckle is one of those quintessential charming small towns in Tennessee. The town has a known tradition for being artistic and loves to show it; the downtown has many unique shops you won’t find anywhere else. We choose June for a visit to Bell Buckle because they host an annual RC Cola and Moon Pie Festival. Both of these products were created in Tennessee, and this festival takes local pride to a whole new level. With plenty of games and activities, this is fun festival and unique you will not want to miss.
Bell Buckle, TN 37020, USA
Brent Moore/ Flickr
Jonesborough is the oldest town in Tennessee and is undeniably one of the most charming. Filled with plenty of local pride, this town decorates for every season and is impossible to visit without getting caught up in the joy. With many celebrations filling the calendar it can be hard to decide on the best time to visit this historic town, but if you have to choose, visit in July. Pairing their annual Jonesborough Days Festival with the 4th of July makes for one giant, month-long celebration you will not want to miss.
Jonesborough, TN 37659, USA
USA Raft Adventure Resort/ Facebook
When you are in the full heat of the Tennessee sun, you will want to make your way to the cool mountain water, so we’re heading to Erwin. USA Rafts is the perfect place to be to beat the heat. Camp in any one of their unique accommodations like a glamping tent, dome, or tiny house, then take to the water in a kayak, paddleboard, or boat. If you prefer, you can go whitewater rafting or simply float down the river in a tube. Either way, the outdoorsy town of Erwin is a fun summer destination!
USA Raft Adventure Resort, 2 Jones Branch Rd, Erwin, TN 37650, USA
Tennessee Soybean Festival/ Facebook
Martin is a small town tucked into the northwest side of the state. September is a busy time of year for this little town, with the annual soybean harvest and accompanying festival. With regard to the latter, the Tennessee Soybean Festival is chock-full of activities, rides, and food, making it fun for families of all ages.
Martin, TN, USA
Great Smoky Mountains National Park/ Flickr
As the leaves start to change you will have plenty of places to go to enjoy them. One of the best places is, of course, the Great Smoky Mountains, and what better way to enjoy the crispness of fall than in a town that is referred to as “The Quiet Side Of The Smokies”? Rent a cabin and be surrounded by a fiery array of colors then take in a hike or two. The bears can be very active this time of the year so going on a drive around Cades Cove will give you a great opportunity to see our most beloved Smoky Mountain mascot.
Townsend, TN 37882, USA
Gatlinburg SkyLift Park/ Facebook
Gatlinburg is an amazing little town sitting in the shadow of the Great Smoky Mountains. It is hard to resist the undeniable charm of this little mountain town, but during the holidays it’s even more magical. Lights are strung everywhere and simply walking around will fill you with the Christmas spirit. Walk along the SkyBridge, or take a trip to Anakesta for an incredible light display. There are so many things to do in this little town you can make a whole week out of it and you’ll still want to come back for more.
Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
EandJsFilmCrew/ Flickr
Franklin is a suburb of Nashville, and the downtown undergoes a Christmas transformation each year that’s pure holiday joy. Praised as one of the most magnificent light displays around. make sure to head to Gaylord Opryland to see all of the Christmas magic alongside the annual Ice! event.
Franklin, TN, USA
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