10 Best Tennessee Towns For A Weekend Trip
Situated at the confluence of three major physiographic regions — the Appalachians, the Interior Low Plateaus of the Interior Plains, and the Atlantic Plains — Tennessee is a photogenic, landlocked state that is celebrated for its geographical heterogeneity. Even though the hypnotic visuals and myriad attractions of the state’s dynamic cityscapes (Nashville, the capital city, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Memphis, and Knoxville) are typically what spring to mind whenever one thinks about the Volunteer State, the 10 best Tennessee towns for a weekend trip are in many ways better options for visitors looking for something new.
Paris
The administrative capital of Henry County, Paris, christened after its namesake French capital city as a tribute to Lt. Gen. Marquis de Lafayette, a Revolutionary War hero, is the foremost incorporated town of western Tennessee. This enchanting destination flawlessly blends southern elegance and a Parisian "City of Love" aura. The town lures tourists to its replica of the Eiffel Tower, an excellent family-friendly choice featuring a 70-foot-tall Eiffel Tower, a public pool, tennis courts, walking trails, splash pad, and children’s playgrounds. Enjoy your stay at plush accommodations, like Hampton Inn Paris before watching artistic events at the Paris-Henry County Arts Council and musical events at Krider Performing Arts Center.
Sewanee
Sewanee, located in Middle Tennessee’s southeastern portion on the Cumberland Plateau’s western extremity, is in Franklin County. This attractive town is noted for being home to the stunning campus of The University of the South. This Episcopal Church-managed private liberal arts college’s 13,000-acre campus (aka "The Domain" and "The Mountain") and abutting state parks are flawless for recreational activities, like horseback riding, golfing, hiking, and mountain biking. Then there are the panoramas of the nearby valleys at Green’s View and Memorial Cross. Set out for a leisurely walk through Sewanee’s charming downtown and peruse the locally owned lifestyle stores, such as Lemon Fair, Hospitality Shop, and restaurants, like The Blue Chair Café & Tavern. Hotels include the Sewanee Inn. Annual community events, such as the Sewanee Summer Music Festival and Sewanee Writers’ Conference, draw scholars and tourists from all over the globe.
Leiper’s Fork
An unincorporated rustic hamlet, Leiper’s Fork is located on the Natchez Trace Parkway in Williamson County, around 45 minutes southwest of Nashville. Fenced by never-ending acres of equine facilities and rolling farmlands, this 650-inhabitant rural village’s countryside ambiance has helped make it a perfect locale for spending minivacations. When on a tour to Leiper’s Fork, browse the numerous shops, such as Props antiques, Patina Home and Garden, and the Tennessee Turquoise Company that dot the main business district. Also, stop by the Leiper’s Fork Distillery, Fox & Locke restaurant, Leiper's Creek Gallery, and the Copper Fox Gallery, before resting up for the night at the historic Sweeney Cottage.
Lynchburg
Widely known for its globally acclaimed Tennessee whiskey, this 6,800-population Moore County town is nestled in the undulating hills of Tennessee’s south-central region. The functional Jack Daniel’s Distillery is Lynchburg’s heavily frequented sightseeing spot where trippers through guided tours get to gain knowledge about the production of the famed whiskey coupled with enjoyable stories about the distillery founder. What's more, visitors can focus attention on the time-worn architectures downtown, along with the Moore County Old Jail and the Moore County Courthouse and Jail; sample artisanal wines at Lynchburg Winery; pay tribute to Mr. Daniel himself at Lynchburg City Cemetery; procure some Jack Daniel’s memorabilia at the Jack Daniel’s Lynchburg Hardware & General Store; relish delectable Southern fares at Miss Mary Bobo’s Restaurant; and have a pleasant stay at The Lynchburg Country Inn.
Cookeville
Cookeville, the biggest town and seat of north-central Tennessee’s Putnam County, sits in the Upper Cumberland region, approximately 80 miles east of the state capital, Nashville. Dubbed the "Hub of the Upper Cumberlands," this regional, cultural, and educational locus houses the main campuses of Tennessee Bible College and Tennessee Technological University, as well as the branch campus of Volunteer State Community College. Reserve some time for exploring Cookeville’s prominent attractions including Cummins Falls State Park, Dogwood Performance Pavilion, Cookeville Depot Museum, and Cookeville Performing Arts Center. Downtown offers a plethora of shops and activities, including Market On The Square, Soul Craft Coffee, and Seven Senses Food & Cheer. Visitors can wind down at Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cookeville.
Townsend
Considered the gateway to Cades Cove and known as "The Peaceful Side of the Smokies,” this lovable town in eastern Blount County with just about 600 townsfolk is situated in the Tuckaleechee Cove in the ł§łľ´Ç°ěľ±±đ˛ő’ northern foothills, right by the meandering Little River. As one of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s three main entry gateways, Townsend is commended for its favored environs and incalculable delightful spots. While in town, drive into the Smokies by either traversing the Cades Cove Loop Road or by embarking on a hike to the Spruce Flats Falls; discover the Tuckaleechee Caverns and Silver Falls, the tallest subterranean cascade in the Eastern United States. Or consider learning about the area’s cultural background and environmental record at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center or the Little River Railroad & Lumber Company Museum. Visitors may choose to stay at the Dancing Bear Lodge during one of the town's many festivals, including the Winter Heritage Festival and the Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival.
Rogersville
Named for the Irish-born pioneer Joseph Rogers, this Hawkins County seat that was initially settled in 1775 by Davy Crocket's grandparents is the second-oldest town in Tennessee. The riveting past of the town is accurately reflected in its several conspicuous must-see sites, such as the second-oldest courthouse in the state, the Tennessee Newspaper & Printing Museum (Rogersville was home to the state's first newspaper, The Knoxville Gazette, the Amis Mill Eatery, and the Thomas Amis Historic Site, which includes the old Amis House and the Volunteer State’s oldest stone dam. Additionally, stroll through the National Register-listed Rogersville Historic District and browse the eye-catching local landmarks, including the Local Artists Gallery, LuElla’s Gift Market, and Red Dog On Main Taproom & Eatery. Visitors can rest at the historic Hale Springs Inn.
Gatlinburg
Originally named White Oak Flats and later renamed for Radford Gatlin, Gatlinburg is an enthralling alpine-like resort community in Sevier County set along U.S. Route 441 on the frontiers of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Being the "Gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains," the town serves as a prototypical base for adrenaline junkies who wish to discover the national park’s superb offerings. After a tour of Gatlinburg attractions, such as Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies, Anakeesta Mountaintop Adventure Park, Hollywood Star Cars Museum, Gatlinburg Space Needle, or the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway, have a good night’s sleep at Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg.
Bell Buckle
Settled during the early years of the 19th century, this small railroad town with just 410 inhabitants is located in the northeastern portion of Bedford County. Bell Buckle’s magnetic downtown area is jam-packed with well-preserved Victorian-era buildings along with other historic structures, such as Bell Buckle First Baptist Church. There are also welcoming local businesses, such as Livery Stable Antique Mall, Farm Girlz Goodz, and Shady Acres Creation LLC Boutique & More. Casual diners abound, including the Bell Buckle Café. Visitors also enjoy the annual festivals, such as the RC Cola-MoonPie Festival, and engaging with nature at nearby Short Springs Natural Area and Henry Horton State Park. Visitors can also get some rest at Seasons Bed & Breakfast.
Jonesborough
Founded in 1779 and baptized in honor of North Carolina politician Willie Jones, this administrative capital of northeastern Tennessee’s Washington County is the oldest town in the state. Globetrotters visiting this town can learn about the settlement’s days of yore at the Chester Inn State Historic Site and Museum and the Chuckey Railroad Depot Museum. Local shops include Jonesborough Antiques & Artisans, Mauk’s of Jonesborough, and the International Storytelling Center. Visitors can also trek the Lost State Scenic Walkway, which crosses through Persimmon Ridge Park or turn up at any of the town’s yearly gatherings, such as the National Storytelling Festival, Jonesborough Days, Jonesborough Garden Gala, Doggone Christmas, and Chocolate Fest. Those staying for the weekend can book a room at Country Inn & Suites by Radisson.
From Paris to Jonesborough, the 10 best Tennessee towns for a weekend trip range across the nation’s 15th-most populous and 36th-buggest state. These towns capture the attention of every out-of-towner. Boasting mind-boggling natural settings, multifarious emblematic sites, colorful carnivals, homely guesthouses, and the generous hospitality of its citizenry, these towns are superb destinations for spending a rejuvenating weekend in the Volunteer State — far away from the maddening crowds and concrete jungles.
