Discover The Musical History Of Tennessee When You Visit These 7 Small-Town Sites Around The State

Tennessee is full of history, especially when it comes to our contributions to the vast landscape of American music. Everyone knows that Nashville is known as “Music City,” but there are plenty of small, out-of-the-way places around the state that boast plenty of roots in music history. If you’re into music, history, Tennessee, or all of the above, you’ll want to be sure to check out these small towns.

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Sevierville is known for being the home of one of Tennessee's favorite residents, Dolly Parton. Dolly was born here in 1946 in a one-room cabin before becoming one of the world's most famous country stars and opening Dollywood in her hometown. There are plenty of Dolly sites in the area, but Dollywood and the Sevierville courthouse that features her statue are top spots.

Historic Granville, Tennessee - Facebook

The small town of Granville is home to the TB Sutton General Store, which has been in operation for over 100 years. It's known for hosting a bluegrass radio show every Saturday night and is streamed to every state in the country and over 150 countries around the world.

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Bristol, Tennessee sits right on the border between Tennessee and Virginia, but this border town has one of the most iconic claims to music history in America. It's the actual birthplace of Country music! Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family recorded their iconic sessions in Bristol in 1927, creating a new genre that's one of the most popular in the country today. Check out the Birthplace of Country Music Museum while you're in town!

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Tigbemileke Ojo - GoogleMaps

Cleveland, Tennessee has a unique tie to American music history in that it's the home of the famous and prolific red back hymnal, arguably the world's best-known hymnal and influential in the spread of Southern Gospel music in the mid-1900s. The Museum Center at Five Points in town has a permanent exhibit on the hymnal that's definitely worth a visit.

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The tiny town of Brownsville is the birthplace of Tina Turner, making this town worthy of a pilgrimage in itself. On top of that, the old schoolhouse where she attended school as a child has been converted into a museum in her honor, and it's definitely worth a trip.

Loretta Lynn's Rance - GoogleMaps

Hurricane Mills is famously the home of beloved country icon Loretta Lynn. The Loretta Lynn Ranch offers tours, cabins, shopping, and more, including a ton of Loretta's personal memorabilia from her prolific career. This is an absolute must for anyone who is a country music fan.

Brent Moore - Flickr

The town of Sparta once was home to one of the most famous bluegrass musicians the country has ever known, Lester Flatt. The town still celebrates his memory by holding an annual bluegrass festival every October.

There’s nowhere like Tennessee when it comes to food, and the apple cider donuts at the Apple Barn are some of the best treats you’ll find anywhere.