Tennessee Just Wouldn't Be The Same Without These 5 Charming Small Towns

With a long-standing history, there are plenty of Tennessee towns to that we owe a lot of thanks. Some of them have held historical significance that really makes our state what it is today. Other towns just embody that perfect southern charm that everyone around the world knows about. We think that our state is pretty amazing in so many ways and we owe it all in part to these five small towns and cities.

Brent Moore/ Flickr

We have the most-visited national park in the country, some of the world's greatest music has come from studios in our state, and we are known as some of the friendliest people in the world. We can go on and on about the music scene out of Nashville or the BBQ in Memphis, but there are a few small towns that Tennessee just wouldn't be the same without. We love our state, and these are the towns that represent everything that makes our state great.

Jonesborough, TN 37659, USA

Brent Moore/ Flickr

When it comes to historical importance, you can’t get much better than Jonesborough. During the early years of Tennessee, this little town was actually the capital of the state. Without the political work done in those early years, Tennessee might never have existed. We would have just been a massive extension of North Carolina. Visiting the town today, you can find a charming historic downtown filled with more historical places than anywhere else in the state. It is a lovely place to explore and it's easy to see why this town is so important to Tennessee.

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Bell Buckle, TN 37020, USA

38thalabama/ Tripadvisor

Bell Buckle was a booming town back in the late 1800s due to the train industry. Bell Buckle was an important midway point between Nashville and Chattanooga, which allowed for massive growth. That population there sparked a creative renaissance, gaining the reputation of the town for the arts. Today Bell Buckle is a little town that still holds to its creative roots. Charming little stores and restaurants line the main downtown street with plenty of great people to meet. The town also hosts the annual RC Cola and Moon Pie festival with more Tennessee pride than you will find in any other small town.

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Townsend, TN 37882, USA

Courtesy of Sarah Dodge

Townsend is known as the "Quiet Side Of The Smokies" because it is a peaceful place to enjoy one of our greatest natural wonders. When you think of Tennessee, most likely mountains come to mind, and when you want to be among this beautiful landscape, Townsend is a perfect place. This city represents the peaceful beauty and the slower pace of life that Tennessee is known for. Rent a cabin, or travel down the ever-popular Cades Cove, but when it comes to enjoying the Smoky Mountains, this town should always be on the top of your list.

Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA

Davey Borden/ Flickr

The city of Gatlinburg may not seem very small at first because it is one of the top spots for vacationers. Despite the busyness, Gatlinburg is a small mountain town that is the gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains. Outsiders and residents alike flock to this town for the natural beauty and the ridiculous fun that you can find downtown. This city represents the draw to our state so well, with the surrounding natural beauty, the super fun attractions, and the Southern charm you find all throughout the state. With as many visitors that find their way to Gatlinburg every year, this earns a spot on our list of important cities that have shaped our state.

Sweetwater, TN 37874, USA

GPA Photo Archive/ Tripadvisor

Sweetwater, Tennessee, is the quintessential charming southern town. The city has been restored to its former glory with beautiful historic buildings making for a lovely downtown. You will find unique places all throughout the town unlike anywhere else. The pioneering spirit is what made European explorers originally set out to make Tennessee their home, and that same spirit is alive and well in Sweetwater. So among the one-of-a-kind shops and Southern charm, this city represents everything Tennessee was built on.

These are the Tennessee towns and cities that may be small, but the impact has been great. From historical significance to the natural beauty that we get to share with the rest of the world. Tennessee truly is a wonderful place, and we are thankful to have these small places within our borders. 

When you are in Gatlinburg and you want to get one of the best views in all of the city, check out this fantastic suspension bridge with a glass bottom!