Here in Tennessee, we pride ourselves in our adventurous nature. Our state has been home to some of the most adventurous people in our country's history, including Meriwether Lewis and Davy Crockett. We've even got some of the greatest spots for creating your own adventures, from the Mississippi to the Great Smoky Mountains. There's one town in Middle Tennessee that's so chock-full of adventure, you'll hardly believe it. Check it out!
Just South of Center Hill Lake is the little town of Smithville. The town only has about 4,500 people, but it has more than enough adventure for everyone.
For starters, the Appalachian Center for Craft, a campus of Tennessee Tech, is located right on the banks of the lake and promotes arts and crafts of all kinds through their classes and events.
The Smithville Fiddler's Jamboree is held in town every year and draws thousands of people from all over to world to hear top-notch and world-class fiddlin'. It's held every June.
Center Hill Lake itself is also available for anyone looking for adventure. There are no developments on the shores, so it's the perfect spot to go boating, fishing, or even kayaking.
If you're in to waterfalls, Smithville is definitely the place for you. Sink Creek Falls is another easily accessible waterfall just outside of town that is absolutely stunning.
Finally, for you adventurers out there, you have to visit the DeKalb County Fair, known affectionately as the Grandpa Fair of the South because it started in 1856. It's now held every July and draws crowds from all over the country.
Looking for other great Tennessee secrets? Try out this historic hotel in Memphis.
Joelton, TN is technically a Nashville neighborhood, although it couldn't be more different than the guitar-toting tourists of Music City. No, it's surrounded by stunning Tennessee beauty and boasts Marrowbone Lake, a stunning answer to the overpopulated Radnor Lake of Brentwood. Joelton is a sweet step back in time, a place where fishing is king and the people are kind. Our Tennessee cities tend to be busy but one of the greatest things is with a short drive you can be surrounded by nature and the hum of city life fades in the background. So if you are looking to get out on the water and away from the hustle and bustle take a look at one of the best fishing towns near Nashville.
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Marrowbone Lake, besides having a great name, is also located in one of the best fishing towns in Tennessee, Joelton.
We've heard from many that the integrity of the space enamors folks from the city, especially with their boat rentals and opportunity to fish, unencumbered, on the beautiful water. The promise of getting away from the busyness of the city and entering a small town in Tennessee sounds like a wonderful day. Who wouldn't want to reconnect with nature and get out by the water?
In the fall this little lake just comes alive with colors but there isn't a bad time of the year to visit the water. It truly is amazing how there is an untouched place like this just outside of the city.
Joelton as a whole is a fairly rural community, populated by farms and multiple suburban neighborhoods that lie roughly 25 minutes from the city center. The population of the town is just over 7,000 people so you should have plenty of solitude and quiet.
The town is teeming with good people and outdoorsy folk who truly make the most of their beautiful location. Joelton has relied on farming since the 1920s, so the roots run deep.
Would you go fishing at Marrowbone Lake? It's a beautiful place, one that pivots on your love of the land and a bit of quiet time on your boat. We're in.
We'll be making a visit to Marrowbone Lake very soon. Have you been to this fishing town near Nashville? If you want to visit this little town for some fishing in Tennessee, grab your fishing supplies and head to the lake for a beautiful day away from the city.
If you love to find new fishing spots then let us tell you about another small town in Tennessee that is great for fishing. Smithville is a great little town in middle Tennessee and feels like it has been frozen in time. Make sure you check it out!
There are all sorts of cozy places to cuddle up in the heart of Tennessee, so it's desperately hard to choose just a handful to feature. If you're living near Nashville and simply have to get out of the city this winter, then plan a day trip or book a bed and breakfast within the city limits of one of these darling small towns. They're just a stone's throw from the city, and they're perfect for a bit of rest and relaxation in the midst of a dreary winter season. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, you might want to check out some of the best winter hikes in Tennessee. Check them out, fall in love, and maybe head back next weekend. There's nothing like a Tennessee winter adventure to lift the spirits, and one of these cute towns near Nashville is a perfect place for this!
Leipers Fork is a tiny town outside of Nashville and Franklin, and it's known officially as a "village" of 650 people. With only 1,100 acres to its name, this small town is made up mainly of a cozy downtown street lined with boutique shops and restaurants. Book a night at one of their bed-and-breakfasts and spend your evenings toe-tappin' to live music at Puckett's. Learn more about what makes Leipers Fork such a charming small town in Tennessee.
If you enjoy cute towns outside Nashville, let's check out Leipers Fork in this video from ChadGallivanter:
Just a half-hour drive south of Nashville, Franklin has consistently been ranked as one of the best small towns in America. From the charming Main Street full of shops and restaurants to the historical sites scattered throughout the city, you'll never run out of things to do in Franklin. There are many B&Bs in old, historic homes within walking distance of downtown, and they're all absolutely magical. Franklin is often called the most picturesque town in Tennessee, and it's no mystery why.
Columbia is about an hour south of Nashville and is known (unofficially) as the mule capital of the world, thanks to their massive Mule Day festival every April. Similar to Franklin but with fewer crowds and less traffic, Columbia is the perfect spot to escape the big city for the weekend. For a taste of the Victorian South, we recommend a night at the Blythewood Inn Bed & Breakfast, located in a historic mansion.
Travel to more small towns near Nashville in this video from Living in Tennessee as they explore Columbia:
Pulaski is an even smaller town than Columbia and is further south from Nashville by about 20 minutes. It's the perfect, cozy small town to spend a chilly winter weekend day. If you want to extend your Pulaski experience, check out the popular Big Creek Winery in the beautiful hills just outside the town. When you need a break from it all, head to the peaceful, charming town of Pulaski.
Cookeville is a beautiful town of about 30,000 people, located in some of the most beautiful country that Tennessee has to offer. Situated about an hour and 15 minutes east of Nashville, Cookeville is the perfect escape for outdoor lovers. Nearby, you'll find some of the best winter hikes in Tennessee. Burgess Falls, Rock Island, Edgar Evans, Cummins Falls, and Virgin Falls State Parks are all within a short distance outside of Cookeville. Learn more about what makes this beautiful town such a great Tennessee small town.
For something quiet and quaint but a little closer to the city, Watertown is the best spot to be. This tiny town of only 1,500 residents has been a popular filming site for country music videos and is home to quite a few great vintage and antique stores that are just begging to be explored.
Springfield is one of the most overlooked but underrated small towns close to Nashville, only 40 minutes north of the city, in Middle Tennessee. For something unique, take a short drive from Springfield to the Bell Witch Cave in Adams, known for its prolific history of hauntings and spooky folklore.
Check out more towns for weekend getaways in this video from Living In Nashville Tennessee:
If you're looking for something a bit more adventurous than cozy, then a visit to the longest swinging bridge in the U.S. might be in order. It's the perfect activity to do during winter in Nashville!
These are just a few ideas for things to do in winter in Nashville. What do you think about these cute towns near Nashville? Which one would you be most interested in visiting? Share with us in the comment section!
