Tennessee is a sweet home for many, a place where they retreat from the rough rush of the world and feel peace amongst the lush greenery and kind people. It's always encouraging to visit someplace new only to find yourself valued and encouraged as if you were one of the locals. We spoke to quite a few native Tennesseans (so many!), and they gave us insight into some of the best places to visit in the state - the small towns and tight knit communities. Do you agree?
15. Bell Buckle
Known for its annual RC Cola and Moon Pie Festival, Bell Buckle is just a short drive outside of Nashville and is home to some of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. Check out their downtown shops while you're there!
14. Franklin
Frequently named one of the best small towns in America, Franklin is known for being the embodiment of Southern charm. The downtown area features stores, restaurants, and a vintage movie theater!
13. Dayton
Dayton, Tennessee is most well known for the Scopes Monkey Trial, but it is a historic town that is just bursting with beautiful scenery and kind people. Well worth a visit if you're looking to enjoy a moment away from the busy routine of things.
12. Ripley
Located in Lauderdale County, Ripley has been listed in Newsmax magazine's list entitled the, "Top 25 Most Uniquely American Cities and Towns". It's a place known for solid American tradition and gorgeous architecture.
11. Covington
Covington is lauded for how clean and well-kept the town is, a great place for families and a quiet space to build a humble career.
10. Erwin
Erwin came up time and time again when we spoke with locals from all over - they love the community, the beauty of the surrounding area and the sense of calm that washes over them every time they visit. Can we all move here...?
9. Townsend
Located at the base of the Great Smoky Mountains, Townsend is a lot more than just a pit stop on the way in to the park. The Little River that runs through the town offers some of the most beautiful and idyllic scenery in our state. It's no wonder the people are so nice!
8. Collierville
Collierville sits on the outskirts of Memphis and is known for their family-friendly community. The town's website even features self-guided walking tours of their historic downtown district and its buildings.
7. Greeneville
It's GreenEville - don't forget the "E"! We've been guilty of it before, but have found ourselves extremely thankful that such a pretty little place exists within our state lines. Curious about the spelling? It was named after Nathanael Greene, a hero of the Revolutionary War.
6. Lynchburg
Lynchburg is best known for the Jack Daniel's Distillery, but we'd recommend you branch out a bit when you visit. The town is teeny-tiny and bursting with historic architecture, it even exudes an atmosphere of significance.
5. Tellico Plains
Tellico Plains is known as one of the prettiest places in the state, located in East Tennessee. Less than 1,000 people were living there as of the last census, and it serves as a gateway to the Cherokee National Forest.
4. Jonesborough
Jonesborough has less than 10,000 folks living in town, and it has the honor of calling itself the oldest town in the state. They celebrate their age and history continuously throughout the year - because they care. A lot. It's truly something to be proud of!
3. Arlington
Arlington is known for keeping its small town charm while remaining close to the big city: Memphis. It was originally settled in the 1830s, and some of the descendants of the original townsfolk still live in the city. How insane is that?
2. Nolensville
Nolensville has simply exploded over the last couple of years, a great place to raise a family or antique shop - maybe even both! Make sure to walk their historic downtown and pop into the general store for an Amish pie. They're amazing!
1. Skullbone
Skullbone is a quirky little place that consists of a general store and not much else. Famed and legendary amongst locals and tourists alike, it definitely exists as an ode to the past.
PS: This hike is pretty amazing!
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