7 Tennessee Small Towns to Visit this Fall

Explore some of Tennessee's prettiest small towns this fall. Tucked away by rivers and among rolling hills and mountains, you'll love these quiet escapes. Here are a few small towns to check out this season.

Jonesborough

If you want a fall getaway that reminds you of ‘Gilmore Girls’ look no further than Jonesborough. Tennessee’s oldest town rich with history. Get acquainted with the town by taking a guided historic walking tour with a costumed tour guide who will share stories and little known facts about the town. Speaking of stories, Jonesborough is the Storytelling Capital of the World, hosting the highly acclaimed National Storytelling Festival every October. In addition, you can catch the Teller-in-Residence at the International Storytelling Center – 26 of America’s best storytellers spend a week telling stories daily during daily matinees and special concerts every Tuesday through Saturday from May through October. Round out your visit with a delicious lunch at Main Street Cafe; grab a cup of coffee at The Corner Cup; and stock up on whimsical and locally made fall decorations, crafts and gifts at the boutiques housed in historic buildings. 

Rugby

Originally founded in 1880 by British author Thomas Hughes, Rugby is a charming village in Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau. Surrounded by gorgeous outdoor playgrounds such as Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Rugby preserves its historic heritage which is evident when you take a history walking tour Thursdays through Sundays  through town including stepping into the 1882 Thomas Hughes Free Public Library; 1880 Kingstone Lisle, 1887 Christ Church Episcopal and the 1907 Schoolhouse. Sign up for one of the After Dark Tours – the Haunted Village Lantern Tour or the Haunted North Village & Cemetery Tour offered five nights weekly. Enjoy shopping at the Commissary Museum Store, dining at The Canteen & Cottage Catering and a free tour of the 19th Century Print Shop.

Erwin

If you love the outdoors, Erwin, Tennessee is your paradise. Raft through churning whitewater, mountain bike through the Cherokee National Forest and hit the links on an 18-hole golf course. Take in stunning fall views in Erwin – the town is near the Nolichucky River and tucked within the Cherokee National Forest. Stroll downtown and spend a day shopping in boutiques like Whiskey River Dry Goods Company, Valley Beautiful Antique Mall and Hunter Bleu + Mercantile. When hunger strikes, enjoy healthy options from The Groovy Smoothie, delicious baked goods from Steam Whistle Bakery diner classics from Whistle Stop Deli. When it’s time to rest, curl up in a cabin and gaze at constellations in clear skies at Nolichucky Gorge Campground & Cabins.

Springfield

Springfield is the ideal fall escape in Tennessee. Just 30 minutes north of Nashville, the town is full of boutiques, art, history and farm fun. The Square downtown is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy art in the Park in September at J Travis Price Park which features fine and folk arts like metalwork, pottery, jewelry and wood artisans. Enjoy the annual corn maze and pumpkin patch at Honeysuckle Hill Farm. Your kids will love the carousel, shows, giant slides and tractor playground. Take a scenic drive to see smoking tobacco barns. Enjoy the fall views on beautiful two-lane roads that wind you through the area farms. You’ll see tractors hauling cut tobacco from the fields and carrying it to the barns. Snap a picture with the downtown mural as your backdrop; then, enjoy local brews from BS Brew Works and coffee and treats from Deja Moo and Historic Perk.

Linden

Stroll Linden's historic Main Street to see restored historic buildings, quaint shops and restaurants. The award-winning Commodore Hotel is a great place to eat, stay, hear live music and sip cocktails at the speakeasy lounge. The town is situated along the Buffalo River, perfect for a kayaking adventure. Mousetail Landing State Park is nearby, ideal for hiking and drinking in stunning fall views. 

Collierville

Find relaxation in the small town of Collierville, outside of Memphis. The town is known for its charming train history. Climb aboard the trains on historic Collierville Town Square and learn more about the town’s history inside the Morton Museum of Collierville History. Enjoy nature along the boardwalk at Peterson Lake Nature Center. Dine at local restaurants and shop at boutiques, antique shops and more. You can’t leave Collierville without an Instagram-worthy photo taken at the picturesque gazebo located in the middle of the square.

Paris

Soak in picturesque, fall views while exploring Paris, Tennessee. The town, complete with a replica of the Eiffel Tower, offers an historic district, wines and shopping. Enjoy shopping at antique shops and boutiques. Get some fresh air at Paris Landing State Park where you can kayak, go hiking, boating, golfing and fishing. Don’t leave Paris without trying some amazing catfish from Southside Café.

Explore even more Tennessee small towns on your next vacation:

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10 Small Town Day Trips from Nashville

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