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More to do if you're going to Roo: Small Town Vibes, Five Tennessee Towns you shouldn't miss
- Ryan P. French
- 7 hours ago
- 5 min read
One of the best parts of traveling through Tennessee is discovering the small towns that still feel authentic, welcoming, and full of character. Middle Tennessee is packed with communities where historic downtowns, local restaurants, antique shops, and front-porch hospitality are all part of the experience. Whether you’re headed to Bonnaroo or simply exploring the region, these small towns are worth taking the scenic route for.
Bell Buckle, Tennessee
Tucked away in the rolling countryside, Bell Buckle has transformed itself into one of Tennessee’s most beloved small-town destinations. This colorful Victorian village is known for its creative spirit, drawing artists, musicians, craftsmen, and antique lovers from across the country.
Walking through downtown feels like stepping into another era. Historic storefronts are filled with antiques, handmade crafts, local artwork, and unique boutiques, while the smell of Southern cooking drifts from the famous Bell Buckle Café. The town has built a reputation around preserving both its history and its artistic culture, creating a place that feels equal parts quirky, nostalgic, and welcoming.
Throughout the year, festivals and community events bring thousands of visitors into town, but even on a quiet afternoon, Bell Buckle offers the kind of charm that makes you want to slow down, wander, and stay awhile.
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Wartrace, Tennessee
If you blink while driving through Wartrace, you might miss it, but that would be a mistake. (Editors note: unless a train catches you.) This tiny Bedford County town is overflowing with Tennessee history, railroad heritage, and small-town charm.
Often referred to as the “Cradle of the Tennessee Walking Horse,” Wartrace is deeply connected to the breed’s legacy and was home to Strolling Jim, the first National Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse. The town’s historic downtown, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, still carries the feel of a classic railroad community from another time.
The drive into Wartrace is part of the experience itself, with scenic farmland and quiet backroads leading you into town. Once there, visitors can stroll the sidewalks lined with local shops, cafés, and rocking chairs perfect for taking in the slower pace of life.
One of the highlights is the Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum on Main Street, where visitors can explore exhibits dedicated to the iconic breed and the culture surrounding it. Nearby, the historic Old Hotel stands as a reminder of Wartrace’s past, while the bright red caboose by the railroad tracks offers a fun stop for both kids and adults.
And yes—the trains still roll through town, adding to the timeless atmosphere that makes Wartrace feel like a hidden gem.
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Lynchburg, Tennessee
Lynchburg may be world-famous for Tennessee whiskey, but what keeps visitors coming back is the town itself.
Best known as the home of the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lynchburg has been connected to whiskey-making traditions for generations. Long before the distillery officially opened in the 1800s, the hills and hollows surrounding town were already known for crafting fine spirits using local spring water and time-honored methods.
Today, Lynchburg balances that rich heritage with a genuine small-town atmosphere. Around the historic square, visitors will find locally owned shops, classic Southern restaurants, friendly faces, and plenty of stories waiting to be told.
Of course, the distillery tours are a major draw, but Lynchburg is more than a whiskey destination. It’s the kind of town where people still gather downtown, conversations happen on sidewalks and courthouse benches, and history feels woven into everyday life.
Whether you come for the whiskey, the history, or simply to enjoy a slower pace, Lynchburg captures the spirit of Tennessee in a way few places can.
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Lynnville, Tennessee
Small in size but big on personality, Lynnville offers an unexpected mix of craftsmanship, history, and local flavor.
This former railroad town in Giles County has quietly become a destination for visitors looking for something a little different. It’s home to the original Big Machine Distillery tasting room, where guests can experience the roots of the now well-known Tennessee spirits brand in the community where it all began.
Just down the road, world-renowned leather craftsman Col. Littleton continues to produce handcrafted leather goods known for their timeless quality and attention to detail. His work has earned fans ranging from everyday collectors to celebrities and former presidents.
Lynnville also embraces its railroad past through a local museum that preserves the stories of the trains and industries that once shaped the town. Meanwhile, the historic square remains the heart of the community, anchored by Soda Pop Junction, a favorite local stop known for burgers, milkshakes, and classic small-town diner vibes.
Lynnville may not be the biggest town on the map, but it delivers the kind of authentic Tennessee experience that travelers remember long after the trip is over.
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Sewanee, Tennessee
Perched atop Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau, Sewanee feels like a destination all its own. Surrounded by forests, bluffs, waterfalls, and winding mountain roads, this small town offers a peaceful escape from the noise of everyday life while still carrying a surprisingly worldly spirit.
With a population of just over 2,000 residents, Sewanee blends natural beauty with a vibrant intellectual and artistic culture. The town draws students, professors, artists, musicians, and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world, creating a community that feels both deeply rooted and globally connected. Whether you’re enjoying live music under the stars, browsing local crafts, or grabbing a meal after a day outdoors, Sewanee has a welcoming atmosphere that makes visitors feel right at home.
At the heart of the community is The University of the South, commonly known simply as Sewanee. Consistently recognized as one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges, the university sits on an incredible 13,000-acre campus known as “The Domain.” The campus itself is breathtaking, filled with historic stone architecture, towering forests, and scenic overlooks stretching across the Tennessee Valley.
Outdoor adventure is a huge part of life here. Sewanee and the surrounding South Cumberland region offer hundreds of miles of trails for hiking, biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding. Waterfalls, sandstone cliffs, and hidden coves are all part of the landscape, making it one of the most beautiful outdoor destinations in Middle Tennessee.
One of the area’s most unique attractions is the Mountain Goat Trail, a rails-to-trails project following the historic route of the old Mountain Goat Railroad. From the mid-1800s until 1985, the railroad hauled coal and passengers up one of the steepest rail climbs in the world between Cowan and the Plateau. Today, portions of that route have been transformed into a scenic paved trail connecting communities like Sewanee, Monteagle, and Tracy City. When complete, the trail system will span more than 35 miles across the mountain.
Nature lovers should also make time for Head of the Crow State Park, Tennessee’s newest state park. Previously part of South Cumberland State Park, this rugged landscape features dramatic overlooks, massive sandstone arches, and an enormous cave opening where an underground river emerges from the mountain itself.
Sewanee is the kind of place where adventure, culture, and small-town hospitality all come together. Whether you’re hiking the trails, exploring the university grounds, or simply relaxing on the mountain, it’s easy to see why so many people fall in love with this corner of Tennessee.
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