If you’ve ever watched a Hallmark movie and wondered if towns like that really exist, I’ve got good news: they totally do.
And you don’t have to travel far to find them either.
Tennessee is packed with picture-perfect small towns where you’ll see white picket fences, old-timey storefronts, and courthouse squares that look like they came straight out of a movie set.
We’re talking cozy cafes where everyone knows your name, charming festivals with pie contests, and streets lined with buildings older than your great-grandma’s biscuit recipe.
Whether you’re into history, hiking, or just love a town with a good ice cream shop and a great backstory, you’re gonna love this list.
Here are 12 dreamy small towns in Tennessee that seriously look like they were made for TV.
1. Jonesborough
Jonesborough is the oldest town in Tennessee, founded way back in 1779, and it’s located in the Appalachian foothills just under 20 minutes from Johnson City.
This charming little spot is famous for its 1800s buildings and the National Storytelling Festival, which draws thousands every October.
You can stroll through Main Street’s antique shops, grab nostalgic treats at The Lollipop Shop, and tour the Chester Inn Museum to get a peek at life in the 1800s.
2. Rogersville
About 1 hour and 15 minutes from Knoxville, Rogersville is known for small-town charm as well as old-school Tennessee history.
It was settled in 1775 by the grandparents of Davy Crockett, and was officially founded as Rogersville in 1789.
It still has the state’s first post office, the second-oldest active courthouse, and the oldest continuously operating newspaper.
Check out the Hawkins County Courthouse and don’t miss grabbing a snack at Hoot N Hollar for a true local bite.
3. Bell Buckle
Next up is Bell Buckle, a teeny town with a big personality, located about an hour from Nashville.
It’s known for its artsy vibe, rows of restored Victorian homes, and the famous Bell Buckle Café, where the sweet tea flows and the pies are legendary.
Every June, the town throws the craziest fun event—the RC Cola & MoonPie Festival—complete with a MoonPie toss, unusual contests, and one giant parade.
4. Leiper’s Fork
Leiper’s Fork is pure country charm, located in the rolling hills just outside of Franklin, about 40 minutes from Nashville.
This place feels like stepping into a front-porch jam session, with live music at Fox & Locke, old barns turned into art galleries, and locals who’ll chat your ear off.
Keep your eyes peeled as celebrities like Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton have been known to hang out here, sipping coffee at The Country Boy and blending right in.
5. Pulaski
Head over to Pulaski and you’ll find a town packed with history, red-brick buildings, and some seriously cool local flavor.
It’s home to the University of Tennessee Southern, plus a courthouse square that looks straight out of a movie, complete with vintage signs and mom-and-pop shops.
Traditionally held in springtime, the Giles County Fair lights up the town, with downtown Pulaski also hosting seasonal events that bring festive charm to the streets.
6. Sweetwater
Sweetwater lives up to its name with cute shops, pretty streets, and one seriously awesome underground adventure.
It’s the gateway to The Lost Sea, the largest underground lake in the U.S., where you can hop on a glass-bottom boat and float through ancient caverns 140 feet below ground.
Above ground, downtown is filled with antique stores, hand-dipped ice cream from Sweetwater Creamery, and colorful murals that make every corner Instagram-worthy.
7. Paris
Next on the list is Paris—yep, there’s one in Tennessee too, and it has its own Eiffel Tower to prove it.
This town is best known for its epic “World’s Biggest Fish Fry” festival every April, where you can watch catfish races, a rodeo, and a parade with marching bands and floats galore.
Downtown Paris is full of charm, with cute boutiques, the historic Parisian Theatre, and cozy spots like Jack’s Java where you can sip a latte and people-watch.
8. Savannah
Located next to the Tennessee River around 2 hours from Memphis, Savannah is all about river views, Civil War stories, and Southern comfort food.
Just a short drive from Shiloh National Military Park, this town is packed with history, including one of the oldest antebellum homes in the state, the Cherry Mansion.
You can spend the afternoon kayaking on Pickwick Lake, then swing by Hagy’s Catfish Hotel for fried catfish and hushpuppies with a front-row seat to the sunset.
9. Etowah
Tucked between the mountains and the Hiwassee River, Etowah is a tiny railroad town with big-time scenic views.
It’s home to the historic L&N Depot, where you can hop on the Hiwassee River Rail Adventure and ride a vintage train through the Cherokee National Forest and around the jaw-dropping Bald Mountain Loop.
After your ride, grab a slice at Michael’s Casual Dining and explore the downtown strip, where you’ll find old-school charm and friendly folks on every corner.
10. Sewanee
Perched high on the Cumberland Plateau, Sewanee feels like a hidden mountain village with a serious storybook vibe.
It’s home to the University of the South, with castle-like buildings, mossy stone arches, and the massive All Saints’ Chapel that looks straight out of Hogwarts.
Don’t miss the 20-mile Perimeter Trail for cliffside views, or a quiet sunset moment at Green’s View, where the overlook stretches for miles across forested hills.
11. Greeneville
Greeneville is packed with presidential history, cozy mountain views, and a downtown full of charm.
It was the home of Andrew Johnson, the 17th U.S. president, and you can tour his tailor shop, his old house, and even his tomb at the Andrew Johnson National Historic Site.
After soaking up some history, take a stroll through Dogwood Park or swing by a local favorite known for its pastries, Peggy Ann Bakery.
12. McMinnville
McMinnville is known as the “Nursery Capital of the World,” but it’s also got waterfalls, caves, and small-town charm for days.
It’s just a short drive from the stunning 80-foot Twin Falls at Rock Island State Park, where you can hike, swim, or just sit and stare at all that rushing water.
Downtown’s got that classic courthouse square feel, with fun spots like Collins River BBQ and Topz Frozen Yogurt & Metro Deli keeping things tasty and laid-back.
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