Tennessee is often synonymous with iconic attractions like Nashville’s vast and vibrant music scene (you can see our travel guide to Nashville here), the upbeat energy of Memphis’ Beale Street, and the majestic grandeur of the Great Smoky Mountains. However, beyond these well-known destinations lie Tennessee’s hidden gems, offering a wealth of unique experiences waiting to be discovered. While visitors flock to the state’s renowned hotspots and for good reason, the lesser-known places hold a charm and allure all of their own.
From quaint towns steeped in American history to tucked-away natural wonders, these hidden gems offer a glimpse into Tennessee’s soul, untouched by the crowds yet brimming with authenticity and charm. Whether it’s exploring small-town treasures, uncovering hidden waterfalls, or indulging in local culinary delights, venturing off the beaten path in Tennessee promises unforgettable experiences and a deeper connection to the heart and soul of this remarkable state.
Having visited Franklin, Leiper’s Fork, Bell Buckle, and Tracy City I can attest to the slower way of life and the genuine connections you’re likely to make with the locals in these wholesome towns. Visitors are welcomed with open arms, eager to share their town’s treasures and stories, in these quaint communities, hospitality isn’t just a tradition, it’s a way of life and makes you feel instantly right at home.
Explore: Franklin
Franklin exudes a timeless charm that effortlessly blends Southern hospitality with cultural richness. Nestled amid the rolling hills of Williamson County, its picturesque countryside envelops visitors in a serene ambience, inviting exploration of its lush landscapes dotted with historic estates and charming farms. However, the heartbeat of Franklin lies in its vibrant and historic downtown. Main Street evokes a bygone era with its preserved architecture, inviting storefronts and thriving arts scene and is a prime example of a community dedicated to preserving its roots. Here, residents and businesses alike work tirelessly to support local artists, musicians, and artisans.
From the live performances at the Franklin Theatre to the array of galleries showcasing local talent, the town’s cultural epicentre is alive and well, thanks to the collective effort of its residents. The Franklin Theatre stands as a beacon of entertainment in the town, hosting live performances and film screenings that transport audiences to another time. Considered the best 300-seat music venue in the world, it is a real hidden gem. The music scene thrives in Franklin, with venues like the Factory at Franklin and Puckett’s Grocery store offering live performances by local musicians as well as the famous.
Culinary delights are around every corner in Franklin, with its diverse array of eateries serving up everything from classic Southern comfort food to innovative gourmet cuisine. Whether savouring classic southern dishes at Gray’s on Main, which is uniquely set in the old pharmacy or indulging in delectable upscale dining at the likes of 55 South or Red Pony run by Chef Jason McConnell. I can highly recommend 1799, an upmarket restaurant within The Harpeth Hotel. Refined and elegant dishes where the quality of produce shines through. The scallops were incredible and bursting with flavour, the bison steak was everything you’d hope being perfectly cooked and rich in flavour, and if you can, definitely try to save room for a sumptuous dessert
One of my favourite spots in Franklin was the Triple Crown Bakery, the most decadent array of pastries and sweet treats, I can highly recommend the cinnamon bun (which was the size of my face) or indulge in an afternoon tea in their cute café setting.
Franklin has a hop-on-hop-off tour which is a fantastic way to see Franklin at your leisure. Whether you’re drawn to the bloody Civil War history in which the small town of Franklin helped tip the scales to win the war, the diverse arts scene, from paintings, and jewellery to sculptures and pottery or just the opportunity to mooch around the quaint shops and eateries, this tour provides the flexibility to tailor your experience to your interests. Franklin’s Hop-On Hop-Off tour promises an immersive and memorable adventure especially when retold by the most wonderfully enthusiastic tour guide.
There are many places to visit that have a backstory to unearth in Franklin, I imagine more and more would have emerged had I stayed longer, however, one spot that I was particularly taken with was Landmark Booksellers, you could easily while the hours away nestled with your nose in a book. This is a literary oasis where travellers come far and wide to visit, made most popular by their connection with the famous author Karen Kingsbury. Karen, who somewhat came to their rescue, was so taken with their bookstore when she visited, she wrote a novel set in its cosy confines featuring the husband and wife, Joel and Carol, as characters in the book.
Like many places across the United States, Franklin grappled with the nationwide ban on alcohol sales and consumption from 1920 to 1933. During the Prohibition era in Franklin, the town experienced a dramatic shift in its social and economic landscape. The once lively saloons and distilleries fell silent, and clandestine speakeasies emerged in their place, operating covertly to serve thirsty locals seeking a forbidden drink. This era left it’s mark and is an important part of their history but also as a result there are many tucked-away speakeasy’s to seek out after a day exploring. I particularly enjoyed the secret way to enter at cocktail bar Amendment XV111 and the moody glamour inside the bar.
Of course, if you’d prefer to be out in the sunshine rather than cosied up in a speakeasy, as luck would have it there Arrington Winery just a little way down the road from Franklin with a beautiful outlook over the vines. You can try a wine flight or enjoy a bottle of your firm favourite, I’ve heard through the grapevine that they even have a ‘Frose’ which for those peak summer months would go down a treat. Co-owned by country singer Kix Brooks and Brooks & Dunn, it of course, like most of Tennessee wouldn’t be complete without live music performances, which can be found on most weekends throughout the year.
Stay at: Southall Farm & Inn
Southall Farm & Inn is the retreat that all retreats should hail to. Every aspect has been meticulously thought about, to make sure their ethos is reflected in not only the food they serve, the experience they give but the physical foundations that you walk whilst staying at the farm. They fully support a farm to table growing and hope to set the standard for a sustainable future. The working farm has been featured in prestigious magazines for it’s sustainable efforts, from the bees they rear and collect honey from to the preservation techniques used for excess vegetables and the mindful approach they have to farming their crops and the local suppliers of meat they choose to use in their restaurants. A completely luxurious but enriching experience, especially If you choose to stay in one of their lodges, with the beautiful countryside surrounding you, the immersive restaurants and pamper packages offered by the spa. It really is spectacular.
Visit: Leiper’s Fork
The town of Leiper’s Fork is only a short drive from downtown Franklin, a village known for its artistic spirit and scenic beauty, the sense of community runs deep. Residents take pride in their independence, supporting local businesses and fostering a creative environment where artists and musicians flourish. Whether browsing the beautiful shops or the beautiful art galleries boasting work from renowned artists such as David Arms, visitors are greeted with the same warmth and hospitality that define this charming enclave.
The crowning jewel of Leipers Fork has to be Fox and Locke, a local bar where you can experience the most incredible up-and-coming singer-songwriters in their infamous open mic nights, it’s clear to see that music unites the townsfolk and it’s a sacred and most loved part of their daily lives. Seeing the performances live is a really unique and immersive experience, you can be quietly awestruck as it hosts many Grammy award winners as well as small-town local talent, often where many get scouted and find their big break. It’s a safe haven for lots of bigger name artists, the likes of Justin Timberlake are found in this area and in fact he hosts an annual festival ‘Pilgrimage’. It’s definitely firmly on the bucket list for future trips!
Leiper’s Fork, aside for being renowned for its music scene, is also infamous for its Whisky and Bourbon. Leiper’s Fork Distillery sits on an old moonshine site and stands as a testament to Franklin’s craftsmanship and spirits production. Nestled in the picturesque countryside, this distillery offers visitors a fun exploration of the whisky-making process. Visitors can embark on guided tours of the distillery, immersing themselves in the whisky-making process from grain to glass. Every aspect of the experience at Leiper’s Fork Whiskey Distillery is carefully curated to delight the senses and deepen appreciation for the craft, particularly as they are one of the few distillery’s in the USA that uses barrels to impart more distinct flavours.
If whisky isn’t your drink of choice and you’d rather sit sipping a glass of red or white, perhaps in the beautiful creek with your toes dipped in the water, then a visit to Wines in the Fork is a must. Imagine the quiet creek, the beautiful spring flowers on the embankment and a gentle breeze rippling through the light canopy above. With all of the grapes grown locally this is a really special experience to taste the wines of the Fork in such a magical setting.
Shop In: Bell Buckle
Bell Buckle captures the essence of small-town Southern charm, where locals prioritize preserving their town’s heritage and supporting one another. From the quaint shops lining its streets, where you can peruse the vintage American memorabilia, gifts as well as remark on the moon pie craze that the town is known for, to the to the cozy cafes serving up homemade treats, every corner of Bell Buckle reflects a commitment to community and tradition. Bell Buckle have various festivals throughout the year all of which are immensely popular and draw in great crowds with a lively atmosphere, make sure to check out the moon pie festival where Bell Buckle are delivered the largest whole moon pie in the world, as well as their annual Pumpkin festival and Christmas markets just to name a few. Many have stumbled upon Bell Buckle and fallen in love with its charm, so whether there is a big festival on or not it’s worth stopping by.
Get your music and history fix at: Tracy City
Heading to Tracy City which is to the southeast of Franklin, nestled in the rolling hills of Grundy County, offers a glimpse into Tennessee’s past. Here residents honour the town’s coal mining history through artistic means incorporating it into the town’s land. Nestled in the Cumberland Plateau, hikers can explore the rugged beauty of places like Fiery Gizzard Trail, renowned for its challenging terrain, waterfalls, and panoramic vistas, the trails are truly a nature lovers paradise and where you can escape the hustle and bustle of larger towns.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience and want to immerse yourself in music, there’s no two ways about it, you have to visit The Caverns. This serves as a one-of-a-kind music venue that blends natural wonder with unparalleled acoustics. Carved out of ancient limestone, the indoor venue is literally a rock cave. Offering an intimate and ethereal setting for live performances, attracting top-tier musicians in various genres from bluegrass to rock who want to play in this magical underground venue.
You can camp at the venue too, nothing wrong with good old fashioned camping but if you really want to carry on the magnificence of the cavern itself I would suggest glamping in one of the luxurious yurts, where you really can fall asleep under the watchful eye of the stars.
If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush whilst staying in Tracy city make sure to visit the OHV park (that’s off highway vehicle). The trails are varied and will accommodate those who would prefer a more gentle romp over the countryside as well as those looking for a bit more of a bumpy ride (quite literally). Either way it’s a fantastic experience with stunning vistas of the forest for as far as the eye can see, secret waterfalls and even a swimming spot or two.
Conclusion
In each of these towns, the hidden gems as I will forever refer to them, the spirit of community and dedication to preserving their town’s charm are evident at every turn. From supporting local artists and musicians to championing independent businesses, the people of Franklin, Leiper’s Fork, Bell Buckle, and Tracy City embody the true essence of Southern hospitality, making them must-visit destinations for anyone seeking an authentic Tennessee experience.
To find out more about this beautiful destination, visit: https://www.tnvacation.com
