There are all sorts of cozy places to cuddle up in the heart of Tennessee, so it’s desperately hard to choose just a handful to feature. If you’re living near Nashville and simply have to get out of the city this winter, then plan a day trip or book a bed and breakfast within the city limits of one of these darling small towns. They’re just a stone’s throw from the city, and they’re perfect for a bit of rest and relaxation in the midst of a dreary winter season. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, you might want to check out some of the best winter hikes in Tennessee. Check them out, fall in love, and maybe head back next weekend. There’s nothing like a Tennessee winter adventure to lift the spirits, and one of these cute towns near Nashville is a perfect place for this!

1. Leipers Fork

Leipers Fork, TN 37064, USA
Visit Franklin TN / Facebook
Leipers Fork is a tiny town outside of Nashville and Franklin, and it's known officially as a "village" of 650 people. With only 1,100 acres to its name, this small town is made up mainly of a cozy downtown street lined with boutique shops and restaurants. Book a night at one of their bed-and-breakfasts and spend your evenings toe-tappin' to live music at Puckett's. Learn more about what makes Leipers Fork such a charming small town in Tennessee.

If you enjoy cute towns outside Nashville, let's check out Leipers Fork in this video from ChadGallivanter:

2. Franklin

Franklin, TN, USA
Kevin Oliver / Flickr
Just a half-hour drive south of Nashville, Franklin has consistently been ranked as one of the best small towns in America. From the charming Main Street full of shops and restaurants to the historical sites scattered throughout the city, you'll never run out of things to do in Franklin. There are many B&Bs in old, historic homes within walking distance of downtown, and they're all absolutely magical. Franklin is often called the most picturesque town in Tennessee, and it's no mystery why.

3. Columbia

Columbia, TN 38401, USA
Columbia Main Street / Facebook
Columbia is about an hour south of Nashville and is known (unofficially) as the mule capital of the world, thanks to their massive Mule Day festival every April. Similar to Franklin but with fewer crowds and less traffic, Columbia is the perfect spot to escape the big city for the weekend. For a taste of the Victorian South, we recommend a night at the Blythewood Inn Bed & Breakfast, located in a historic mansion.

Travel to more small towns near Nashville in this video from Living in Tennessee as they explore Columbia:

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4. Pulaski

Pulaski, TN 38478, USA
Brent Moore / Flickr
Pulaski is an even smaller town than Columbia and is further south from Nashville by about 20 minutes. It's the perfect, cozy small town to spend a chilly winter weekend day. If you want to extend your Pulaski experience, check out the popular Big Creek Winery in the beautiful hills just outside the town. When you need a break from it all, head to the peaceful, charming town of Pulaski.

5. Cookeville

Cookeville, TN, USA
City of Cookeville TN / Facebook
Cookeville is a beautiful town of about 30,000 people, located in some of the most beautiful country that Tennessee has to offer. Situated about an hour and 15 minutes east of Nashville, Cookeville is the perfect escape for outdoor lovers. Nearby, you'll find some of the best winter hikes in Tennessee. Burgess Falls, Rock Island, Edgar Evans, Cummins Falls, and Virgin Falls State Parks are all within a short distance outside of Cookeville. Learn more about what makes this beautiful town such a great Tennessee small town.

6. Watertown

Watertown, TN 37184, USA
GoogleMaps
For something quiet and quaint but a little closer to the city, Watertown is the best spot to be. This tiny town of only 1,500 residents has been a popular filming site for country music videos and is home to quite a few great vintage and antique stores that are just begging to be explored.

7. Springfield

Springfield, TN 37172, USA
Springfield Tennessee / Facebook
Springfield is one of the most overlooked but underrated small towns close to Nashville, only 40 minutes north of the city, in Middle Tennessee. For something unique, take a short drive from Springfield to the Bell Witch Cave in Adams, known for its prolific history of hauntings and spooky folklore.

Check out more towns for weekend getaways in this video from Living In Nashville Tennessee:

If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous than cozy, then a visit to the longest swinging bridge in the U.S. might be in order. It’s the perfect activity to do during winter in Nashville!

These are just a few ideas for things to do in winter in Nashville. What do you think about these cute towns near Nashville? Which one would you be most interested in visiting? Share with us in the comment section!

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More to Explore

Best Winter Hikes In Tennessee

Beth C. | December 12, 2021

What are some great winter trails in Tennessee?

A few great winter trails in Tennesee include:

 

As you've learned in the article above, the towns just outside of Nashville make for magical winter destinations. These communities are often located near stunning outdoor attractions, which lend themselves to unforgettable hiking experiences. If you're looking for even more winter trails in Tennessee, we've got plenty to recommend. Some of our favorite winter trails in Tennessee include Rainbow Falls Trail, Radnor Lake Loop, Alum Cave Bluff Trail, Laurel Falls Trail, Cades Cove Loop, Beaman Park, and Mossy Ridge Loop Trail. Learn more about what makes these hiking destinations so magical when you read our previous article about seven picturesque trails in Tennessee that are perfect for winter hiking. Be sure to grab your trial of AllTrails+ for up-to-date trail info.

What are some of the best winter attractions in Tennessee?

Some of the best winter attractions in Tennessee include:

  • Graceland in Memphis
  • Pigeon Forge
  • Rock City's Enchanted Garden of Lights
  • Eight Mile Craft Loop in Gatlinburg
  • Starry Nights in Memphis
  • Dollywood
  • North Pole Adventures in Chattanooga
  • the Franklin Theatre
  • Ober Gatlinburg Ski Resort
  • Opryland

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