Townsend, Tennessee Is Being Called One Of The Best Small Town Vacations In America

The state of Tennessee is full of small towns, and each of those little locales is inhabited by kind people with a heap of Southern hospitality. You’re bound to be welcomed wherever you go with a smile and a nod — perhaps even a kind conversation or two; but just this year Townsend, Tennessee, was named one of the best small-town vacation spots in the United States. It’s located on the eastern side of the Volunteer State, and its easy access to the Great Smoky Mountains and local tourist attractions make it a great spot for singles or families alike.

Patrick Rohe - Flickr

The town of Townsend, Tennessee, is known as the "Gateway to Cades Cove" and the "Peaceful Side of the Smokies." As you can pretty well guess, the mountain community is tucked away right at the very front of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Gary Millar - Flickr

You won't find any kistchy shops and museums dotting the streets of Townsend, but instead you'll find that the town has some of the most beautiful views and vistas in the state. The town is perfectly situated for hiking throughout the year, and if you come in the springtime, you may just have the chance to peek the expansive wildflower fields that go wild with the rain.

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Doug Bradley - Flickr

The area may be less frequented than its sister cities of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, but you'll find that the plant and wildlife diversity in the area paired with jaw-dropping views in the mountains is much preferred to chain stores and souvenir shops.

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Gary Millar - Flickr

Cades Cove is just a hot second from town, and you can walk or drive the 11-mile loop around the famed natural area if the mood strikes. Since Townsend is located on the "Peaceful Side," you can enjoy everything from tubing to horseback riding and backpacking.

Lee Coursey - Flickr

Looking for a fun adventure? Head to Tuckaleechee Caverns to go spelunking, or maybe head to the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center where you can learn all about the area's truly unique culture.

Gary Millar - Flickr

Festivals are hosted in Townsend throughout the year, like the Townsend Spring Festival and Old Timer's Day, and they're perfect for both family visits and dates. You're bound to be welcomed with open arms when you visit this authentic mountain town... so much so that you may just have a hard time leaving!

Jacob Ian Wall - Flickr

Have you ever been to Townsend, Tennessee? Have we convinced you to take a trip?

What a beautiful place to visit. You can learn more about the city of Townsend, Tennessee, both here and here, friends. Happy vacation planning!

Happy fall, Tennessee! Don’t miss out on the fall foliage map that shows you when to see fall colors in Tennessee. It’s a pretty neat season we have coming up, and we can’t wait to experience it alongside all of our favorite Tennesseans.