Tennessee is known for being landlocked, but folks just don’t give us the time of day when it comes to our beautiful waterfront towns. Our stunning state is speckled with rivers and streams and lakes, ponds dot rolling hills of farmland and our kids love playing in the creek. These eleven towns all border a gorgeous waterway – so you should probably visit. Or move, it’s up to you. Did your home make the list?
11. Butler
Butler is located on the northern shore of Watauga Lake, and is actually the reconstruction of the "old" Butler. Originally located precisely where the lake is, the town of Butler was submerged in 1948 as the reservoir filled. More than 125 homes and a projected fifty businesses moved to higher ground, the Butler we all known and love today. It is lovingly referred to as, "the town that wouldn't drown," and the history of the tiny town is celebrated by the, "Old Butler Days" festival held each August.
10. Clifton
Clifton is located on the banks of the Tennessee River, and has been since its beginnings in 1840. The sweet space has been named as the seventh safest place to live in the state, too! Beautiful AND safe for the littles? This gem is most definitely worth a visit.
9. Waverly
Also located along the Tennessee River, Waverly is located in the heart of Humpreys County. With hardly five thousand people to its name, this tiny town boasts a history that stretches through to the Civil War, and even boasts residents George Morgan, the country music singer, and Susan Goodman, who went on to become Mrs. America in 1983.
8. Tiptonville
Located between Reelfoot Lake and the Mississippi, the Lake County town is popular for wildlife enthusiasts and water sport lovers alike. You can visit the fun and quirky Reelfoot Lake State Park, or hike the Lake Isom National Wildlife Refuge while in the area, as well. If you get hungry? Just stop by The Pitt BBQ on the way home! You'll thank us, for sure.
7. Linden
Linden Tennessee was incorporated in 1850, making it historic AND quite old, especially by Tennessee standards. There are hardly a thousand folks that call this gorgeous space home, this tiny town that hugs the Buffalo River. We'd recommend a visit, if you're looking for a bit of southern hometown hospitality.
6. Camden
The Patsy Cline Memorial may be the most popular place to visit in Camden, but the area is also known for being the place of a once highly significant archeological site, now buried by the Kentucky Lake. Some say that you can trace inhabitants back 7,000 years! Once known as the town of "Tranquility," the newly minted "Camden" came to be after the Battle of Camden during the Revolutionary War. It is located along Cypress Creek, where Kentucky Lake and the Tennessee River meet.
5. Ashland City
This Cheatham County beauty isn't far from Nashville, and hides some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. The town was established in 1856, and now has almost five thousand residents that call it home. It is just a few miles upstream from the renowned Harpeth River, and Cheatham Lake is a recreational area just northwest of town. Mark this beautiful place on your calendar if you're looking to go camping!
4. Kingston Springs
Kingston Springs may be small (made up of less than 3,000 folks), but it's huge when it comes to geographical beauty. It is located right along the Harpeth River, and beckons to Nashville city folk to come make a home within its beautiful forested areas. But really - just take a look at their real estate listings. It's like a fairy tale out here!
3. Dover
Pretty Dover, Tennessee is only six miles from the Land Between The Lakes, and is also home to the Cross Creeks National Wildlife Refuge along the Cumberland River. Historic, small and beautiful, this is one waterlogged town that's well worth a Saturday.
2. Copperhill
Did you know there are only 354 people lucky enough to call little Copperhill their home? The area was once used for the production of both acid and copper, and the area was reforested after both plants closed. You can now tour the area, both Copperhill and its twin city of McCaysville, Georgia, who shares the bridge you see pictured above. Located on the Ocoee River, area around the town was the location of the whitewater part of the Summer Olypmics in 1996. How neat is that?!
1. Surgoinsville
This east Tennessee beauty is located alongside the Holston River, with a history that stretches back to 1815. The town was founded by the French Huguenot, Major James Surguine, who promptly named the new settlement after himself. The beautiful place is now home to a little under 1,500 people. Phipps Bend Industrial Park is also located in the town, and is one of the largest industrial parks in the northeastern part of Tennessee, employing more than 2,000 folks.
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