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A quintessential state with southern charm and a variety of scenic views to admire, Tennessee is home to some of the most beautiful small towns in the country. From the stunning mountain views in Monterey to the vibrant downtown district in Ripley, there's something for everyone in these lovely small towns.

Tennessee is a staple of the South and is known for its country music and hospitality. But beyond the fame, there are some of the most beautiful and unique small towns in this great state, perfect for a weekend getaway or a solo trip to explore. Visiting Tennessee will prove to visitors that it's not all about the big cities. In fact, some of the most beautiful gems are found in the small towns.

10 Lynchburg

Located halfway between Nashville and Chattanooga, Lynchburg is widely known for its whiskey production at Jack Daniel's Distillery, in addition to the city's historic homes and churches. Named after Tom Lynch, who, at 17 years old, started a ferry service across the Duck River, Lynchburg offers a unique atmosphere and historic charm. The annual Whiskey Festival in October is a tourist favorite if visiting during the fall months.

Accommodation: The Tolley House

Address: 1253 Main St, Lynchburg, TN 37352-8316

Amenities: Free parking, Free Wifi, Free breakfast, Non-smoking hotel

9 Gatlinburg

A popular tourist destination, Gatlinburg is known for its mountain views and great outdoor activities. There are a variety of hiking trails, fishing opportunities, ski resorts, and even a national park nearby. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies is a highly sought-after aquatic experience perfect for trips alone or with the family. Of course, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a must-see for anyone exploring this area, especially hikers looking to take in some of the breathtaking scenery.

Accommodation: Margaritaville Resort Gatlinburg

Address: 539 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738-3201

Amenities: Free parking, Free WiFi, Pool, Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room, Bar/Lounge, Children Activities, Business Center with Internet Access, Conference facilities

Related: How To Drive Up To Ober Gatlinburg & More About Visiting This Tennessee Mountain Park

Monterey

Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Monterey is a small town with stunning views. A visit to Cumberland Mountain State Park is a must for anyone looking to explore the area's natural beauty and take in some of the views. The town's various farmer's markets and craft shops are also popular with visitors looking to shop or pick up some local produce.

Accommodation: The Garden Inn

Address: 1400 Bee Rock Rd, Monterey, TN 38574-3253

Amenities: Free parking, Free WiFi, Free breakfast, Special diet menus, Baggage storage, Non-smoking hotel, Outdoor furniture

Townsend

Located in Great Smoky Mountain National Park, Townsend is a tranquil mountain village known for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning views. Visitors can kayak and fish along the Little River, go horseback riding on nearby trails or take a scenic drive through Cades Cove. The popular Tuckaleechee Caverns are a great spot to explore, and the Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Center is a must-visit for its unique history.

Accommodation: Townsend River Breeze Inn

Address: 8242 State Highway 73, Townsend, TN 37882-4302

Amenities: Free parking, Free Wifi, Pool, Children's television networks, Pets Allowed, 24-hour security, BBQ facilities

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Small Towns In The Tennessee Mountains

6 Jonesborough

The oldest town in Tennessee, Jonesborough is a unique spot located on the banks of the Nolichucky River. The town is home to a variety of historic buildings, including the International Storytelling Center, which celebrates the Appalachian storytelling tradition. The Chester Inn Museum is known for its historical artifacts, and the town's annual Tennessee Apple Festival is a favorite for visitors. Visitors can explore Jonesborough's beautiful downtown area or visit the town's annual Storytelling Festival in October.

Accommodation: Jonesborough Bed and Breakfast

Address: 232 E Main St, Jonesborough, TN 37659-1335

Amenities: Free parking, Free breakfast, Canoeing, Hiking, Pets Allowed, Full body massage, BBQ facilities, Concierge

5 Signal Mountain

Just outside of Chattanooga, Signal Mountain is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore its stunning views. In addition to its natural beauty, the town is home to a variety of popular attractions, including Rainbow Lake and Signal Point. The town's variety of shops and restaurants make this a great spot to explore.

Accommodation: The Read House

Address: 107 W MLK Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37402-2507

Amenities: Valet parking, Free WiFi, Pool, Bar/Lounge, Pets Allowed, Business Center with Internet Access, Conference facilities, 24-hour security

4 Rossville

Located in the heart of Fayette County, Rossville is known for its small-town charm and sense of community. Its downtown area is full of antique shops, art galleries, and boutiques, perfect for exploring. Visitors can also take in the stunning views from Lookout Mountain or explore one of the many area parks.

Accommodation: Hampton Inn Memphis Collierville

Address: 1280 West Poplar Avenue, Collierville, TN 38017

Amenities: Free parking, Free WiFi, Pool, Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room, Free Breakfast, Pets Allowed, Business Center with Internet Access, Conference facilities

3 Lynnville

Located in Giles County, Lynnville is a small town with plenty of outdoor activities. The town's hiking trails are popular with visitors looking to explore the area's natural beauty, and the nearby Lynnville Lake is perfect for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The town's historic downtown area is also great for a leisurely stroll or a bite to eat.

Accommodation: Hampton Inn Pulaski

Address: 180 Bre Avenue, Pulaski, TN 38478

Amenities: Free parking, Free WiFi, Pool, Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room, Free breakfast, Children Activities, Pets Allowed, Business Center with Internet Access

2 Gainesboro

Located in Jackson County, Gainesboro is a charming small town full of historic buildings and cultural attractions. Visitors can explore the town's downtown area, visit the Gainesboro City Hall or take a walk through Lover's Leap Park. The nearby Tennessee Tech University provides plenty of entertainment, and the town's annual Heritage Festival is a must-see.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Cookeville, an IHG hotel

Address: 1091 S Willow Ave, Cookeville, TN 38501-4106

Amenities: Free parking, Free WiFi, Pool, Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room, Bar/Lounge, Children Activities, Meeting rooms, Non-smoking hotel

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Home to one of the oldest settlements in Tennessee, Selmer is full of historic sites and museums. The ancient mound Fort Pillow State Park is a great spot for visitors looking to explore the area's history and take in some stunning views. The town is also home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and boutiques.

Accommodation: Star Plus Inn & Suites

Address: 644 Mulberry Ave, Selmer, TN 38375-3241

Amenities: Free parking, Free WiFi, Pool, Free Breakfast, Pets Allowed, Newspaper, 24-hour front desk, Laundry service

Tickets Now Available for AHRMA Classic MotoFest™ of Monterey

(January 3, 2023, Knoxville, Tennessee) Spectator tickets are now on sale for one of the most exciting vintage motorcycle events of 2023.

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) announces the return of the Classic MotoFest of Monterey™ July 14-16, 2023. This third iteration of the event promises an even bigger and better family vintage motorcycle experience.

This year’s event will spotlight the amazing vintage racing sidecars, their history at Laguna Seca, and the personalities past and present that make this unique part of two-wheeled racing so exciting.

Along with sidecar racing, the fans will experience almost all disciplines of vintage AHRMA motorcycle racing on and around the historic WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Included will be vintage road racing, flat track Racing, vintage motocross, vintage observed trials, and cross-country racing on some of the best vintage machinery in the country.

AHRMA once again partners with Laroque Motorsports to provide the exciting festival portion of the weekend. Attractions this year include a premier classic motorcycle show, a vintage swap meet along with vintage-themed vendors and attractions, plus much more to be announced.

Laroque Motorsports is in partnership with All Kids Bike®, a national movement, led by the Strider Education Foundation, to place Kindergarten PE Learn-To-Ride programs into public schools for free, using donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations.

Along with this partnership and new to this year’s event is the inclusion of more family-oriented activities including Mimi and Moto – The Motorcycle Monkeys, Kid’s Strider Bike flat track racing, and also a kid’s custom bicycle class in the vintage bike show. Included in the festival area will also be great food and entertainment with something for everyone.

Visit www.ahrma.org for details. Spectator tickets are available at WeatherTechRaceway.com.

About AHRMA:

The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to competing on fantastic classic and true vintage along with a wide range of modern motorcycles. With about 3,300 members, AHRMA is the largest vintage racing group in North America and one of the biggest in the world. The association has grown steadily over the years, reflecting the increasing interest in classic bikes.

MONTEREY – As I arrived at the Laurel Mountain Bakery, I knew my 90-mile drive was a good decision before I opened the car door. The sweet, alluring aroma of cookies right out of the oven filled the air outside this family-owned business.

“Family-owned” is almost an understatement. Laurel Mountain Bakery, whose products are on shelves here and in almost 20 Middle Tennessee communities, is the work of eight siblings – five sisters and three brothers.

The eldest is Jessica Willis, whom you’ll often find behind the sales counter at the bakery, now located in a century-old building accented with Crab Orchard stone and shaded by a towering tulip poplar.

Her products are numerous – sourdough breads of many varieties, pies aplenty, cinnamon rolls and cookies of several types.

Willis said the business began quite small in 2013, selling farm products such as vegetables, jams, jellies, goat milk soap and brownies at farmers’ markets.

“We found our niche with breads,” she said, pointing to a chalkboard that lists original sourdough, savory herb, jalapeno cheddar, rosemary thyme and blueberry varieties.

All of the breads are sourdough, using a starter that years ago came from a friend. Two 8- to 12-hour risings are required, making bread production a two-day process. The bakery is open Monday through Saturday, so that means loaves are fresh every week starting on Tuesday. (What’s available Monday was baked Saturday.)

The selection of pies is enough to drive you to distraction – Southern pecan, fudge, peanut butter fudge, country cherry, farmhouse apple, peach, triple berry, blueberry and, yes, pumpkin every autumn.

Count on finding chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin and peanut butter chocolate chip cookies all the time, but look for seasonal offerings, too. Willis said a cranberry and white chocolate chip cookie is coming soon, plus another she chose not to disclose.

As demand grew, so did the need for more production space. The siblings shifted from their farmhouse facilities in rural Fentress County to their current commercial kitchen in Monterey in 2018.

“Starting a business is very challenging. There have been times when each of us wanted to throw in the towel, but we always end up encouraging each other,” Willis said, noting that each sibling either had or acquired the necessary skills to fill an organizational chart.

Willis, for instance, is quick to say she thrives on marketing and public relations and leaves accounting, production, distribution and other business disciplines to her brothers and sisters.

Laurel Mountain Bakery is in a prime location to be part of a daytrip to the Cumberland Plateau.

Because the bakery is just off I-40, you can pack part of a picnic at home, knowing you can get bread, cookies and a pie at the bakery before continuing to destinations such as Cumberland Mountain State Park, Pickett State Park and Burgess Falls State Park for some hiking and justification for consuming the bakery’s delicious carbs.

If you can’t wait long enough to get to a state park, there’s a picnic table a half-mile away at the Monterey Depot Museum, and Monterey’s 300-acre Meadow Creek Park is only five miles away.

Enjoy Tom Adkinson’s Tennessee Traveler destination articles the second and fourth Friday every month. Adkinson, author of “100 Things To Do in Nashville Before You Die,” is a Marco Polo member of SATW, the Society of American Travel Writers.

Laurel Mountain Bakery is at 708 S. Holly St., Monterey, Tenn., 38574, 12 miles east of Cookeville and 92 miles from downtown Nashville. Exit 300 on I-40 puts you onto Holly Street. Bakery information is at LaurelMountainBakery.com, and area travel information is at ExploreMontereyTN.com and TNvacation.com.

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After our hardest days, we need as much support as we can get. A family in Monterey understands that after what they've just lived through. This is one grateful family.

MONTEREY, Tenn. (WTVF) — After our hardest days, we need as much support as we can get. A family in Monterey understands that after what they've just lived through. This is one grateful family. They see just how differently this could have played out.

"We've worked really hard to be here," said Terry Kennedy, standing next to husband Mark.

The couple loved the home they shared with eight kids on West Hoyt Avenue in Monterey.

"I was actually born and raised here," Mark said. "This house has been in the family a very long time."

In the earliest hours of Tuesday morning, 14-year-old daughter Maddie felt something was wrong.

"I smelled burning wood," she said. "I thought something was burning."

She told 19-year-old brother Izzy.

"I get up and start walking around the house," Izzy continued.

"He was screaming for us to get out of bed," Terry remembered. "We got the kids out."

"Smoke was just pouring out," Izzy said. "It was just insane."

"We watched for four hours as our house burned down," Terry said.

Fire crews are still investigating what caused this. There's a lot that's difficult about this day. Terry's wedding dress is damaged. Then there's 8-year-old son Jaxon who'd raised more than $300 for Jump Rope for Heart. It's now gone.

Despite everything Tuesday, the kids are still playing and smiling. Because of what Maddie noticed and Izzy jumping into action, everyone in that house is okay.

"I think we had a couple angels watching over us," said Terry.

"We've gotta kinda look into each other and find the good you can take out of it," said Izzy. "Yeah, we're alive. That's the best thing we can ask for today."

There is a GoFundMe to help out this family.

Watch the live stream below, and download our apps on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and more. Click here to learn more.

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Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

MONTEREY, Tenn. — This town has never fully recovered since the last coal mine shut down in 1983.

The population has stagnated. Even large swaths of commercial real estate — prime for restaurants and truck stops — sit empty by Interstate 40 exits.

But it was not only the loss of a major industry that crippled the local economy. For more than 15 years, Monterey city leaders haven’t been able to perform the most basic of government functions: lay the sewer pipe they need.

Because of threats to public health, Monterey, like dozens of other small towns across Tennessee, has been hamstrung by a state moratorium on new sewer connections, blocking business development. The conflict comes as Tennessee is seeing more potent storms, possibly fueled by climate change.

"(Sewer) overflows are ... a continuous battle,” said Bill Wiggins, the mayor.

Across the state, roughly one in five municipal systems are under some form of moratorium because of excess overflows, state officials said.

Heavy rains inundate aging wastewater systems, causing them to spill bacterial-laden raw sewage into streets and streams. Nutrients can run into rivers, leading to low oxygen levels that starve fish. And toxic algae can flourish in waters flooded by excess nitrogen and phosphorus.

For those and other reasons, state environmental regulators limit new taps when sewers in communities can’t handle their loads.

Monterey made some progress on stemming overflows, and in March the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation lifted a complete moratorium. But key parts of the city are still off-limits because of repeat overflows.

“We are continuing to work with our municipalities and utilities to help them understand the environmental, human health and economic impact of overflows,” said Jennifer Dodd, deputy director of TDEC.

Increasing demand on community sewer systems

Pressures are now mounting on these towns, including Pulaski, Ashland City and Signal Mountain. Tennessee has seen more heavy rainstorms in the past seven years compared with the previous seven; the average number of extreme rain events annually increased fivefold.

Many of the systems have exceeded their useful life, which experts say is roughly 50 years. Some cities also are booming, adding residents and hardened surfaces that boost stormwater runoff, further taxing old sewer pipes. Experts warn that these overflows may be worsening as the climate continues to change.

“The systems weren’t designed to handle some of the extreme precipitation events we are having,” said Janey Camp, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Vanderbilt University.

To stem overflows, municipalities can replace old corroded sewer lines, seal manholes and expand or build new sewer treatment plants. A 2016 scorecard by the American Society of Civil Engineers gave Tennessee’s wastewater infrastructure a D-plus and identified a total of $2.6 billion in projects needed to rehabilitate aging sewer systems.

“The real challenge is funding and investment,” Camp said. “The small towns have limited resources.”

Funding the improvements

Monterey, population 2,900, needs $10.5 million to build a new sewer treatment plant — more than double the city’s annual budget. For now, officials are repairing lines built in the 1960s and have cobbled together loans and grants from the federal government. But the new plant is still uncertain as officials negotiate a contract with the town’s largest industrial customer.

Meanwhile, TDEC in September awarded $98.5 million to Franklin, one of Tennessee’s wealthiest and fastest-growing cities, for a new sewer treatment plant. That was more than half of the total clean water fund awarded statewide during the fiscal year. Some environmentalists questioned the fairness of that loan, considering Franklin could access the public bond market and use other funding sources.

“Franklin, you’re rich,” said Scott Banbury, conservation coordinator for the Tennessee chapter of the Sierra Club. “Go sell your own bonds and go build your own treatment plant. Let the poor communities have that.”

FRANKLIN:City will start $132 million upgrades to sewer plant

State officials said they offer especially low-interest loans to small communities, and sometimes forgive their loan principal.

“We are looking at additional ways to help more small communities take part in the program,” TDEC spokesman Eric Ward said.

The problem is not unique to Tennessee. Towns across the country are struggling to fund upgrades to sewer systems. Leaders of cities in Minnesota, for instance, call it a crisis and banded together to push the legislature for more funding. The city council president of Jeffersonville, Indiana, said her town doesn't have the $44 million needed to stem overflows, according to news reports. At the University of Iowa, engineers were testing new wastewater treatment technologies, hoping to defray costs for aging small-town sewer systems.

Heavy rain infiltrates old pipes

One of the main causes of overflows is groundwater infiltration. Old pipes crack over time. When heavy rains saturate the ground and the water table rises, the pressure forces clean water through the cracks into the sewer lines.

“As those storms increase in quantity and volume, then that’s going to very likely influence the frequency and volume of overflows,” said George Kurz, an engineer who consults for municipal wastewater systems.

The added water rushes through the network and overloads pumps, backing up sewage through manhole covers and other openings. Wastewater treatment plants also open bypass valves, sending untreated sewage into creeks and streams. Without the releases and overflows, sewage could back up into residents’ basements.

In the tiny town of Pulaski, about an hour south of Nashville, heavy rains in February caused more than 30 million gallons of sewage to overflow, according to a federal lawsuit filed by Tennessee Riverkeeper, an Alabama-based environmental group.

The Pulaski wastewater treatment plant discharges to Richland Creek, a tributary of the Elk River, which is popular with kayakers and canoers. State regulators were pursuing formal enforcement this summer, according to a TDEC letter.

Pulaski officials did not return calls seeking comment.

“Sewage pollution is one of the biggest threats to the Cumberland and the Tennessee rivers,” said David Whiteside, executive director of Tennessee Riverkeeper. "And it doesn't matter how far left or right on the political spectrum people are. They're all uniformly disgusted by raw sewage.”

Scientists weigh link between climate change and large storms

While many people may associate heat waves and drought with climate change, scientists also suspect that human activity could be producing heavier downpours. That's because warmer air can contain more water vapor than cooler air, giving storm systems an added punch.

Studies show there is “high confidence that extreme rainfall has become more common over North America and the United States," said Jonathan Gilligan, professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Vanderbilt. Scientists have "medium confidence that the change is because of human influence on climate,” he added.

Indeed, Tennessee has seen an increase in heavy rainfall events over the past 15 years, according to National Weather Service records. Throughout most of the 2000s, the state saw fewer than five heavy rain events a year. From 2010 to 2017, however, the state averaged 16 such storms annually. 2018 has been a relatively inactive year, with just three.

When it pours in Ashland City, a growing town northwest of Nashville, sewage overflows onto streets, said Clint Biggers, director of the Public Works Department. The city inspected its sewer lines with video cameras and is working on some repairs, but the problem is daunting, Biggers said.

At more than 5,000 residents, Ashland City’s population has grown by 15 percent since 2010, and the sewer system is now at capacity, Biggers said. He expects a new treatment plant, double in size, would cost about $15 million.

“We’re trying to get ahead,” Biggers said. “You don’t want to have to shut down building because you don’t have capacity. But it’s hard on small towns, when they don’t have the money.”

Reach Mike Reicher at mreicher@tennessean.com or 615-259-8228 and on Twitter @mreicher.