The draw of the towns where life is simple near Nashville is strong out here in Tennessee. We most definitely enjoy a life out in the country, there’s nothing prettier than a couple of rolling hills and a barn speckled in there every once in a while. There’s joy on a curving country road, sweetness to a lonely drive through the woods. And Tennessee has it in spades.

15. Portland
Portland, TN 37148, USA
melmel80 - Flickr
Located 35 Northeast of Nashville, Portland is home to 10,000 Tennesseans. Their annual Strawberry Festival, hosted every May since the early 1940s, is the perfect opportunity to experience Portland's small town charm.
14. Sewanee
Sewanee, TN, USA
Ted Gamble - Flickr
An hour and a half southeast of Nashville, Sewanee is the perfect weekend day trip from Nashville. Be sure to check out Sewanee's University of the South's beautiful campus and get some handmade jewelry from The Lemon Fair.
13. Paris
Paris, TN 38242, USA
Brent Moore - Flickr
Complete with their own miniature replica Eifel Tower, Paris is another great weekend road trip from Nashville. Home to Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area and the World's Largest Fish Fry, Paris truly has something for everyone.
12. Dickson
Dickson, TN, USA
Ralf Peter Raimann - Flickr
Dickson is a nice little town of 15,000 people, about 40 miles west of Nashville. The Clement Hotel Railroad Museum is a hidden gem, full of local history.
11. Ashland City
Ashland City, TN 37015, USA
Brent Moore - Flickr
Just half an hour North East of downtown Nashville, Ashland City is the go-to small town for the outdoor enthusiast. With over 200 acres of recreation area, Ashland City will keep you coming back to explore again and again.
10. Nolensville
Nolensville, TN 37135, USA
Shawn Ide - Flickr
Nolensville is a great place for the Nashville antique lover. There are plenty of shops along the main street for you to peruse until you find exactly what you're looking for. They also have an Amish general store that's great for homemade goods.
9. Lebanon
Lebanon, TN, USA
Brent Moore - Flickr
Lebanon is the epitome of the simple small town close to the big city. Home to the popular Wilson County Fair, Lebanon is exactly what you need if you're looking to get away from the rush of Nashville for a day.
8. Wartrace
Wartrace, TN 37183, USA
Brent Moore - Flickr
Wartrace may only have 650 residents, but it's perfect for a weekend getaway. The downtown area is on the National Register of Historic Places and has been home to the Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum since 2012.
7. Adams
Adams, TN, USA
Adams - Wikipedia
Adams, Tennessee is the home of one of the most infamous legends in Tennessee history: The Bell Witch. She even makes an appearance on the town's welcome sign! Be sure to check out the cave that's home to the legend as well as the Red River Baptist Church, which is one of the oldest churches West of the Cumberland Plateau.
6. Lewisburg
Lewisburg, TN 37091, USA
Brent Moore - Flickr
Lewisburg is located about 50 miles South of Nashville. Named after the famous Meriwether Lewis, the town has a cute downtown with a courthouse in the center of the square, surrounded by local shops and businesses.
5. Springfield
Springfield, TN 37172, USA
The Blonde Mule - Flickr
Located between I-65 and I-24 north of Nashville, Springfield is home to some excellent antique shops and fun activities. Honeysuckle Farms offers something for everyone -- be sure to check out their corn maze and pumpkin patch in the fall.
4. Leipers Fork
Leipers Fork, TN 37064, USA
Teri Lynne Underwood - Flickr
Located South of Nashville near Franklin, Leipers Fork is quite possibly the most quintessential small town. The village is on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to some of the area's best antique shops.
3. Columbia
Columbia, TN 38401, USA
Brent Moore - Flickr
Take a drive about an hour South from Nashville to spend some time in Columbia. Their downtown area is home to a ton of shops and restaurants, as well as President James Polk's former home. Their Mule Day Parade is the town's must-see event, drawing over 200,000 visitors each year.
2. Watertown
Watertown, TN 37184, USA
HauntJaun - TripAdvisor
Watertown, Tennessee has everything you want a small town to have. Get some food at one of the restaurants downtown on the square before going to their old-school drive-in movie theater.
1. Bell Buckle
Bell Buckle, TN 37020, USA
coralscountry - TripAdvisor
Home of the RC Cola and Moon Pie Festival, Bell Buckle is the perfect small town for a Saturday away from the city. Be sure to walk the downtown strip and drive around to see the city's many restored Victorian homes.

What do you think of these towns where life is simple near Nashville? Have you visited any of them? Let us know in the comments.

Now you know our small towns, why don’t you get to know one of the oldest general stores in Nashville?

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More to Explore

towns where life is simple near Nashville

Chris Dodge | September 15, 2022

What are some other lovely towns to visit near Nashville?

In Tennessee, we love our small town communities and if the areas become too big, then we just make them seem small because the more the merrier. We will make everyone friends and show that good old southern hospitality. When you want to jump into some other towns surrounding the Nashville area, then we have a few suggestions for you. The first one is for anyone who is a history buff. Collage Grove was founded in 1799. And, when you want to live in Nashville but still own land, then Franklin is the place for you. This lovely suburb of our music city has plenty of historic sites and the lovely southern charm of a small Tennessee town.

Next, we have White House. No, we are not talking about the house the president lives in. Rather, this is a small town just north of Nashville that's worth a visit. You could also head south of our capital city to the town of Spring Hill. It's becoming a booming town seeing new residents every day but it still remains a friendly place. Plus, there is an excellent county-inspired restaurant you should try while you are there. It is called The Mockingbird and it's in a restored farmhouse.

The town of Greenbrier has an excellent place to stay. If you are a fan of unique stays like we are then you will find this tree house a must-visit destination. The nice part is you are away from the busy city life but Nashville is so close you can still travel to and enjoy it at your own pace. And, if you want to be even closer to Nashville, then visit the town of Goodlettsville. 

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