Explore the Small Towns of West Tennessee

Featured in this Article:

Where to Stay in Towns near Memphis
Things to Do in West Tennessee Small Towns
Rural Activities in West Tennessee
Restaurants in West Tennessee Towns

Rent a cozy cabin on the banks of the Tennessee River in Pickwick Landing State Park, located 2.5 hours from Nashville.

• Private deck gives you lakeside views of Pickwick Lake

• Enjoy water sports, summer programs, corporate retreats and competitive fishing in the area

• The resort-style state park has a marina and golf course

• Rentable boats and water sport gear

• Accommodations include camping and private cabins and The Lodge at Pickwick Landing

• Featuring 119 rooms, the Lodge has modern amenities, a new full-service restaurant and lounge

• Restaurant and gift shop onsite

• More than 1,400 acres of wooded hills with hiking trails

The Outpost at Pickwick Dam - Savannah

A surprise find near Pickwick Landing State Park is The Outpost at Pickwick Dam in Savannah, Tennessee.

• Less than 3 miles away from Pickwick Landing State Park

• The attraction's mini-cowboy-town flare will catch your eye

• You’ll easily want to go for a huge southern breakfast every day of your stay

• Buildings include a general store and bakery, bed and breakfast, restaurant, shops and woodworks demonstration area

• The barn is a wedding venue and idyllic spot for a stroll or a photo-op

Pinson Mounds, one of the two archeological parks in Tennessee, is registered as a National Historic Landmark.

• Prehistoric Native American complex

• Includes the remains of over 17 burial and ceremonial mounds, earthen enclosures, and a museum with both genuine and replica artifacts

• The largest mound rises clear from the surrounding woods 72 feet in the center of the park. It is square with each corners facing the four cardinal directions

• Climb the wooden stairs to the observation deck at its summit and you can make out the changes in the surrounding forest marking other further mounds and sites

• The museum brings to life the fascinating ancient local culture and customs, as well as educates on the broader Native American history of Tennessee

Historical Denmark Presbyterian Church – Denmark

To connect with another era of American history, take a drive to Denmark, Tennessee, to visit the Denmark Presbyterian Church

• Recently restored back to its condition during the Civil War by the Big Black Creek Historical Association

• The Battle of Briton’s Lane occurred mere miles away in 1862

• The church was used as a Confederate prison during wartime

• During restoration, names of the Union prisoners were found carved in the floorboards upstairs

Johnsonville Historic State Park  – New Johnsonville

Continue your Civil War -themed road trip with Johnsonville Historic State Park

• This charming day-use park stretches over more than 1,000 acres

• Is the original site of a bustling Union Supply Depot on the Tennessee River that was critical in supporting the North’s troops

• In November 1864, Confederate Maj. Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest attacked Johnsonville to frustrate the Union’s shipment of supplies

• When the attacking forces gained a hold, the Union tried to burn the vessels the Confederates had seized. This backfired and much of the Depot was destroyed

• What remained eventually become the railroad town of Old Johnsonville, which thrived until the 1940s construction of another dam that flooded out the area

• Now, earthen embankments, rifle pits and replicated soldier’s quarters remain to be seen in this beautifully kept park

Chickasaw State Park – Henderson

Head to Chickasaw State Park where a new Tennessee Colorblind Viewer is located.

• Thanks to innovative Enchroma technology, people who have never been able to see the spectrum of nature’s colors can finally take in the full glory of the Tennessee mountains and valleys in all seasons

• Find out where more of these special viewers can be found

• Enjoy a round of golf on the 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Design Golf Course

• Kayak, SUP, canoe and pedal boat rentals available for a trip around the two 54-acre lakes

• Horseback riding trail connects to Chickasaw State Forest where numerous horseback trails are marked

• Easy and moderate hiking trails

• 100 species of birds have been spotted in the state park, making it a great birding location in Tennessee

Discovery Park of America  – Union City

Discovery Park of America in Union City consists of a 70,000 square-foot museum, gardens, and outdoor exhibition attraction.

• The area's natural history is told through a large aquarium, exhibits

• Earthquake simulator shares how Reelfoot Lake was created (feel the quake tremors yourself!)

• World history, from dinosaurs to cultural deities

• See aircraft from World War II, race cars and a knight's armor

• Meander outside to walk through Japanese gardens

• Visit a century-old church

• See the farm equipment from days gone by

Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Museum – Camden 

Have an interesting and captivating day at The Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Farm. 

• The only freshwater pearl culturing farm in the U.S.

• Started in 1925

• Go into the showroom to buy a pearl from the farm's collection

• Marvel at freshwater pearl jewelry from around the world

• Visit the museum to learn about the harvesting process

• See for yourself by taking a tour of the farm

• A full tour package includes a presentation from a local diver, the farm manager and a barbecue luncheon

Falcon Ridge Farm is located in Toone, Tennessee, a small town about 74 miles from Memphis.

• Pick pumpkins, play in the corn-maze, and pet storybook-level-friendly barnyard animals during the annual Fall Festival

• Falcon Ridge supplies local markets with more than 40 types of fruits and vegetables

• Offers educational programs and seasonal events on the farm

• Other notable events include the Strawberry Festival and u-pick Christmas trees

Century Farm Winery – Jackson

Not far off the highway on the way up to Jackson, Tennessee, you’ll find a gem in Century Farm Winery.

• Owned and operated by the same family for more than 100 years

• Taste multiple award-winning wines crafted onsite

• Grapes are harvested only yards behind the house in the now 13-acre vineyard

• Annual seasonal concert series along with other events are hosted throughout the year

Samuel T. Bryant Distillery – Jackson

Head a few short miles up the same road to the Samuel T. Bryant Distillery in Jackson, Tennessee.

• This one-stop-shop has been churning out homemade moonshine and whiskey varieties since 2016

• They brew in the barn on the family farm and sell at the bar in their lodge-like event space

• Sample five varieties for $5

• Try moonshine flavors like blackberry, coconut, apple pie, blueberry, coffee, peach, strawberry and sea salt caramel

You have to make a trip to downtown Jackson for Rock N’ Dough, a microbrewery and pizza restaurant serving delicious pizza.

• Uses locally sourced ingredients for all their pizzas

• White sauced and red sauced pizza on the menu

• White sauced pizza includes the Vegan with grape tomatoes, spinach, roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, artichokes and dairy-free cheese

• Hot Chicken is a white sauce pizza with crispy chicken, hot chicken rub, red onions and pickles

• Red sauced pizza includes the Smoker's Pie topped with chicken or shredded pork, beer barbecue sauce, red onions and cilantro

• Build your own pizza or calzone

• Cauliflower crust available

• Other menu items include pasta, salads, burgers. smoked wings and sandwiches

Sally Lane's Candy Farm – Paris

Sally Lane's has been a sweet and steady fixture in the Paris, Tennessee community.

• Offering old-fashioned candies since 1958

• The shop has become a place where older generations reminisce while a new generation becomes introduced to the timeless treats

• Known for its popular pink and white mints—which find themselves at parties, showers and weddings all over the region

• Sally Lane's offers scrumptious chocolates and confections of all shapes, styles, and flavors

Hagy's Catfish Hotel Restaurant - Shiloh

Enjoy riverside dining at Hagy's Catfish Hotel, famous for their fried and blackened catfish, Southern sides and family-friendly atmosphere.

• One of the oldest family-owned restaurants in the U.S.

• Located on the banks of the Tennessee River

• Menu includes fried clams, stuffed shrimp, fried catfish and signature Hotel Fish Tacos

• Baby back ribs and country ham steak are also local favorites

• Sides include steamed vegetables, baked potatoes and hushpuppies 

• Desserts made by the pastry chef includes a lemon rub pie, baked at the restaurant since 1938

This is just a sample of the things to do in West Tennessee small towns. Discover even more towns close to Memphis.