Tennessee's 'River City' Is A Charming Town With A Historic Downtown, Outdoor Fun, And Lush Scenery

You might not expect a tiny town of about 2,300 people to be replete with a plethora of exciting visits, but Carthage — known informally as River City — will surprise you. The quaint town gained the moniker of River City from its position on the western edge of Tennessee's Upper Cumberland region, and it played a crucial role in the back and forth of the Civil War. Today, it beautifully blends culture, history, and nature, giving visitors a warm sip of Tennessee's small-town charm. Throw in two Nobel Prize winners — including the man known as the father of the United Nations, Cordell Hull ' and you've got a special little town waiting to be enjoyed.

You'll be reminded of that as you drive into town across the historic Cordell Hull Bridge, which stands tall above the Cumberland River and captures stunning views of the downtown and riverbanks. The 1936 bridge underwent a multimillion-dollar restoration in 2007 and remains one of Carthage's most iconic landmarks. Not far from the bridge, Hull's historic home still stands tall, just a few steps away from the stunning Carthage United Methodist Church, a Gothic Revival structure built in 1889. If you're wondering about the other Nobel Prize winner, that honor was awarded to Al Gore, the former U.S. senator and vice president, who was rewarded for his work in raising awareness of climate change. Gore spend his youthful summers in Carthage, working on the family tobacco farm.

River City has plenty to explore, but it requires attention. Carthage is one of those places that brings you back in touch with the joy of simple living. It's also extremely easy to reach, just about an hour from Nashville International Airport (BNA), and it's relatively easy to find accommodation while on a budget in Carthage, especially if you're willing to stay flexible. A night at the Budget Inn Carthage will cost you about $80, and there are plenty of similar options. Once you're here, downtown Carthage is the best place to start, beginning with the Smith County Courthouse. Built in 1879 in the Second Empire architectural style, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Then there's the Hotel Walton, built in 1904, which is still in operation. Though the place retains the rustic charm of its original architectural style, with vibrant stained-glass doors and massive porches, the rooms are adorned with modern design elements as well as antiques. As you walk down the streets from the hotel, you'll find little candy shops, antique furniture, and thrift stores with colorful canopies at the entrance, lending a bit of vivaciousness to the serenity of this town. These shops make great stops for buying souvenirs you might want to carry back for your friends or family.

Much like Waverly, the other "River City" in Tennessee, Carthage is surrounded by lush greenery and winding water bodies. If you're more into nature exploration, you can hike along the Turkey Creek Nature Trail. It is a mix of hardwood forest and riparian habitat, and a relatively easy hike. You can explore the entire trail in under 20 minutes, so if you're visiting the quaint town only for a day, you can easily club it with a tour of the historic downtown.

After you've taken in the charming structures steeped in history and explored the surrounding nature, head to Rojas Kitchen for some excellent Mexican food. It's best to plan your lunch at Roja if you're visiting River City over the weekend, as it doesn't open for dinner. Alternatively, Nobels is the place for those craving classic American bites like thick, juicy burgers and golden onion rings crisped to perfection. A more recent addition to the town's restaurant scene, having opened to the public in 2023, Nobels was named after two winners of the Nobel Peace Prize who are associated with the area. After filling up on food, good vibes, and peace at Nobels or Rojas, the final stop on your culinary journey should be the Candy Bar, where you can treat yourself to some ice cream, nostalgic candies, and other old-fashioned sweets.