Halfway Between Chattanooga And Knoxville Is Tennessee's 'Friendly City' With A Lovely Downtown And Outdoor Fun

Tucked into the rolling foothills of East Tennessee is a little town called Athens. Nicknamed the "Friendly City," Athens is known for its Southern hospitality and small-town feel. Part of Tennessee's Overhill Region, this artsy slice of Tennessee is brimming with beauty and outdoor adventure. Athens' walkable downtown is lined with historic buildings, locally owned shops, and public artwork that make it easy to while away an afternoon, and there are plenty of options for outdoor fun nearby. This picturesque town of about 15,000 residents is where Appalachian history, small-town charm, and outdoor fun collide. 

Athens sits right between Knoxville and Chattanooga, just off Interstate 75, making it an easy and scenic drive from either city. Road-trippers will enjoy the winding highways and mountain views that lead into the area, setting the stage for a charming getaway. The nearest major airports are the McGhee Tyson Airport in Knoxville and the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, which both offer convenient connections to other major cities. If you're looking to land a little closer to Athens, the McMinn County Airport is a small regional airport just 10 minutes southeast of Athens.

Athens' memorable downtown features authentic architecture and quaint storefronts that perfectly showcase its rich history. Embark on a journey to the past with the When Walls Talk historic walking tour. This self-guided tour will take you to 32 different spots around downtown Athens where you can immerse yourself in the area's history. In a similar vein, the city unveiled the Patterns of the Past Quilt Trail in 2024. This is another walking tour that'll take you to many of the same places as the historic tour, but with a focus on local artists and the historical significance behind quilt squares. You can find these beautiful quilt squares displayed on buildings all around downtown. Downtown Athens is also decorated with a few beautiful murals, so make some time to stop and admire them while walking or driving around town.

If you're in the mood for some shopping, downtown Athens is home to several cute boutiques and antique stores. Check out Thistle Cottage Mercantile to find antiques and unique, handmade items, or mosey down the street to Greeks Bearing Gifts to find the perfect gifts for those special people in your life. And when you need a break from shopping, downtown Athens boasts a variety of restaurants, from Mama Bertha's Taqueria to Spice Queen's Thai Food to the Open Door Cafe sports pub. But don't forget about dessert! Every summer, Athens puts on the Tennessee Scoop Loop, a partnership between seven ice cream shops in town, including the Mayfield Dairy Farm, which Times Magazine named World's Best Ice Cream back in 1981. You can pick up an ice cream passport at any shop, get it stamped at each location, and win an ice cream-themed prize.

Athens has no shortage of ways to spend time in the great outdoors. The city has multiple parks and a few different hiking trails. Athens Regional Park, the biggest in town, has something for everyone, whether you want to stroll down a nature trail, test out the 3-mile mountain biking trail, or cast in on the park's fishing pond. For the athletes out there, Athens' city parks are home to various sports courses and courts, like the 18-hole disc golf course at Athens Regional Park, the lighted pickleball courts at Ingleside Recreation Complex, and the outdoor basketball courts at Heritage Park. And the Eureka Trail, a 5.6-mile trail converted from an old railroad corridor, runs between Athens and Englewood, Tennessee. This maintained gravel trail is great for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Keep an eye out for the tree identification markers scattered along Eureka Trail. You can learn about the different types of native trees while taking in the natural beauty all around you.

If you want to make Athens a home base for a larger exploration of Tennessee's gorgeous hikes and scenery, the Great Smoky Mountains are only about an hour away from Athens. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America's most-visited national park, is full of great hiking trails and gorgeous views. For those who want to ditch the hiking boots and strap on some water shoes instead, the Ocoee River, just 35 minutes south of Athens, is a whitewater rafting and kayaking paradise. So, whether you explore around Athens or venture further afield, you're sure to find an adventure.