MAKING ITS mark as a must-visit small town, Tullahoma is one of three towns in Tennessee that recently appeared in a ranking of the best small towns in the country.
Coming in at 23rd, Tullahoma was among 150 small towns chosen by the travel website Family Destinations Guide (FDG). According to the website, 3,000 families across the U.S. were polled and asked to identify the best small towns to visit.
The review stated that Tullahoma was a “charming city offering scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, rich history, and a variety of cultural attractions.” Along with its scenery and friendly atmosphere, Tullahoma is home to outdoor activities, like hiking, fishing, camping, numerous historical sites, museums, parks, restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.
The Tullahoma Area Chamber of Commerce added that the city has something for everyone.
“Tullahoma is a town with friendly people who care. It’s a community of neighbors who know each other by name but still take the time to warmly welcome new faces,” said the chamber in a statement. “The pace of life is not too fast and not too slow, and nearly everything you need is within a 15-minute drive. There are local places to eat, shop, and have a nice time with family and friends, and a long list of places to visit with natural and historical significance.”
The review also made mention of the town’s aviation and aerospace industry, citing it as “a center for avionics, aeronautics, and aviation pursuits, making it an ideal destination for curious families.”
Applauding his community for being at the top of the list is local Alderman Daniel Berry. Berry said the ranking is no surprise due to Tullahoma’s outstanding citizens.
“Tullahoma is a shining example of the power of community,” he stated. “The people here embody the spirit of generosity, kindness, and support that make our town an extraordinary place. It’s hard not to feel inspired when you see the countless volunteers, mentors, friends, and family members who come together to impact the lives of those around them positively.”
He added that as a native himself, he has seen how much his community has grown and continues to grow while keeping true to all that makes a small town great.
“As someone raised in Tullahoma, I know firsthand the incredible influence our educators, business leaders, and community members can have on a person’s life.
They have helped me to achieve my dreams, to grow as an individual, and to give back to this fantastic community that has given me so much. I am constantly in awe of our residents’ dedication and passion for every aspect of their lives, and I feel honored to be a part of this truly inspiring community.”
Another Tennessee town making the list was Gatlinburg, which came in sixth place. FDG described Gatlinburg as a “vibrant mountain town surrounded by stunning natural beauty, rich history, and old-fashioned Southern hospitality.” Gatlinburg has a variety of activities, from outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and zip-lining to indoor attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies and Ober Gatlinburg.
Franklin, in Williamson County, came in at 47th. The review cited the town as “home to a variety of historical sites, including the Carter House, as well as a variety of museums and galleries.”
ABOUT FAMILY DESTINATIONS GUIDE
FDG is a travel website that features reviews of hotels, resorts, destinations, and attractions for a trip for the whole family and lists detailed advice for traveling with children of all ages. FDG’s mission statement is to “help you and your family create incredible family travel memories that last a lifetime.” For more information, visit familydestinationsguide.com. GN
