There’s something comforting about staying on the highway—steady speed, clear signs, and the promise of getting to the end point faster. But in that rush to reach the destination, we often miss the places that give a drive its character: the small towns, quiet overlooks, roadside cafes, and unexpected attractions that don’t appear on billboards.
The beauty of the back roads: Highways are built for efficiency. Back roads are built for discovery. A few miles off the main route, you might find a weathered general store that still sells penny candy, a farm stand with just-picked peaches, or a handmade sign pointing toward a “scenic overlook” you’d never expect.
Small town main streets: Exit the highway into a small town, and you’ll often find a main street that feels like a step back in time—in the best way. Family-owned diners serve breakfast all day. Bookshops double as community hubs. Courthouse squares still anchor local life. These towns may not be on your itinerary, but they’re often where you find the most genuine sense of place. A short stop can turn into a story you’ll tell long after the trip is over. We plan to tell some of the stories in the months ahead.
Roadside surprises: One of the joys of leaving the highway is the unexpected. A hand-painted sign advertising homemade pie. A quirky roadside attraction that makes you laugh. A hidden hiking trail just a few steps off the road. These are real, unfiltered, and often unforgettable experiences.
Sticking to the highway will always get you there. But taking the slower route gives you something more: a connection to the places you pass through.
You don’t just arrive—you experience the journey.
Here are two websites to help with your travel: one for East Tennessee ~ East TN backroads, and one for Middle Tennessee ~ Tennessee Backroads.
This column will explore adventures that are ‘Close to Home, Far from Ordinary,’ and if you have some to share, please send to news@knoxtntoday.com
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