Doing a road trip through Tennessee? Set your navigation to Shiloh—and get ready to step into the past (we’re talking the Civil War and even earlier). First, stop by Shiloh Indian Mounds National Historic Landmark to see pre-historic houses. Walk on the field where the Battle of Shiloh went down and pay tribute to the fallen soldiers at the cemetery before admiring Cherry Mansion, the 1862 headquarters of General Ulysses S. Grant. Afterward, grab a bite at the spooky Catfish Hotel (hush puppies a must).

The star attraction in the lovely south-central Tennessee town of Lynchburg just so happens to be the Jack Daniel’s Distillery. Not big into booze? Do a walking tour of the charming downtown, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and sample some sweet treats at the Lynchburg Cake and Candy Company.

Nested in the easternmost tip of Tennessee, Jonesborough—the oldest town in the state—is like a living museum. It boasts a postcard-worthy downtown with tons of idyllic, old buildings. The Christopher Taylor House (which would more accurately be described as a rustic log cabin) dates all the way back to 1778. People come from far and wide for the National Storytelling Festival. Due to its proximity to the Appalachian Mountains, Jonesborough also puts cycling, caving, hiking and kayaking at your doorstep.

Ready to answer the call of the wild? Pack your bags for the rugged resplendence of Tellico Plains In southeastern Tennessee. People venture to this old-timey mountain town, situated a stone’s throw away from Cherokee National Forest, to commune with nature. Plain and simple. Whether you want to go hiking, biking, kayaking, boating, fishing, swimming, chasing waterfalls (hello, Bald River Falls) or camping, it’s all waiting.

Two words best describe Townsend: peaceful and picturesque. Quiet and quaint would also be appropriate adjectives. A less frequented entry point to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this tiny town is truly the perfect home base for exploring the beauty of nature (ahem, spring wildflowers) sans hordes of tourists. Outdoor activities—from hiking tree-lined trails to rafting down the gushing river—are obviously a given. You can also count on cute shops, festivals and cozy cabin rentals .

If you ask us, country queen and living legend Dolly Parton is basically the closest thing we have to royalty in America. That pretty much makes her Appalachian-themed amusement park in Pigeon Forge something akin to the palace grounds, right? Of course, Dollywood isn’t all that this eastern Tennessee town has going for it. Hit up the live music venues and scenic hiking trails, plus the myriad museums. (There’s even one dedicated to the Titanic.) And don’t forget to book tickets to the Hatfield & McCoy Dinner Show, where you can enjoy country cooking while watching two “families” try to settle a long-running feud through music.

For a major dose of heritage, head to Greeneville. The second oldest town in Tennessee takes visitors on a journey back in time to the Revolutionary War with attractions like the Greeneville Greene County Museum. Since the nation’s 17th president (that’s Andrew Johnson in case you missed that week in history class) hailed from Greeneville, there’s a site devoted to him. Well-preserved buildings along Main Street and the Greeneville Antique Market round out the old-school charm.

Leipers Fork is a quiet hamlet just southwest of Franklin, but don’t be fooled by its size. The single road running through the main street is filled with antique shops, art galleries and eateries. First, stop at Fox & Locke General Store (formerly known as Puckett’s Grocery) for some barbecue and a slice of chess pie. (You’re going to want two.) You can spend the next few hours antiquing at Props Antiques, whiskey tasting at Leiper’s Fork Distillery and admiring the art at Leiper’s Creek Gallery. The gallery sits in a former gas station, and the front porch is always stocked with s’mores supplies. After you’ve made yourself a s’more, take the short drive to Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge for stunning valley views.