The Heart of Rural Tennessee: Community, Connection, and a Good Ol’ Square Dance
- Jennifer Davis
- Mar 20
- 2 min read
There’s something special about a small town. It’s the way folks wave when they pass by, the way neighbors look out for each other, and the way history lingers in the air like the scent of honeysuckle on a warm summer evening.
Lately, more and more people are moving to rural Tennessee, seeking a slower, simpler life. They want to trade traffic for country roads, chaos for quiet, and screens for starlit skies. And while the land itself is beautiful, what truly makes these small towns shine is the sense of community.

Nothing embodies Tennessee’s small-town spirit quite like a bluegrass square dance in a barn down by the creek. The sound of a fiddle, the stomp of boots on a wooden floor, and the laughter of friends—new and old—are reminders of what it means to truly belong.
For me, that sense of belonging runs deep. Kilgore Park in Cross Plains, Tennessee, is named after my 5th great-grandfather—on both sides of my family tree. At this point, I’m not sure if I have a family tree or a wreath, but one thing’s for sure: my roots in this town go way back.
If you’re longing for a taste of authentic Tennessee small-town life, I invite you to join us on **Friday night, May 16, at Kilgore Park in Cross Plains** for a good old-fashioned **square dance.** Whether you’re an expert dancer or just want to tap your toes to the music, you’ll find yourself welcomed like family.
Because that’s what small towns do—we welcome, we gather, we dance, and we remind each other why community matters.
See you on the dance floor!