A Walkable Downtown In Tennessee Named After France's Most Iconic City Has Its Own Eiffel Tower

Have you ever seen something you really liked on vacation and thought to yourself, "Hey, I wouldn't mind having one of those back home!" Well, whole towns and cities often have similar ideas, resulting in the phenomenon of replica landmarks that spring up in the unlikeliest places around the world. We can talk about the Great Sphinx of Lanzhou, China; the Statue of Liberty in Odaiba, Japan; and the knockoff Leaning Tower of Pisa in Niles, Illinois. Fitting, perhaps, since the real Leaning Tower of Pisa is largely considered a tourist trap. Some of these fakes are contentious, while others are simply curious and add a little international color where you might least expect it. Also added to this list is the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Tennessee –– but at least this walkable town can stake a reasonable claim due to its name.

Paris is the oldest incorporated town in West Tennessee, named in honor of the American Revolutionary War hero Marquis de Lafeyette, who studied in the French capital in his younger years. Nowadays, it is a pleasant town that blends European charm with Volunteer State hospitality, situated around a two-hour drive from both Nashville and Memphis. Roughly equidistant between these two famous cities, it makes for an entertaining stop-off if you are taking a road trip through the state. It won't break the bank if you decide to stay a while, with hotel rooms costing as little as $76 per night. Let's take a look at some of the highlights.

You can't go to Paris, France, without visiting the Eiffel Tower, and the same goes for Paris, Tennessee. The unusual landmark was built by students of Christian Brothers University in Memphis in 1993 before it was moved to its present location in Eiffel Tower Park. It was reinforced with steel to make it a more permanent structure in 2002. Sadly, at just 70 feet tall (a 1:20 scale replica of the original), you can't climb to the top. Still, it makes for a great photo opportunity, and there are other things to do in the park, including a walking trail, a disk golf course, sports facilities, and a splash pad for hot days.

Paris is a small town with a population of around 10,000 people. This makes the compact downtown very walkable, and the area around the historic 19th-century courthouse has plenty of boutique shops, mom-and-pop stores, painted murals, and cute cafes to check out. For an insight into the town's fascinating history, the Paris-Henry County Heritage Center is well worth a browse. A short drive from town, outdoor enthusiasts will also have fun at Paris Landing State Park. Situated on the western shore of the Tennessee River, the 841-acre park is a great spot for hiking, fishing, water sports, and golf at the 18-hole championship course.

Paris, Tennessee holds many events throughout the year, but perhaps the highlight of the calendar for foodies is the World's Biggest Fish Fry. The week-long festival is held in April each year and features parades, beauty queens, a funfair, live music, rodeo riding, demolition derby action, and lots of amusements for the whole family. A visit to this celebration of local fishing culture wouldn't be complete without tucking into heaped plates of fried catfish with a side order of crispy hushpuppies. Go light on the breakfast because the catfish dinner is an all-you-can-eat affair for just $20 ($12 for kids).

The culinary scene in Paris might not feature much in the way of fine dining, but there are several spots where you will find quality comfort eats. Head to Southside Cafe for breakfast plates and diner-style options like burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches. Or stop at vt Moustos Pasta-Grill for daunting Tomahawk steaks, Perry's BBQ & Catering for delicious smoked meats with classic sides, or the Olive Pit for Muffaletta sandwiches and soft-serve shakes. For a few brews and a taste of unpretentious Paris nightlife, belly up to the bar at The T-Rogze Bar And Grill On Easy Street or catch some live music and karaoke at T-Bones Tavern. Wherever you go, you're sure to encounter a warm Tennessee welcome. And if you're looking for quirky vacation destinations in the state, Tennessee has plenty of tourist spots (especially for Elvis fans).