Paris
Around Paris
Photo: Uoaei1 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Town and around · Tennessee · 32k people
Paris
“The Peanut City”
Big peanuts, bigger sunsets on Kentucky Lake.
Kentucky Lake BluePeanut BrownFarmland Green
Welcome to Paris, Tennessee! Whether you're here for the lake, the fish fry, or just passing through, you'll find a friendly small-town vibe. Grab a sweet tea, find a spot on the water, and settle in.
Clubs for Paris
No clubs for Paris yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Paris. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Paris. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Paris Landing State Park A popular state park on Kentucky Lake with camping, fishing, and hiking.
- Kentucky Lake Massive reservoir on the Tennessee River, central to local recreation.
- Eiffel Tower replica A 60-foot replica in downtown Paris, a quirky symbol of the town.
- Paris-Henry County Courthouse Historic courthouse on the town square, built in the 1890s.
- Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park State park on the lake with hiking trails and a museum.
- Johnsonville State Historic Park Civil War site turned park, with trails and lake access.
- Outdoors Fishing on Kentucky Lake
- Outdoors Boating and water skiing
- With kids Picnicking at Paris Landing State Park
- With kids Visiting the Eiffel Tower replica
- Evenings Live music at local bars
- Evenings Karaoke nights
- Locals love Lake cabins
- Locals love Fishing docks
Through the year
- World's Biggest Fish Fry April A massive catfish fry with carnival rides, music, and a parade.
- Henry County Fair July Livestock shows, carnival rides, and local food vendors.
- Paris Christmas Parade December Festive parade through downtown Paris with floats and lights.
- Independence Day Fireworks at Kentucky Lake July Fireworks display over the lake, often accompanied by boat parades.
Humid subtropical climate with hot, muggy summers and mild winters. Best outdoor time is spring and fall. Best: Spring and fall are ideal, with mild temperatures and lower humidity.
Talk like a local
- “The Lake”
- Kentucky Lake, the main body of water.
- “The Landing”
- Paris Landing State Park.
- “Fish Fry”
- The World's Biggest Fish Fry, the town's signature event.
Getaways
- Murray, KY Home to Murray State University and a charming downtown.
- Martin, TN College town with the University of Tennessee at Martin.
- Mayfield, KY Known for its historic square and local shops.
- Union City, TN Gateway to Reelfoot Lake, famous for fishing and bald eagles.
Local flavour
Rooting for Tennessee Titans (NFL), Tennessee Volunteers (NCAA), Vanderbilt Commodores (NCAA)
Eat and drink
- Fried catfish A staple of local lake cuisine, often served with hushpuppies.
- Barbecue Memphis-style and regional pork barbecue are popular.
- Meat and three A Southern diner tradition with a choice of meat and three sides.
- Sweet tea The quintessential Southern drink, ubiquitous in local restaurants.
- Fried green tomatoes A classic Southern side dish often found on menus.
- Hushpuppies Cornmeal fritters served with fried fish.
Where people go
- Lake cabins Rustic cabins along Kentucky Lake offer a retreat from the city.
- Fishing docks Marinas and docks for fishing, boating, and enjoying the water.
- Meat and three restaurants Local diners serving classic Southern plates.
- Small-town squares Quaint downtown areas with local shops and community events.
- State parks Paris Landing State Park and similar parks offer hiking and lake access.
- Bait shops Small shops supplying fishing gear and local advice.
Heritage and traditions
Paris and the surrounding lake country are proud of their Southern heritage, the mighty Kentucky Lake, and the world's biggest fish fry. It's a place where small-town friendliness, fishing, and faith come together.
This time of year in Paris
- Fall hunting season Fall Deer and turkey hunting in the woods and fields.
- Paris-Henry County Arts & Crafts Festival October October showcase of local crafts, quilts, and art.
Say it like a local: “a far piece” — a long way; a great distance
Festivals
- World's Biggest Fish Fry April A multi-day festival in late April with fried catfish, carnival rides, and live music.
- Henry County Fair August August fair with livestock shows, rodeo, and fair food.
- Paris-Henry County Arts & Crafts Festival October October showcase of local crafts, quilts, and art.
- Community Easter Sunrise Service Easter Sunday Interdenominational service held at Paris Landing State Park overlooking the lake.
Landmarks with a story
- Paris Landing State Park A park on Kentucky Lake with a historic inn and recreational areas.
- Eiffel Tower replica A 60-foot replica in Paris, TN, a quirky local landmark.
- Paris-Henry County Courthouse A classic courthouse in the town square, built in the 1890s.
- Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park Named after a Confederate general, the park offers history and lake views.
- Johnsonville State Historic Park Site of a Civil War battle and a former railroad depot.
- First Baptist Church of Paris A historic church in downtown Paris, active since the 1800s.
Food traditions
- Fried catfish A staple from the lake; often served at fish fries and family gatherings.
- Barbecue Pulled pork and ribs slow-cooked over hickory, a Tennessee tradition.
- Meat and three A plate with a meat (like fried chicken) and three vegetables, a Southern lunch institution.
- Sweet tea Iced tea with sugar, served at every meal and gathering.
- Fish fry dinners at churches Many churches host Friday night fish fries during Lent, even in Protestant areas, as a community meal.
Music and arts
- Gospel and country music Local churches and community centers host southern gospel singings and country jam sessions.
- Quilting and crafts Traditional quilting bees and craft fairs showcase handmade items.
A little history
- 1823 Paris founded
- 1864 Battle of Johnsonville
- 1944 Kentucky Lake created by TVA
- 1953 World's Biggest Fish Fry begins
- 1897 Paris-Henry County Courthouse built
- Game day Friday night high school football
- Game day Fishing tournaments
- Outdoors Fishing on Kentucky Lake
- Outdoors Boating and water skiing
- With kids Picnicking at Paris Landing State Park
- With kids Visiting the Eiffel Tower replica
People speak with a classic Southern Tennessee accent: slow, warm, and often dropping the 'g' in '-ing' words. You'll hear 'y'all' a lot, and phrases like 'fixin' to' and 'over yonder' are common. The area also has a few lake-specific terms like 'the lake' meaning Kentucky Lake.
Only here
- The Eiffel Tower replica – a 60-foot tower in the middle of Tennessee.
- The World's Biggest Fish Fry – claims to fry more catfish than anywhere else.
- Kentucky Lake – a massive TVA reservoir that defines the region's lifestyle.
- The phrase 'Paris, Tennessee' – a small town with a famous name.
New here? A few tips
- Get to know the lake – Kentucky Lake is the center of recreation, from fishing to boating.
- Try the fried catfish at a local fish fry or restaurant; it's a point of pride.
- Expect hot, humid summers – stay hydrated and enjoy the lake breeze.
- Be friendly and wave to neighbors; Southern hospitality is real here.
- Learn to pronounce 'Paris' like the city in France, but with a Southern drawl – it's just 'Paris'.
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Nearby
Every areaHuntingdonTennesseeWhere the rivers meet the fieldsMurrayKentuckyRacer pride and lake lifeMartinTennesseeWhere Southern charm meets college spiritWaverlyTennesseeWhere the river bends and the hills hold close.FultonKentuckyWhere the river meets the fieldsMayfieldKentuckyWarm welcomes and wide open skiesUnion CityTennesseeHome of Reelfoot LakeJacksonTennesseeWhere the Delta hums with music and the soil grows gold.
Paris, TN. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.