Experience Southern charm and hospitality in Cookeville. The town is nestled in the Upper Cumberland region and will captivate you with its colourful street art and a flourishing culinary scene. Shop at independent boutiques, enjoy live music at atmospheric bars and learn about the town’s pioneer roots at local history museums.
Things to do in Cookeville
Downtown Cookeville promises all the charm of small-town Tennessee. Antique stores and mom-and-pop shops take precedence over big-name brands. Start your day in Putnam Courthouse Square. The historic square is lined with cafes and is a great place to enjoy breakfast. Bite into fully loaded burgers at American-style diners and try Southern classics like jambalaya, cornbread and po’ boys stuffed with catfish and shrimp.
Learn about the town’s colourful past at the Cookeville History Museum. Exhibits cover everything from the pioneer era to the Civil War. The Cookeville Depot Museum is another excellent local attraction. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and showcases antique steam engines, cabooses and coal carriages.
Outdoor adventures await in Cookeville. Lace up your boots to explore forested trails and descend into underground caves. There are beautiful cycling routes to discover and plenty of streams and lakes stocked with bass and bream. You’ll find some of the best trails in the City Lake Natural Area just east of Downtown Cookeville. Head south to hike, fish and chase waterfalls in Burgess Falls State Park. Some of the biggest falls are more than 75 metres tall and will drench you in mist.
Getting around Cookeville
Downtown Cookeville is compact and easy to get around on foot. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Cookeville and explore Putnam County at your own pace. The town is a one-hour drive from Nashville and 2.5 hours from Knoxville. Nashville International Airport is a 1.5-hour drive away.