a Hidden Gem Tennessee City With Lovely Waterfalls and Heat Hospitality

Tennessee is crammed with mountain cities that promise scenic views, Southern allure, and loads of outside journey, however not all of them require you to elbow by crowds on the primary strip.

I not too long ago found Cookeville, a lesser-known gem tucked between Nashville and Knoxville. It delivers every little thing I like a couple of Gatlinburg getaway, however with out the visitors or the lengthy restaurant waitlists.

As an alternative, Cookeville welcomes you with cascading waterfalls, cozy lodging, toddler- and dog-friendly parks and trails, and a few of the warmest hospitality I’ve skilled within the South (which says quite a bit as a result of I am from the area). Whether or not you come for the waterfalls or the peace and quiet, this small city punches properly above its weight in magnificence and allure.

Here is every little thing you could know to plan your individual crowd-free Tennessee escape.

How you can Get There

Cookeville sits simply off I-40, roughly midway between Nashville and Knoxville. If you happen to’re flying in, Nashville Worldwide Airport (BNA) is the closest main hub, positioned just a little over an hour west of city. From there, it is a straightforward and scenic drive east by rolling hills and farmland. A automobile is crucial as Cookeville is finest explored by highway, particularly for those who plan to chase waterfalls, go to the river, or enterprise into state parks outdoors of city.

Know Earlier than You Go

Tessa Davis, advertising and marketing director for the Cookeville-Putnam County Guests Bureau, shared, “I at all times inform guests there’s really one thing for everybody in Cookeville.” She continued, “Whether or not you are in search of outside journey, quiet, cozy evenings, distinctive purchasing, native artwork, or family-friendly enjoyable, our space presents every little thing.” Her phrases seize the allure and selection that make Cookeville such a particular place to go to.

If you happen to’re visiting, one of many high issues to do is spend time at Cummins Falls; it was hands-down my favourite spot within the space. I extremely suggest getting a allow to entry the gorge, particularly if you wish to swim on the base of the falls. Simply have in mind this a part of the path is not ultimate for toddlers or infants, so for those who’re touring with little ones, stick with the accessible Overlook Path, which nonetheless presents a phenomenal view of the waterfall.

One other tip everybody ought to know is Cookeville is only one.5 hours from Nashville. If you happen to’re in search of the perfect of each worlds, contemplate spending three to 4 days right here earlier than heading into the town. You may get a mixture of relaxed, native Tennessee allure and Nashville’s vibrant, fast-paced power. That is exactly what I did, and it made for the proper method to spend per week in Tennessee.

Greatest Time to Go to

Summer season is when Cookeville really shines. The waterfalls are flowing, the splash pad at Dogwood Park is on, and the Cumberland River is the perfect temperature for paddling. Could by September is ideal for outside adventures.

Davis agrees summer season is when Cookeville involves life. “My favourite time of yr to discover Cookeville is summer season,” she stated. “There’s a lot to get pleasure from outdoor—whether or not it is mountaineering, chasing waterfalls, kayaking, or tenting beneath the celebrities. I additionally love strolling by the historic WestSide with a espresso in hand or eating on the patio at considered one of our many native eating places.”

Greatest Issues to Do

Go to some waterfalls.

Cookeville has launched a unbelievable initiative to make the outside extra accessible to everybody. As a part of this effort, a number of of the realm’s most gorgeous waterfalls now function trails which might be simpler to navigate for wheelchair customers, households with younger youngsters, and people exploring with pets.

This marketing campaign highlights 5 totally different waterfalls which might be accessible to all, however my private favourite is Cummins Falls. It isn’t solely spectacular in its measurement and wonder, nevertheless it’s additionally a fast and handy drive from downtown, making it each picturesque and simple to succeed in.

Davis shared that Cummins Falls can also be considered one of her private favorites, including that Burgess Falls is one other stable possibility. Each are positioned near downtown, supply accessible trails, and make for a enjoyable and simple outing the entire household can get pleasure from.

Loosen up at Dogwood Park.

Tucked proper into downtown Cookeville, Dogwood Park is a favourite for guests and locals alike. It is significantly nice for households with small youngsters, due to its shaded inexperienced areas, spectacular splash pad, and massive playground for the youngsters to let loose some power.

Paddle the Cumberland River.

Only a quick drive from downtown, the Cumberland River presents a scenic escape for kayaking, canoeing, or boating. Outfitters within the space can set you up with leases, and the calm waters are wonderful for inexperienced persons and seasoned paddlers.

Go to the Cookeville Depot Museum.

Cease by the Cookeville Depot Museum to understand the city’s roots. It is housed in a superbly preserved practice depot and crammed with artifacts and mannequin trains that convey the realm’s rail historical past to life. The museum is sufficiently small to discover in beneath an hour, however full of allure, particularly for those who’re touring with youngsters or get pleasure from old-timey nostalgia.

Stroll the WestSide District.

If you happen to love discovering native treasures, the WestSide District is the place you will wish to spend just a few hours. This artsy, walkable stretch of downtown is stuffed with boutiques, vintage outlets, and artwork galleries, every one price poking round in.

Greatest Locations to Keep

The Hideout Inns at Cookeville

We stayed in The Caney, and it was terrific. These fashionable, design-forward houses have shared facilities like a sauna, a chilly plunge, a placing inexperienced, and a basketball court docket. They’re designed for teams, {couples}, or households who need a distinctive keep.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Cookeville

For Hilton loyalists, Home2 Suites presents complimentary breakfast, parking, and comfy rooms close to eating places and outlets.

Wildwood Resort & Marina

Positioned outdoors Cookeville in a small space known as Granville, Wildwood Resort & Marina on the Cumberland River presents a peaceable, nature-forward escape. It is a bit of a drive from city and its eating places, and there is no cell service, however the river views, recent air, and quiet greater than make up for it. You’ll discover a vary of locations to remain right here, from Airstreams and cabins to resort rooms and extra. It’s a peaceable waterfront escape, with the added bonus of being only a quick drive from the city of Cookeville.

Greatest Locations to Eat

Victor’s Taco Store

If you happen to’re in search of a scrumptious, informal, and reasonably priced lunch cease, do not hesitate to cease by Victor’s Taco Store. The al pastor and carne asada are standout choices.

Cream Metropolis Ice Cream & Espresso Home

With funky ice cream flavors, big scoops, and a relaxed ambiance, this downtown spot is a must-visit. It is also an ideal place to seize espresso and sit outdoors on a heat day.

Fireplace & Vine

Upscale however approachable, Fireplace & Vine serves up stone-fired pizzas with a view. The rooftop seating is right at sundown, and the wine checklist is great.

Crawdaddy’s

This restaurant serves up Louisiana-inspired Cajun meals. I not too long ago visited New Orleans and was blown away by how genuine Crawdaddy’s felt and the way scrumptious the meals tasted. The jambalaya is soulful, and the shrimp po’boy is very large.

Ralph’s Donut Store

No journey to Cookeville is full and not using a journey to Ralph’s Donut Store. These donuts are excellent for a breakfast cease; the blueberry was my private favourite.