See What’s Cooking in Cookeville

Situated between Nashville and Knoxville, Cookeville is one of Tennessee’s most underrated destinations: a college town with a booming outdoors scene and a charming downtown to boot. Home to Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville draws travelers looking for waterfalls, water recreation and miles upon miles of hiking trails. 

Getting outdoors in Putnam County

Cookeville sits in the Upper Cumberland region of Middle Tennessee and boasts one of the highest concentrations of waterfalls in North America thanks to the rainfall that pours over the escarpment of the Cumberland Plateau’s western rim. The result is more than 150 waterfalls within approximately 40 miles of Cookeville.

Just 10 minutes north of downtown is Cummins Falls, a state park and one of Tennessee’s most visited waterfalls. In warmer months, the platform-style rocks attract swimmers and others looking to take a dip, though in recent years, the state park has limited entrance to the falls to those with a permit (with access always contingent upon weather). All visitors to the park, however, can take advantage of 306 acres of hiking trails and marvel at the 75-foot waterfall from the bluff atop the overlook trail.

South of Cookeville sits Burgess Falls, an impressive cascading waterfall that spills down Falling Water River and empties 136 feet into a large limestone gorge. The path out to the viewing platform is a moderate 3/4-mile hike, though those with mobility issues may want to take the upper trail instead. Further south of Putnam County right outside of Spencer, Fall Creek Falls State Park lays claim to the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River and has a short paved path that leads right to the upper viewing area.

If you’d rather spend your time on the water, Center Hill Lake snakes its way through the region and is one of Tennessee’s most popular recreation lakes, while Cane Creek Park offers ample scenery and opportunities for hiking and fishing. North of the city, the Cumberland River meanders toward Nashville, with the Mayberry-esque town of Granville positioned right along it. Cookeville also has biking, golfing and Bee Rock, a favorite hike for the rewarding panoramic views.

Exploring downtown Cookeville

Cookeville brims with railroad history, and a visit to the Cookeville Depot Museum is a great starting point for learning about the city’s past. Built in 1909, this history museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and, via exhibits and artifacts, shares how the Tennessee Central Railroad impacted the area’s growth and economy. Kids love to scamper on the 1920’s red caboose, and the 4.23-mile paved Tennessee Central Trail that runs adjacent to the active rail line links the museum to the Algood Community Center, with plenty of fun stops — like the Cookeville Farmers Market and many WestSide Historic District shops and eateries—along the way.

If you’re traveling with pets in tow, the dog-friendly Dogwood Park comprises a pavilion, playground, interactive fountain, and rose garden and routinely hosts symphony concerts, movies, theater performances and other special events.

Dining around town

Cookeville’s craft coffee scene is anchored by businesses like:

• Soul Craft Coffee — originally a food truck, now a brick and mortar — that draws crowds both for a caffeine fix and the homemade pop-tarts
• Vertical Coffee Company concocts a variety of complex tea and espresso drinks
• Poet’s Coffee has been Cookeville’s community-centric coffee shop for 30 years Its second location, Poet’s South, also has a drive-through option 

Not in the mood for coffee? Try the craft beer at Red Silo Brewing Co. or the whiskey in the Tennessee Legend Distillery tasting room.

• Ralph’s Donut Shop has been Cookeville’s go-to breakfast spot since it opened in 1962.
• The Blue Pig is a dinner favorite thanks to generous portions of ribs, brisket and pulled pork, served every which way. 
• Those looking for a fancier affair gravitate to the Southern menu at Seven Senses Food & Cheer, which whips up entrees like meatloaf, asiago-stuffed gnocchi, herb-crusted cod, and smoked pork belly and grits. 

• 37 Cedar Restaurant & Bar’s lunch and dinner items range from whiskey fondue and smoked salmon croquettes to flatbreads, pasta and prime rib. 

• Father Tom’s Pub has an impressive selection of beers on tap, as well as pub grub like grilled corned beef, quesadillas and mac and cheese. 

• For a sweet treat, sample the dozens of flavors at Cream City Ice Cream & Coffee House, which also makes gluten-free ice cream and dairy-free sorbets.

• Open daily, Fire & Vine is one of Cookeville’s top fine-dining experiences, and it also hosts weekly live music atop its rooftop bar. 

• Late at night, cocktail lovers flock to the swanky speakeasy vibes of 1854 Cocktail Bar & Lounge for inventive concoctions in an intimate space (reservations recommended). 

Where to stay in Cookeville

While Cookeville has many brand-name hotels like Best Western, Hampton Inn and Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott, it’s the unique lodging that makes it truly shine. Hideout Hotels, for example, offers a luxurious tree house and a collection of A-frame cabins perfect for families or couples. The Saltbox Inn & Stables rents out four suites among its 22-acre horse farm and event venue, and The Garden Inn is perched right atop Bee Rock with incomparable views of the Cumberland Plateau. Cookeville also has plenty of Airbnbs, ranging from Airstream trailers and geodesic domes to downtown lofts and tiny homes.

Learn more and plan your visit at visitcookevilletn.com.