Cookeville, TN. Population of 32,000 people. Found halfway between Nashville and Knoxville, and home to one of the greatest small towns in Tennessee. There are so many things Cookeville natives and visitors love about the town, but here are just a few of the greatest parts of Cookeville.
1. Cummins Falls State Park.
People come from all over to see Cummins Falls. The short hike leads to a beautiful waterfall, where you can picnic, swim and enjoy the spectacular view.
2. This GREAT ice cream place.
Cream City is one of the locals' favorite places to visit. The neon Cream City sign on top still lights up and is easily one of the most photographed parts of Cookeville.
3. The Depot museum.
After you get your ice cream from Cream City, you can go across the street to explore the trains that are a part of the depot museum.
4. Dogwood Park.
This park is found in the middle of downtown Cookeville, and is complete with a fountain, a playground, an amphitheater and plenty of green space. It is the perfect place to spend a beautiful day outside. Plus, the grand Christmas tree and decorations hung during the holidays make the park even more beautiful.
5. The Unofficial Pink Elephant Mascot
It's such a bizarre mascot but Cookevillians love him.
6. Ralph's Donuts
This amazing donut shop has been open since 1962. It has amazing, homemade donuts, and their Christmas cookies are to die for. It is a local favorite for people of all ages.
7. The Mexican Restaurants
If you were to ask Cookevillians what their favorite Mexican restaurant in town is, it would be a tie between El Tapatio and Cinco Amigos. Both have great food for a great price.
8. Also Stroud's BBQ
Any college student that goes away to school always misses Stroud's barbecue nachos and palmer (a sweet tea and lemonade mix).
9. Cooking on the Square
This great event is a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity that happens each fall. Habitat for Humanity sells handmade clay bowls for $20, which people can then take around to try unlimited chilis, gumbos and soups with. The event happens downtown, and the entire square is shut down for it.
10. Fall Fun Fest
Another great event that happens in downtown Cookeville is the Fall Fun Fest. This is a fun-filled weekend for families with kids of all ages to come and enjoy live music and activity booths for the entire weekend.
11. Poet's Coffee
This cute little shop sells great coffee, and is the perfect spot to catch up with friends or sit and get some work done.
12. The signs
Recently, Cookeville has gotten artsy and added several new signs to the downtown scenery. They make downtown even cuter.
13. The people
There really is no place like Cookeville, and the people that live here make it the wonderful place that it is.
