When I moved to Cookeville my freshman year, I didn’t expect to fall in love with it the way I have. To me, Cookeville is more than just my college town. It’s the first place I’ve lived outside of my hometown. It’s where I learned to spread my wings (no pun intended). It’s where I met the love of my life, and found the best friends I could ever ask for. These are some of the places that made me love Cookeville:
1. Ralph's Donut's
For one, on your first visit, you get a free butter twist (and they’re delicious!) It’s hard to turn down a $1 piece of heaven! My personal favorite are the red velvet donuts with cream cheese icing. But honestly, everything in there is amazing. It’s hard to go a week without going to Ralph’s with all my friends.
2. Cummins Falls
Just a short drive from campus, a beautiful hiking spot and perfect waterfall! Really great place to take pictures, too. Grab a few friends and head there after class on Friday!
3. Mama Rosa's
Family owned since 1992, they’re Cookeville’s best family-owned Italian restaurant!
4. Dogwood Park
Within walking distance from campus, they always have events here! Also, a perfect picnic spot. It’s a really great place to get off campus to get a little work done in the great outdoors!
5. Colosseum Gaming Pub
Just down the road from Foundation Hall, the Gaming Pub is a great place to hang out. They always have fun game tournaments, like massive Cards Against Humanity games. They also have a full arcade and a plethora of card games and board games you can play for free!
6. San Antonio Taco Company
I can’t tell you how excited I was when SATCO came to town this semester! As a Nashville native, I am very familiar with their deliciousness. You can get 10 percent off with your Tech ID, also, from 3-5 p.m., you can get a drink, chips and their famous queso for $2.99!
7. Bowling World
It may seem like your average, semi-run down bowling alley to most people, but to any college student, it’s super fun, cheap entertainment. When you can bowl a game with friends for under $6 a person, it’s totally worth it.
To most, Cookeville might look like your average semi-small college town. To me, it's so much more. To me, Cookeville is home. And these are some of my favorite places, in my new home.
