The Best Things to Do in Cookeville (Places to Visit, Restaurants, & More)
Cookeville is a charming college town about halfway between Nashville and Knoxville. There’s a surprising amount of things to do in this small town, especially if you enjoy outdoor activities.
I’ve put together this list of some of my favorite spots in Cookeville (although I haven’t been everywhere yet). Like always on this blog, I only include places I have personally been to and think are worth visiting.
Here’s a few places I think you’ll love, too!
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Places to Visit
Burgess Falls State Park
Cookeville is a good hub if you want to see some of the state’s best waterfalls. Burgess Falls State Park is about 20 minutes from Cookeville and is home to an impressive cascading set of falls.
The trail along the falls is a bit steep, but doable. There is an access road that you can walk to the main falls that makes things easier if needed. We were able to visit with a two year old and baby in a carrier, and it was a great morning outing.
Google Maps | Burgess Falls State Park Website | 👉 Read my full guide to Burgess Falls State Park
Dogwood Park
Dogwood Park is a beautiful green space with one of my kids’ favorite playgrounds. The park also has walking trails, a fountain feature that kids can splash in during the summer, and an amphitheater that hosts a variety of events.
Google Maps | Dogwood Park Website
Cane Creek Park Splash Pad
The splash pad is a new addition to Cane Creek Park, which is already a great spot for outdoor activities. The splash pad is one of the largest free water playgrounds in Tennessee.
I was very impressed when we visited, and if we lived closer, I would pack a picnic lunch and we would be there for hours multiple times a week.
There is a new playground right next to the splash pad. My only complaint here is that I hope some kind of shade is added in the future because the playground equipment gets pretty hot in the summer sun.
Google Maps | Cane Creek Park Website
Hotels
🛎️ Need a place to stay in Cookeville? These are my top hotel recommendations!
- Budget – Best Western Thunderbird Motel
- Mid-range – Home2 Suites
- B&B – The Garden Inn Bed & Breakfast at Bee Rock (in Monterey)
Places to Eat
Mama Rosa’s Italian Restaurant
Mama Rosa’s is a cozy Italian spot with delicious food and very large portions (which I think is also very Italian). Most people recommend the pizza, and it is good. But I love the baked ziti. Other items on the menu include calzones, stromboli, casseroles, lasagna, soups, and salads.
The restaurant is a great place for a date, but I would recommend finding any excuse to stop.
Google Maps | Mama Rosa’s Website
Cream City Ice Cream
Cream City Ice Cream has been a part of Cookeville for decades. While it has changed hands several times over the years, Cream City still serves up delicious handmade ice cream. The ice cream shop is very nostalgic and also very popular.
The shop has added coffee to its menu as well. There’s a good selection of hot drinks, iced drinks, and. frozen drinks, so you’re covered no matter what season it is.
Google Maps | Cream City Website
Coffee Shops
Soul Craft Coffee
Soul Craft Coffee is always on my to-visit list. I love their baked goods and pastries (especially the homemade pop-tarts. It’s a great spot for meeting up with friends, working from a laptop, or just grabbing a cup of coffee before heading out to browse other shops nearby.
I have only been to the Downtown location, and I love how beautiful the interior of the old building is. Soul Craft Coffee also has a location on Tennessee Tech’s campus.
Google Maps | Soul Craft Coffee Website
Shopping
Plenty Bookshop
Plenty Bookshop is the cutest bookstore in Downtown Cookeville. The store is much larger than you’d expect from the outside, and the shelves are packed with new releases and popular favorites.
The children’s section is especially adorable. The store also has a cafe inside serving tea and other drinks plus a selection of baked goods.
If you love bookstores, you’ll want to check out my guide to the best bookstores in Tennessee next.
Google Maps | Plenty Bookshop Website
Glass Tangerine
Glass Tangerine is a gorgeous houseplant and floral shop in Downtown Cookeville. You can pick up a new houseplant, arrange a bouquet at the European-style flower bar, or browse the offerings in their mercantile section. Depending on the season, much of the selection at the flower bar comes from the shop’s own flower farm.
Google Maps | Glass Tangerine Website
111 Flea Market
The 111 Flea Market is for you if you enjoy a morning or afternoon of browsing for treasures. The weekend market has hundreds of booths with everything from antiques to clothing to books. There are vendors selling food at the flea market as well.
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Thanks for reading my Cookeville guide! I check out new spots every time I go, so let me know in the comments where your favorite places in Cookeville are.
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