Ralph's Donut Shop has won national awards for its sweet creations, and definitely warrants a stop.Cookeville is a quintessential Tennessee college town. Tennessee Tech's student body of nearly 12,000 keeps the city moving, driving the need for more to do and see. The cultural and arts events throughout the year, such as the Upper Cumberland Home and Garden Show or the annual Christmas Parade, mean there's always something for residents and visitors to take part in.
A bevy of state parks are within a short drive from the town, making it prime real estate for anyone interested in the outdoors. Gorgeous waterfalls such as Cummins Falls, Burgess Falls and Fall Creek Falls offer amazing views for those who make the short trips.
The city is humble, and doesn't try to be something that it's not. However, it's proud of what it is: a growing city nestled in the heart of some of the most beautiful outdoors in the country, always getting more things to do and places to see.
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CHECK IT OUTThe Cookeville Train Depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is well deserving of the designation. Constructed in 1909, the depot is now the home of numerous relics of Tennessee’s railway history, detailing the stories of the region. It’s perfect as an educational stop for families, who can even eat lunch at the depot’s picnic area.Are you a crafty type? Then check out the Appalachian Center for Craft, just a half-hour drive from Cookeville. The center showcases and teaches some of finest time-honored artistic traditions of Appalachia, such as glass-blowing, blacksmithing and ceramics.>The center has two big open house events, and galleries are open to the public seven days a week.Performances and events are constantly being held at the Dogwood Performance Pavilion at Dogwood Park. Shakespeare in the Park, Jazz in Cookeville and Cookeville Community Concert Band shows are just a few of the many things to check out.
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NATURAL BEAUTYCummins Falls is one of 140 documented waterfalls in the region, and has a special place in the hearts of Tennessee Tech students and Cookeville residents. TTU students were among the contingent of people who worked tirelessly to prevent the land the falls reside on from being developed back in 2011. Now, the 75-foot-tall waterfall is protected and available for all to see. That’s not to say the falls are all there is to see.>Cummins Falls State Park has some of the most beautiful hiking and picnicking opportunities on the Cumberland Plateau.
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*FESTIVALS AND EVENTSEvery July, you can take part in a tradition a century in the making with the Putnam County Fair, which delivers all the down-home fun you could want. Test your might in a strongman competition, try some local fair delicacies, watch a rodeo or cut loose on a host of carnival rides.The Fall Funfest takes place each September on the courthouse square in downtown. Featuring live music, locally made crafts for sale, a barbecue competition and activities and games for the whole family, it’s definitely worth checking out.Held each December at Tucker Stadium on TTU’s campus, the BlueCross Bowl State Football Championship pits the best high school teams from across the state against one another as they battle for a chance at glory.
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TASTE TESTThere’s a debate constantly raging among TTU students: Which local doughnut shop is better, Ralph’s or Big-O’s? As a graduate of TTU, I can personally attest to spending many early-morning hours finishing papers at Big-O’s, though Ralph’s recognition as one of the best doughnut shops in the country offers a strong counterargument.Why don’t you decide for yourself? Visit Ralph’s at 59 S. Cedar Ave. (931-526-4231). Check out Big-O’s at 209 N. Jefferson Ave. (931-528-2120).