Nestled in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains, it won’t take visitors long to embrace the small-town comforts and familiarity found in Cowan.
Those looking for a uniquely local shopping experience with a mix of local artists and beautiful antiques, museums and small-town charm can find it all here. And, be certain to mark your calendar for the annual Fall Heritage Festival in September!
Located in an old 1950’s gas station, the Cowan Welcome Center provides a uniquely charming entrance into the friendly town.More Info
*AWESOME ATTRACTIONSCowan Railroad Museum: This museum allows visitors to relive the era of steam and steel in the old railway depot. The depot was built in 1904 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is open Thursday-Sunday from May-October. For more information, check out cowanrailroadmuseum.org.Falls Mill Grain Mill and Museum: Both an operating mill and museum, Falls Mill has been around since 1873. It’s also on the National Register of Historic Places, and features a gift shop that sells items made at the mill. For more information, visit the museum website at fallsmill.com.Historic Downtown Cowan: This commercial district dates back to when the railroad was built between Nashville and Chattanooga in 1852. Now it features a multitude of retail storefronts and a movie theater.
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DELICIOUS DININGMuch more than just a bar, Brown’s Poolroom is the kind of place where each burger is deliciously and freshly made and the service and community are reminiscent of “Cheers.” Although the establishment changed ownership for the first time a few years ago since its doors opened in the 1950s, the former owners can still be found chatting up the patrons, and enjoying a great meal, of course.Fiesta Grill isn’t just your typical Mexican restaurant. Located in a historic building, Fiesta focuses on the freshest, healthiest ingredients possible. And, with the restaurant open every day of the week, there’s ample opportunity to sample its many delicious Mexican-style dishes.Knickerbockers’ Old Time Soda Shop offers a blast from the past as well as a tasty meal. With daily lunch specials and delicious treats, this spot offers everything you could want in a meal.For a traditional Tennessee restaurant with an Italian Old-World feel, locals will point you in the direction of Sernicola’s. You need look no further for a good meal than its daily lunch buffet and menu with more pasta than you can imagine.* Brown’s Poolroom: 203 Sycamore St. N; 931-967-7634* Fiesta Grill: 226 Tennessee Ave. S; 931-962-9939* Knickerbockers’ Old Time Soda Shop: 111 Cumberland St. E; 931-691-8318* Sernicola’s: 106 Tennessee Ave. S; 931-962-3380
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BEST BOUTIQUESArtisan Depot sells locally made goods produced by members of the Franklin County Arts Guild: cards, photography, paintings, jewelry and an endless amount of trinkets.At specialty candle shop Cricklewood and Company there’s a scent for everyone to enjoy. The shop’s large selection of candles, home fragrances and personal care products are all natural and organic.Knickerbocker Mall is a one-stop shop with a little bit for everyone — seriously, everything from a cup of coffee to that perfect end table Mom was looking for.With 15 antique vendors stocked with lamps, quilts, glassware and just about anything else you wish you had from your grandmother’s house, T’s Antique Mall is a can’t-miss.The Caboose sells clothing for the whole family at discount prices. It also has antiques and furniture for sale.* Artisan Depot: 201 Cumberland St. E; 931-308-4130* Cricklewood and Company: 112 Tennessee Ave.; 931-703-6414* Knickerbocker Mall: 109 E. Cumberland St.; 931-273-5827* T’s Antique Mall: 202 E. Cumberland St.* The Caboose: 109 Cumberland St. E; 931-308-1157
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FESTIVE FUNThe city’s annual Fall Heritage Festival takes place Sept. 16-18 and features everything you would expect from a terrific fall fest: music, a classic-car show, beauty pageant and food and game vendors. But for Cowan, it’s also an opportunity to dress in period clothing and revisit the importance of the railway which made the town so indispensable during the Civil War. For more information, visit fallheritagefestival.info.
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FAST FACTBoth the George Dickel and Jack Daniel’s distilleries are located less than 40 miles from Cowan.