Things To Do Nearby

Downtown Cookeville

ChatGPT & our lovely photographer (a proud local to this part of the state) recommend that our guests check out downtown Cookeville. While we do not yet have any experiences of our own to support this thesis, we have happily copied & pasted below what the trusty Chat has cooked up. "Downtown Cookeville, TN, is a vibrant, walkable historic area known for its charming atmosphere, unique local boutiques, diverse eateries, coffee shops, art galleries, and cultural spots, centered around a historic square with nearby Westside districts offering breweries, distilleries, parks (like Dogwood Park), and access to trails, making it a hub for local culture and community in the Upper Cumberland region." Thank you, dear Chat.

Cummins Falls State Park

Tennessee is known for it's picturesque waterfalls. This is one of several close to our venue.

Burgess Falls State Park

Have you ever watched the iconic documentary film, "Hannah Montana: The Movie", centered around Miley Stewart and Billy Ray Stewart? Yes. This is THAT waterfall. We are not kidding. We could never kid about something of this magnitude and importance. Stephanie insists that you travel there, gracefully leap off a relatively large rock, and put those swim lessons you took in the third grade to some good use.

Center Hill Lake

Head over to the lake for a picnic or some fishing!

Downtown Nashville

Nashville is packed on the weekends but it's a bucket-list item for many and just over an hour's drive from Cookeville. There is certainly lots of fun to be had! Stroll down Broadway and enjoy the culture- we guarantee a new live band every hundred steps, criminally overpriced food and beverages, potential for sighting a celebrity (Megan Moroney, Morgan Wallen, Jason Aldean), and- if you're anything like us- prime people watching prospects. A word of advice: remember where you parked, leave nothing valuable in your car, and do not acknowledge any of the questionable things that you may read on a cardboard sign. As tempting as "buy two-get one free cowboy boots" sound, go this route and you might have holes in your soles by November. If any of our guests decide to partake in a Party Bike excursion, we request that footage be sent to us immediately (regardless of whether or not we are actively honeymooning), paired with a "Viewer Discretion Advised" content warning.

Five Daughters Bakery | 12th South

Donuts. Need we say more? There are multiple locations, so find whichever one is the most convenient in accordance with your other plans.

Pinewood Social

This is a great option for lunch, a light supper, bowling, or lounging. Stephanie's favorite thing is the complimentary miniature Tabasco sauce.

Bass Pro Shops

If we could afford the rent, we'd move in here after the honeymoon. Giant taxidermied bear and all. Carter likes to look at the fish and we'd be set for life because it is conveniently located beside the Cheesecake Factory.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community

For our out-of-town guests looking for someplace a little quieter to explore, the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community is a hidden gem. This is an 8-mile loop of local artisans, craftsmen, and eateries with more than eighty possible stops. This makes it the perfect way to spend an entire day in East Tennessee. If you're anything like Stephanie, it's best to avoid the hustle, bustle, and Ripley's Attractions in downtown Gatlinburg, and check out these small local businesses instead. The address attached to this post is for the very first possible stop on the Craft Loop.

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Roaring Fork Motor Trail is perhaps one of the best ways to observe the bubbling waterfalls & brimming wildlife of the Great Smoky Mountains (you may even cross paths with a few bears). At the end of the loop, stop into Ely's Mill Country Store- an establishment of the Gatlinburg community since the 1925. The same family is still running the store over 100 years later!

Chimney Tops Trailhead

The trailhead to this challenging hike is 7 Miles south of the Sugarlands National Park Visitor's Center on Newfound Gap Road. This hike will provide you incredible views of the mountains, but you absolutely will have to work for it. This trail has more than 300 stone stairs and a 1700-foot elevation gain leading to the summit and it is sure to exhaust even the most experienced hikers. We recommend you bring along closed-toed shoes (you like won't even make it 1/3 of the way in sandals), plenty of bottled water, and some snacks. This hike is 4 strenuous miles roundtrip.

Alum Cave & Mt Leconte Trail

Alum Cave is roughly 2 miles from the trailhead, making this a fun 4-mile excursion. If you're feeling super committed and ambitious, this trail continues on for another 8 miles to the summit of Mt Leconte. To each their own. Good luck & Godspeed.

East Tennessee Waterfalls

Dollywood

Ride the Wild Eagle for us!

Cades Cove Scenic Loop

Clingman's Dome

With an elevation of 6,643 feet, Clingman's Dome is the third highest point east of the Mississippi and the highest in the state of Tennessee. Expect panoramic views that extend more than 100 miles into the distance on clear days. Dress for the weather to be significantly colder than you are expecting and know that the roadway will likely be fogged over if you choose to go early in the morning.

Stages West

Arguably the best boot & western wear outfitter in the state of Tennessee.

Leipers Fork

A tiny Tennessee village with big charm — great food, local art, live music, and beautiful countryside. Come hungry, take your time, and enjoy the backroads.