3 Cookeville Secrets

1.    Salads & More

When they say don't judge a book by its cover, they're talking about Salads & More. Tucked away behind the Hobby Lobby shopping center this little gem is one of the best kept secrets of Cookeville. I only found out about this place a couple of years ago. Its ran by a group of super friendly women that always have fresh produce, homemade dressings, and homemade desserts. They are only open on weekdays and only during lunch hours. Inside there are two bars that will help you build the salad of your dreams, literally. They only accept cash or check so don't try to take a credit or debit card in or you'll leave hungry. After you build your salad and pick out a dessert and drink they weigh it and off you go. It's cheap, delicious, and one of my many go to places. You won't find a better or more reasonably priced salad in town.

2.    31twentyfive Boutique

Can we take a moment of silence for these super cute t-shirts and these beautiful sisters (Ali and Hillary) who are Cookeville natives. Did we mention Ali also does DIY décor?? Caroline and I definitely want to express that we love shopping local, and we also want to help support all the women out there chasing their dreams. Now lets get to the goods: you need to check them out on Instagram at @31twentyfiveboutique. Like right now... Do it. Good heavens, we could not love the style of this store more. It's all we need in life besides a raise at work to shop here more. Sassy, vintage, boho, country, and adorable. My list could go on. Every time they post a picture of their new arrivals my heart stops for a second, and I just feel like they get it. These girls get fashion! Enough said.

3.     The Coliseum

Alright, hold your judgment because if you have seen this building before you are well aware that it has been renovated several times for different businesses. I honestly hope this one is here to stay. They have skee ball, old school pac man, air hockey, playstations and different Nintendo systems set up, darts, roughly 20 gaming systems with the old school greats, and some seriously good fried pickles. During the early hours of the afternoon it is absolutely kid friendly! They open at 4pm. I wouldn't recommend staying past 8ish if you have small children though because they do play some board games that might involve some adult language later into the night. Be forewarned, there is an adult bar in this building, but there is also a coffee bar. It is usually pretty quiet, an overall good experience, and something the kid-o's love. Yes, I have been many times with a 5th grader. Thirty dollars should be all you need if you are an average gamer. You can get a snack, a drink, and play games all night because most are only $0.25 each!

-Kayla