July 20, 2024
The small town of Monterey in Putnam County should be on your list of places to visit in Tennessee. Located just off Interstate 40 about 15 miles east of Cookeville, tiny Monterey (population 2,500) is perched at an elevation of nearly 1,900 feet on the edge of the Cumberland Plateau, "Where Hilltops Kiss the Sky," as the town's slogan aptly puts it.
Monterey's history dates back to 1893 when it was incorporated as a coal mining town, a local trade that continued until the last mine closed in 1979. Monterey has a rich railroading and Native American history and was known as Standing Stone in the 18th and early 19th centuries when it was part of Cherokee lands. An 1805 treaty sold the land to Tennessee, paving the way for it to become the town of Monterey.
Into the Great Outdoors
Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy a kaleidoscope of adventures in and around Monterey. On the outskirts of town, historic Bee Rock Overlook is accessible by a short walk on a gravel/dirt path and offers spectacular views of the Calfkiller River Valley. Bee Rock is especially popular among rock climbers, who can challenge themselves with around 24 marked climbing routes.
Meadow Creek Park is another haven for nature lovers with a serene 90-acre lake and plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails. The park is now home to The Outpost at Meadow Creek Park where visitors can rent kayaks and mountain bikes on weekends. The Outpost also provides adventure guiding services and fly fishing clinics.
"Monterey has so much to do outdoors," says Rafferty Cleary, cultural administrator for the town of Monterey. "Mountain biking is very popular here – we currently have seven miles of mountain bike trails at Meadow Creek, and that number will grow to 13 miles when it's completed. Eventually, we plan to add an upland trail at a higher terrain that will double the length to 26 miles of mountain bike trails."
You don't have to be athletic to enjoy Bee Rock and Meadow Creek Park, however.
"Many folks come just to take in the scenic views," Cleary says. "When fall comes, Bee Rock and Meadow Creek are two of the best places in the state to see fall foliage. You can see for forever up there."
Train History in Monterey
When Alexander Crawford’s Nashville & Knoxville Railroad reached Monterey in the 1890s, it completely transformed transportation in the region. Previously, a trip to Nashville could take a couple of days, but with the arrival of the railroad, it took only hours. The historic Monterey Depot Museum invites visitors to take a step back into the past when trains ruled the transportation industry. The museum houses an interesting collection of railroad artifacts, memorabilia from the Monterey hospital, books, photos, a restored Tennessee Central Railway motorcar, a model train display, and information about Monterey’s rich mountain and Native American heritage. The Monterey Depot Museum also serves as the town’s welcome center and has exhibits on coal mining and timber cutting – two occupations that employed many of the local people for several decades.
Live Music in Monterey
While in Monterey, catch a concert at The Old Gray, the Upper Cumberland's newest open-air amphitheater. The beautiful outdoor venue hosts a variety of live music events as well as the Old Gray Rodeo. Located just five minutes from downtown Monterey, The Old Gray spans 75 acres and brings top-tier entertainment to the Upper Cumberland region.
On Tuesday nights, pull up a chair at the weekly bluegrass and gospel music jam known as Picking at the Market, located at the Farmers Market pavilion. Visitors are always welcome to bring their instrument and join in the fun. Picking at the Market happens every Tuesday evening from late spring through the end of October.
Local Shopping in Monterey
Discover a treasure trove of arts and crafts at family-owned Hello! Market Blessings, a one-stop shop for gift buying with more than 40 cottage businesses all in one 3,000 square-foot building. The retail shop is owned and operated by four creative sisters who share a love for all things art-related. At Hello! Market Blessings, you'll find woodwork, leather, handmade creations, art, home decor, clothing, baskets, jewelry, quilts, kitchen accessories, candy and much more.
Local boutique shopping at The French Market in Monterey, TN
At The French Market in Monterey, you'll feel like you've been transported to a charming French boutique. The French Market carries a wide variety of products, including candles, jewelry, houseplants, pasta, gift items, cooking ingredients, home decor and plenty more to explore.
Homestyle, Southern meals at Ben Anna's Café in Monterey, TN
Where to Eat in Monterey
Next door to The French Market, stop in Ben Anna's Cafe for lunch or a sweet treat. The friendly eatery serves homestyle meals such as breakfast skillets, French toast, omelettes and daily lunch specials. Plus, you can even satisfy your sweet tooth with ice cream, homemade pies, cookies, brownies, cinnamon rolls and muffins.
Craft coffee from The Lovely Brew Coffee Café & Boutique in Monterey, TN
Coffee lovers should not miss The Lovely Brew Coffee Café & Boutique, a favorite destination among the locals for craft coffee. The Lovely Brew serves a variety of coffee beverages that change with the seasons, as well as breakfast and lunch. The cozy in-house boutique sells clothing, jewelry, hats and household goods.
Another local favorite for a bite to eat in Monterey is Los Agaves Mexican Restaurant. The family friendly diner serves up fresh authentic Mexican cuisine and offers outdoor seating, large portions and reasonable prices.
