In this issue · Fall 2026 — Read the cover story

From the magazine

Articles & Guides.

The people, places and small businesses that make the Upper Cumberland home. New stories every week from Cookeville, Crossville, Sparta and Livingston.

Filtered

Stories from Cookeville

A smiling woman with short dark hair and black-framed glasses wears a yellow V-neck top against a bright yellow backdrop.
People

Tessa Davis: Visit Cookeville Marketing Manager Inspiring Tourism in the Upper Cumberland

Tessa Davis. Collaboration, drive, and kindness personified. Cookeville’s wunderkind is an undeniable force within our community, the definition of a Mover and Shaker. From…
CookevilleJul 113 min read
A smiling woman with long curly auburn hair wears a light lavender top and gold necklace against a bright pink backdrop.
People

Emily Bochette: Celebrity Hair & Makeup Artist from Cookeville, Tennessee

Did you know that a hometown hair and makeup powerhouse works with some of the biggest names in entertainment? Meet Emily Bochette. As a…
CookevilleJul 103 min read
Two people pose close together against a bright blue backdrop, one in a pink top with long dark hair and one in a blue
People

Luis Rey & Alyssa Huerta: The Couple Behind Rey’s Mexican Grill in Cookeville

Mover and Shaker power duo Luis Rey and Alyssa Huerta have provided delicious food, a welcoming environment, and smiling faces to the customers at…
CookevilleJul 93 min read
A smiling woman with shoulder-length wavy blonde hair wears a royal blue halter top and gold earrings against a bright
People

Ashley Martin: Cookeville Real Estate Agent Helping Families Find Home

Ashley Martin’s career to date has centered around one thing, home. “My journey into real estate was driven by a deep-rooted desire to help…
CookevilleJul 83 min read
A smiling man with short light brown hair and a beard wears a red crew-neck shirt and a silver cross pendant against a light
People

Luke Parker: CrossFit Mayhem Athlete Finds Purpose in Cookeville, Tennessee

CrossFit competitor Luke Parker has found purpose and a renewed identity in Cookeville, TN. He stated, “I was playing college baseball and my dream…
CookevilleJul 33 min read
A smiling woman with long brown hair wears a red collared blouse and a gold chain necklace against a warm yellow background.
People

Meet Elizabeth Sofia, Tennessee Tech Director and Animal Advocate

Elizabeth Sofia is a connector, but not in the traditional sense. It’s not networking or matchmaking she specializes in, but rather the pairing of…
CookevilleJul 23 min read
A smiling bearded man in a navy shirt and a woman with long brown hair embrace against a bright pink backdrop.
People

Meet Justin & Rachel Vann, Championship Coaches in Cookeville

For Cookeville coaches Rachel and Justin Vann, greatness isn’t qualified by records, trophies, or accolades. Despite winning two of the last three TMSAA State…
CookevilleJun 283 min read
Two women pose against a bright pink backdrop, one in a red blouse with crossed arms and tattooed forearms, the other in a
People

Meet Brie Flora & Brandy Lynn, Owners of The Silver Fern in Cookeville

Authentic community is hard to come by. Egoless, honest, and beautiful. But, one such rare collective exists here in Cookeville, dreamt of, brought to…
CookevilleJun 273 min read
A smiling woman with long wavy brown hair wears a blue top against a bright yellow background.
People

Meet Heather Swallows, Director of CVICU at Cookeville Regional Medical Center

Heather Swallows has spent the majority of her adult life caring for the people of the Upper Cumberland at Cookeville Regional Medical Center. With…
CookevilleJun 263 min read
Five people pose in front of a Tenn Under 10 Literacy Foundation backdrop, with a young girl holding a 1,500 dollar check.
People

Berkley Young, Putnam County 3rd Grader, Selected as 2024 Literacy Scholar

The Governor’s Early Literacy Foundation (GELF) selects 10 Tennessee 3rd graders to serve as GELF’s literacy ambassadors each year and receive a post-secondary education…
CookevilleJun 61 min read
Six men pose together in a bright salon with mirrors, styling chairs, and backlit vanity lights, three seated and three
Spotlight

A Cut Above at Uppercuts Barber Club

Since 2020, Vic Harwick and his team have offered a place of connection, personal renewal, and hope at Uppercuts Barber Club. Vic stated, “I…
CookevilleMay 214 min read
A smiling woman with long dark hair wears a white coat with blue embroidered lettering over a beige top, against a blurred
Health & Beauty

Dr. Brittany DeNaro Becomes First Ophthalmologist in Cookeville to Offer the SMILE Procedure

Dr. Brittany DeNaro and the team at Cookeville Eye Specialists and Laser Center are bridging quality care with cutting-edge innovation to revolutionize eye care…
CookevilleApr 13 min read

Get plugged into the Upper Cumberland

Add your business, share an event, or see what else is happening around town.