Not to be confused with Cowan in Victoria, in which is covered in the Phillip Island article Cowan is a very small town in Tennessee. It has roughly 1,700 residents, and is located at the foot of the Cumberland Plateau between Chattanooga and Nashville. Cowan is oriented around the junction of Tennessee Highway 41 and the CSX railroad heading toward Decherd.
The only way into Cowan is to drive Tennessee Highway 41, which is named Cumberland St. in town.
Cowan is a small town, and it can easily be covered by foot or bike. However, a car is essential for entering or leaving town.
Downtown Cowan is largely unchanged from its condition 100 years ago, which gives it a quaint and quiet atmosphere. This lack of big-city bustle is the town's main attraction, but there are a handful of local attractions to interest visitors.
Otherwise, Cowan is not the kind of town you visit to "do" anything. Enjoy the quiet, lazy atmosphere of a traditional small Southern town.
There are a handful of shops near the center of town, most of which sell antiques and other miscellaneous items. You can easily park your car and reach most of them on foot.
T's Antiques, 202 Cumberland St E, +1 931-967-5170. Antique shop.
Trisha's Treasures, 107 Cumberland St E, +1 931-967-4467. Antique shop.
Mitchell's Florist and Gifts, 513 Cumberland St W, +1 931-962-1040.
Linda's Market, 303 Cumberland St E, +1 931-967-7960. Grocery store.
Corner House, 401 E. Cumberland St, +1 931-967-3910. Located in a gorgeous Victorian home, and offers a decent seasonal menu. Tu - Sa, 11AM - 8:30PM.
Sernicola's, 108 S. Tennessee Ave, +1 931-962-3380. Mix of Italian and Southern entrees. Tu - Sa, lunch until 9:00PM.
Monterey Cafe & Welcome Center, 101 E. Cumberland St, +1 931-968-9877. Combination tourist bureau/diner located in the town center. A good place to stop and eat if you are also looking for information about the area.
Pancho's Mexican Restaurant, 212 E. Cumberland St, +1 931-967-1415. Good, cheap Mexican food in a hip atmosphere.
Jazz and Jambalaya, 111 E. Cumberland St, +1 931-967-4467. Cajun restaurant, with everything made from scratch. Open F-Sa only.
Buck's Market, 415 W. Cumberland St, +1 931-967-6241. Enjoy traditional homemade barbecue.
Cumberland Street Bakery, 209 E Cumberland St, +1 931-962-1788.
Platters, 508 W Cumberland St, +1 931-967-9158.
City Limit Roadhouse, 504 W Cumberland St, +1 931-962-4499.
There aren't many places to drink in town; try Sernicola's for wine and Pancho's for beer.
For other options, check nearby towns such as Monteagle, Sewanee and Decherd.
As is the case with coming into town, automobile is the only realistic way out.
Going east on Highway 41 will bring you to Sewanee; going west will take you to Winchester.
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