Author: NewsTalkCookeville

Planning a springtime cookout in Cookeville, TN, can be a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors, especially with the mild spring temperatures and beautiful surroundings. Whether you’re hosting a small gathering in your backyard or an outdoor event at one of Cookeville’s parks like Dogwood Park, having a well-thought-out plan ensures your cookout will be a success. The first and most important aspect to consider is the grilling setup. Spring cookouts are all about grilling, so selecting the right grill is crucial. Whether you prefer charcoal, gas, or pellet grills, make sure you have enough fuel for the entire event.

Charcoal grills are great for that smoky flavor, but they require a bit more attention and patience. Gas grills offer more convenience with quick temperature control, while pellet grills are known for consistency and flavor. Regardless of your choice, ensure you have the necessary grilling tools such as tongs, spatulas, a grill brush, and a thermometer to check the internal temperature of your food, ensuring everything is perfectly cooked. You’ll also want to prepare a delicious menu with a variety of meats like burgers, hot dogs, chicken, and sausages, along with sides like potato salad, baked beans, corn on the cob, and fresh fruit to balance out the meal.

Cook Out Preparation

Setting up for a cookout involves more than just food and a grill—it’s about creating a comfortable environment where guests can relax and enjoy the day. Seating arrangements are essential. If you’re hosting the cookout at a park, consider bringing folding chairs, picnic tables, or even blankets for guests to lounge on. Shade is another factor to consider. While the spring weather can be pleasant, it’s still important to have shelter from the sun. A large umbrella, canopy, or a spot under a tree can provide shade for your guests. Music and entertainment are key to setting the mood. Consider bringing a portable speaker for some background music or outdoor games like cornhole, frisbees, or volleyball to keep everyone entertained. If your cookout goes into the evening, lighting like string lights, lanterns, or even candles can add a cozy atmosphere and ensure visibility after dark. Having a trash setup with bags to clean up after the event and some sunscreen or bug repellent on hand will keep everyone comfortable.

Packing The Cooler

One of the most important items to plan for in a springtime cookout is how to keep your drinks cold, especially as the temperatures begin to rise. Coolers are a must-have to keep drinks chilled and refreshing. Since spring in Cookeville can sometimes reach into the 70s and 80s, investing in a quality cooler can make all the difference. A good cooler should have excellent insulation, be durable, and have enough capacity to store drinks and ice for a whole day. Some of the best coolers for sale can be found online at coolers for sale or at local retailers like Walmart, Home Depot, or Academy Sports + Outdoors in Cookeville. For higher-end, long-lasting coolers, brands like YETI, RTIC, and Pelican are well-known for their superior cooling performance. If you’re looking for something more budget-friendly, Coleman offers solid coolers that still keep drinks cold for long periods, and they are available in many local stores. To keep your drinks cold, you’ll want a cooler with thick insulation and possibly a drain plug for easy emptying once the ice melts. If you’re serious about keeping drinks cold for longer periods, consider adding reusable ice packs or pre-freezing some water bottles that can serve double duty as both ice and refreshment. With the right cooler, your beverages will stay perfectly chilled, even on the warmest spring days, ensuring your cookout is as refreshing as it is fun.

Bamboo, despite its many benefits, has become a controversial subject in some communities, including Cookeville, where concerns about its potential for invasiveness have led to negative publicity. The debate surrounding bamboo often centers on its ability to spread aggressively, potentially disrupting local ecosystems and landscaping. However, much of this controversy stems from a misunderstanding of the different types of bamboo and how they behave. The key distinction between bamboo species is whether they are running bamboo or clumping bamboo, and understanding this difference is crucial in assessing bamboo’s suitability for use in towns and neighborhoods.

Running Vs Clumping Bamboo

Running bamboo, which is often associated with invasive behavior, grows via underground rhizomes that can spread rapidly and cover large areas. This aggressive growth habit is one of the primary reasons bamboo has received negative attention. When not properly contained, running bamboo can quickly become a problem, invading neighboring yards, gardens, and even public spaces. It can displace other plants and create maintenance challenges as it pushes through fences and other barriers. This spreading characteristic of running bamboo has led many communities, including Cookeville, to enact restrictions on planting it in residential or public spaces.

On the other hand, clumping bamboo is much more contained and does not spread aggressively. It grows in tight clusters, with new shoots emerging close to the base of the plant. This growth habit makes clumping bamboo an ideal choice for areas where containment is important, such as gardens, privacy screens, or sound barriers. Clumping bamboo tends to grow more slowly compared to running bamboo, and its compact nature makes it easier to manage, requiring less frequent maintenance. The bamboo that has been most frequently touted for landscaping purposes, including in towns and neighborhoods, is clumping bamboo, which has become popular for creating privacy screens, hedges, and natural barriers.

Standout Species

One of the standout species of clumping bamboo is Phyllostachys nigra, commonly known as black bamboo. Black clumping bamboo is particularly admired for its striking appearance. Its dark-colored stems, which range from dark green to jet black as they mature, create a dramatic effect that is both elegant and exotic. Black bamboo has a dense growth habit and can be used effectively in both residential and public spaces. Its ability to create visually appealing screens or natural fences, along with its low-maintenance care requirements, makes it a favorite for landscaping. Additionally, black bamboo is hardy and can thrive in a variety of climates, further enhancing its potential for use in neighborhoods and towns.

Invasive Concerns

In towns like Cookeville, where concerns about bamboo’s invasiveness are prevalent, clumping bamboo, including varieties like black bamboo, can be used effectively if properly managed. Homeowners and landscapers can plant bamboo in well-contained areas, such as in large pots or fenced garden beds, to prevent it from spreading uncontrollably. Proper installation of barriers, such as underground rhizome barriers or using contained bamboo planters, can further reduce the risk of bamboo becoming invasive. By choosing clumping varieties and using thoughtful placement and maintenance, bamboo can provide many benefits without causing harm to the surrounding environment.

Bamboo, when used responsibly, can enhance towns and neighborhoods by providing attractive, functional landscaping solutions. It can serve as a privacy screen, reduce noise pollution, and add aesthetic value to properties. With the right education and management, communities can enjoy the beauty and benefits of bamboo without the worry of it becoming an invasive problem. As the understanding of bamboo’s different growth habits grows, towns like Cookeville can find a balance between enjoying the plant’s many advantages and mitigating its potential risks.

Cumberland county is an area of Tennessee that is home to more than 56,000 people. Throughout history, it has had a major impact in a lot of different things, including the Civil War, a time period when everything was divided. It was formed during 1856, but before that, in 1787, it was a trail that connected North Carolina to Knoxville and on to Nashville. Then, it became known for its saltpeter mine, which allowed people to make gunpowder. Richard Green Waterhouse was the one of the first people to settle in the area in 1800 and he explored the Grassy Cove Saltpeter cave which was on William Kelly’s land in 1812. Today, the Cumberland Trail, the Bledsoe State Forest, and Catoosa Wildlife Management Area are all a part of Cumberland County and those who visit can explore the Cumberland Mountain State Park as well.

Small Town, Tight-Knit Friends

On Average, there are approximately 82 people living in every square mile of Cumberland County. However, it is an area that still maintains the small town living that many people love. The average median income for all residents of the county around $36,000 according to the latest census information in 2000. However, there still many reasons people love to call it home, as proven by the fact that there are two high schools, nine elementary schools, and one charter school for all the children that live here.

Plenty to See and Do

Although Cumberland County is kind of laid back in every way, there are still plenty of things for you to explore around the area. Its location is put it right in the middle of Nashville, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. To reach Nashville, you will have to travel just shy of two hours, but to reach Knoxville, you will be there in less than an hour and a half. If you want to go a little south, toward Chattanooga, you will have to drive about an hour and a half as well. Either way, in one of these major cities, you will find plenty to entertain yourself with and most are also going to allow you to visit other small towns along the way, even Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is also a something you could tackle in a day.

Other Areas of Cumberland County

If you want to know about specific areas within Cumberland County, you will enjoy plenty of sights in these small towns. The Minister’s Tree House is located in Crossville, TN, where you can also see some outstanding waterfalls on a nature hike. There are a lot of housing opportunities in Pleasant Hill, TN so that you can find your dream home. Crab Orchard, TN is a nature lover’s paradise with its location near the mountains, where you can also see the “Devil’s Breakfast Table” or the clear waters of Crab Orchard Creek. Crab Orchard is also home to train tracks that tunnels under rocks to reach their destination. There are also plenty of available space for a new nature lover to make it home if you are interested. Where will you explore history first? To hear about other goings on around Cumberland county, you can listen to the news and find out what is going on, where, and when it may be happening.