Clarksville, Tennessee, is a city steeped in history, charm, and southern hospitality, located near the border of Kentucky and the Cumberland River. It is the fifth-largest city in Tennessee and offers a delightful blend of old and new, where modern amenities meet traditional southern charm.
Clarksville provides its visitors with a wide range of activities, from historical landmarks and outdoor adventures to arts, culture, and culinary delights.
Historical Landmarks
Clarksville’s rich history dates back to 1785, and the city was named after Revolutionary War hero General George Rogers Clark. To delve into the city’s past, start your journey at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center. Located in downtown Clarksville, this is Tennessee’s second-largest general museum, with over 35,000 square feet of exhibit space. The museum houses a variety of fascinating collections, including Civil War artifacts, model trains, and rotating art exhibits1.
Next, visit the Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center, a historical landmark situated on a bluff overlooking the confluence of the Red and Cumberland Rivers. Here, you can explore the remains of a Civil War fort and learn about the region’s history through interactive exhibits.
Outdoor Adventures
For those who enjoy the great outdoors, Clarksville offers an array of activities. Dunbar Cave State Park, one of the most prominent prehistoric sites in the area, offers guided tours that take you through the cave’s rich history. The park also features hiking trails and picnic spots.
For water enthusiasts, the Cumberland Riverwalk is a must-visit. This scenic five-mile-long riverwalk is perfect for a leisurely stroll, bike ride, or boat trip, offering stunning views of the river. Here, you can also find the McGregor Park Riverwalk & Museum, which houses exhibits on the history of the Cumberland River.
Arts and Culture
Art lovers will not be disappointed in Clarksville. The Roxy Regional Theatre, located in the heart of downtown, is a 1947 art deco-style theater that offers a variety of performances, from classic plays and musicals to contemporary works and concerts.
For a unique cultural experience, visit the Downtown Artists Co-op, an association of local artists dedicated to promoting the visual arts in the Clarksville-Montgomery County area. Here, you can explore a variety of artworks ranging from paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and more.
Culinary Delights
No travel guide would be complete without mentioning the local cuisine. Clarksville’s food scene offers a mix of traditional southern fare and international cuisine. For a taste of the south, visit the locally loved Blackhorse Pub & Brewery for their renowned pizza and handcrafted beer, or Miss Lucille’s Marketplace for homemade treats and antiques shopping.
For those seeking international flavors, Yada Yada Yada Deli offers a unique blend of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, while Kohana Japanese Restaurant is known for its sushi and hibachi.
Festivals and Events
Clarksville hosts several festivals and events throughout the year that add to its charm. Rivers and Spires Festival is a free, three-day event that celebrates the arts with live music, food vendors, and art exhibits. In the fall, the Clarksville Downtown Market is a local favorite, featuring a variety of vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and more.
In conclusion, Clarksville, Tennessee, offers a unique blend of history, outdoor adventure, culture, and cuisine that caters to all types of travelers. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, an art lover, or a foodie, Clarksville has something for everyone. It is a city where southern charm meets modern amenities, creating an inviting and vibrant atmosphere that makes it a must-visit destination.
In 2023, Clarksville continues to grow and evolve, offering visitors an increasingly varied experience. The city’s tourism officials note that new business openings and enhancements to existing attractions are making the city a more desirable destination. These developments, which include dining, shopping, live music and events, lodging options, and more, are attracting a wider audience and promoting Clarksville’s unique offerings1.
Several notable developments are slated for 2023. Shelby’s Trio, a 50’s style burger joint, fine Italian dining, and a rooftop bar all housed in a single downtown building, opens in February. Three Daughter’s Café, located inside a boutique in the burgeoning Sango area, is slated to open early in the year. A grant-funded 450-gallon Aquarium in the Wade Bourne Nature Center at Rotary Park opens in April, and Dunbar Cave State Park celebrates its 50th Anniversary with special activities all summer long. The Tennessee Wings of Liberty Museum, a significant tribute to the service and sacrifice of American military personnel, breaks ground in May and is expected to be completed by 2025. F&M Bank Arena opens mid-year, offering concerts, hockey, and events for all ages and serving as the new home court for Austin Peay State University Men’s and Women’s Basketball in the fall. Two parking garages will be open downtown by year-end, one beside the Doubletree project and one by the Roxy Regional Theatre. The Greenway Trail System Bridge over the Red River is slated to open by year-end, connecting the Greenway to the Cumberland Riverwalk. Finally, Buc-ee’s Travel Center is set to open at Exit 11.
Local businesses are looking forward to these developments. They anticipate more events throughout the region because of new venues such as the downtown arena and the planned athletic complex by Exit 8. This will enhance opportunities for established local businesses and vendors, including hotels and food trucks. The opening of the arena is especially anticipated, as it is expected to impact the growth and revitalization of downtown Clarksville significantly. Clarksville has experienced positive growth and development in downtown during the construction phase, and the outcomes for the next 2-3 years are eagerly anticipated1.
Visitor spending in Montgomery County was close to pre-Covid travel revenue levels in 2021, totaling $340.5 million. Local community leaders and private businesses have invested in the community in significant ways over the past few years, and they are looking forward to reaping the benefits of that vision and leadership with more travel dollars being spent in the area1.
In conclusion, Clarksville, Tennessee, continues to thrive as a city where southern charm meets modern amenities. It is growing and evolving, offering a diverse range of experiences for visitors. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, an art lover, or a foodie, Clarksville offers something for everyone. Its blend of history, outdoor adventure, culture, and cuisine, complemented by new developments and enhancements, make it a must-visit destination in 2023.
