Clarksville, TN is a great place to spend a day, or a weekend with the girls, friends, or solo; it is a getaway to relax, enjoy nature, and have some delicious food and southern hospitality in a historic setting.
In the past, as I drove cross-country my travels have taken me to different places. By getting off the beaten path I find hidden gems, like I did with Clarksville, Tennessee. I’ve been to the vibrant city of Nashville several times. But, sometimes it’s great to get out of the big city and experience a quieter place to relax, hike, bike, and enjoy nature. I found Clarksville to be a great place if you love Civil War history, unique stays, and green rolling hills, lakes, and parks to explore. A short 45 minute drive from Nashville, brings you to Clarksville a small city, with a small town feel.
Read more: Step off the Beaten Path and Explore Clarksville, TNDisclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase or booking, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.Travels of Sarah Fay is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites at no cost to you. This is part of a sponsored trip with Visit Clarksville, Tennessee.
Clarksville, A Brief History
Clarksville is one of the oldest cities in Tennessee founded in 1784 on the Cumberland River, where it meets with the Red River. The city is in the middle of Tennessee along the state’s northwest Highland Rim. Clarksville was built up on a hill to help avoid flooding and the river allowed the city to grow in the past from the wealthy tobacco trade. It also grew since it’s only 45+/- miles from Nashville, a great place to visit! I went to Clarksville for a three-day trip to learn more about the outdoor activities, shopping, and great food, but also for its’ ancient past since it is home to the Paleo-Indian tribe 11,000 years ago, with its art still present in a nearby cave system. This is a real gem.
The population is now at 167k and has grown with many working in nearby Nashville. It is now the 5th largest city in Tennessee, but it has a quaint historic downtown, a waterfront with great walking paths, and rolling hills with many areas to explore on a hike. The city also has a state university that attracts a younger population.
For military buffs, Fort Campbell, one of the largest US Military forts, is located only 13 miles from Clarksville on the border with Kentucky. It is interesting to see a bronze statue of citizen and actor Frank Sutton, who played Sergeant Carter in a famous 60s show, called “Gomer Pyle: USMC”. And, for Jimi Hendrix fans, he was stationed here in Clarksville (primarily for playing music, but he was also a paratrooper, a surprise to me), and in 1961 he performed around the area.Another even older Civil War fort is Fort Defiance, located nearby.
Attractions Clarksville, TN
Clarksville was surprising, it is only 45 minutes away from Nashville, but really felt like a world away from the big city. It had many great restaurants, outdoor activities, and was the perfect place to relax.
Dunbar Cave State Park
The park encompasses 144 acres and includes the Dunbar Cave which has prehistoric cave art dating back to the 14th century. You can tour the cave depending on the time of the year. I went on the Guided Tour of the cave and you can sign up online since reservations are recommended. The hour-long tour is $18 ($13 for kids between 5-18 years old; kids are limited to those above 5). Given it is a sacred place for indigenous tribes, photos are not allowed and it’s recommended you bring a flashlight (no cellphones). I enjoyed the guided tour, especially learning the history and lore of the cave, and I recommend it if you like archaeology.
After the cave, you may want to hike the park’s 3 miles of wooded trails. Besides the trails, you can see Southeastern grasslands, as well as wildlife, depending on the season.
Check the site for dates since the season is limited and runs between June and the end of September. Besides the flashlight, you may want to bring a light jacket since the cave has a cool temp of 57 degrees. You will also need to sign a waiver to enter the cave since you do have to bend and scoot down going through the lower cave at places.
Customs House Museum & Cultural Center
Given the trade that ran via the river, a US Custom House was established and is now partially occupied in the former US Post Office built in 1898. The architecture of the building is so unique and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Admissions is $12 or less depending on your age, etc. The museum is open all days except Mondays and Holidays. This is the 2nd largest museum in Tennessee based on the general history, culture, etc. The Center also offers guided tours. I recommend you visit the museum. You may want to try a cemetery tour, although I didn’t get a chance to take one, you may enjoy it.
Liberty Park & Marina
Liberty Park The city’s waterfront consists of Liberty Park with walking paths, a fish pond, a marina, and a boat ramp onto the Cumberland River. It is a great place to enjoy a stroll or run on the trails, fish, boat, etc. You can also bring a kayak or canoe via the park.
Fort Defiance and the Civil War
Fort Defiance Civil War Park and Interpretive Center Historical Properties | Clarksville, TN – This park includes a landmark of this Civil War fort once occupied by both sides during the Civil War. You can walk through this free park to get a feel of the area. (Closed on Mondays. Check times on the website.) This park is especially popular with Civil War buffs and they do have various events in the park. The Fort is located 200 feet above the river.
Fort Defiance in Clarksville, TN, is a significant historic site that played a crucial role during the Civil War. Constructed by Confederate troops in 1861 and later occupied by Union forces, the fort provides a unique window into the strategic military history of the region. Another unique part of history at Fort Defiance is the connection to the U.S. Colored Troops during the Civil War.
After Union forces took control of the fort, African American soldiers, many of whom had recently gained their freedom, were stationed there. These soldiers played a vital role in defending the fort and maintaining Union control over the area, showcasing their courage and determination in the face of adversity. The monument will honor the 20,133 Black Tennesseans who served as U.S. Colored Troops during the Civil War. Fort Defiance offers a powerful reminder of the Civil War’s impact on Clarksville and its enduring legacy.
Clarksville Station
Clarksville Station (also known as the L&N Railroad Station). This restored train station was originally built in 1859. The station is located at 10th Street and Commerce. I often ride by historic train stations, and this is a great example. The city now is in charge of managing the station.
Other Things to Do in Clarksville TN
Shopping Main Street
The cute, historic downtown is a great place to stroll and enjoy shopping in the various boutiques and shops. Some of my favorite shops were Hudubam Booktraders, & Vinyl, Mildred & Mable’s, and The Clarksville Connection for souvenirs. The historic downtown is a great place to explore after you visit the Customs House since it is nearby and you don’t have to move your car.
Explore The Green Spaces and Parks of Clarksville
Clarksville is known for its rolling hills and walking/bike paths and one of the best places is besides the 146-acre Liberty Park mentioned above, you also have McGregor Park, Billy Dunlop Park, and the Clarksville Greenway that many locals love.
Best Parks in Clarksville, TN
McGregor Park is a park that runs along the Cumberland River where you can walk, run, picnic, etc. There is also a boat ramp. There is a 2-mile promenade for a walk, run, or see the local scenery including the river. McGregor also has a 1-mile trail with an ADA playground for those with disabilities.
Billy Dunlop Park is a 31-acre park with walking paths, a bridge, fountains, playgrounds, and per some it is a hidden treasure of the city’s parks.
Rotary Park is another great park with 5 miles of trails to observe the great scenery, with its creeks, pavilions, nature center, and 18-hole disc golf course. There is also a nature center here as well where you can learn more about the park.
Clarksville Greenway The Greenway covers 9 miles of paved paths along the north and south of the Red River. You can walk, run, bike, etc. and there are bathrooms along the trail heads. The scenery is beautiful with views of the water, trees, and fields. In addition, there is a 600 ft pedestrian bridge along the trail that is a favorite photo stop.
- Outdoor Activities – With the great parks you can bike and walk, but you can also kayak, canoe, and rock climbing at King’s Bluff near the Cumberland River are popular things to do. See King’s Bluff website for information (of note, there is no camping there).
- Kings Bluff | SCC It is owned by seclimbers.org and is self-managed (you must have your equipment and take responsibility if injured, etc.). While traveling solo and not my cup of tea, I noticed that some city parks have 18-hole disc golf, in case you come with a group.
Roxy Regional Theatre
The historic Roxy is downtown and offers movies and special events. See the website for the current offerings. The Roxy has been the site of entertainment since the early 1900s. At one point it did get rebuilt after a fire in 1945 on the same spot, then openings/closings and renovations, and continues to operate as a theater and special events.
Miss Lucille’s Marketplace
If you love Vintage and Antique shopping, this may be the place for you with over 200 vendors in Miss Lucille’s marketplace. It’s a great place to peruse the vintage items, especially if you hit some rain outside like I did. Besides the shopping, you can have coffee or seasonal fare at Miss Lucille’s Cafe or tea at The Mad Herbalist. I ate at the Mad Herbalist and had a great herbal tea blend. It was terrific and depending on the season, you may want to make a reservation. I truly loved it and its unique, cute decor.
They offered my kind of flights ,tea flights and you have the choice to try the seasonal teas offered sparkling, iced, or hot. Plus if you pick three menu items they will stack it to make it look like an afternoon tea. The building itself was quite interesting as they moved the historic Neely cabin to renovate from another part of Tennessee. Definitely a unique dining experience.
DAC Gallery
The Downtown Artist Co-Op, is a way to experience the creative art community in Clarksville. Each month they have the First Thursday Art Walk, as well as other activities throughout the year. The artsy vibe is also seen throughout the city on their outdoor murals, like Starry Night on Madison Street and Last Train to Clarksville on Commerce Street.
Best Restaurants in Clarksville TN (and Clarksville’s Great Cafes)
One thing I did learn about Clarksville is that they have a great food scene; prices are reasonable and you can generally meet anyone’s budget. Below are some of my favorite eateries you may want to try on your trip here.
The Mailroom
From the name you may be able to tell that it is located in a former US post office. Beside the historic interior, they have a great outdoor patio. The Mailroom provides made-from-scratch dishes, crafter cocktails, etc. I enjoyed my pesto veggie pasta and added Grilled Chicken and garlic bread. I needed some comfort food and this hit the spot.
Plumb Line Coffee
This is a great local coffee shop if you want to enjoy a good latte! I enjoyed having there specialty coffees here, plus the staff is amazing!
Blackhorse Pub & Brewery Clarksville
The Blackhorse has been serving the area since 1992 and offers a variety of food options in addition to libations. I do not drink alcohol, so I had a mocktail and was told I could not leave Clarksville without trying their wood fired pizzas. Depending on your needs they have happy hours, brunches, etc.
Catfish House
The Catfish is another locally owned restaurant servicing some of the best catfish. I certainly liked the meal deal and had two fillets of Catfish fried, with hushpuppies, beans, coleslaw, and a mashed potato all for $16.99! This was delicious southern cooking at its’ finest.
Old Glory Restaurant | Clarksville TN
Old Glory Distillery started as a small batch bourbon distillery and now owns the Old Glory Restaurant. This is Clarksville’s newest restaurant which opened in February 2024. They offer fantastic lunch, dinner, and brunch menus with premium smoked meats including their 16-hour White Oak Smoked Brisket and the Tennessee Pulled Pork Tacos. My pulled pork sandwich with mac and cheese packed a punch with a spicy twist on a classic dish. It was delicious, I cannot leave a place without trying BBQ at least once. The outdoor park offers live music on weekends, bocce ball, and firepits. I suggest making reservations because this place got quite busy on the weekend.
The Amsterdam Local Cafe
The Amsterdam is a great cafe and bakery in downtown Clarksville. It’s one of the city’s newest, trendiest cafes. There are only a few parking spots in front, but you can park on Academy Avenue. This is much more than a cafe, offering meals and on some nights entertainment. Follow them on Facebook/Instagram to see the menu. I loved my breakfast wrap here and latte. They have light bites for breakfast and the aesthetic of the cafe is definitely one that kept me coming back here since it was around the corner from my Vrbo.
I found Clarksville is a foodie paradise with such a great choice of restaurants and cafes/coffee shops at reasonable prices. As I mentioned in earlier posts, I don’t drink alcohol but I do find many places that offer good mocktails or will quickly whip one up.
Download the Clarksville App to Complete Challenge Trails
The Clarksville app is a convenient way to explore the city’s attractions and navigate through its scenic routes. By using the app, you can complete the Challenge Trails, which guide you to various landmarks around town. These trails feature local murals, statues, and other points of interest, offering insights into Clarksville’s rich history and culture. Completing the trails not only enhances your understanding of the area but also makes for an interactive and engaging experience.
While I was in town I did some of the murals and statues, it was definitely a great way to get around the city to see it and learn about the places I was seeing in a self guided manner.
Places to Stay in Clarksville TN
There are several places you can stay in the city, but I was fortunate to stay at The Storybook Cottage – Alpha Link Homes Alpha Link Homes operates the property (and owns 2 others in Clarksville). Each room in Storybook Cottage is decorated with the theme of a children’s book, such as Little Mermaid, Captain Hook, etc. It was a cute place, had air conditioning, etc. and I enjoyed it. It is a busy area and many hotels were full, but there is a college and Nashville not far away. I suggest making a lodging reservation as soon as you know you are coming to Clarksville.
Weather in Clarksville, TN
You can enjoy all four seasons in Clarksville. While it does have a winter season, it only gets around 3 inches of snow with January being the coldest month (high of 46 and low of 27). Summers are pretty hot with July and August being the hottest month with highs of 90 degrees. I just visited at the beginning of October and loved the weather. Plus depending, you may want to visit during the cooler shoulder season. When I went to visit, Hurricane Helene was impacting the weather a bit with rain, but I had a good mix of outdoor activities that I enjoyed.
Getting to Clarksville, TN
If you are local, Clarksville TN is located just off I-24 and only about 50 miles from the Nashville International Airport. I rented a car from Nashville and drove to Clarksville. There are also buses to Clarksville from Nashville including FlixBus and Greyhound. The prices are reasonable, but I like a car to see an area more fully. I also rented a car with Resla.com, which made it super easy after supercharging the Tesla rental before hitting the road from Nashville. It was definitely a great experience
If you want to try renting with Resla to get the experience of driving a Tesla, I highly recommend. Check it out here and use my code TRAVEL20 for 20% off a rental.
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Clarksville – A fine blend of history, nature, great food, and hip vibes.
As my time in Clarksville comes to an end, at least for this trip, I must say I liked the vibes of Clarksville TN with its historic past, the vibes of the art and foodie scene, mixed with the fun and relaxation of the riverfront and enjoying nice hikes along the great paths with its many parks in the city. While it is a fairly large town, the historic downtown is welcoming and I really enjoyed myself at the Storybook Cottage. Enjoy your time in Clarksville, it’s well worth the visit if you’re a solo traveler or on a group trip experiencing a fun weekend away. Enjoy the journey!
Fun Fact About Clarksville
- A favorite song of the 1960s was the Monkees song, Take The Last Train to Clarksville. Many thought it was based on Clarksville TN, but in reality, it was just a name that went with the other lyrics of the song. Either way, it’s still a cool song my mother loves.
Travels of Sarah Fay
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October 6, 2024
