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Clarksville, TN, is rapidly becoming a popular road trip destination in the South. From a diverse restaurant and craft brewery scene to historic sites and abundant outdoor recreation options, we’re exploring why Clarksville should be at the top of the list for your next weekend getaway!
4 Reasons to Visit Clarksville, TN This Season
Restaurants Steeped In History
Clarksville is a town rich in history and tradition. To experience it yourself in a unique (and delicious!) way, visit these two local restaurants located in historic buildings.
Brand new to Clarksville’s restaurant scene is The Mailroom, located in the city’s former United States Post Office and Federal Building. Despite only being open for a few months, the local hotspot is already receiving praise for its scratch-made meals created on a wood-fired grill. Standout dishes include roasted chicken, pan-crusted rainbow trout, and pesto shrimp rigatoni. The restaurant also offers tasty handcrafted cocktails and an expansive patio. Be sure to also stop by for brunch, which runs from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every weekend.
Since 2018, The Mad Herbalist has been a go-to spot for delicious teas, lunch, and brunch. Located in a renovated historic cabin, the local tea room and lounge offers signature brunch items like the Herbalist Hash (rosemary potatoes, peppers, onions, and cheese topped with a poached egg) and Pesto and Tomato Grilled Cheese (sourdough bread with fresh mozzarella and Swiss cheese). Locals and tourists love the restaurant for its Hobbit-like atmosphere, offering fountains, plenty of outdoor seating, and even a hammock. We recommend pairing your meal with one of the restaurant’s signature tea flights. Flavors include everything from peach to lavender, coconut, and more.
Craft Breweries, Distilleries & More
In addition to its restaurants, Clarksville is also home to seven local breweries, two distilleries, a winery, and Tennessee’s first licensed meadery! No matter what beverage you prefer, you’re sure to find something to quench your thirst.
Tennessee Valley Brewing Company is Clarksville’s first nano brewery. An establishment that prides itself on uplifting the local community, you can find seasonal and standard brews that range from IPAs to lagers, wheat beers, and more. Another Clarksville staple is Blackhorse Pub & Brewery. Standout beers include the Vanilla Cream Ale, Barnstormer Red Ale, and Blackhorse Lager. For a brewery that offers handcrafted beers alongside equally delicious food, make your way to Strawberry Alley Ale Works. Pair any of their delicious entrées with a house brew like the Belgian Ale, Joe B’s Brown Ale, 1820 Kölsch, or Class A IPA.
SB Tip: Still craving an ice-cold beer? The Star Spangled Brewing Company, Evill Nash Brewing Co., Kings Bluff Brewery, and The Fallen Brewery are also located in Clarksville.
If whiskey is more your speed, don’t miss the opportunity to stop by Old Glory Distilling Co. The small-batch artisan distillery is known for cooking, fermenting, distilling, and aging every drop of their whiskey and bourbon on-site. Even if you’re not a whiskey drinker, don’t fret! The distillery also offers a Tennessee vodka. Leatherwood Distillery is another popular spot that offers rum, rye, bourbon, and moonshine. The distillery is known to host live music, karaoke, and painting classes, so check out their Instagram to see what events are on the docket.
If the weather allows, wine lovers can venture out to Beachaven Vineyards & Winery, which offers vineyard tours, wine tastings, and wine flights. There is also plenty of outdoor space, so be sure to visit one of the on-site food trucks or pack your own picnic to enjoy the beautiful fall weather. Before heading out, you can also stop by the gift shop to pick up a souvenir or two!
If you’re not a beer, whiskey, or wine fan, you can expand your beverage horizons at Trazo Meadery. The yeast strain of this mead has been in the Trazo family for decades — and is occasionally used for baking bread. Popular flavors include Wildflower, Mesquite, Orange Blossom, Wildflower on Bourbon Barrel, and Avocado.
Learn the History
Whether you’re a fan of architecture or a Civil War buff, Clarksville offers plenty of opportunities to familiarize yourself with its history. Below are some can’t-miss historical sites located around town.
Downtown Clarksville is home to a handful of preserved historic buildings that have withstood fires, floods, and even tornadoes. Ranging from the 1830s to 1880s, picturesque buildings include the Montgomery County Courthouse, Smith-Trahern Mansion, Roxy Regional Theatre, Madison Street United Methodist Church, and many more.
As you stroll through downtown Clarksville, keep your eyes peeled for a few statues of famous Clarksville natives. The Wilma Rudolph Statue is located at 8 Champion’s Way and honors the female runner who won three gold medals in the 1960 Olympics. You can also view a statue of former University of Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt at 118 Cumberland Drive.
The Customs House Museum and Cultural Center is an interactive museum in addition to an architectural wonder. The building was first used as a post office and customs house to accommodate the booming tobacco industry, but today, it offers over 35,000 square feet of exhibit space. Visitors can explore everything from art to model trains and an engaging children’s area called Explorer’s Landing.
Located just a short distance from Clarksville, the Historic Collinsville Pioneer Settlement allows visitors to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Embark on a self-guided tour to explore 16 historic log cabins that have been furnished to resemble homes from the 1800s. Buildings include a blacksmith shop, tobacco barn, loom house, and more. To truly enjoy the 40 acres of rolling hills, we recommend packing a picnic to savor before or after your tour.
For those who love Civil War history, consider visiting Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center. Located on a bluff 200 feet above the Red and Cumberland Rivers, travelers can explore the site where Confederate soldiers set up shop during the Civil War. The site also includes a gift shop, picnic tables, and a walking trail. Plus, the 1,500-square-foot Interpretive Center includes Civil War exhibits for visitors to explore.
Outdoor Adventures
Whether you’re a fan of watersports, hiking, biking, or just taking in views of wildlife, there are plenty of opportunities to unplug and enjoy the great outdoors in Clarksville.
With over 650 miles of navigable waterways, it’s no wonder Clarksville is a popular destination for water-related fun. Popular waterfront destinations for kayaking and fishing include Liberty Park, Billy Dunlop Park, Robert Clark Park, and Port Royal State Park. (SB Tip: Run-A-Muck Outfitters makes it easy to rent a kayak if you don’t have your own.)
Clarksville also offers plenty of moderate, family-friendly trails. The Clarksville Greenway is a great paved option. The path is about nine miles long and is frequented by bikers, skaters, walkers, and runners. Dunbar Cave State Park is an excellent wooded option, offering 144 acres of land and about three acres of trails. Rotary Park includes five miles of hiking and biking trails, an 18-hole disc golf course, picnic tables and grills, and a horseshoe pit area.
Enjoy your travels!
This article is sponsored by Visit Clarksville.
