Are you hunting for a perfect vacation destination that offers a vibrant blend of history, culture, and adventure? Then look no further than Clarksville, Tennessee. With so many things to do in Clarksville, it’s a destination that once you arrive, you may never want to leave.
Situated near the Kentucky border in northern Tennessee, Clarksville offers a little something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a solo adventure, a romantic couple’s retreat, or a family-friendly vacation, this charming city has it all. Here you can indulge in a morning of shopping before re-joining the family at one of the upscale restaurants in Clarksville offering incredible southern-style cuisine.
With so many things to do in Clarksville, we thought we’d take the opportunity to share some of the highlights with you. Let’s delve into the wonders of Clarksville, a city packed with historical significance, picturesque natural landscapes, and a range of entertaining free Clarksville events and festivals.
First established in 1784, Clarksville, Tennessee, initially played a pivotal role in the pioneering western expansion of the United States. In fact, it became a favored departing point for the risky journey west into the frontier, as Clarkesville was a prime transportation hub sandwiched between the Cumberland River and Red River.
Sadly, most of Clarksville’s original 18th-century buildings were tragically destroyed in a devastating fire in 1878. However, the Clarksville community rebounded quickly. Soon, Clarkesville established a reputation for pioneering architecture and building design of the time during its rebuild. Nowadays, you can stroll along Clarksville’s historic downtown and along Franklin Street to see how the city rose from the ashes, and where the locals hold many Clarksville events and music concerts.
When you’re in town, make sure you explore the incredible Customs House Museum and Cultural Center in Clarksville, Tennessee. Not only are the historical exhibits and artifacts insightful, but it’s also partially situated within Clarksville’s stunningly designed, historic Federal Post Office, which was built in 1898. Plus, if you’re interested in catching a live theatre show, visiting the city’s iconic Roxy Regional Theatre should be on your itinerary of things to do in Clarksville.
Clarksville’s idyllic setting in the heart of northern Tennessee provides some stunning landscapes if you love the great outdoors. Aside from several Clarksville parks found in town, we’d also suggested heading out to the Dunbar Cave State Park and booking a space on the popular Dunbar Guided Cave Tours. Here you can discover large sections of this impressive 8-mile-long cave and its prehistoric Mississippian Native American cave art displays.
Alternatively, you can start your day by exploring The Clarksville Downtown Market. Here you can wander around the open-air market, enjoy live music, and purchase locally-grown fresh produce and regional artisanal goods. Then, after a morning of shopping in Clarksville and strolling through the market stalls, you’ll have a choice of things to do in Clarksville, like taking the opportunity to see the sights via its excellent walking and biking trails centered around the picturesque Liberty Park and Marina.
When you’re planning what to do in Clarksville, don’t miss the chance to embrace the local resident’s southern hospitality, its great food, and impressive local wineries and distilleries. So, start your day with a delicious brunch at one of our favorite restaurants in Clarksville, Dock 17, and fuel up with their tasty Dock Benedict or southern fried chicken and waffle brunches.
Another top tip of things to do in Clarksville is to meet the wonderful team at Beachaven Vineyards & Winery. Take the guided tour through their picturesque vineyard before indulging in their onsite wine-tasting experiences. However, if you’d prefer to visit the neighboring artisan Tennessee whisky and bourbon distillery, you can visit Matt Cunningham and his crew at the Old Old Glory Distilling Co next door.
After an enjoyable afternoon sampling these brilliant Tennessee beverage variations, heading back into town, we recommend stopping in at Pbodys, another of our favorite restaurants in Clarksville. Sit back and enjoy some fine southern cooking before spending the rest of the evening discovering the fantastic nightlife of downtown Clarksville.
Now, if there is one thing Clarksvillians do best, it’s hosting unforgettable local events and festivals throughout the year. As one of the most popular things to do in Clarksville, join the locals to celebrate the Downtown @ Sundown Concert Series, held each summer. Situated on Ryan Street in front of Clarksville’s Historic Parish Courthouse and the Clarksville Art & Cultural Center in City Hall, these free-to-attend concerts will have you dancing in the streets with the locals as the sun sets behind you.
Additionally, as one of the longest-running regional celebrations in the city, Riverfest Festival is another gigantic audience pleaser and one of the most prominent Clarksville events in the calendar. Every fall, Riverfest attracts over 30,000 people and is held in McGregor Park on the banks of the Cumberland River in Clarksville, Tennessee. Open to the public and free to enter, the festival is family-friendly, where guests can look forward to live music concerts, thrilling dragon boat races, and an exciting cardboard boat regatta.
With so many things to do in Clarksville, Tennessee, be sure to make a trip of it and stay for a while. Enjoy the southern comforts that Clarksville has to offer, from its excellent regional cuisine and locally produced wines, through to the live music concerts and festive historical and cultural treats.
Make your visit to Clarksville even more enjoyable by ensuring a restful night’s sleep for you and your entire family every night at the Best Western Plus Atrium Inn & Suites in Clarksville, Tennessee.