Yearning to travel? Plan a road trip to Clarksville, Tennessee

Planning spring and summer travel that’s a little closer to home is the aim for many Americans in 2021.

And maybe you, too, are searching for a destination that feels more hometown than downtown – one that’s less crowded than a beach or theme park. Maybe you’re ready for a convenient and affordable road trip with fun activities for the whole family. Or, maybe you’re simply looking for something different.

Enter Clarksville, Tennessee. This close-knit, mid-size and budget-friendly community is located just northwest of Nashville. Clarksville has everything that a big city offers, including historic attractions, family entertainment, a charming city center, scenic outdoor recreation and a surprisingly diverse food and beverage scene.

Outdoor recreation

Dunbar Cave State Park is one of the region’s most popular outdoor sites, and its size makes social distancing easy. This 144-acre natural playground includes almost five miles of trails, picnic areas, wildlife and seasonal cave tours.

The meandering Cumberland Riverwalk is the city’s crown jewel, where the whole family can enjoy walking, biking, boating or finding a swing to take in a spectacular sunset. The Riverwalk connects directly to Clarksville’s historic downtown restaurants, entertainment, shopping, galleries and breweries via the urban Upland Trail.

Rotary Park is a 111-acre forested city park with five-plus miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, creeks, playgrounds, disc golf and picnic areas. You’ll also find large, open spaces for play and a new 4,200-square-foot Nature Center with permanent and temporary displays and hands-on activities that show the natural history of the area.

At North Ford Street Mountain Bike Park, cycling enthusiasts can enjoy a range of trails – from a children’s area to technical routes that challenge even the most advanced riders.

Climbers of all skill levels will have fun and relish the bird’s-eye river views at King’s Bluff Park. The limestone crag is 9.78 acres and has more than 160 routes traversing the Cumberland. At all public outdoor areas, please make sure to take what you bring and help leave the areas pristine for future visitors.

Family fun

Entertainment centers dot the perimeters of the city. The whole family will love indoor putt-putt and high-speed go-carts, axe throwing, trampolining or escape games. On summer weekends, enjoy free outdoor concerts at Downtown Commons and Beachaven Winery. The top-rated outdoor Downtown Market with fresh produce, crafts, baked goods and entertainment is a Saturday morning highlight.

Historic attractions

Step into the rural mid-19th century when you visit the Historic Collinsville Pioneer Settlement. Explore the 16 authentically furnished buildings over 40 expansive acres with a self-guided audio tour. Time seems to slow down a bit amid the quiet rolling hills, where you’re never in a hurry and have plenty of room to socially distance. Bring along a picnic and soak in the serenity.

The Fort Defiance Civil War Park and Interpretive Center is a defensive earth works fort high above the bluffs of the Cumberland and Red rivers. Interactive displays inside the visitor center bring voices to the many faces of this turbulent era in our nation’s past. Outside, walk through the mounded grounds with canons, picnic areas and trails. Best of all are the panoramic views of downtown Clarksville.

The stunning 1898 architecture at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center brings the wow factor for many visitors. Recently, the museum added underlighting around the roofline and cornices, making the site even more spectacular at night. Inside, visitors will enjoy both permanent and rotating creative and historic exhibits. The lower level includes a large area for hands-on kids’ play, a family art room and a massive model train exhibit.

Food and beverage

Highlight your time in Clarksville with a globally inspired food culture for an even more memorable experience. Restaurant dining rooms are currently open at 50% capacity. The influence of a major military installation, state university and international industries bring the world’s flavors – and sips – to the community. One especially creative example is The Mad Herbalist, a tea lounge that crafts a full-sensory experience by curating sharable menus with edible concoctions, fragrance fusions and plant-based drinks.

A handful of breweries, a distillery, winery and meadery give visitors a taste of the city’s passion for creativity, excellence and fun.

Public art

Some 25 sculptures, fountains and murals give Clarksville an artsy vibe. You’ll find many in an easily walkable four-block area within the central downtown district.

Don’t miss Clarksvillian and “Gomer Pyle U.S.M.C.” star Frank Sutton, the “Tennessee Triumph” statue and the Eternal Flame on Public Square, the “Bursting with Pride” mural of the city’s historic spires and the Children’s Fountain on Strawberry Alley. Adjacent to downtown, inside Liberty Park, visitors can explore the stories of trailblazers and gold-medal Olympians Wilma Rudolph and Pat Head Summitt, who both hail from Clarksville and continue to inspire millions of young athletes. 

Start planning your trip today at www.visitclarksvilletn.com or download the free VisitClarksvilleTN app.