My first visit to Clarksville, Tennessee was brief but incredibly memorable. While road tripping across the southeast I spent two days in the small town on the Cumberland River, but it wasn’t enough. Two years later I returned, took the town over, and loved every minute of it.
It’s a small town; a friendly town. Retail shops and national chain restaurants crowd the interstate exit, but once you get past that you’ll find a charming, peaceful town.
Here are some of my favorite travel photos of Clarksville, Tennessee. Leave me a comment below and tell me which is your favorite!
Just thirty minutes away from Nashville, Clarksville was a welcome escape from big city life to small country town. The beautiful architecture of the historic courthouse was a great first stop when I rolled into town.
While wandering the streets downtown I came across this interesting water fountain. A school child reading a book sitting atop the world and water splashing in the face of kids around the edge. Interesting!
Dunbar Cave State Park was a great place to explore for an hour. Although they weren’t offering tours the day I visited, I still enjoyed a nice walk to the cave’s entrance and around the lake. Look at all those turtles resting on a log!
I took a short drive out of Clarksville to visit Historic Collinsville. Old, rustic log homes chocked full of artifacts to explore along with a few reenactors.
Downtown Commons was the perfect place to lay back for awhile. I took a seat at one of the small bistro tables to do some writing, occasionally interrupted by the sound of people laughing as they ran across the grass playing games.
When I really wanted to relax I headed over to Old Glory Distilling. This was the first locally owned distillery I found that made vodka! I took a tour of the distillery then sat at the gorgeous wooden bar to sample their vodka and bourbon.
I found a few good breweries in Clarksville, as well. Tennessee Valley Brewing Company was one of my favorites. Great craft beer, comfy atmosphere, and friendly people.
Food! There were so many great local restaurants in Clarksville. The Looking Glass Restaurant (above) was my favorite for breakfast, while Liberty Park Grill (right) had a fantastic view of the river to go with the food.
My favorite dinner came courtesy of Rux Americajun Restaurant. When I was finished I found an awesome speak easy upstairs!
Clarksville is out of the way, hidden in a corner of Tennessee northwest of Nashville and west of everything else. Once you get past the corporate menagerie of retail stores and restaurants along the interstate you’ll find an inviting town with great food, craft spirits, and outdoor recreation. I can’t wait to visit again.
