Clarksville (Tennessee)

Clarksville is the county seat of Montgomery County, in Central Tennessee. Founded in 1784, Clarksville is one of the south's most historic cities. Today, visitors can experience that history through memorable attractions, unique historic architecture and a variety of annual festivals and events.

Steeped in history, Clarksville began as a settlement along the banks of the Cumberland and Red Rivers by Revolutionary War hero John Montgomery in the early 1780s. In 1785, Clarksville became Tennessee's first incorporated city.

Get in
Clarksville is conveniently located on I-24, at the Tennessee-Kentucky border, just 40 minutes from Nashville International Airport. Interstate exits 1, 4, 8 and 11 serve as city gateways. Several US and state highways also intertwine throughout the city, making the community easily accessible from any direction.

Historic Downtown
Restored brick sidewalks and intersections, period lighting, benches and planters, the Franklin Street thoroughfare represents the centerpiece of a re-emerging downtown district. Explore the area at your leisure by taking the self-guided Walk Clarksville tour. The area features:
 * Shopping at a number of antique shops and boutiques.
 * Locally-owned restaurants offering everything from gourmet pizzas and burgers to German cuisine.
 * Professional productions at a 1940s modern art theatre.
 * Stunning architecture dating to the early 1850s.
 * Austin Peay State University, Emerald Hill and Archwood, one of the cities finest representations of Italianate Revival architecture, as well as the Mabel Larson Gallery.
 * Cumberland RiverWalk, McGregor Park, Riverside Drive. Any season of the year, the Cumberland RiverWalk is a site to behold. The 15-acre park features a RiverCenter with permanent historical displays, a playground, performance stages, picnic areas, and amphitheatre and a pedestrian over walk to historic downtown Clarksville. There are events like summer's Riverfest to winter's Christmas on the Cumberland, and walks adorned by sunsets and colorful autumn foliage.

Art
Public Artworks are scattered throughout downtown.
 * Wilma Rudolph Statue, McGregor Park, Riverside Drive, 931-645-7476. To honor one of America's most outstanding Olympic athletes and her legacy, a bronze statue of Clarksville native Wilma Rudolph was hand-crafted in her likeness by local sculptor Howard Brown. The statue of her three-time gold medalist resides at the base of the pedestrian overpass at College Street and Riverside Drive. Free
 * Public Square / Eternal Flame, Between Franklin and Main Streets, Downtown, 931-645-7444. Free. The facade of the former City Hall Building with it sweeping Romanesque arch was constructed in 1941, although the building is much older. Erected in the median in 2004, an Enternal Flame stands to honor the sacrifices of soldiers and their families.
 * Millennium Plaza & Public Art, 1 Millennium Plaza, 931-648-5787. The Montgomery County Courthouse and Courts Center feature photographic displays illustrating Montgomery county's fascinating history and heritage. In addition to the bronze fountain in the Millennium Plaza, two bronze statues are located at 1st and Franklin Streets and 2nd and Commerce Streets.  A mural depicting Clarksville architecture is located on Franklin Street. Free.
 * Mabel Larson Gallery, Harned Hall, Austin Peay Campus, 931-221-7333. Hours: M-F 8AM-5PM. Mabel Larson Gallery is house in Harned Hall on the campus of Austin Peay State University. On exhibition is selected art from the University's permanent art collection.

Do

 * Historic Downtown Walking & Driving Tours, 931-647-2331. See the best of historic downtown Clarksville and it perimeter through self-guidd walking or driving tours. Brochure maps are available at the Visitor Information Center, Chamber of Commerce, Customs House Museum, Montgomery County Courthouse, and Cumberland RiverCenter.
 * Historic Downtown Walking & Driving Tours, 931-647-2331. See the best of historic downtown Clarksville and it perimeter through self-guidd walking or driving tours. Brochure maps are available at the Visitor Information Center, Chamber of Commerce, Customs House Museum, Montgomery County Courthouse, and Cumberland RiverCenter.
 * Historic Downtown Walking & Driving Tours, 931-647-2331. See the best of historic downtown Clarksville and it perimeter through self-guidd walking or driving tours. Brochure maps are available at the Visitor Information Center, Chamber of Commerce, Customs House Museum, Montgomery County Courthouse, and Cumberland RiverCenter.

Golf
Clarksville is a golfer's paradise with a climate that makes golf virtually a year round sport. "11th Best City in the U.S. for Public Golf" by Golf Digest, Clarksville courses offer beautiful greens at affordable prices.



Bowling
Clarksville has a variety of bowling centers to choose from with standard to black light bowling. All offer bowling times and shoe rentals. The centers also offer snack bars and evening entertainment. Call the centers for open times and events.



Water sports
The bounty of the Cumberland and Red Rivers is a haven for water enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy water skiing, jet skis, fishing or just cruising the river, the area offers a beautiful setting for fun in the sun. The area's Cumberland River was named one of the top catfishing spots in the U.S. by Field and Stream.

Buy
Whether your preference is a large department store or a unique bargain haven - or something in between - Clarksville offers a full gamut of shopping opportunities. Some widely recognized anchor stores in or around Governor's Square Mall include Border's, Old Navy, T.J. Maxx, Hobby Lobby, PetSmart, and Linens & Things. If antique hunting is your ideal excursion, or you're looking for a truly unique gift or collectible, Clarksville has lots to offer in the historic downtown district or along Fort Campbell Boulevard. Fireworks can be purchased along main roads of Tennessee, and particularly on Fort Campbell Blvd. There are dozens of tents and full firework stores as you travel down the road. Fireworks are legal in Tennessee.

Eat
Clarksville is home to every major American chain and Southern chains as well. Sonic Drive-In restaurants and Waffle House restaurants can be found in abundance along with Popeye's, Charlie's Subs, Chik-fil-A, Jack-in-the-Box, Long John Silvers, and Five Guys Burgers and Fries fast food chains. Smoking is still allowed in some sections of certain establishments.