Looking for an easy, laid-back weekend trip? Clarksville is a perfect drive destination, just under an hour from Nashville and an easy road trip from nearby cities like Louisville, St. Louis or Atlanta. I visited with writer friends over the summer and fell in love with its small-town charm. Autumn brings a whole new level of cozy, from fiery riverfront foliage to fireside cocktails and local craft brews!
What You’ll Find In This “Fun Goes Further” Clarksville, TN Guide
- Fall Events & Autumn Getaways: Dates, event overviews, parking details and links to official event pages.
- Year Around Attractions & Local Favorites: A complete breakdown of top historical sights, outdoor parks, craft breweries and foodie spots.
- Trip Planning FAQ: Direct answers to the most frequently asked questions for visiting Clarksville.
- Best Time to Visit: Mid-September to early November for peak foliage, patio dining and fall festivals.
Editor’s note: Visit Clarksville hosted the author.
Are you ready to explore off the beaten path? Let us inspire you!
Fall Festivals & Autumn Getaways in Clarksville
If you think Clarksville is charming in the summer, just wait until the crisp autumn air sets in! Fall is easily one of the best times to visit, as the trees along the Cumberland River turn vibrant shades of red and gold and the town comes alive with seasonal events, outdoor music and cozy patio dining.
According to official Visit Clarksville fall guides, here is a quick breakdown of the seasonal events, festivals and autumn experiences you won’t want to miss:
Dueling Pianos at Old Glory Distilling
September 12 | Old Glory Distilling Co. | Free Admission & Parking
Talented pianists take audience song requests for high-energy sing-alongs and comedy. Handcrafted cocktails made with Old Glory spirits, local beers, and food options are available for purchase. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Oktoberfest at Beachaven
September 25–27 | Beachaven Vineyards & Winery | Free Admission & On-Site Parking
Celebrate fall among the vines with authentic German craft beers brewed by Star Spangled Brewery, Beachaven wines, local food trucks, and live music. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
Historic Collinsville Annual Quilt Show & Tell
September 26 | Historic Collinsville Pioneer Settlement | Standard Property Admission (No Extra Fee)
Browse dozens of hand-stitched and machine-made quilts displayed across 19th-century pioneer cabins. Costumed docents will be on-site inside the cabins to share regional heritage and history.
Artsville Fest & Frolic on Franklin
October 3 | Franklin St & Downtown Clarksville | Free Entry (Street & Garage Parking)
A massive downtown street celebration of local art featuring vendor booths, live crafting demonstrations, interactive chalk art, and hands-on workshops.
BBQ Fest Across the River
October 9–10 | RichEllen Park | Free Activities & Parking (Food/Drink for Purchase)
A family-friendly festival featuring a competitive BBQ cookoff, People’s Choice tastings, a cornhole tournament, live music, and college football on the big screen.
Downtown at Sundown Concert Series
1st & 3rd Fridays (Through October) | Downtown Commons | Free Entry (Garage Parking)
A popular outdoor concert series featuring regional tribute bands, food trucks, and local craft beer. Bring your own lawn chairs and blankets. (Note: No pets, coolers, or outside alcohol allowed.)
Peak Fall Foliage & Scenic Overlooks
Peak October–November | Clarksville Greenway & Kings Bluff | Free Entry & Parking (Pollard Rd Trailhead)
Walk or bike 9 miles beneath a vibrant autumn canopy along the Greenway trail, or take in sweeping 200-foot bluff views overlooking the Cumberland River.
Autumn Patio & Firepit Dining
All Season Long | Old Glory Distilling & Liberty Park Grill | Free On-Site Parking (Reservations Recommended)
Savor spirit-infused fall menus around cozy outdoor firepits at Old Glory Distilling, or enjoy a sunset dinner over the marina at Liberty Park Grill.
Event dates, admission policies and schedules can change. Confirm details before traveling.
SheBuysTravel Tip: If you’re planning a fall getaway, keep an eye on the official Visit Clarksville Travel Page for seasonal lodging discounts and special event packages—especially during festival weekends like Artsville Fest when downtown hotels fill up fast!
Year-Round Attractions
Downtown Clarksville Attractions & Public Art
Customs House Museum and Cultural Center
200 S 2nd St | Tues–Sat 10AM–5PM, Sun 1PM–5PM (Closed Mon) | Adults $12 | Seniors (65+) & Military $9 | Youth (3–17) $5 | Children under 3 Free | Free on 2nd Saturday of each month
The Customs House Museum is one of downtown Clarksville’s largest cultural attractions, combining historic architecture, regional history, art, science exhibits and a model train display. The Wilma Rudolph exhibit was my favorite. I loved learning about her history and all the challenges she overcame.
Downtown Artist Co-op
6 Franklin St | Tues–Fri 12PM–4PM, Sat 9AM–5PM (8AM-4PM thru September), Sun 1PM-5PM, Closed Mondays| Free Entry
A light-filled gallery space celebrating the region’s creative community. Local creators showcase original works side-by-side—from vibrant oil paintings to handcrafted jewelry. My favorite piece of art was a painting of Elvis. When I visited, they were also showcasing an area meadery. It was the first time I learned about using honey to make wine. Try to time your visit with their popular First Thursday Artwalk each month from 5 PM to 8 PM.
Public Art & Sculptures
Downtown Clarksville (Franklin St, Strawberry Alley & Commerce St) | Accessible 24/7 | Free
Strolling downtown feels like walking through an open-air gallery. Don’t miss The Children’s Fountain at Strawberry Alley, the poignant The Day After sculpture (between Second and Commerce Streets) or the bronze monument to Clarksville native Frank Sutton —famous for playing Sgt. Carter on Gomer Pyle—located right on Franklin Street. You’ll also spot colorful murals tucked between brick buildings.
Outdoor Adventures & State Parks
Dunbar Cave State Park
401 Old Dunbar Cave Rd | Park: 6AM–Sunset | Visitor Center: 8AM–4:30PM | Park Free | Cave Tours ~$18
Dunbar Cave completely steals the show for outdoor lovers. I had heard people talk about Dunbar Cave before arriving, but I wasn’t prepared for how much history was packed into one place. Dunbar Cave has been a culturally significant gathering place for Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Guided tours interpret prehistoric cave art as well as later Cherokee syllabary inscriptions.
Standing near the cave entrance while cool air drifted out, it was easy to understand why generations of people gathered here.
Clarksville Greenway
1101 Pollard Rd (Pollard Rd Trailhead) | Open daily dawn to dusk | Free
We only spent a short time on the Greenway, but it quickly became one of my favorite quiet spots in Clarksville. Part of the Rails-to-Trails initiative, this statewide-recognized 9-mile paved trail transforms old railway lines into a quiet retreat along the Red River and West Fork Creek. Watching cyclists and dog walkers pass beneath the trees made it feel like a place locals genuinely use every day.
Cumberland Riverwalk and McGregor Park
640 N Riverside Dr to Downtown | Daily 6AM–12AM | Free
A riverwalk path along the Cumberland River where we watched boats drift past while locals enjoyed the afternoon. It features public boat ramps, picnic spots and a pedestrian bridge over Riverside Drive that connects directly to downtown. Heading north, it connects directly to the Red River Trail and the Clarksville Greenway.
Liberty Park and Wilma Rudolph Statue
1188 Cumberland Dr | Daily 6AM–10PM | Free
I enjoyed walking over to the Wilma Rudolph statue after spending time downtown. It was a nice reminder of the hometown pride Clarksville has for its Olympic champion. I felt inspired reading her quotes embedded in the sidewalk. Spanning over 300 lush acres, this massive park includes a 10-acre fishing pond, dog park, walking paths and sports fields.
Historic Sites & Cultural Heritage
Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center
120 A St | Grounds: Dawn–Dusk | Center: Tues–Sat 10AM–4PM, Sun 1PM–4PM | Free
Standing on the 200-foot bluff overlooking the river, I found myself imagining why Union troops chose this location for a fort in 1862. The view alone explains its strategic importance. Walk through exceptionally preserved earthworks and gun platforms, then step into the interpretive center for interactive exhibits detailing the Battle of Fort Defiance.
Historic Collinsville Pioneer Settlement
4711 Weakley Rd, Southside | Fri–Sat 10AM–4PM, Sun 1PM–4PM (Apr–Oct) | Adults $12, Ages 6–12 $6
Escape into a simpler era across 40 peaceful, rolling acres just 15 minutes south of downtown. Self-guided tours take you through 16 restored 19th-century log cabins filled with authentic period furnishings, and you can even try hands-on pioneer crafts like making butter in a jar.
Tennessee Wings of Liberty Museum
101st Airborne Div Ave, Fort Campbell | Tues–Sat 9AM–4PM (Closed Sun/Mon) | Free (No Military ID Needed)
Spanning 50,000 square feet outside the Fort Campbell gates, this impressive facility is the second-largest museum in the U.S. Army enterprise. It honors the legendary 101st Airborne Division and Special Operations forces with immersive exhibits from World War II to present day.
Shopping & Local Markets
Miss Lucille’s Marketplace
2231-A Madison St | Mon–Sat 10AM–6PM, Sun 11AM–5PM | Free Entry
I lost track of time wandering booth after booth. Every corner seemed to reveal something different, from vintage signs to handmade gifts. This sprawling 52,000-square-foot treasure trove is packed with local vendor booths. The wide aisles make browsing effortless and you can pause for lunch inside at Miss Lucille’s Cafe.
Clarksville Downtown Market
1 W Public Square | Saturdays 8AM–1PM (May–October) | Free Entry
A bustling open-air market bringing together regional farmers, bakers and artisans. Grab fresh produce, handmade crafts and baked goods while enjoying live music—and don’t forget to snap a photo with “Corny the Cob,” the market mascot.
Craft Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries
Leatherwood Distillery
1030 S Riverside Dr | Wed–Thurs 12PM–9PM, Fri–Sat 12PM–11PM, Sun 12PM–6PM | Tastings ~$8–$15
Even if you’re not a whiskey enthusiast, Leatherwood’s riverside location makes it worth stopping by for the atmosphere alone. This veteran-owned craft distillery is one of Clarksville’s newest hotspots. Stop by for spirit tastings, creative cocktails, food trucks and weekend live music by the water.
Blackhorse Pub & Brewery
132 Franklin St | Mon–Thurs 11AM–10PM, Fri–Sat 11AM–11PM, Sun 10AM–9PM | $$ (Beer Flights ~$10)
If you enjoy trying local craft beer, Blackhorse is a great place to start since it helped put Clarksville’s brewery scene on the map. As the city’s very first craft brewery, Blackhorse serves up fresh house-brewed ales and tasting flights alongside beer-crust pizzas in an energetic downtown pub.
Old Glory Distilling Company
451 Alfred Thun Rd | Mon–Thurs 11AM–9PM, Fri–Sat 11AM–10PM, Sun 10AM–8PM | $$ ($14–$28)
Experience small-batch artisan spirits paired with fireside dining right inside a working craft distillery. Old Glory sources grains directly from trusted local farmers, distilling everything on-site from grain to glass. Take a tasting flight of their bourbon, whiskey or moonshine, then relax at their on-site restaurant for spirit-infused seasonal dishes or head outside to The Silo, a lively outdoor space hosting Thursday Night Markets through mid-November, outdoor firepits and weekend live music.
Beachaven Vineyards & Winery
1100 Dunlop Ln | Mon–Sat 11AM–6PM, Sun 12PM–5PM | Wine Flights ~$10–$15
Sample award-winning Middle Tennessee wines amidst scenic vines near Austin Peay State University. I loved tasting the wine, but the wine slushy was my favorite. Take a tour of the production facilities, enjoy a flight on the picnic grounds or visit their secondary weekend tasting room right in downtown Clarksville.
Tap This
10 Old Eldridge Rd | Tues–Thurs 3PM–9PM, Fri–Sat 12PM–10PM, Sun 12PM–7PM | Pay-by-the-ounce
A casual, dog- and family-friendly taproom on Public Square featuring a self-serve draft wall. You can pour your own beers, ciders or seltzers by the ounce, bring in your own food from nearby restaurants and test your knowledge during Saturday night trivia. This wasn’t open when I visited, but it is on my list for my next trip to Clarksville.
Foodie Finds
The food scene in Clarksville is what surprised me the most. They have delicious scratch-made, locally sourced eateries. A few of our favorites are the Wildflour Bistro , The Mailroom , Strawberry Alley Ale Works , Legend’s Smokehouse & Grill , Edward’s Steak House and a new addition, Old Glory Distilling & Silo Park .
For tasting notes and restaurant details, check out: When it’s Time to Dine: 14 Delicious Clarksville TN Restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Clarksville, TN
It is about an hour’s drive northwest of Nashville via I-24W (approx. 50 miles/50-55 minutes), making it a super easy day trip or weekend getaway! Clarksville was an easy drive from Nashville. I thought it worked particularly well as a weekend getaway because there was enough to keep us busy without feeling rushed.
I visited with a few writer friends and we had an absolute blast! It is packed with spots perfect for a girlfriend getaway—from wandering through 52,000 square feet of antiques and decor at Miss Lucille’s Marketplace to sipping wine at Beachaven Vineyards or enjoying scratch-made meals downtown.
Clarksville is very budget-friendly! You can walk or bike the 9-mile Clarksville Greenway, stroll along the Cumberland Riverwalk at McGregor Park, hunt for downtown public art and murals or explore the historic earthworks and outdoor grounds at Fort Defiance Civil War Park without spending anything.
Dunbar Cave is located right in town near many Clarksville hotels. In addition to taking a guided tour of the 8,000-year-old cave to see historic wall markings, you can hike wooded trails around the lake or enjoy a peaceful picnic before heading downtown for shopping and lunch.
Fort Campbell, Kentucky, is located just minutes across the state line! Many service members are stationed there and fall in love with the area, deciding to make Clarksville their permanent home after retirement. As a result, veterans proudly own and operate many of the city’s best restaurants, breweries, distilleries and retail shops.
Read More
- The Best Places to Stay in Clarksville, Tennessee: 10 Top Hotel Choices
- When it’s Time to Dine: 14 Delicious Clarksville TN Restaurants
- Clarksville, TN With Kids: Where History Meets Outdoor Fun
- 15+ Incredibly Fun Things to Do in Tennessee with Kids
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