Looking for a weekend getaway that mixes good food, local flavor and just the right amount of quirky fun? Clarksville, Tenn., delivers all that and more for a girls’ trip that’s anything but ordinary.
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Why you should visit Clarksville
Clarksville might not be the first place that comes to mind for a girls’ trip, but it should be. Home to Austin Peay State University, this historic town has grown into a dynamic destination with a strong arts scene, locally owned restaurants and plenty to keep a group entertained. Clarksville makes it easy to fill a long weekend with memorable moments.
It’s close enough to Nashville to make travel simple but far enough to keep things affordable and less crowded. The downtown area is easy to walk in, and packed with locally run shops, galleries and experiences that feel genuinely connected to the community, giving you so much to do in Clarksville.
Sara Nelson, a writer with Real Balanced, first experienced Clarksville when her best friend lived there. “When I visited, we stopped by Miss Lucille’s Marketplace and had lunch at Miss Lucille’s Cafe, which is inside the market. We enjoyed great food and loved the variety and mix of vendors and small-business stalls. It was fun to explore, and the cafe made it a perfect stop,” she explains. “I didn’t expect to enjoy the town so much, but the lunch and market showcases the area and its vibes perfectly.”
Kick off your weekend with Downtown @ Sundown
If you’re visiting in the summer, plan your trip around Downtown @ Sundown. This free outdoor concert series takes place every other Friday night from May through October at the Downtown Commons. Local and regional acts play a mix of genres, and the vibe is relaxed and welcoming.
Bring your own chair and make sure to set it up before you head to dinner. You are allowed to bring in food and non-alcoholic beverages if you want to make a picnic of it. The concert does have food trucks if you prefer, but there are so many great restaurants in the area that you don’t want to miss out.
The concert attracts thousands who pack the green, and you’ll see families with kids dancing barefoot in the grass next to college students and retirees. The event has great energy, and while you may not always know the acts playing, they do a great job.
Enjoy live theater with Roxy magic
The Roxy Regional Theatre has been a staple of Clarksville’s arts scene since 1983, and it continues to deliver high-quality community theater in an intimate venue. While the historic building undergoes major renovations, performances have been transferred to a nearby location, maintaining the same charm and talent.
If you time your visit right, you can choose from theater packages that partner with local restaurants to make your experience even more affordable. Dinner and a show or a mimosa and a matinee both come with a fixed menu at a very affordable price. However, they do sell out, so book them in advance. The performances range from classic musicals to locally produced plays, and the casts often feature a mix of local actors and professionals who give the productions real energy.
Explore local spirits and wine tastings
Clarksville offers two strong options for those who enjoy local drinks. Old Glory Distilling Co. serves up smooth Tennessee whiskey. Sign up for the behind-the-scenes tour that walks you through their grain-to-glass process and finish it with a tasting flight before you head over for dinner at the on-site restaurant. The atmosphere is casual but polished, perfect for kicking off an evening out.
If wine is more your speed, you’ll love Beachaven Vineyards & Winery. The exceptionally friendly staff offers tastings seven days a week, and you can bring your own picnic to enjoy with a bottle outside overlooking the vines. On weekends, they bring in food trucks and also operate a flight bar where you can purchase glasses and bottles of their dry, semi-sweet, sweet and sparkling wines.
Tap This is a recently opened bar located near the new Roxy Theater. It has a great, laid-back atmosphere and a fun selection of board games to play during your visit at no extra charge. When you arrive, they provide you with a card that you tap on the dispensers of 12 rotating selections of beer, cider and specialty alcoholic beverages to get as much or as little as you like, charged by the ounce in a fun venue.
Make your own art at ArtLink
ArtLink is a non-profit community art space that makes it easy to try something new without the pressure of perfection, especially when it’s an art form you may have never tried before. ArtLink doesn’t require a reservation for you to choose from hands-on projects like hydro-dipping, shrinky dinks, acrylic pours or candle making.
It’s a great stop for a rainy afternoon or just a change of pace from sightseeing. The staff are helpful and patient. You can each choose a different activity if you prefer, then walk away with a handmade souvenir that doesn’t feel like a trinket.
Get on the water with Float Ya Boat
For a low-key adventure, spend part of a day floating in a tube down the Red River with Float Ya Boat. They provide all the gear and handle the logistics, so it’s an easy way to get outside and see another side of Clarksville.
You’re welcome to bring beverages, as long as they’re not in glass containers. The trip may take anywhere from two to four hours, depending on river conditions, and you end at your vehicle to make it easy. Be sure to bring a towel, sunscreen and a change of clothes. They have dry bags and phone pouches for sale on the shuttle to the drop-off point, but bring your own to make it easier.
Have fun with history and nature
The Customs House Museum and Cultural Center is one of the most unexpected highlights in town. Housed in a former post office built in 1898, it combines regional history, local art and interactive exhibits that are fun for both adults and kids.
One of the most popular features is the Bubble Cave, where you can create and step inside a giant soap bubble. They also have fantastic rotating art exhibits, local history displays and several opportunities to learn about the people and events that shaped Clarksville.
For something outdoorsy, take a guided cave tour at Dunbar Cave State Park. Humans have used the cave for thousands of years, and it features visible Mississippian Native American cave art. Tours run from May to September, pending weather, offering a fascinating look at both the natural and cultural history of the area.
History buffs should also stop by Fort Defiance Civil War Park and Interpretive Center. This site played a strategic role during the Civil War and includes walking trails, a small museum and scenic overlooks of the Cumberland and Red Rivers. It’s well shaded, so this is a great stop to slow down and chat while you explore.
Have a brunch that doubles as a DIY workshop
The Mad Herbalist offers one of the most unique brunches in town. Open Thursday through Sunday, the cafe is tucked into a quiet wooded area and serves up layered brunch trays, herbal tea flights and inventive dishes that change with the seasons.
What makes it truly special is that you can also create your own body care products on-site. Choose from lotion, room spray or hand sanitizer, then mix your own custom scents using their curated selection of essential oils. This is another fun souvenir to bring home to remember your girls’ trip to Clarksville.
Where to find coffee and great local food
Clarksville has a thriving food scene that’s full of surprises. For the best local coffee, head to The Amsterdam Local Cafe, a stylish spot with great brews, breakfast options and a cozy vibe that’s perfect for lingering.
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, Strawberry Alley Ale Works serves elevated pub food made from scratch and has an in-house brewery. Their rooftop seating is especially popular on nice evenings.
The downtown area is packed with restaurants, and you’ll find everything from Pinky’s Up Afternoon Tea for a creative tea service to Yada on Franklin for a fabulous brunch or late-night cocktail, all within walking distance.
Make it your kind of trip
Plan your girls’ trip because Clarksville delivers a surprising range of experiences. It’s got history, hands-on activities, live music, good food and plenty of chances to just relax and enjoy the moment with your favorite people.
It’s easy to get to, simple to navigate and full of unexpected fun that makes it feel like more than just a stop between bigger cities. For a weekend that’s affordable, memorable and completely your own, Clarksville deserves a spot on your list.
Michelle Price is a food and travel writer at Honest and Truly Travels who almost has an empty nest. She loves to share her favorite places and spaces to get you on the road to enjoy new adventures.