As the temperatures cool and the fall colors explode, the scenic landscape of Clarksville, Tennessee becomes even more picturesque. River bluffs and creek-side trails, the finest seasonal foods and brews, along with spirited festivals combine to give visitors an unforgettable fall getaway.

 

Adventure

Located about 45 minutes northwest of Nashville along I-24, Clarksville is a soft adventure haven. Visitors and locals flock to the city’s trails, paths, waterways, courses and bluffs to experience the essence of fall. The five-mile paved Cumberland Riverwalk meanders along the Cumberland and Red Rivers, where visitors can walk, jog or rent a bike. Connect with the Upland Trail by a pedestrian bridge to expand your trek into the city’s historic downtown. Don’t miss the history lesson at the Cumberland River Center where illustrated panels tell the story of Clarksville’s development from that very vantage point. End an evening in a riverside swing watching a vivid river sunset.

Another paved trail, the 9-mile Clarksville Greenway is a mostly tree-canopied walkway with both hills and flat sections, bridges, open vistas and wildlife galore. B-cycle rentals are available here are well and pets are welcome on leashes.

For a more traditional hiking excursion, explore Rotary Park’s five miles of moderate foot and bike trails. Creek walks, disc golf, picnic areas, woodland playgrounds and an immersive nature center are all part of a terrific family experience.

 

Food

Days of play need fuel and restoration. Several of the city’s restaurants feature elaborate spreads for weekend brunch. In addition to a menu where items are tiered, sharable, and beautifully presented, The Mad Herbalist, serves seasonal teas hot, cold or sparkling – or try a flight with all three. Set in a historic cabin in the woods, the serene environment only adds to the delicious culinary experience. Blackhorse Pub & Brewery, Yada on Franklin, and Dock 17 are other popular weekend spots.

If you’re an early riser and eater, Wild Flour Bake Shop’s breakfast will give you a hearty and satisfying start. Their two locations offer creative flavor combinations, all featuring house-made breads. The Cinnamon Roll and Banana Bread French Toasts are popular and available through lunchtime as well.

In the evening, there’s no better way to savor an outdoor meal than on a restaurant’s patio or balcony. Conveniently, two of Clarksville’s most popular are located only a block apart. The Mailroom, a converted 1940s post office, gives diners options for Korean, South American and traditional Southern entrees, plus craft cocktails. Outdoor seating overlooks the quaint Strawberry Alley to the south with river views to the north. A block away sits Strawberry Alley Ale Works, an elevated brewpub with some of the best Shrimp & Grits around. The Bourbon Burger and Potato Chip Nachos with house brews are also fan favorites. Two stories of balconies give diners sublime river sunset views.

When the beverages are equally as important as the food, Clarksville will not disappoint. Seven breweries, three distilleries, a winery and meadery produce craft spirits with the finest locally grown ingredients.

 

Festivities

Historic cemetery tours are a fun and educational way to celebrate the season and learn more about a place’s history and people. Two of this city’s historic cemeteries, Greenwood and Riverview, host tours each weekend in October. Day With the Dead, on October 7, is also a popular and immersive event at Riverview Cemetery, where you’ll hear stories of famed and infamous residents from actors in period clothing portraying the deceased. Similarly, on a lantern tour at Historic Collinsville Pioneer Settlement on October 13, visitors will venture on a guided tour through the darkness and hear tales from Montgomery County’s past, some scary and some not, but all true.

Spread your creative wings during ArtsvilleFest on Saturday, October 7. This event will feature multiple community art projects, live muralists and chalk artists, vendors, kid zones with jump houses and more.

Jazz on the Lawn (October 28) and Downtown @ Sundown (October 6 and 20) wrap up their summer concert series with live music outdoors at Beachaven Winery and Downtown Commons. Professional hockey comes to the new F&M Bank Arena (October 13) and ClarksvilleCon (October 21) is a large and popular comic convention featuring fandoms of multiple genres.

To discover more fun fall adventures and find your new favorite flavors, see visitclarksvilletn.com/falltravel.

About Visit Clarksville

The Clarksville-Montgomery County Tourism Commission was established by the State of Tennessee in 1979 to positively influence tourism in the Clarksville-Montgomery County area by promoting tourist attractions, hosting conventions and group tours, and engaging in large-scale marketing efforts. In 2015, the organization adopted the Visit Clarksville brand. Visit Clarksville is governed by a nine-member board of directors and is funded by a portion of the local hotel-motel tax. In 2021, tourism spending in Montgomery County totaled $341 million, according to an annual report from the US Travel Association, Tourism Economics, and U.S. Census Bureau.

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