The South is filled with charming cities that make popular weekend getaways for couples. One smaller city that might not be top-of-mind for travelers seeking romance is Clarksville, Tennessee.

The city’s convenient interstate access at the Tennessee/Kentucky border is about 45 miles from Nashville and makes a road trip possible for much of the mid-west and southeast. With a city-county population just shy of 250,000 residents, Clarksville combines an ideal blend of endearing small-town and affordability with bigger-city amenities. Pair this with its proximity to Nashville, and Clarksville presents a strong appeal for couples of all ages.

 

For Adventure Seekers

The natural beauty found among the city’s two rivers and rolling terrain is a scenic backdrop for various outdoor activities. Paved trails like the nine-mile Clarksville Greenway or five-mile Cumberland Riverwalk offer vistas that beautifully frame sunsets and sunrises. Swings and picnic tables dot both paths for an extra romantic touch.

During the summer months, activities like kayaking, canoeing, rafting or tubing on the Red River are sure to create fun memories. Or, reserve a guided tour at Dunbar Cave State Park to see Native American Mississippian art and learn about the indigenous people who occupied the cave centuries ago. The park grounds also reveal fascinating music and African American histories.

 

For Culture Cravers

Immersing oneself in local culture is an important and memorable part of travel. Clarksville’s performing arts scene includes the Roxy Regional Theatre, an intimate, Art Deco theatre offering a blend of professional and community performances year around. Exhibits and programming at The Customs House Museum & Cultural Center, Tennessee’s largest general history museum, ensure an impressive and educational experience. Galleries through the downtown area like River City Clay, Drafts by Olasubomi, Downtown Artists Co-Op and the Lorenzo Swinton Gallery are spaces that offer far more than created merchandise. Clarksville artists are committed to creating inclusive spaces that build community, promote art and provide artist engagement. With programming, classes and workshops, and free open space at places like ArtLink where anyone can create, Clarksville’s galleries are helping drive a strong Support Local movement.

More than 30 public art pieces adorn the city. Fountains, murals, statues and sculptures that illustrate the city’s history are most often created by resident local artists.

 

For Luxury Lovers

No getaway is complete without down time to relax and indulge together. For couples that enjoy treating themselves, and each other, to the best experiences, plan a day full of pampering. Explore a soothing couples massage, facial, pedicure and more among the city’s dozens of day spas.

For some, nothing says luxury like retail therapy. Beyond the city’s splendid galleries, collectors will delight in Clarksville’s array of antique shops. From massive warehouses to quaint spaces, spending a full day or two perusing one-of-a-kind and rare collectibles is easy.  

Specialty boutiques, along with coffee shops and pubs, fill downtown’s treasured historical architectural buildings. Find plants, books, vinyl records, home goods, jewelry, clothing and more nestled among pubs, public art and fountains in the idyllic main downtown streets.

If pairing a winery tour or tasting after a day of luxury is an obvious combination, add Beachaven Vineyards and Winery to the itinerary. Rated the Number 4 Best U.S. Winery Tour by Newsweek.com in 2024, Beachaven is Tennessee’s oldest, single-family-owned winery and will celebrate its 40th year of operation in 2026. The winery also recently opened a tasting room downtown.

 

For Foodies

Self-proclaimed “foodie” or not, dining can be an integral part of the travel-making decision and one of the most memorable aspects of the entire travel experience.

Adjacent to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and home to Austin Peay State University, Clarksville is one of the most diverse cities in Tennessee. Nowhere is this more evident than the city’s food scene, where most local restaurants are breweries are veteran-owned. Elevated pub food, distillery restaurants, roof-top bars and patio dining (sans the stunning river views) may be found in most mid-size cities. But in Clarksville, diners can also enjoy authentic Latin American, South American, European, and Asian Realm cuisine alongside traditional Southern fare. Tennessee’s first licensed meadery sits beside a 33-year-old brewery, an international wine bar across the street from a Puerto Rican coffee shop, a brewpub down the block from an English Tea Room, and South American, Korean and American dishes served in a renovated 1940s Post Office.

 

Staying in Style

Accommodations are plentiful in Clarksville with more than 3,100 hotel rooms and over 1,200 short-term rental properties. With a convenience that’s hard to top, the Doubletree by Hilton opened in October 2024 boasting unobstructed river views (and river sunsets) from its west side windows, and historic downtown outside its front door.

Themed Airbnb rentals like The Pink House and Old Clarksville House with prohibition-ear décor and a hidden speakeasy (BYOB), add to the charm and originality of a Clarksville getaway.

 

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Photo Caption: A young couple enjoys a flight at the Beachaven Winery Tasting Room while playing Jinga.

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Michelle Dickerson
Senior Director of Marketing & PR
(o) 931.245.4337  l  (c) 931.436.4362
michelle@visitclarksvilletn.com