These four women are among the thousands who live, work, serve and play in Clarksville-Montgomery County, Tennessee. We've asked them what they love most about Clarksville and how they intentionally live local. Like most women, they each wear MANY hats -- a testament to their strength, courage, and leadership. Their answers are as diverse as they are. We hope you'll be inspired to discover some of their favorite places and activities.
Shana Thornton is a listener, a mom, the author of four novels, a supporter of Clarksville arts and history, a book publisher, an editor, a trail runner, a yoga teacher, and the owner of Thorncraft Publishing. She publishes the yoga book series, BreatheYourOMBalance®. Shana is the founder of the Clarksville/Montgomery County African American Legacy Trail (2019), and she is the president of Friends of Dunbar Cave, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and preserving Dunbar Cave State Park.
How long have you lived in Clarksville?
I am a native Tennesseean, born in Gainesboro, then came to Clarksville for my undergraduate degree at APSU. I traveled and worked for a few years then returned to APSU for my graduate degree. My husband and I decided to stay here when we bought our first home 14 years ago, and we have a family here now.
In one sentence, what do you love most about living here?
I love the diverse backgrounds of the people who live here and the combination that Clarksville offers: outdoors—nature, rivers, trails, and farmland—and commerce in a city with an active arts community.
What are your top must-sees for visiting friends or family?
- Dunbar Cave State Park: Dunbar Cave is a must-see for its unique artwork from Mississippian indigenous tribes as well as Cherokee syllabary in the cave. If cave tours are available, they are excellent.
- The Roxy Regional Theatre: Any play at the Roxy. The marquee is always picturesque.
- Rotary Park: Beautiful trails, creek walking, and disc golf is fun, too!
- The Cumberland Riverwalk and Upland Trail: I love this urban trail along the river and up to Dog Hill, possibly going through downtown. Great river and downtown views of the historic Montgomery County Courthouse. Kids love the pedestrian bridges across the roadways.
- The Customs House Museum and Cultural Center: I always enjoy taking people to the Legacies of Leadership exhibition so that people can “see” Clarksville history. The Museum has a variety of exhibitions, but this one is permanent and therefore always possible to show visitors.
Where’s your favorite place to meet friends?
I like meeting friends outdoors, so the parks located around town are perfect places. My top two are Dunbar Cave State Park and Rotary Park, but that is because I enjoy running or hiking on the trails with my friends. The Greenway and Liberty Park are two locations that I didn’t mention above and are great paved locations for running and walking.
What’s your go-to restaurant and meal?
Oh, such a tough question! I’m a big fan of dessert, so I’d have to say Golly G’s affogato is my go-to—an espresso with ice cream, my favorite is the Buttercream ice cream.
What’s your favorite outdoor activity?
Besides trail running the beautiful locations at Clarksville parks, canoeing/kayaking the Red River is my top outdoor activity! It’s so much fun and beautiful to float the river and read a book.
What’s your favorite event?
Downtown at Sundown at Downtown Commons is a favorite for my family. It is infectious, vibrant, always festive, and is a wonderful addition to downtown Clarksville. I miss this event series since Covid: Hearing different bands, people danced and children played together—my family and I tried to attend this series as much as possible. We hope it returns in 2021.
What’s your favorite local shop?
Hudubam, the bookstore, of course! We need everyone to support our local bookstore. It is a treasure to have a place dedicated to the discovery and magic found in books and storytelling. Another favorite: Seasons: The Museum Store at the Customs House is an excellent gift shop. They offer unique and specifically Clarksville gifts. They feature local artists and artwork. They have toys and games for children, jewelry, pottery, cards, books...a wide variety!
Tish Orocio is a military wife, mother, and mortgage loan officer.
How long have you lived in Clarksville?
I am is a Kansas City native but have lived in Clarksville for 15 years. I served in the Fort Campbell/Clarksville real estate market for 12 years and enjoy helping clients achieve their homebuying goals.
In one sentence, what do you love most about living here?
I love that our city has a lot to offer families and businesses. We have a strong real estate market, great schools, and I love our proximity to Fort Campbell military base.
What are your top must-sees for visiting friends or family?
My top must-sees include downtown Clarksville to check out the local restaurants and shops, Liberty Park & Marina, Rotary Park, and Fort Campbell military base.
Where’s your favorite place to meet friends?
I love to have brunch at Strawberry Alley Ale Works, coffee at Yada on Franklin, and ice cream at Golly G’s.
What’s your go-to restaurant and meal?
My favorite go-to restaurant in town is Blackhorse Pub & Brewery. Their pizzas are amazing! I also really enjoy Casa Blanca Mexican Restaurant. They have delicious Mexican food and they are walking distance from my office. I basically eat there every day for lunch. 😊
What’s your favorite outdoor activity?
I enjoy going on a walk with my kids and dogs at Rotary Park. Rotary Park is a beautiful nature park with hiking/biking trails.
What’s your favorite event?
I really enjoy the Movies in Park series that Clarksville Parks & Recreation offers. It is a great time for my family and me to enjoy an outdoor movie experience.
What’s your favorite local shop?
My favorite local shop is Miss Lucille’s Marketplace. They have so much to offer from handmade goods, antiques, furniture, and unique gifts. I can spend hours browsing this store.
Maria Jimenez is Owner of Jimenez Consulting & Tax Services, Author of Accounting for Preschoolers, Founder and Chief Finance Hispanos Emprendedores, Partner and CFO of JCStaxes, Cancer Survivor, Mother, Wife, Daughter, Sister, Entrepreneur, Dreamer, Fighter, Immigrant Activist, and Community Activist.
How long have you lived in Clarksville?
I came to Clarksville in 2004 from Venezuela.
In one sentence, what do you love most about living here?
I love the city's welcoming feeling.
What are your top must-sees for visiting friends or family?
- Customs House Museum and Cultural Center
- Downtown Commons
- Beachaven Vineyards & Winery
- Downtown Shopping
Where’s your favorite place to meet friends?
Downtown Commons
What’s your go-to restaurant and meal?
My favorite go-to restaurant is Casa Blanca.
What’s your favorite event?
Riverfest, held along the RiverWalk the first weekend after Labor Day.
What’s your favorite local shop?
Downtown stores...all of them!!!!
Kristina Waugh is the choral director at Rossview High School and has been teaching music for 16 years. In addition to her interest in music, she is also a certified health coach. Kristina is originally from Ohio but has enjoyed making Tennessee her home with her husband, two young sons, and two dachshund puppies.
How long have you lived in Clarksville?
We moved to Clarksville seven years ago when my husband began teaching trumpet at Austin Peay State University. We were previously living in Terre Haute, Indiana.
In one sentence, what do you love most about living here?
Clarksville has a little bit of everything including close proximity to Nashville, beautiful nature, and a welcoming small-town feel.
What are your top must-sees for visiting friends or family?
When family visits, we typically will have dinner on the patio at Liberty Park overlooking the Cumberland River. We will either stop at Golly G’s for some ice cream or pick up their cinnamon rolls for breakfast. Some of our family members come every May to go strawberry picking at H & S Farms and that is one of the highlights of our spring. Taking a walk at Dunbar Caves and visiting the Customs House Museum is always on our to-do list when my nieces and nephew visit as well.
Where’s your favorite place to meet friends?
When we aren’t hanging around a firepit with neighbors, we like to meet friends at Strawberry Alley.
What’s your go-to restaurant and meal?
Our go-to restaurant is Strawberry Alley. My typical meal there is the house salad with their yummy honey herb vinaigrette dressing. We also love going to Strawberry Alley Upstairs for a late-night snack of their boneless wings or Margherita pizza.
What's your favorite outdoor activity?
I love the parks that Clarksville has to offer. My family loves hiking on the trails at Dunbar Caves and Rotary Park or playing at the playground at Liberty Park
What’s your favorite event?
I love attending the Gateway Chamber Orchestra concerts throughout the year, and during the holidays my family loves going to Christmas on the Cumberland.
What’s your favorite local shop?
I love shopping at Mildred & Mables for gifts. They have a wide variety of things from trendy clothes and accessories to home décor and unique gifts for any occasion
