Clarksville, Tennessee, located between two rivers and blessed with miles of creeks and gently rolling hills, will be shining in beauty in the autumn of 2024. As the air turns crisp, visitors and locals alike enjoy seasonal foods and beverages while enjoying a variety of fall festivals and events that celebrate the rich culture and spirit of the region.
WHERE TO STAY
A new Doubletree by Hilton opens downtown on November 1. Located between the historic downtown center and the Cumberland River, this property is convenient and stylish with spectacular views. The Storybook Cottage Airbnb opened in August at the downtown perimeter for a one-of-a-kind experience. The décor in each room represents the point of view from that story’s main character.
WHERE TO EAT
Falling temperatures make patio dining a highlight of an autumn visit. The Restaurant at Old Glory Distilling features a spirit-inspired menu, a large outdoor seating and play area with live weekend music and an indoor/outdoor bar. At Liberty Park Grill, diners will enjoy American fare on a patio aside the city’s marina with a Cumberland River sunset.
OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES
Clay shooting at Cross Creek Clays delivers the added benefit of being miles away from the city amid some of Middle Tennessee’s most beautiful countryside. The property’s expansive clubhouse gives mountaintop vibes with a massive outdoor firepit, swing and rocking chairs. Arguably the best view in the region, the sweeping vantage atop Kings Bluff Rock Climbing Park includes the Cumberland River and a seemingly infinite rural landscape. The River Club and Swan Lake Golf Course are surrounded by woods and wildlife. For terrific foliage, enjoy a stroll or bike ride along the Cumberland Riverwalk or hike the five intersecting trails at Rotary Park.
HISTORIC & CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
Located about 20 minutes beyond downtown, Historic Collinsville provides another soothing county drive. Tour the 40-acre pioneer settlement and house museum, a collection of 17 authentically furnished structures dating from 1840-1910. Fort Defiance Civil War Park sits atop a 200-foot bluff overlooking the confluence of the Cumberland and Red Rivers, where Clarksville was established in 1784. The Customs House Museum & Cultural Center shares interactive art, history and cultural exhibits, both rotating and permanent, about the region’s notable history, people and places. Kids of all ages love the Bubble Cave and large model train exhibit. Learn about the city’s Olympic gold medalists, Wilma Rudolph and Pat Head Summitt, at the museum then see their statues at Liberty Park.
ADULT BEVERAGES
Taste the flavors of the season at Star Spangled Brewing, Strawberry Alley Ale Works, and Blackhorse Pub and Brewery. Tours, tastings and live music are on tap each weekend through October at both Beachaven Vineyards & Winery and Old Glory Distilling.
PUBLIC ART
See evidence of Clarksville’s active and talented arts community in downtown galleries like River City Clay, the Downtown Artists Co-Op and Lorenzo Swinton Gallery. Outside, murals and sculptures are impressive and provide ideal selfie spots. The newest mural, Last Train to Clarksville, is located at 136 Commerce Street. Especially creative (or want-to-be-creative) visitors may want to try their hand at creating their own art with a pottery workshop or open session at ArtLink Studio.
INDOOR FAMILY FUN
The City Forum is a family mecca of entertainment options with two-story laser tag, a carousel, putt-putt, go-karts, an arcade and more – all under one roof. D&D Blacklight Golf and Rage’N Axe also offer fun and memorable twists on traditional indoor activities.
EVENTS
Free outdoor concerts continue through October at Downtown Commons. The Downtown at Sundown series features tribute bands of top artists across multiple genres. Artsville Fest celebrates all the arts and invites residents and visitors to create throughout downtown the first Saturday in October. The city’s 8th Annual Oktoberfest happens at Beachaven Winery September 27-29.
Discover other fall events and travel inspiration at visitclarksvilletn.com/falltravel.
ABOUT VISIT CLARKSVILLE
Since 1979, Visit Clarksville has served as the destination marketing organization for Clarksville-Montgomery County. Its mission is to positively influence tourism in the area by promoting tourist attractions, hosting conventions and group tours, and engaging in large-scale marketing efforts. In 2015, the tourism organization adopted the Visit Clarksville brand. They are funded by a portion of the county’s lodging tax. In 2022, domestic tourism spending in Montgomery County totaled over $371 million.