Before you keep reading: GoldenAgeTrips.com is making use of affiliate links, which in some cases will end up in a commission for purchases originated from this website. However, all referred companies/products/accommodations have been tried out or researched by us first. This post was also created with the help of Visit Clarksville, who hosted us for a weekend. 

Don F. Pratt Museum

Military Helicopter with the United States Cavalry insignia – One of the many military aircraft on the museum’s park. 

Some will say the Don F. Pratt Museum is not in Tennessee, but Kentucky since that is the official address of Fort Campbell where the museum is.

However, if you look back into the history of this military base, you’ll find out politics might have played a part on why Fort Campbell is in Kentucky and not in Tennessee (as the city limits indicate).  So because of this and how close is it to Clarksville, I’ll include it on this list.

The Don F. Pratt Museum was established in 1956 but underwent a renovation and reopened to the public in 2018. Thanks to Visit Clarksville TN I was able to visit the museum during Memorial Day Weekend, which made this visit a more reflective one.

The museum’s focus centers on the 101st Airborne Division (“Screaming Eagles”), and their role in the US Military and through different battles and campaigns.

As the name of the museum suggests, there is also memorabilia of Brig. Gen. Don F. Pratt, the highest-ranking Allied officer killed on D-Day.

Memorial in honor of the 11th Airborne Division – First activated during World War II.

Also on display, there are military uniforms through the years, “barracks,” military equipment, and even a completely restored CG-4A cargo glider. Outside, there is a park with fully restored military aircraft and tanks that will impress everyone.

All items have descriptions, and you don’t need to be an expert on military history to appreciate the memorabilia, how they are displayed, but most importantly, the lives remembered through the museum.

Note: To visit the Don F. Pratt Museum you need to have a USA Government Issued ID. At check in you might be subject to the inspection of your car, and you need to state where you are going. 

For Hours & More Information Click Here

Customs House Museum and Cultural Center 

The Customs House Museum and Cultural Center building was inspired by the different styles used in Victorian America.

One of the most well-known and photographed buildings in Clarksville is the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center, erected in 1898.

Based on its name you can deduce this building has not been a museum during all its lifetime, but that it used to be a Customs House/Post Office during the booming tobacco trade.

Today, the building houses items and collections that display Clarksville’s and Montgomery County history and culture. Since their 1996 expansion, its 50,000 sq ft makes the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center the second’s largest museum in Tennessee.

There is historical, scientific, and artistic material. There are also permanent and rotating exhibitions for every age.

One of the most entertaining exhibits we stumbled upon was the Bubble Cave (which is supposed to be for kids), but I’m pretty sure anyone will have fun making gigantic bubbles in which you are inside.

View of Memory Lane from one of the doors at the exhibition Our Town: Stories Within Clarksville’s Doorways.

I also truly enjoyed “Our Town: Stories Within Clarksville’s Doorways.” A temporary exhibition that includes doorways from various Clarksville institutions, together with photographs and artifacts.

When visiting make sure you have enough time to make the most of your visit. Because of its size, you can easily spend half a day here going through all the different exhibitions, displays and participating from scheduled activities.

For Hours & More Information Click Here

Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretative Center

View of Downtown Clarksville from Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretative Center.

Built during the American Civil War on the Cumberland River, Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretative Center four acres watches over Downtown Clarksville.

Thanks in part to how the fort was involved in skirmishes and not big battles between the Union and Confederates armies, previous owners that preserved the land, and money that was given from the City of Clarksville for the construction of the Interpretative Center, the area looks very well maintained and you can get in touch with nature and history at the same time.

Cannon and Trails at Fort Defiance.

It is also worth mentioning that the people that work at the Fort are knowledgeable, personable and will teach you everything you need to know about Fort Defiance’s history.

I was also able to catch a presentation by Mark Britton at an activity organized by Friends of Fort Defiance.

Here he spoke about medical treatments and medicine during the Civil War. Additionally, he taught about medicine and doctors in the 1860s and brought 19th-century medical instruments (including leeches!). If you are interested in the Schedule of Events organized by Friends of Fort Defiance Click Here.

For Hours & More Information Click Here

As you can see, this is only a snippet of things to do in the city of Clarksville. The previously mentioned museums can be comfortably explored during a weekend visit. For more information about things to do and see in Clarksville, TN during a weekend click here for Clarksville, Tennessee: The Ultimate Weekend Guide.

More about Clarksville, Tennessee:

6 of the Most Instagrammable Spots in Clarksville, TN

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The post 3 Must-See Museums for All the Family in Clarksville, Tennessee appeared first on Golden Age Trips.

Before you keep reading: GoldenAgeTrips.com is making use of affiliate links, which in some cases will end up in a commission for purchases originated from this website. However, all referred companies/products/accommodations have been tried out or researched by us first. This post was also created with the help of Visit Clarksville, who hosted us for a weekend. 

Clarksville Downtown Market

Fresh Peaches in Clarksville Downtown Market

If you’re lucky enough to visit Clarksville between May and October, you shouldn’t miss the Clarksville Downtown Market. On Saturdays, the Clarksville Downtown Market features local artisans, crafters, and farmers who are showcasing and selling handcrafted items and their freshest produce.

Fruits and vegetables photograph very nice, especially in portrait mode if you’re using your cell phone. 

Downtown Commons

Downtown Commons feature in Downtown Clarksville

One of the coolest places I saw during my visit to Clarksville was the Downtown Commons. From historic markers, to rain gardens, and public art, this extremely well-thought place has something for everyone. It seems to be a favorite of families and kids, and also photographers.

The good thing is that thanks to its strategic location you don’t have to drive too far out of the city to take some good pictures. As the name suggests, you can find this oasis in Downtown Clarksville, and it not only looks good during the day but also during the night.

Trinity Episcopal Church

Isn’t this a beautiful door? I need to admit one of my guilty pleasures is to see pictures of those very talented instagrammers in front of pretty doors around the world (or just the doors). When I visited Clarksville, TN during Memorial Day Weekend I saw a few pretty doors, but these ones from the Trinity Episcopal Church are something special. Btw, I finished my first post about Clarksville, so feel free to click the link on my Bio to read more about it.

A post shared by Sheila Berríos (@goldenagetrips) on Jun 5, 2018 at 12:00pm PDT

I let my Instagram do the talking for this one.

Montgomery County Court

Montgomery County Court 

The Montgomery County Court is a great piece of architecture. It was restored and remodeled after a tornado that hit the city in 1999. However, it matches perfectly with the historic downtown. Its details, grounds, and exquisite symmetry make it Instagram-worthy and is definitely a must-see in Clarksville.

Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretative Center

Views for days of Downtown Clarksville from Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretative Center. Located at 200 feet above the confluence of the Red and Cumberland Rivers, this park has a visitor center with exhibits, trails, and as you can see, views. Photo by InstaGuest @goldenagetrips #visitclarksvilletn #visitclarksville #clarksville #clarksvilletennessee #tennessee #madeintn #downtownclarksville #fortdefiance

A post shared by Visit Clarksville (@visitclarksvilletn) on May 26, 2018 at 2:42pm PDT

Visit Clarksville gave me the opportunity to take over their Instagram during my visit, and one of the pictures I shared with their audience was a view of Downtown Clarksville taken from the Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretative Center.

One ‘insider tip’ an employee shared with me was that it looks spectacular during the Winter, especially after it has snowed.

Cumberland River

Today for #SundaySunsets I want to share this one from last Sunday at @Clarksville_CVB. The Cumberland River looked beautiful. pic.twitter.com/43UBoNgz47

— goldenagetrips (@goldenagetrips) June 4, 2018

The Cumberland River looks beautiful during the day, but it likes to put on a show during ‘sunset time.’ And let’s be honest, sunset pictures are kind of popular in Instagram. I took this picture from my room at the Riverview Inn (Book It Here!), but you can also go to the McGregor Park Riverwalk for a good shot.

Clarksville Fountains

Fountain behind the Montgomery County Courthouse

Clarksville has its proper share of fountains, so pick your favorite and start snapping some pictures. The one pictured here was one of my favorites, together with one that can be found in Strawberry Alley street.

Bonus:

Clarksville is home to historic train stations, a cave, distillery, a winery and many more instagrammable locations. For a detailed weekend itinerary that will help you plan your visit to Clarksville, Tennessee (and plan in advance your next profile picture) click here.

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Montgomery County Courthouse – Clarksville, TN

Before you keep reading: GoldenAgeTrips.com is making use of affiliate links, which in some cases will end up in a commission for purchases originated from this website. However, all referred companies/products/accommodations have been tried out or researched by us first. This post was also created with the help of Visit Clarksville, who hosted us for a weekend. 

Clarksville, TN is a city where most of its economy relies on blue-collar jobs, how close it is to Fort Campbell (United States Army base), and in the presence of the Austin Peay State University. Nonetheless, it will be the future home of what Google calls their ‘most advanced data center worldwide’.

It is also a city that is investing time and money into preserving its history in world-class museums, scheduling community events, building public and art spaces, and where new restaurants and stores appear to be popping up every few months.

At this point, I know you are starting to pay attention (if not, you should!), so let’s start with the basics.

Water feature inspired on the geology of the Clarksville region at the Downtown Commons.

How do I get to Clarksville, Tennessee?

By Car: As mentioned earlier in the article, Clarksville is only 50 minutes away from Nashville. The city exits can be found along Interstate 24 which starts in Marion, Illinois and ends in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

By Bus: There is a Greyhound bus stop in Clarksville. A Greyhound bus from Nashville to Clarksville does not take more than 1 hour 10 min.

By Plane: The closest airport to Clarksville is Nashville International Airport (Code: BNA – No, it’s not a typo. The airport’s original name was Berry Field.)

What to do in Clarksville, Tennessee?

Friday

Arrive on a Friday and start strolling through Downtown & Franklin Street. This area has seen tornadoes and floods, but today is the place to be seen. Historic buildings line the streets, and architecture lovers will be delighted.

On your self-guided walking tour don’t miss:

• Montgomery County Courthouse
• First Presbyterian Church of Clarksville
• Trinity Episcopal Church 
• Downtown Commons

It is the perfect day for some cocktails and light bites. Keep reading to find out where to eat and drink in Clarksville. 

Saturday

Customs House Museum and Cultural Center

Wake up early, because there are lots to do. If you’re visiting during late May and early October you can even eat breakfast at the Clarksville Downtown Market. There are baked goods, crafts, and produce. I also found Horchata. Across the street from where the market is located there is the Downtown Artists Co-op, displaying the work of local Clarksville artists. Don’t overlook it.

While you are still downtown, pay a visit to the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center. This place does not only looks good on the outside but also the inside. It is Tennessee’s seconds largest museum, and one of the things I liked the most was how interactive it was. Kids will love it.

Then, visit Dunbar Cave State Park or Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretative Center. If you want to book a cave tour, they are offered seasonal, and you better book them in advance because they sell out quick. 

In the afternoon visit Beachaven Winery and consider ending your night by catching a show at the Roxy Regional Theatre, and intimate and dazzling venue.

Sunday

Miss Lucille’s Marketplace 

Start your day with a walk at the McGregor Park Riverwalk where you cannot skip the River Flows Museum. While you are in the area, visit Journey’s Eye Studio. Here, everything has been designed in-house, or it’s hand chosen. I don’t remember seeing anything here I did not like.

Now your shopping appetite is probably open, so it’s the perfect time to visit Miss Lucille’s Marketplace. This marketplace is over 52,000 sq. and has over 200 booths. I could confidently say there is a booth for everyone. Me? Well, I’m still dreaming about the vintage silverware and the furniture collection. It’s one of those places I really wish it was closer, but my pockets are probably relieved it isn’t.

To end your visit, take a tour through Old Glory Distilling Co. The gift shop has some of the best souvenirs you could gift your friends and family, and their bourbon does not disappoint.

Where to stay in Clarksville, Tennessee?

Cumberland River View from the McGregor Park Riverwalk

I cannot think of a better place to stay than near Clarksville’s historic downtown. It felt great to park the car and be able to walk to stores, restaurants, the Downtown Market, and art galleries from our room at the Riverview Inn (Book It Here!).

Aside from its location, the Riverview Inn has unbeatable views. Our room was facing the Cumberland River, and one of the highlights of this trip was to be able to see the steamboats cruising down the river. The hotel is also across the street from the Cumberland RiverWalk and the Upland Trail, which is excellent for a morning walk.

Another option is to stay on an Airbnb. Click here to receive $40 off your first trip of $75 or more after signing up.

What to eat in Clarksville, Tennessee?

Key Lime Mason Jar from Strawberry Ale Works 

To my surprise, Clarksville does not lack almost any type of food. Korean, Japanese, Mexican, you name it. Whatever food craving you might have, there might be a place for you to satisfy your palate. I personally enjoyed Roux AmeriCajun very much. Their fried green tomatoes and beignets were delicious (I might have eaten my dinner leftovers for breakfast on the next day). Their cocktails also did not disappoint.

Another place to try is Strawberry Ale Works. They have a nice beer menu (including house brews), a vibrant atmosphere, and they cook everything from scratch.

For made to order breakfast and coffee just how I like it (the Spanish coffee is a winner) there is Yada Yada Yada. A New York style Deli in Downtown Clarksville.

Other places you should consider visiting are Silke’s Old World Bread, Plumb Line Coffee, Smokin Chikin, and Blackhorse Pub & Brewery. Make sure to plan where you want to eat, because some of the previously mentioned places are closed on Sundays. As with every location mentioned in this article, always check their websites or their hours on Google for their updated information.

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