History along the river port

By Blake Guthrie

For the AJC

Local mythology says the Monkees’ 1966 hit song “Last Train to Clarksville” was based on this historic river port town in Tennessee. Leading credence to the claim: It’s located next to a prominent military base where the soldier in the song was presumably stationed before being sent to Vietnam.

The town took a direct hit from a category F3 tornado in 1999. After a lengthy rebuilding and restoration process, it’s back up to speed — or perhaps we should say “up to snuff,” because of the smokeless tobacco product that’s been a mainstay crop here for centuries.

Proving townspeople have a sense of humor to go along with their colorful history, the local tourism authority has branded Clarksville “The Top City in Tennessee,” a geographical pun referencing the city’s extreme northern position in the state, just below the Kentucky line.

Don’t miss

Customs House Museum

A catchall featuring history, art, science and kids’ exhibits, the Customs House is as well known for the building housing the museum. A former post office and export point for the area’s prized tobacco crop, this ornamental 19th-century edifice is an iconic structure for the city. 931-648-5780, www.customs housemuseum.org

Cumberland River Walk

Clarksville is one of the South’s grand old river towns and the River Walk is the place to revel in this legacy while strolling a modern-day promenade. Bordering the historic downtown district, the walkway meanders alongside the Cumberland River offering scenic overlooks, playgrounds, plazas and an amphitheater where free concerts are often held. 931-645-7476, www.tnvacation.com

Dunbar Cave State Natural Area

Dunbar Cave contains 
8 miles of passageways, and the ground above it provides miles of hiking trails and a fishing lake. Guided tours are available to take you a half-mile inside the cave. The property was once owned by Grand Ole Opry star Roy Acuff, and the mouth of the cave served as the site for many legendary country music concerts in the mid-20th century. 931-648-5526, www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/DunbarCave

Beachaven Vineyards & Winery

In 1986, amateur winemaker Judge William O. Beach and Edward and Louisa Cooke founded Beachaven Vineyards & Winery after spearheading legislation that re-opened the doors to commercial Tennessee wine making decades after Prohibition ended it. Beachaven has since become one of the top destinations in the Clarksville area, not just for the award-winning wines and tours of its winery, but also for its jazz concert series. 931-645-8867, www.
 beachavenwinery.com

Don F. Pratt Museum, Fort Campbell

Fort Campbell is home to the 101st Airborne Assault Unit — the legendary Screaming Eagles, one of the first units of the armed forces called up for battle when the time comes. The Pratt museum has exhibits that capture the unit’s glory since World War II, including items that used to belong to Adolf Hitler. The museum is free to enter but visitors must register themselves and their vehicles at the base entrance. 931- 431-2617, www.fortcampbell.com/museum.php

If you go

Getting there

Clarksville is about 290 miles, or a 4 3/4-hour drive, from downtown Atlanta. Take I-75 north from Atlanta to I-24 west in Chattanooga. Continue on I-24 to Exit 4, taking U.S. 79 South into Clarksville.

Where to stay

Riverview Inn. Locally owned hotel in a convenient downtown location. $89-$179. 50 College St. 931-552-3331, www.theriverviewinn.com

Magnolia House. A bed and breakfast in a historic house in the heart of downtown. $119-$129. 1231 Madison St. 931-801-6992, www.magnoliabb.com

Where to eat

Charlie’s Steak House. A destination steak house just over the Kentucky state line near Fort Campbell. Entrees $21 to $60. 14850 U.S. 41A, Oak Grove. 270-439-4592

The Catfish House. Steaks, sandwich platters and Southern-style seafood. Entrees $9.99 to $15.99. 116 Salem Road. 931-648-2121, www.ilovecatfish.com

Visitor information

Clarksville-Montgomery County Convention and Visitors Bureau. 931-647-2331, www.clarksvillecvb.com

Provided by Demand Studios