Clarksville, TN

Situated in the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee, Clarksville is one of the fastest growing cities in the Southeast. With a heritage spanning more than 200 years, Clarksville-Montgomery County continues to grow and adapt, becoming the state’s fifth largest city. Both visitors and residents enjoy the shops and eateries of downtown Clarksville and with its brick sidewalks, tree lined streets, decorative lighting and park benches, the historic area is drawing new attention.

Also emerging is Clarksville’s revitalized and thriving riverfront district. Area leaders are continuously working to build on the community’s strengths with the vision of a vibrant, prosperous future. From history and heritage to majestic waterways and fun-filled attractions, visitors have plenty of options in Clarksville-Montgomery County. For a complete listing of activities, call (800) 530-2487 or visit www.clarksville.tn.us. 

Location and Climate

Clarksville, Tenn. is nestled on the banks of the Cumberland and Red Rivers, 45 miles northwest of Nashville, Tenn.  Located just off Interstate 24, Clarksville is the first city south of the Mason-Dixon Line, and with a population of more than 100,000, Clarksville is the Gateway to the New South. Clarksville enjoys a mild southern climate with four distinct seasons. The average annual temperature is 57.4 degrees with an average annual of 50.75 inches of rain and occasional snowfall. 

Economy

Over the past ten years, Clarksville employment has surged with strong growth in services, construction, government, agriculture and retail.  In 2005, Clarksville was ranked 20th in the Milken Institute “Best Performing Cities 2005: Where America’s Jobs Are Created and Sustained.” Overall, Clarksville-Montgomery County maintains a very healthy economy and plans for steady future growth. 

Education

The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System was recognized in the top 10 percent of the nation’s schools meeting parental goals. They also received the Governor’s “A+ Award for Excellence in Education,” in recognition of strong curriculum and teaching, low drop-out rates, active adult education, parental involvement programs and school-to-work initiatives. For parents seeking an alternative to the traditional school system, Clarksville offers several private, religious and secular schools. Clarksville business and technical schools offer students the opportunity to seek positions in the service industry or they can provide additional training to those already established in their careers. For upper education in Clarksville, students can live at home while attending Austin Peay State University. What initially began as a teaching school with only 158 students is now the educational and cultural hub of Clarksville, with a current enrollment of more than 8,800 students. 

Healthcare

Gateway Health System offers programs, services and facilities to residents of northern Tennessee and southern Kentucky. Employing more than 1,200 professionals and 150 physicians on its medical staff, Gateway is a fully-accredited 206-bed medical center. The facility provides numerous state-of-the art services including cancer care, cardiac care, magnetic resonance imagining, respiratory care, surgery, critical care, sub-acute care, rehabilitation and emergency services.  Gateway Health System is accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. 

Recreation

Both the City of Clarksville and Montgomery County each operate a Parks and Recreation Department, providing and maintaining more than 500 acres in 23 community parks. Facility amenities include playgrounds, picnic areas, walking trails and pavilions. Several of the parks also feature restrooms, open play areas, basketball courts and ball fields.  With the Cumberland and Red Rivers lining the city, activities such as boating, water skiing, jet skiing and fishing are enjoyed by both visitors and residents. Clarksville is also a golfer’s paradise. Clarksville’s four public courses—Eastland Green, Swan Lake, Mason Rudolph and Cole Park—each offer beautiful greens at affordable prices. It’s no wonder Clarksville was ranked by Golf Digest as the 11th “Best City in the U.S. for Public Golf.” 

Arts and Attractions

Beachaven Vineyards and Winery 
1100 Dunlop Lane  
Enjoy free tours and tasting at one of Tennessee’s foremost commercial wineries. Known for producing award-winning wines and champagnes, Beachaven provides a glimpse into the centuries-old art of wine making. A picturesque Tudor-style building, on-site vineyards, distinctive gift items and a shaded picnic area make Beachaven a delightful and memorable destination. During the summer months, Beachhaven hosts “Jazz on the Lawn,” a series of free concerts on alternating Saturday nights. For more information, call (931) 645-8867 or visit www.beachavenwinery.com.

Customs House Museum and Cultural Center
200 S. 2nd St. 
Built in 1898 as a U.S. Post Office and Customs House for the flourishing tobacco trade, this architecturally fascinating structure is among the most photographed buildings in Tennessee. The state’s second largest general history museum, the museum features rotating shows, fine art galleries, and a sculpture garden, along with permanent exhibits, and the Explorer’s Floor—a special area for the entire family to solve puzzles and play games. For more information, call (931) 648-5780.

Cumberland RiverWalk
McGregor Park, Riverside Drive
Stroll the meandering Cumberland RiverWalk, the city’s signature riverfront promenade. The internationally acclaimed RiverWalk is the centerpiece of the River District and includes an amphitheater, overlook plazas, a playground, picnic facilities, wharf, boat ramp, pedestrian overpass and performance stages. For more information, call (931) 645-7476. 

Historic Collinsville 
4711 Weakley Road
A living-history museum featuring 15 restored log homes and outbuildings, historic Collinsville is situated on 40 rolling acres with picnic areas and walking trails. Structures date from 1830 to 1870 and all include authentic furnishings. For more information, call (931) 648-9141. 

Dunbar Cave State Natural Area
401 Old Dunbar Cave Road
Dunbar Cave State Natural Area is open every day, 8 a.m. until sunset. Periodic programs are conducted by the park staff, along with guided tours of the cave and slide shows. The park also offers picnic tables, hiking trails and fishing. For more information, call (931) 648-5526. 

Roxy Regional Theatre
100 Franklin St. 
The Roxy Regional Theatre, Clarksville’s oldest professional theatre, offers patrons a combination of professional company shows and community offerings. Housed in a 1947 modern-art theatre, the Roxy produces ten main-stage events annually. The Roxy’s “Other Space” produces four new scripts a year in its 40-seat black-box theatre. 

Shopping

Clarksville provides residents and visitors with a variety of shopping options. For those seeking a traditional shopping experience, Governor’s Square Mall features department stores as well as smaller specialty shops. Shoppers looking for more unique items will enjoy historic downtown Franklin Street. 

Hopkinsville, KY

Hopkinsville offers visitors and residents the best of both worlds—the familiarity of a small town, where people care about their neighbors—and big city features, such as progressive health care, technically advanced industries and a variety of shopping and recreational opportunities. It’s also a place where rush hour and bumper-to-bumper traffic are almost non-existent and, as the locals say, “You’re ten minutes from anywhere.” The cost of living is below the national average and housing is affordable and attractive. For more information, call the Hopkinsville Christian County Chamber of Commerce at (270) 885-9096 or visit http://www.commerce center.org/chamber/.

Location

Hopkinsville is located approximately 20 miles north of Fort Campbell. National Strategy Group listed Hopkinsville as one of the best places to live in the United States and Reader’s Digest ranked the city in its top 50 best places to raise a family. Hopkinsville-Christian County is also located within one hour of a variety of recreation, shopping, entertainment and family opportunities, such as Nashville, Tenn., Paducah, Ky., Evansville, Ky., Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area and Pennyrile Forest State Park. 

Education

Christian County public schools strive to meet the individual needs of each student. To accomplish this mission, the student-teacher ratio is kept at a minimum and multiple school districts are available. In addition to 11 elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools, the Christian County educational system also includes three parochial and private schools and one non-denominational school. When the school day is over, a variety of sports and clubs are available to keep kids involved and active. For more information, visit www.christian.k12.ky.us. The city also offers higher educational opportunities. Hopkinsville Community College is a comprehensive two-year college offering a wide range of degrees. For more information, visit www.hopcc.kctcs.edu. Furthermore, Murray State University allows students to obtain a four year degree without leaving Hopkinsville. 

Health Care

Supported by state-of-the-art facilities at Jennie Stuart Medical Center and Trover Clinic, the Christian County Health Department is charged with healthcare protection and improvement for all Christian County residents. The medical community also includes Cumberland Hall Hospital, a 56-bed psychiatric facility that provides services for residents with emotional and substance abuse problems. 

Recreation

The Hopkinsville-Christian County Recreation Department operates and maintains a variety of public use facilities such as parks, playgrounds, tennis courts, gymnasiums, golf courses, soccer fields, picnic pavilions, fishing lakes, horseshoe courts, shuffleboard courts, softball fields, baseball fields and community centers. The city is also the home of the new 5,000-seat multi-purpose sports complex, a country club, a recently expanded Family YMCA and a Boys and Girls Club. In addition to facilities, the recreation department also sponsors supervised playgrounds, junior pro-basketball, a Babe Ruth league, little league, girls’ softball, adult softball, basketball and volleyball. 

Arts and Attractions

The Pennyroyal Arts Council offers a year round program of performing arts. Among the yearly offerings is a series of concerts featuring internationally known artists. Other points of interest include Pennyroyal Area Museum, Trail of Tears Commemorative Park, Fort Campbell Memorial Park, Jefferson Davis Monument State Historic Site and Round Table Park. 

Annual Events

Hopkinsville hosts many events with a family emphasis throughout the year, such as the April Dogwood Trail and May Little River Days. Both residents and visitors enjoy the annual June Jazz/Blues Festival and the September Indian Pow Wow. Held at the Trail of Tears Park, the Pow Wow features authentic Indian dances, traders, crafts, audience participation and ethnic foods. For more information regarding any of these events, contact the Hopkinsville-Christian County Tourism Commission (270) 885-9096. 

Military Affairs Committee

The Hopkinsville-Christian County Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee works year-round to build better relationships between the Soldiers and military families of Fort Campbell and the local Hopkinsville community. The highlight of their year is “Hopkinsville Salutes Fort Campbell.” The week-long celebration is held in September each year and includes a chili cook-off, children’s activities, home tours and more. The committee also sponsors activities and events throughout the year such as the Sounds of Friendship and Freedom Concert, monthly military spouses’ luncheons, Hopkinsville tours and the Spring Fling. For more information, visit www.fortcampbellinfo.com.

Organizations

For a complete listing of more than 100 clubs and organizations, contact the Hopkinsville-Christian County Chamber of Commerce, (270) 885-9096 or visit www.commercecenter.org. 

Land Between the Lakes
National Recreation Area

Land Between the Lakes is the largest inland peninsula in the United States. It is the second largest contiguous block of forested public land east of the Mississippi. Located in Western Kentucky and Tennessee, the area draws approximately 2 million visitors annually. Visitors come from all 50 states and over 30 foreign countries. LBL and the surrounding lakes are the focal point of a $600 million tourism industry. There are 22 lake access areas with boat ramps, five courtesy docks, four fishing piers and six beaches. LBL contains 420 miles of roads, more than 90 bridges and five dams. During the day, visitors can enjoy LBL facilities including a nature center, living history farm, planetarium and observatory, horseback riding campground, public horse stable, off-highway vehicle area, Elk and Bison Prairie, interpretive site (iron industry), five gift shops and three visitor information centers. 

Outdoor Recreation

There are more than 200 miles of hiking and biking trails and approximately 100 miles of horse and wagon trails. Campers can choose from 985 campsites in four developed campgrounds, five lake access areas with primitive camping and virtually unlimited backcountry camping. 

History

LBL has three sites on the National Register of Historic Places: Fort Henry, site of a major Civil War battle; the Center Furnace; and the Great Western Iron Furnace. The region was primarily an iron production center during the mid-19th century.  Seventeen iron furnaces operated within what is now LBL. The ruins of two of these are accessible to visitors. 

Wildlife and Plants

LBL has the largest publicly owned bison herd east of the Mississippi River. LBL has more than 1,300 plant species, over 240 bird species and 53 different mammal species.  LBL is an active participant in the nation’s efforts to re-establish the eagle population in Western Kentucky and Tennessee A hacking program was designed in 1980. 

Hacking is a traditional falconers’ term meaning the gradual return of raptors to the wild without human imprinting. Between 1980 and 1988, 44 Bald Eagles were reintroduced to the shorelines of LBL. Currently, LBL is home to a wintering eagle population of more than 100 birds and there are between 12 to 16 active nesting sites.

In February 1996, after a 150-year absence in the region, LBL reintroduced elk into a 700-acre Elk and Bison Prairie. In February 2001, 25 elk from LBL’s Elk and Bison Prairie were transported to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park in an experimental reintroduction program. Since 1991, LBL has maintained a captive breeding pair of Red Wolves as part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Red Wolf Recovery effort. 

Attractions

Attractions at LBL include The Homeplace living history farm, Woodlands Nature Station, Elk and Bison Prairie and the Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory. 

The Homeplace, located in the southern portion of LBL, allows visitors to experience life much as it was in mid-19th century rural America. Through a blending of artifacts, historic structures and the re-creation of farm activities, The Homeplace gives visitors a glimpse of the traditions and lifestyles of this era in American history.

The Nature Station offers special events throughout the year, in addition to the regular calendar of programs and demonstrations.  Among the most popular events are guided bald eagle excursions. These van and boat tours take visitors into the field to see the migratory bald eagle population wintering in LBL each year. 

The Elk and Bison Prairie is another fascinating LBL facility. Opened in June 1996, this 700-acre area is a restoration of the native prairie habitat that thrived in Western Kentucky and upper Middle Tennessee over 200 years ago. Native wildlife such as elk and bison inhabit the prairie. Visitors can take a self-guided driving tour of the site along a 3.5-mile paved loop featuring three interpretive stops. 

The Golden Pond Planetarium is located inside the Golden Pond Visitor Center. The planetarium features an 81-seat theater and offers state-of-the-art planetarium shows several times daily during the LBL operating season. It’s also home to the Western Kentucky Amateur Astronomers (WKAA), which hold monthly meetings and stargazing sessions. For more information, call (270) 924-2000 or visit www.lbl.org/.

Cadiz, KY 

Cadiz is the east gateway to Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. Several marinas and resorts are located on the shoreline of Lake Barkley, offering unlimited recreational facilities. The city is located 30 miles west of Fort Campbell. For more information, call (270) 522-3892. 

Trigg County Country Ham Festival
Celebrated during the second weekend in October, the country ham festival is a celebration of the county’s world-famous country hams. The ham festival is a week long event for residents of Cadiz and Trigg County, as well as thousands of visitors from all across the country. The festival is a celebration of the art and science of curing country ham. Activities include a greased pig contest, baking the world’s largest ham and biscuit, hog-tough races, arts and crafts, food and much more. For more information, call (270) 522-3892 or visit www.hamfestival.com. 

The Cadiz Antique Market
The Cadiz Antique Market consists of five antique malls in downtown Cadiz. It includes a wide variety of antiques and collectibles for both advanced and novice collectors. Featured items include furniture, glassware, textiles, pottery, lamps and lamp parts, stamps, coins, jewelry, toys and sporting goods. For more information, call (270) 522-3316. 

Prizer Point Marina and Resort
Surrounded by water on three sides and 72 wooded acres on the fourth, Prizer Point allows visitors to experience 57 acres of Western Kentucky beauty. Family owned and operated, Prizer Point has been named Kentucky’s highest rated campground four years in a row. In the June 2005 edition of Highways Magazine, Prizer Point was named 40th in their “Best of the Best” rankings. For more information, call (270) 522-3762 or visit www.prizerpoint.com. 

Recreation

Visitors to Cadiz enjoy countless recreational activities such as fishing, golfing, waterskiing, hunting, camping, archery, horseback riding, tennis, biking and scuba diving. Cadiz is also the home of Lake Barkley State Resort Park, the only four-diamond state park in the nation. The spectacular open-beamed lodge houses 120 rooms, four suites and 13 cottages. Within the park’s 3,600 acres is a fitness center, public beaches, a swimming pool, hiking trails, an 80-site campground with lake access, a convention center, a gift shop and an airport. Also within the confines of the state park is the Boots Randolph Golf Course—a challenge for the most avid golfer. Other recreation options include the Trigg County Recreation Complex, which includes four lighted baseball fields, basketball courts, playgrounds, a tractor pull track, a motocross track and a horse show ring. The facility is also used for festivals and competitions, softball tournaments, tractor pulls, musical entertainment and dancing. 

Historical Sites

Cadiz is known for its historic sites, several of which are on the National Registry of Historic Places. Recently, more than 25 late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century homes located downtown on Main Street were added to the registry. Most of the Queen Anne and Victorian homes were originally owned by wealthy businessmen and financiers—built to reflect their positions in the community. The downtown business district is also on the historic registry. The turn-of-the-century buildings now accommodate offices and retail outlets, such as gift shops and antique malls. Other historic highlights include an original log home built in 1867 and a museum. Trigg County Museum features displays from Trigg county history dating back to the early 1800s. 

Nashville, TN

Known as the music city, Nashville is located approximately 45 miles south of Fort Campbell on Interstate 24. With big-city attractions just a short drive away, many Soldiers and their families make Nashville the hub of their recreational and cultural activities. For more information, call (615) 259-4747 or visit, www.musiccityusa.com. 

Shopping

Nashville has become a major retail center for shoppers. The city includes nine shopping malls—Hickory Hollow Mall, 100 Oaks Mall, Rivergate Mall, The Mall at Green Hills, Bellevue Center Mall, Cool Springs Galleria, Opry Mills, Prime Outlets at Lebanon and The Factory at Franklin. Shoppers looking for more unique items might prefer the more than 250 specialty shops located in downtown Nashville. 

Recreation

The city has a network of public parks spread over more than 6,000 acres. Numerous playgrounds, swimming pools, tennis courts, golf courses and an indoor ice-skating rink extend the city’s leisure-time activities. Two man-made lakes—Old Hickory and Percy Priest, are located just minutes from downtown, providing easy access to water sports, fishing and waterfowl hunting. Spectator sports include an annual steeplechase, auto racing, boxing, wrestling and AA baseball at Nashville’s Greer Stadium. Intercollegiate sports activities are provided by 16 Nashville colleges. Nashville also boasts three professional sports teams—the NHL Nashville Predators, the NFL Tennessee Titans and NWF Nashville Dream. They also have AAA baseball, Busch and Indy series car racing, collegiate teams including the annual Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl and an annual marathon and half marathon. 

Cultural Activities

Famed as the hub of American music, Nashville offers everything from bluegrass and Beethoven to square dancing and disco. The Grande Ole Opry hosts top stars in country music every Friday and Saturday night, while Ryman Auditorium serves as a monument to country music stars. More sophisticated fare is available through the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and monthly community concerts. Nashville’s historic past is exemplified in its many and varied points of interest, such as the tomb of President James K. Polk and the colonial home of Andrew Jackson. Other sites include Fort Nashborough, a rugged reminder of Nashville’s colorful past, Cheekwood, the Georgian mansion now serving as the Botanical Garden and Fine Arts Center, and many other homes and buildings included in the National Historic Registry. 

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has been the home of America’s music since 1967. In keeping with the cultural significance of the music and the heroic achievements of those who form its membership, the museum opened in a $37 million landmark building in May 2001. Located on the west bank of the Cumberland River, just a few steps from the historic Ryman Auditorium and the honky-tonks of lower Broadway, the monumental edifice, a visceral experience for approaching visitors, invigorates the skyline in downtown Nashville’s entertainment district. Inside, the museum presents the crown jewels of its vast collection to illustrate country music’s story as told through the turns of two centuries. A treasure trove of historic country video clips and recorded music, dynamic exhibits and state-of-the-art design, regular menu of live performances and public programs, museum store, live satellite radio broadcasts, on-site dining and fabulous public spaces all contribute to an unforgettable museum experience. For more information, call (615) 416-2001 or visit, www.countrymusichalloffame.com. 

The Grand Ole Opry

 There are more ways to enjoy the Grand Ole Opry than ever before. Many things about the Opry have changed over the years—its members, the sound of its music, even its home. But there’s always that oak-solid center to remind every singer or musician who steps inside that they take part in something much larger than themselves, that wherever they go they have a connection to the legends and the giants who came before them. The six-foot circle of dark, oak wood in the Opry House stage is shiny but clearly well-worn. Cut from the stage of the Opry’s famous former home, the Ryman Auditorium, this circle gives newcomers and veterans alike the opportunity to sing on the same spot that once supported Uncle Dave Macon, Ernest Tubb, Patsy Cline and others. “That circle is the most magical thing when you’re a performer,” said country music star Brad Paisley, “It’s an honor to stand there and get to sing on those same boards that probably still contain dust from Hank Williams’ boots.” For more information, call (615) 871-OPRY or visit, www.opry.com.