Clarksville, Virginia is a hidden jewel. I like to describe life here as “living in a crack between worlds”. Not located in a major metropolitan area, Clarksville possesses a quiet beauty combined with a vibrant populace, all set against the backdrop of one of America’s largest lakes. Planning a visit to this unique place? Here are just a few suggestions.
Clarksville’s downtown waterfront district is the perfect starting point. Begin your morning by taking in the sunrise over the broad water view at the Community Dock. The vista from here is an absolute stunner. Early morning is also the perfect time for anglers to test their skills at fishing from the dock.
Just a one-minute walk from the dock up Virginia Avenue, grab a morning Cup of Joe at Rooted Café. Great coffee, fresh pastries, and friendly faces are always on the menu at Rooted. Rooted opens at 7AM, 7 days a week so you will never miss the opportunity to start your morning off right.
The next stop is “The Corner at Two One Six” to shop the eclectic gift selections that are carefully curated for lovers of life, art, food, and libations. A great place with a fun atmosphere and a most welcoming staff. The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday.
Hop in your car and make the 5-minute drive to the Lago Luna Metal Art Studio just west of town. Lago Luna (which translates to Lake and Moon in both Italian and Spanish) is a working metal craft studio and gallery unlike anything else in the US. Located in a former chicken house, this unusual venue has a shabby-chic vibe and is the ideal place to shop for gifts, garden art, and home décor made right on premises. Speak with the artisans working in the studio and, if you are lucky, see live demonstrations of works being created.
Just a 5-minute drive farther west from Lago Luna will take you to Woodbine Vineyards. Woodbine is a small farm winery nestled in a bucolic country setting. Experience Woodbine's tasty selection of wines in either indoor or outdoor seating. There are year-round events at Woodbine so there is fun for the whole family and pets are welcome.
If you prefer beer to wine, then trek back into downtown Clarksville to the Buggs Island Brewery. Situated right on the waterfront, the brewery boasts a great selection of hand-crafted beers, a kitchen serving pub-grub, and a jovial atmosphere with broad views of the lake from both outdoor and indoor seating. BIB is a fun gathering spot that is open 7 days a week.
At the end of a busy day like this, you may find yourself tuckered-out. If you are from out-of-town then there are plenty of options for a comfortable stay. For the ultimate hospitality experience a stay at Cooper’s Landing Inn and Traveler’s Tavern is a must. You can room in the Main Inn or in one of their many private cottages. And dining in Coopers farm-to-table Traveler’s Tavern features seating options in the main Inn’s historic dining rooms or outside on the trellised patio and wine bar.
This article is just the tip of the iceberg but if I wrote about every unique experience in Clarksville then you would need to stay for a week, or maybe for a lifetime as some visitors ultimately do. Either way, visit Clarksville and live your perfect day.
Marc Staples
Lago Luna Metal Art Studio
Buffalo Junction, Virginia