Clarksville, TN

Founded by John Montgomery, a well-known Indian fighter and Revolutionary War hero, Clarksville was established in December of 1785. Persevering in spite of frequent Indian attacks, the town used its ample farmland and access to nearby rivers to promote its dark fired tobacco, bringing a steady influx of income to the area.

World War II brought changes to the community with the establishment of nearby Camp Campbell. The post, sitting on 42,000 acres, became a permanent establishment in 1950, adding its numbers to the growing community.

The local Customs House Museum and Roxy Theatre support a thriving artistic community. Beachaven Winery plays host to Jazz on the Lawn, a free concert that entices musicians and music lovers from around the country to the area each summer.

A mix of popular chain restaurants and one-of-a-kind local establishments cook up a variety of culinary delights. With popular locations spread throughout the city, a good meal can be found around every corner.

Open the door to the welcoming smell of fresh baked bread when stepping into Silke’s Old World Breads, Bakery and Cafe . Design your own handmade pizza or sandwich, choosing your topics and pairing them with Silke's own fresh crust or artisan bread. In addition to traditional German fare, Silke's caters to specialty diets with a multitude of vegan, dairy and gluten-free options. Enjoy the work of local artists displayed throughout the cafe while you wait.

If you crave something more exotic, try one of the designer sushi rolls at Kohana Japanese Restaurant . Cozy up to the sushi counter to try one of 70 classic rolls and signature rolls, such as the Kohana, the restaurant's namesake dish. If you're in the mood for something aside from sushi, enjoy one of Kohana's sizzling hot steaks in the restaurant's serene, minimalist dining room.

Located in the heart of downtown Clarksville, clarksville/mainPage" Blackhorse Pub and Brewery is the neighborhood gathering spot. Offering handcrafted beer and classic food in a fun, casual atmosphere, the Blackhorse caters to patrons' palates. Locals rave about the restaurant's signature beer cheese dip, made with spicy cheese and the brewery's own Barnstormer ale. If that's not enough to fill you up, try one of the house's delicious specialty pizzas paired with an seasonal beer brewed on-site daily.

For nightlife, try the Blackhorse Pub and Brewery's upstairs Tap Room with the locals, where the pool tables and dart boards provide entertainment while the drinks flow. Local bars, pubs and grills are open late for your enjoyment, or travel to nearby Nashville for a taste of country music nightlife at its best.

Enjoy traveling the scenic highways in your own private car, the preferred mode of travel in Clarksville. Free, one-hour parking is available downtown, with a reasonable metered charge after the first hour. Visitors without their own transportation can call one of several cab companies to get to their destination. Crown Cab Company provides top-notch service for individuals, while larger groups may prefer 101st Airborne Cab's fleet of minivans.

Shuttle buses depart from several locations in the city, making sure you catch your plane at the nearby Nashville International Airport. For those preferring to travel the country on the ground, the local Greyhound bus station provides regularly scheduled departures. The Clarksville Transit Center offer a convenient mode of travel around the city, with buses departing from the center and from transfer points along the routes. The budget-friendly fare offers student and senior discounts.

A short ride away from the city, Interstate 24 connects Clarksville to major traffic routes. Several state roads travel through the city center, providing scenic vistas along the way. Walking and biking are possible, though most prefer to enjoy these modes of travel in the local parks.

Taking advantage of the scenery of the Cumberland River, several walking parks populate the area. The Heritage Park Bark Park meets the recreational needs of dogs and their owners, providing a safe place to take your dog off the leash for a run or jog. The Clarksville Greenway caters to the needs of pets as well, incorporating handy watering stations along the hiking trails.

Explore the cool, dark caves at Dunbar Cave State Natural Area, where visitors enter for free daily. Children can enjoy the indoor park at Kids-N-Play, a great location when the weather outside doesn't want to cooperate. Have fun with friends at the group exercise classes offered at the Clarksville Athletic Club, where the theatrical lighting spices up your routine. Use the 75-foot indoor heated pool for laps while the nursery entertains your children.

Clarksville features a 4.2 percent lower cost of living than nearby Nashville, making it a reasonably priced option for those seeking more living space. A one-bedroom apartment rents for an average of $655 per month, leaving residents with extra discretionary income. With local pubs charging $2.75 for a pint for beer residents can enjoy a few drinks after work without having to spend a lot of money in the process. For a gallon of gas, locals pay about 9 percent less than the national average.

Located on Highway 79 just off Interstate 24, Governor's Square Mall anchors several local shopping venues. Browse for home goods at Target, or find the perfect outfit at Dillards. Cross the mall to pick up your favorite scent at Bath & Body Works, or travel to nearby Nashville for high-end shopping opportunities.

Stroll along Franklin Street for a glimpse in the windows of two local boutiques. Posh Boutique offers designer clothing at discounted prices, with a large room in the back filled with sale items that are sure to catch your fancy. Just down the block, Rogate's Boutique caters to the mature woman, with unique clothing and accessories that complement refined tastes.

For all grocery needs, stop by the Publix. Use your digital coupons at the local Kroger for a substantial savings, or try the discounted prices of Aldi to stretch your dollar. A short hour's drive takes you to the Nashville Farmers Market for fresh produce straight from the field.