As home to Fort Campbell and the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), as well as other special forces units, Clarksville, Tennessee, pulls out all the stops to celebrate our nation’s independence. Dozens of veteran-owned businesses and patriotic-inspired places, people and events make Clarksville a perfect choice for a getaway to celebrate the holiday weekend.
Kick off the patriotic fun on Friday, July 1 with a free concert in the city centre. Downtown at Sundown occurs every first and third Friday, May through October, and the nation’s birthday is no exception. Visitors can start their weekend at the Downtown Commons by listening to Heart Tribute Band, and Barracuda, and enjoying treats from a plethora of local food trucks and downtown restaurants.
There is certainly no shortage of things to do while visitors wait for the holiday festivities to begin. For those wanting to spend time outdoors, Clarksville boasts several patriotic recreation spaces including Liberty Park, Freedom Point and Patriots Park, as well as the Cumberland and Red Rivers. Located in nearby Palmyra, visitors can practice their sporting clay and trap skills at Veteran-owned Cross Creek Clays.
For those hoping to escape the heat, Clarksville also boasts a variety of Veteran-owned and themed indoor attractions. Axe throwing ranges, a distillery, and several local breweries top the list. For example, Star-Spangled Brewing Company recently opened a second location in downtown Clarksville and is owned and operated by retired Green Beret Josh Romaker.
Veteran-themed restaurants such as Mission BBQ, Black Rifle Coffee Company, and Blackhorse Pub and Brewery offer guests a wide selection of food and drinks complete with a patriotic motif. Legends Smokehouse and Grill, a local favourite, is owned by Marine Veteran Kevin Smith and his wife Yvette who retired from the Army with 23 years of service. The couple is passionate about giving back to the community that has given them so much support.
Clarksville’s Independence Day Celebration takes place on July 3 at Liberty Park complete with live music, inflatables, games, food and fireworks show beginning around 9:30 p.m.
Fort Campbell’s annual Independence Day festivities being mid-day on July 4. The event kicks off at 1:00 p.m. with a carnival and concessions, followed by live music with Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band at 8:00 p.m. Fireworks show beginning at 9:30 p.m. caps off the night.
“Clarksville is the ultimate place to celebrate Independence Day with two fireworks shows, live music and so many veteran-owned spots,” says Visit Clarksville Board Chairman Matt Cunningham. “I have never met a community more patriotic than Clarksville.”
Edited by: Matthew Thomas
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