Nothing welcomes the holidays in the South quite like hopping in the car with your favorite people, cranking a festive playlist, and shopping the day away (with a coffee and sweet treat, of course). That said, traveling to and fro around gridlocked cities can be draining, confusing, and downright stressful.
To keep the season jolly, consider taking yourself just an hour north of Nashville to Clarksville, Tennessee. Nestled on the border just before you hit Kentucky, Clarksville boasts an endearing historic downtown with plenty of restaurants, shops, and boutiques to give you the perfect shopping day without the hustle and bustle of a big city.
In fact, it just might be the perfect destination for a holiday shopping road trip, and we’ve mapped out all the stops you should hit on your adventure.
| Planning your visit? Here’s everything you need to know.
The Copper Petal
This adorable clothing boutique is the perfect stop for the teens, tweens, and young adult fashionistas on your list. With plenty of patterns, colors, and fabrics to choose from, The Copper Petal can always be counted on for one thing: staying on trend. Skip the big-box retailers and spend a little time here playing dress-up while you pick the perfect pieces to giftwrap—the boutique even has a holiday collection complete with tinsel sweaters, cozy cardigans, and tulle dresses.
Miss Lucille’s Marketplace
If you need gift inspiration for literally anyone, Miss Lucille’s is a great place to start… just be prepared to spend several hours here. Located in a 52,000 square foot space with over 200 different vendors offering everything from home goods to apparel and antiques, you’re sure to find something for even the most challenging loved one on your list. And when you need a little mid-shop pick-me-up, they have an on-site coffee shop and café at the ready to fuel another pass through.
The Downtown Artists Co-Op
To take a break and browse, or to procure something beautiful for your (or a loved one’s) home, consider popping into the Downtown Artists Co-Op (DAC) next. Displaying a stunning collection of works by local artists in a wide range of styles and mediums, DAC prides itself on its eclectic assemblage that represents the Clarksville artistic community perfectly.
The Clarksville Bookshop
If you need to appeal to the bookworm in your life, look no further than the Clarksville Bookshop. Owned by veteran husband-and-wife team Frank and Rachael Mir, this shop is stocked with the latest and greatest, classics, plus a collection of giftable stationery items from local artists. Want to stick around? We get it. Check out their website for information on how you can join one of the many book clubs offered or take one of their creative workshops.
Silkes Old World Breads
Nothing ends a shopping day quite like a freshly baked treat. Whether you’re on a mission for something sweet or savory, light or filling, Silkes Old World Breads is sure to deliver. Priding themselves on paying homage to the past, they use the freshest ingredients and work tirelessly to make scratch goods like traditional artisans once did. Even offering options for dietary restrictions, such as vegan and gluten-free lifestyles, Silkes is the perfect place to pick up a festive treat to celebrate the holidays.
Wonderfilled Boutique
Before you head back home, make one final stop at the Wonderfilled Boutique, one of Clarksville’s newest resale stores from the skilled owners of The Pink House vacation rental. Second-hand shopping gives you the opportunity to limit overconsumption, find unique items, and repurpose someone’s past treasure into a one-of-a-kind gift this year.
| This article is presented in partnership with Visit Clarksville, a Modern South Founding Partner.
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