Stop to Smell the Flowers

 

Prepping Your House for Showing and Selling: Painting

One of my favorite things to see in homes is striking colors, even on the walls. I'm a person who adores color, and a black statement wall in a red room, in my eyes, is beautiful. However, I am definitely a person who would need to take the advice of painting before putting a house on the market due to such tastes! 

It is highly recommended that if you have walls that aren't neutral, you look into putting some new coats of paint on the wall to tone things down. While this may seem to take away from your home's intrigue in your eyes, in another's the bright walls could very well be a major turn-off towards buying. In cases involving a successful sale? It's best to play it safe so grab your brushes and rollers, and start priming for some new paint! 

Of course, it doesn't have to be plain white. While strong colors are off the table, it seems to be agreed that variety still helps. Think about some warm tones of beige or tope, some creamy off-white. Maybe mix in some grays or other neutral, light tones. If you have any wooden notes or details already painted white, this will certainly help them stand out!

Painting is a taxing job, but when you're looking to sell? It's worth the trouble. While bold colors might be something that makes you feel at home, going with something more neutral can increase your chances of an eager buyer!

Games, Collectables, and More: C4 Entertainment

 If you're near Fort Campbell and interested in games, collectibles, comic books, vintage toys, cards, and more, there's a place you have to visit! C4 Entertainment, located at 15858 Fort Campbell Boulevard in Oakgrove, is a shop dedicated to this sort of thing. I found this shop by chance when C4 Entertainment was holding a 'Geek Paradise' event that included a costume contest-- my boyfriend had driven by and when the two of us spotted the Mystery Machine parked outside with Spider-Man and Stormtroopers, we turned right around!

C4 Entertainment was packed that day, and for a great reason-- the shop has a great deal to offer! But I was thankfully able to make it back over the weekend to really give the place a look around. I've already talked about some great game shops, and C4 offers some of the same products. They sell video games as well as some different card packs, some of which can be hard to find. I was finally able to find the Animal Crossing Amiibo cards at this shop and I was ecstatic! However, beyond that, C4 has a vast amount of products. There is an entire wall of Pop figurines and then some, more rare boxed figures being held behind the counter. There are also manga / anime figurines, superhero statuettes, and loose blind box figures available for sale. While I perused the racks of action figures, my boyfriend was able to look through the numerous long boxes full of comics.

This shop has an especially warm atmosphere and the workers are friendly. The two times I have been into C4 Entertainment, I have been able to fall into happy conversation over my favorite nerd culture subjects. It seems the perfect place to peruse around with an arcade machine and plenty to look at with a staff that is more than happy to help out.

If you have time and you're near Oak Grove, be sure to check out C4 Entertainment 15858 Fort Campbell Boulevard.

Deer for Days

 

Prepping Your House for Showing and Selling: Depersonalizing

 Home is where the heart is. It is a personal place and therefore your home will obviously hold pieces of your personal life. However, when inviting potential buyers in to view the space, it's better to have the home appear like a blank slate. While cleaning is an obvious must before a showing, some people don't realize how important the act of depersonalization is. 

To depersonalize a home may seem like it is taking away from its character to the owner. However, it is actually allowing potential buyers to picture themselves in the area rather than feel like they're intruding. Things such as pictures, diplomas, and religious symbols are better to be taken down and stored. Bare walls invite the opportunity for a buyer to imagine their own wall hangings rather than be distracted by wedding photos of people they don't know. In addition, you will want to store things such as collections and craft / hobby supplies which may create a cluttered feel. Again-- you want the buyer to see the space as somewhere they might live, not your scrapbook room!

While depersonalizing is something often suggested, many only think to do it to the home's interior. However, depersonalizing the exterior is just as important in most cases. That 'blank slate' feel is just as valuable outside as inside after all! Things such as team flags should be rolled up, and extensive fairy garden accessories packed away for after the move. These kinds of things may be viewed as clutter as well, no matter how loved they are... and, of course, it may not be the kind of thing the buyer sees for themself and distract from the vision that will sell them on a property.

The home is the place in the world where we all can truly leave our fingerprint. It can be a place of self-expression, housing everything that makes us who we are as people: photos, collections, identifying factors from heritage to what football team our family cheers for. However, when it comes to selling your house, it is best to clean away your fingerprints-- and store them in a unit or at the new home. When you sell, you're inviting other families in to take a look around and see the space in a way that expresses who they are. To allow this fully, depersonalization must take place! It may be sad to see your pictures packed up instead of on the walls, but they'll be in their new home soon and you're letting buyers see a clean slate of what they can have.

Game Shop on Riverside: Sanctuary Gaming

Clarksville may feel small to some of us who have lived our full lives here, but the truth of the matter is that Clarksville is a pretty big city. And a big city has room for more than one game shop. Sanctuary Gaming is a newer shop for things such as Pokemon cards and board games, established only last year in 2020. My boyfriend and I made our way over on a quest for Digimon cards and while we didn't find that, we are pretty sure we've found a place we want to visit again for a game night.

Like most game stores of this caliber, Sanctuary Gaming has an impressive selection of board games ranging from more notable titles like Catan to more obscure selections. While they do have copies of these games for sale to the customer, the main perk of shops like this is being able to rent the games for a small fee to play in-store. While in the shop, I spotted a sign that even mentioned being able to take rentals home for a night for an additional fee for people who might not want to hang around. However, the atmosphere of Sanctuary Gaming is amazingly friendly. When I arrived, they were hosting a day camp for children to help them learn how to play the Pokemon card game, and the staff was extremely friendly to us while still monitoring the excited kids. 

Sanctuary Gaming offers packs of cards from games such as Pokemon and Magic the Gathering, and single cards for purchase. We also spotted a good few things from dice to miniatures to Funko Pops-- not to mention crocheted items such as Eevee-lutions and other Pokemon! It also seems like Sanctuary Games is set up to allow for computer or consul gaming in their location. I personally thought the coolest part of this particular game shop was the row of arcade machines they had set up. It's definitely a place I'd be happy to spend time.

You can check out Sanctuary Gaming's website here, but I would suggest stopping in and visiting them yourself at 101 N Riverside Dr. Go on Saturday if you feel up to the special treat of Vendor Saturday that supports small local businesses
! 

Axe Thowing? Check out the Flip'N Axe!

If you're looking for some active fun that comes with a challenge, I have the place for you today! Axe throwing has become an increasingly popular activity, and with that has come spots to participate-- such as axe throwing bars. The Flip'n Axe is one of Clarksville's spots to check out if axe throwing sounds like something to check out. Spoiler: you'll want to check this out.

The Flip'n Axe, located at 2121 Wilma Rudolph Blvd, is a great place to go even if you've never thrown an axe before. I personally had never so much as picked up one before stepping into the place. After signing a required waiver, my group was shown to one of the axe throwing lanes that consisted of two racks of axes and two wooden targets. The great part about an axe-throwing bar is that there are people to teach you the basics. Our 'broke-axe' instructor told us the safety precautions and then the basic throwing technique. While the instructors leave groups to their own throwing and games-- there are posters with game suggestions for throwers-- they do walk around the area and (thankfully) are happy to give further tips. I was happy to be further advised after several frustrating minutes of more or less flinging my axe against the wall. 

In addition to axe-throwing, the Flip'n Axe also functions as a bar with a variety of drinks-- both tap and cans / bottles-- and snacks for sale. There are also other activities for times between throwing and breaks. My group of four threw two at a time, and occasionally the two not throwing would break off to play the corn hole toss that was between the axe aisles. Skee ball, pool tables, and some arcade games were also available throughout the venue. 

A veteran-owned and operated business, military and veterans are given a flat rate of $22 from 6-9 pm on 'Military Mondays' to include axe throwing, cornhole, and pool. Other daily specials include 50% off for teachers and students on Tuesday, 50% off for first responders on Wednesday, and a 50% off ladies' night on Thursday. For more information on the weekly fun at the Flip'n Axe, check out their website here!

While I was incredibly nervous walking in, I had an amazing time at the Flip'n Axe. Like any other place, the experience will be what you make of it-- but my experience was fantastic. After some struggling, my frustration was overtaken by success as I started sinking the axe into the target while cheered on by my group. I certainly had many more misses, but between the axe throwing games and conversation, it was hardly a thought. At the end of the night, I felt more confident in my throwing and my arms felt like jelly. Take my advice and take an afternoon to go to the Flip'n Axe. It's an amazing time-- and something I will definitely be doing again!

A Great Day to Garden!

 

Hungry for Everything? Check out Fat Shack!

 If you're really wanting anything and everything to eat today, Fat Shack is the place you'll want to go! With only 26 locations in the United States, Clarksville is lucky to have one of these unique 'late night' food shops. Featured on Shark Tank in 2019, Fat Shack has a wide array of food from 'fat sandwiches' to deep-fried desserts.

While Fat Shack certainly doesn't have food I feel I could eat every day, I can see the appeal-- especially when it comes to college students. As someone who recently graduated, I know how much a lot of food at a low price is valued. Looking over the menu? There is a lot of food on the fat sandwiches alone. While you might be thinking of something with extra pickles, bacon, onions, and tomatoes, that isn't exactly right. Take the namesake sandwich, the Fat Shack. This one sandwich houses the following: cheesesteak, chicken fingers, jalapeño poppers, mozzarella sticks, french fries, and onion rings. Every side right on the main course! Of course, next time I make my way to Fat Shack, I think I'll be trying the Fat Cow which is filled with both mac & cheese and mozzarella sticks. 

With deep-fried Oreos, Twinkies
, chocolate chip cookies, and more? Fat Shack is the perfect destination if you're wanting the kind of food you'd expect at a fair with the chill atmosphere of a hole-in-the-wall restaurant. Even if this kind of food isn't your usual, I'd suggest checking out this spot at least once at 1715 Wilma Rudolph Blvd. It's an experience through and through.

Frontline Games: Gaming Needs from Pokemon Cards to Tabletop

While most of my game experience is limited to video games, there is a large gaming community in Clarksville outside of the consoles and computers. Frontline Games is the place that caters to them. Recently, my boyfriend and I delved into the new Digimon card game as a nostalgic trip back to a childhood love of the show. While yes, many do find card packs at places like Target or Walmart, we decided to take a trip over to a game store that we know of at 287 Stonecrossing Dr. 

When we arrived, one of the usual weekend tournaments was taking place. Frontline hosts a great amount of card game competitions including Magic the Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh, and Pokemon with the entry fee usually costing $5. While I have never taken part, the group that day seemed to be having a blast! For those not as interested in card games, Frontline also has free board game nights on Fridays with rental board games being only $1. They have a large selection for rental, and of course for sale as well! It would definitely make for a fun evening with friends if you're looking for something new to try and you don't want to commit to buying a game yourself. For more information on the event schedule of Frontline Games, check out their website here!

Frontline Games also carries a large array of figures, some of which can be utilized in games, such as the popular HeroClix. And, like any good game store, they have a good selection of dice as well as a variety of card sleeves.

My boyfriend and I were met with friendly staff when we approached the counter to look at playing cards. The young woman working showed us the different packs and starter kits, answering any questions we had. At the end of the day, we left happy with exactly what we were looking for. Frontline is an excellent shop that helps bring the community together with the shop's frequent events. Card competitors of all ages and all skills
have a place in the different competitions, and board game enthusiasts are sure to find something new. Even if you think this might not be your scene, take a moment to pop in sometime. You might see a new game that really catches your eye.

Happy Father's Day!

 

Getting Ready for Father's Day!

 Lacking on Father's Day plans? There are several things to do around our beautiful city of Clarksville that would be great for a day out with dad-- things that don't include a horror movie marathon which is what I'm planning. 

• Go out for a movie! We have two great movie theaters in the area which are getting back into the swing of business. You can find the AMC Theater in Govoner Square Mall, or you can visit the Regal Theater off of Tiny Town Road. Right now, showings are still limited, but movies such as The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It and Cruella are playing. 
  
  
• Go for a round of Mini Golf! There are currently two mini-golf courses in the Clarksville area. One of these two is D&D Minigolf on Holiday Dr. I posted about this course a few weeks out and you can check that out here! The other course is located in The City Forum at 2231-T, Madison St. Both of these are indoor courses so no matter the weather, you can enjoy some fun with dad.
  
  
• Take a day at the City Forum! Along with an indoor minigolf course, the City Forum also holds a full arcade, a bowling alley, and a go-kart ring. All indoor, this area is a great place to hang out and even has a restaurant-- a day of experiences rolled in one!
  
  
• Check out a new place to eat! Clarksville has a lot of great restaurants to dine in, and Father's Day is a great excuse to get out there for great food! You can find a slew of local diners in the downtown area, but you can also browse through our blog for some other great dining options in the city. 
  
  
• Visit one of the parks for a hike! If the weather is good, consider getting outside and enjoying the sun. Clarksville has some beautiful parks and historic sites such as Dunbar Cave, Port Royal, Fort Defiance, and Rotary Park. These parks have great walking paths, and Fort Defiance has some historic sights to look at as well!

While there is certainly a great deal more that could be done for some Father's Day fun, these are my top suggestions. Clarksville has a lot to do so get out there and do something new this Father's Day!

Take Time to Explore Downtown Clarksville!

 With the weather warming up, it has become the perfect time of year to explore the downtown area of Clarksville! Along with wonderful local restaurants such as Blackhorse and Kimo's, there are several locally-owned shops and Clarksville's beloved theatre, the Roxy. In time, I look forward to covering all of these spaces in detail as businesses become more open throughout the weeks.

Another great piece of Downtown Clarksville is the extensive collection of statues. With the coronavirus taking up the majority of 2020, even I wasn't aware of the new statue being dedicated in downtown Clarksville in celebration of 100 years of women's right to vote. Unveiled on August 15th, 2020, the "Tennessee Triumph" suffrage statue stands proudly at Public Square. She is reported to be Clarksville's 27th piece of public art, and one of many statues smattered across the downtown area. Other statues include Frank Sutton as Sargent Carter, Lenora 'Nora' Witzel, and "The Day After" which shows a man reading a newspaper to signify the work of the Leaf Chronicle to publish the day after a tornado tore apart the downtown area.

If you have time this summer, head downtown to explore a historic area of Clarksville! Between murals, statues, and beautiful architecture, you'll find yourself with a lot to take in.

Craving Hawaiian?: Kimo's Hawaiian Bar and Grill

Downtown Clarksville is full of unique eateries that provide delicious food to the community. Recently, I've decided I want to check out more of these little restaurants in the heart of the city so my boyfriend and I dipped into the Hawaiian grill, Kimo's, for lunch on Wednesday. The servers were incredibly friendly from the start. The restaurant itself was calm and trendy with a beachy theme to go along with the food, but it has the charm that's a staple to many downtown buildings with the exposed brick walls. In a comfortable booth, the real challenge started-- deciding on a meal.

Kimo's offers a good selection on their menu. To start off, patrons have options of appetizers like Longboard Nachos with Kahlua pork and beer cheese or even an Ahi tuna poke bowl. If you ask me, these options could also serve well as main course type meals and next time I stop in I might have to try the poke bowl! While Kimo's has some burger, sandwich, and salad options, the house dishes tended to be where my attention was. With meals available such as Kalua Pork & Cabbage, Mahi Mahi, and Loco Moco Beef & Eggs, you can try out dishes that I personally haven't seen elsewhere. I decided to try the Dakine Chicken & Beef. It was love at first bite. Marinated in the signature Kimo's barbeque sauce, the meat was absolutely delicious and it was a perfect summer lunch paired with rice. 

If you're wondering about the burgers, I have answers to that, too. My boyfriend decided to try out the Kimo's Local Burger, and it was happily devoured. This burger with teriyaki sauce and grilled pineapple was "the best burger I've had in a long time," according to the happy patron of Kimo's. Long story short: this place is an absolute must. 

Stop to Smell the Flowers

 

Buying in a Seller's Market

When looking to buy a house, it's important to know the kind of market you're stepping into. Currently, we are in what's known as a seller's market-- that means that there is a higher demand for homes than there is a supply. Despite the new construction that is happening around Clarksville, there are many families looking to buy within our beautiful community. This can make it a little harder to find a dream home, but nothing is impossible. With a few tips, you can get a good start on house hunting in our seller's market!

First and foremost: get yourself a sharp agent. Your real estate agent is your guide through the buying process, and you need one with experience and expertise. Pam Cash of the Cash Team has been working diligently since 2006 and has lived in Clarksville for the majority of her life. With a passionate work ethic and a knowledge of the community, the Cash team is one of the best options for buyers in the Clarksville area.

Get preapproved. Receiving a preapproval will help you know just how much you have to work with. In addition, it will give your offer more credibility than an offer made without a preapproval!

Don't lowball. Right now, sellers have the upper hand and are most likely receiving multiple offers on their homes. Submitting an offer below the price asked is useless when most offers will be going well above that. You are navigating a competitive market, so be prepared to make a competitive offer-- and maybe even offer to go higher than competing offers to a certain price point!

Lower your standards. With houses going so fast, you may not have time to wait for the perfect house that may not come on the market. While this can seem disappointing, any home can be made perfect with the right attitude and dedication-- every home is an investment. Know what you want for sure such as location and size, school zone, land. You can finish the basement yourself, but you can't uproot your home to a larger lot!

Stay alert. Be on the lookout for new houses coming on the market, or have an agent like those on the Cash Team that keep up with homes that fall in the range of their clients! With houses in high demand, they can go fast-- it's good to be the first to see a newly listed house and put out the offer!

The Fair is in Town!

 If you're looking for some summer fun through this week, look no farther than the Clarksville Speedway! There is still a week left to enjoy the Montgomery County Fair, which is coming to a close this Saturday on the 19th of June. While the Monster Truck show was unfortunately canceled this year, there is still a great deal of things to do!

My boyfriend and I attended the fair this past Saturday. With a $5 admission fee and $25 wristbands (which allow visitors unlimited access-- tickets for rides are also available), we found the price very worth full access to all of the staple fair rides. My favorites were the spinning strawberries and, of course, the classic ferris wheel. I especially liked the Montgomery County Fair's F\ferris wheel which, instead of the usual two-person seats, had little carriages that could fit a small group or family-- and is far better for someone with a fear of heights! 

The Pig and Duck races were an absolute must to watch, and fair-goers can find showtimes displayed in the fair if you too enjoy watching cute animals race! At the pig race, children were given the chance to be active participants as head cheerleaders of different sections. Who wouldn't want to cheer for adorable potbelly pigs with racing names like "Ham Solo"? Winners, of course, walked away with a pig nose. Though I'm not a child, I still thoroughly enjoyed watching the pigs complete racing laps.

Admission prices to the fair are as follows: $5 for adults as well as children 12 and up, and $3 for children ages 4-11. Children ages 3 and under are free to enter! Wristbands that allow unlimited access to rides are $25 with military and first responders receiving a $10 discount on Monday the 14th as well as Wednesday the 16th! 

Every Little Life Enjoys Flowers

 

Docked: The Pinta at McGregor Park

 If you're looking for something a little different to do this month, or if you're interested in historical style sights, you'll want to head to McGregor Park at 640 Riverside Drive! Currently, a replica of one of Christopher Columbus' ships, the Pinta, is docked. For a small price, guests can go aboard the replica ship in order to get a closer look at the mechanics of the deck. The ship is open to self-guided tours from 10am to 5pm with admission prices as follows: $6.50 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5.50 for children 5-16, and free for children for and under. 

This beautiful historical replica of the Pinta will only be docked at McGregor Park and open for viewing until Sunday, June 20th. If you have a free afternoon this week, be sure to head out to see this little piece of history on the Cumberland!

A Name that Says it All: Juicy Seafood

With restaurants reopening their seating areas, I have been enjoying going out to eat more lately. Yesterday, I was introduced to a new place that took the place of a closed buffet at 2355 Madison St-- next to the Sango Walmart. I'll admit, I wasn't expecting much of a seafood restaurant in a very landlocked state. I was incredibly surprised by how amazing my meal was.

Juicy Seafood holds a rather kitsch interior that I loved-- large parties may be able to eat at a table within a pirate ship addition, and anyone can pose with the beloved pirate captain Jack Sparrow on a bench within the restaurant. There's also a wall of Pirates of the Caribbean pictures towards the back. If you're a fan of the series, I would suggest going for that alone.

The food, though, is obviously the main attraction. Advertised as a 'cajun style' seafood eatery, there is no disappointment in what you'll be getting. Something I found notable was the options given for seasonings and spice level-- an important aspect for people more sensitive to spicy foods, or for people who just don't like it. My mother, realtor Pam Cash, and I tried out one of the combo meals consisting of crab, shrimp, mussels, boiled potatoes, and corn on the cob with a mild spice and garlic butter seasoning. It was incredible. Most cajun-styled food I've had has been too spicy for me to really dig in, but the allowance of just how spicy the diner wants their boil made all the difference. After emptying our boil bag into its tray, we dug in. Juicy Seafood provides guests with bibs and gloves, to prevent excess mess, but I passed them up to get right to the crab legs.

My expectations for Juicy Seafood were far exceeded, and I have to say I'll be excited for any opportunity to get back to the pirate-themed restaurant. If you have a craving for some cajun-style seafood, Juicy Seafood should be at the top of your list.

An Oddly Amazing Shop: Oddly Amazing Antiques

I have always adored antique shops, but many of them seem to be more 'fashionable' these days rather than an eclectic collection of interesting odds and ins. In the end, I really enjoy any antique shop from the ones pristinely organized to the ones that feel like mazes of items. Oddly Amazing Antiques is something that feels a bit different from both-- probably because along with antiques, this store sells 'oddities' as well as generally weird items. I would say it is the more maze-like shop, though-- with that magical feeling that you might find anything within its walls.

This shop is still fairly new to my knowledge. It sprung up on my radar nearly two years ago and I was immediately enraptured with the place. When it was at it's first location, I sometimes went three times a week to poke around and ask about the antique composition dolls I collected. The staff was always incredibly friendly and always seemed to have interesting stories about the items they had in the shop. And, of course, I always had a fun time spotting new things that had been moved around in the store. 

Currently, Oddly Amazing Antiques is located near Riverside Drive at 11 Jefferson St. With a shop twice the size of the first, this location allows for even more interesting things to be stored to be found by the eager antiquer or just any person interested by cool things. Just yesterday I looked over a wall of vintage cameras, browsed shell bowls full of crystals, and debated on buys a jawbone. Antique toys are also sprinkled through the store with some more modern figures. Really, if you can imagine it, Oddly Amazing Antiques probably has it! If you don't believe me, you can check out their Instagram page here!

All in all, if you're looking for a new place to explore or you're wanting some interesting antiques, this is my top suggestion. You really never know what you might find.

Take a Day for Hobbies!

 

Beautiful Fabrics at Country Lane Quilts!

If you’re in need of some new fabric or just want to take a drive to someplace new, this is the blog post to be reading today! Country Lane Quilts isn’t in Clarksville, but it is close enough to make it a fun trip. Not to mention the scenery. This quilt shop is located in Kentucky in an Amish community meaning that there are plenty of open fields and animals to see out the car windows on the way; occasionally, you’ll even see a horse and carriage going down the road. Last time, on one of the thinner roads, we got to stay behind one for just a bit!

Of course, the scenery isn’t the main perk of Country Lane Quilts—that would be the amazing collection of fabric with incredibly affordable prices. Most of these fabrics are what might be considered ‘last season,’ but that doesn’t do any harm to their quality or their beauty. The majority of these fabrics are still on bolts and cost about $4 a yard. Personally, I tend to look at every stack of bolts because I adore eclectic fabrics and I always find plenty of interesting patterns. Along with well-branded fabric, there are also occasionally licensed fabrics—recently I got some Wiggles fabric to add to my scrap quilts in the future.

Overall, this is one of my favorite places to go for fabric. With incredibly affordable prices per yard, I can always leave with a good stack of fabrics for different projects—far more than I would usually splurge on at Joanne’s! If you are wanting a place to find some interesting fabrics at a low price, Country Lane Quilts at 10837 Jefferson Davis Rd in Pembroke, Kentucky!

Game Hub: Old and New Games Galore

Looking for a new game to play? Whether you’re seeking new or old, the recently founded used game store Game Hub probably has it. As a fan of video games myself, I always love to visit game shops around town—especially ones that still sell for the Gamecube and the Gameboy, two of my favorite counsels to this day. While chains like GameStop are great for the newer releases for current systems, they don’t always have what I’m looking for. Game Hub was an unexpected stop for my boyfriend and I a few weeks ago when we saw a sign that held the words “video games.” I am obsessed.

While this store is relatively small and cozy, it holds
one of the largest collection of games that I’ve seen in any used store with multiple copies of even harder to find titles like Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life available on the PS2—though after my last stop, there is only one copy available. The owner of the shop is incredibly friendly, and his prices are fair. It seems like he’s been waiting a good while to get this shop running given the vast number of games he has ready and organized on the shelves; I had no trouble hunting down the titles I wanted and left incredibly happy with my purchases.

Game Hub is a shop getting started, and already it’s proven to be pretty great. If you’re looking for a game on any system—and I mean any system—swing by this awesome spot on 507B Fort Campbell Blvd. This shop is 100% local and as a community, we should definitely show it some love!

A Day of Rest on Sunday

 

A Lovely Weekend for Tea: The Mad Herbalist

Interested in a place to take it easy this weekend as the clouds and rain threaten to continue? Consider taking a trip to the Mad Herbalist! This local tea shop has an amazing atmosphere to relax in with the full upper level serving as a lounging room with a comfortable chair and, my favorite, a window seat. The building, though in the middle of the city, is happily tucked into a grove of trees which gives a very rustic feel, like being nestled in a cabin.

While the Mad Herbalist does have a small select menu for meals, the biggest selling point is obviously the amazing tea. Their house brews rotate seasonally, allowing patrons to sample unique flavor mixtures throughout the year. Currently, you can find flavors such as Sweet Cinders (smoked lapsang tea, cedar, balsam fir, vanilla) and Spring Fever (sencha green tea, rosemary, lemon rind, cardamom, vanilla, peppermint) available! Personally, I’m excited to try the Apple Orchard flavor next time I stop by.

While this weekend looks like it might be drab, take the chance to make it into a great experience! Head over to the Mad Herbalist on 1601 Madison St, and have a warm house brew to counteract the cloudy weather!

A Magical Coffee Experience at Ravenwood!

 I feel my age shows in how many coffee shops in Clarksville that I absolutely adore. A twenty-something is always in need of coffee, and Clarksville has provided some excellent experiences to find a good frappachino (as well as some less milkshake-esque coffee for those who actually enjoy how coffee tastes). While Ravenwood isn't as close to the Austin Peay campus as it once was, it is thankfully still open and in range of anyone seeking something a little more special than a Starbucks drink.

Ravenwood coffee can be considered a magical experience as their little shop brings in elements of fantastical media such as Harry Potter. Their Butterbeer drink, one of many alternatives to coffee they offer, is Universal Studios quality-- maybe even better. With an upbeat staff and cozy space, this little coffee shop is a great spot to go by with friends if you're on Fort Campbell Blvd! You can find it specifically at 2609 Fort Campbell Blvd Suite B.

Looking at Historical Homes

 Historical homes are a dime in a dozen in the modern age. Wear and tear of time have taken many beautiful houses over the course of years, while others were neglected to a point of no return. There are many, though, that remain to stand out among others with unique flare and architecture. Most people don’t like to bother with the maintenance that comes with an old structure, but many can appreciate the beauty that comes with antiquity. Some, however, can picture themselves owning a beautiful historical house.

While there are currently none available in Clarksville, our city does hold many gorgeous historical homes in the downtown area. I have admired them through the years as they’ve stood through time, presenting themselves as ele
gant fixtures in a modern time with their no longer usual designs and occasional bright colors—one such, my favorite, is an amazing shade of lavender. Though there are none currently available in Clarksville, some of the surrounding towns can boast of absolutely gorgeous historical homes for sale.

Recently, Pam Cash of Crye-Lieke Realtors was able to show off this amazing home Erin, Tennessee. Two stories were decked out in antique furnishings in what was meant to eventually become an Air BNB. However, the unfortunate circumstances that came with Covid have put it back on the market for potential buyers with a taste for the classics. With a fireplace in every room, this home certainly warmed me up to the idea of historical house living. The structure was immaculate with fine detailing and unique wallpapering that I personally adored. Along with a lovely front stairway there was also the butler’s staircase in the back which led up to the butler’s quarters—yes, this home was built to house a butler. How amazing is that?

While some appliances were out of date, this house didn’t make a creak as we strolled through to admire all of the lovely rooms. Despite being so old, no one can argue it was incredibly sturdy. With the addition of a front balcony, a quail house, and an old smoker house, I can only imagine the possibilities adventurous buyers could have with this beautiful Erin home.

Historical homes come with risks, like any home can, and they can require far more maintenance. But well cared for and loved, these time capsules can become the pride of a community. While I couldn’t recommend everyone to go out to buy one, I encourage those with a love for antiquity to at least venture out to view some! If you are in Clarksville? Summer is coming soon—consider taking a walk through the downtown area to admire some of the beautiful old homes right here in our city!

Wednesday for the Dogs

 

Best Place to Live in America!

 If you didn't know this already, Clarksville was voted the best place to live in America in 2019. To residents of the community, this is probably not a huge surprise. Clarksville, Tennessee, is a beautiful suburban city with a diverse range of things to do. That isn't including the short travel time to Nashville, opening up a range of job opportunities, and allowing for great weekend trips to the Music City. Having lived in Clarkville for the entirety of twenty-four years of life, I feel I can definitely speak for it being a lovely place to live and it's only getting better with the recent implementations of things such as The City Forum as well as the Commons that allow people in the community to gather together in a large environment. There are also so many beautiful natural spots to explore-- such as Dunbar Cave or the Greenway. 

Of course, one of the biggest points that was made in the article explaining why Clarksville was the best city to live in was the affordability of living. Perri Blumberg in his article of Southern Living mentioned how Clarksville held homes "nearly $100,000 below the U.S. median home price" -- certainly a large difference! You can read more of Blumberg's article here!

Our community is large and growing with the exciting fluctuations of college students and military families bringing more life to our quaint city. If you live in Clarksville, you should share one of your favorite parts of our community in the comments! And if you don't? You may want to consider calling up the Cash Team of Crye-Lieke Relators to start looking for a beautiful home in this beautiful city!