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
! 

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.

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.

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!