Avoid the heavy traffic and the high prices of Nashville by driving a short distance northwest to Clarksville, Tennessee. From North Alabama, get on I-840 West before you get to Franklin, for extra smooth sailing that will avoid ALL of the downtown Nashville craziness.
ROXY REGIONAL THEATRE
The Roxy Regional Theatre is the only professional theater within a 45-50 mile radius and offers performances 345 days a year. Check roxyregionaltheatre.org to see upcoming events. Ticket prices are generally $25 for adults and $15 for children with musicals costing $5 more per ticket. Performers are recruited from New York and Nashville in order to provide the highest possible quality. Ryan Bowie has been the Executive Director since 2016, and is bringing both energy and experience to this job. There are 153 seats in the Main Theatre, and sources tell me there’s not a single bad seat.
After 5:00 p.m. on week days and on weekends, parking is free on the street, in the lot beside the building and in two nearby garages. Be sure to notice the statue of Frank Sutton across the street. He became well-known through the Gomer Pyle sitcoms playing the role of “Sergeant Carter.”
You will want to plan lunch or dinner before a performance, since there are a number of great eating places within walking distance of the theater. Three that I recommend are: Roux Americajun (yes, you’ll think you’re in New Orleans when you read the menu), Edward’s Steakhouse (probably Clarksville’s most romantic restaurant), and Strawberry Alley Ale Works.
ROUX AMERICAJUN
Roux Americajun, 125 Franklin Street, lives up to its slogan: “New Orleans is just a bite away.” Boudin balls, crawfish bread, corn maque choux, and crawfish etouffee nachos stand out in the appetizer list with red beans and rice and seafood gumbo right behind. Po’ Boys, shrimp and grits, jambalaya, beignets and bread pudding continue the NOLA theme.
You’ll love the vintage look of the repurposed building.
EDWARD’S STEAKHOUSE
Edward’s Steakhouse, 107 Franklin Street right across from the Roxy, has a similar look to Roux Americajun with its exposed brick walls and hardwood floors. Steaks may be the specialties at Edward’s, but there are a generous number of chicken, pork, lamb, seafood and pasta entree choices as well. And the appetizers range from raw oysters to fried green beans with just about everything you can name in between.
STRAWBERRY ALLEY ALE WORKS
Strawberry Alley Ale Works, at 103 Strawberry Alley, is just a few blocks away from the Roxy. Healthy options are noticeable on the menu, such as avocado toast, veggie burgers and power salads. But, they are alongside grilled salmon, jagerschnitzel, fried shrimp and chicken piccata. This place has a very interesting and varied menu.
For a special date night or a weekend getaway, there is much to see, do and taste in Clarksville, Tennessee.