Rivers and Spires gives a helping hand to businesses in Historic Downtown Clarksville

It is spring time again, and April is upon us. That means one thing, Rivers and Spires is just around the corner! The free three day festival will be held on April 15^th-17^th. It brings people from across the country to Historic Downtown Clarksville to enjoy some of the best entertainment, unique arts & crafts, and the distinctive culture our city has to offer.

One of the biggest impacts of the festival is the exposure it brings for downtown businesses. The festival was unanimously hailed by downtown business owners as one of the biggest benefits to their businesses throughout the year.

Lets take a walk through the downtown area and see what they had to say about the Rivers and Spires festival…

Hodgepodge

Our first stop is the Paige King’s Hodgepodge. Paige King has been one of the most vocal proponents for the downtown area, and she serves on the board for the Downtown Clarksville Association. She said “The best thing about Rivers and Spires is the exposure”. She explained, “I just can’t beat the level of free advertising that I receive from all of the people walking by, many of whom generally do not come downtown very often.” Paige said that she will most likely be offering a coupon to her visitors during the festivities that they can use when they come back to visit after the festival.

Riverview Inn

I then headed over to the Riverview Inn and spoke with the General Manager, Charlsie Lankford. She echoed Paige King’s sentiments, “Regarding The Rivers and Spires festival, I think it’s a very good thing for Clarksville, downtown, and The Riverview Inn. I think it is a wonderful opportunity for people who may not ordinarily visit the downtown area to experience all of the great things it has to offer. It is good for downtown merchants and the public alike. At the Riverview Inn, we see a small increase in business from the people who attend the festival. Some of the entertainers stay here and often times festival goers will decide to spend the night instead of driving home. We support the festival and encourage everyone to attend.There is something for everyone and a nice time is had by all. :)”

Visions Metaphysical Boutique

I returned to Franklin Street and dropped in on Linda Cain at Visions Metaphysical Boutique. This will be her 2^nd Rivers and Spires Festival. Last year she had a tent setup in front of her business. This year she will have the tent again, plus 4 people conducting readings, and 2 massage therapists. While her services are not free, they are more than worth the small price she charges. Linda said “Last year we did not sell a lot during the festival, but for six months afterwords we experienced a spike in new clients, many of whom told me that they did not know about my business until they saw us at Rivers and Spires.”

Front Page Deli

At the Front Page Deli I was lucky to catch Erica Cyr during a quiet moment. She said “I love the festival, it generates a lot of business for us, new customers who discover the Deli for the first time.” The Deli will be holding to their normal schedule during Rivers and Spires which means Trivia night on Thursday, and Live music starting at 9pm on Friday & Saturday.

Betty’s Antiques & More

I then headed to Betty’s Antiques and spoke with owner Will Harvey. He said, “Rivers and Spires is one of the best events happening Downtown, and one of the most profitable for me.” We spoke for a few more minutes between customers and when we were done talking Will hit the nail right on the head when he said, “We need more events like Rivers and Spires downtown.”

Blackhorse Pub and Brewery

I moved on to the Blackhorse Pub and Brewery, there Manager Josh Raby explained why Rivers and Spires is great for them. He said “Rivers and Spires is by far some of the biggest business we do all year. We look at it as an opportunity to show Clarksville that we are not just a brewery, but that we are also a family establishment”. He’s right and they have some great food especially their pizza!

Ingredients

This will be the first Rivers and Spires for Ingredients which just opened up this year, but co-owners Mitchell Ketchens and Monica Drake are looking forward to the festival, “We are excited about Rivers and Spires! We are looking forward to the traffic it will bring to our business.” They are planning to offer various sale specials and free food samples. They will also be selling their Delicious Italian Ice frozen dessert, which if the weather stays as nice as it has been, will be extremely popular!

Brunie’s Bar & Grill

Our last stop is Brunie’s Bar & Grill? there Elizabeth Hack was manning the counter. She said “If the weather is nice we get a lot of business.” She continued, “What I love is that a lot of people who have never been to Brunies before will get to try our restaurant.” I have eaten at Brunies several times and can truthfully say that their German food is some of the best in Clarksville!

So while you are downtown enjoying the festivities at this year’s Rivers and Spires, be sure to drop in on as many downtown businesses as you can! Say hello, look around, and if you see something you like consider buying it right then, or remember to come back for it after the festival is over! It’s these businesses who make Historic Downtown Clarksville such a great location for Rivers and Spires to be held!