Begin your search for where to stay in Clarksville VA with a warm Dutch welcome at Sunnyside Sisters Bed & Breakfast. Nestled just steps from Kerr Lake and downtown delights, our 1833 mansion blends historic Southern charm with authentic European touches. Whether you’re planning to stay in Clarksville VA for a romantic weekend, a solo recharge, or a business trip, you’ll find comfort, convenience, and genuine hospitality here.
clarksville
Martijn & Eveline
Nestled on the southern shore of Virginia’s largest reservoir, Clarksville is a small town with big character. With a population under 2,000, this lakeside community offers outdoor adventure on Kerr Lake, a historic downtown brimming with local shops and eateries, and events that draw visitors year-round. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a week-long retreat, Clarksville combines relaxed charm with endless opportunities for exploration.
Founded in 1818, Clarksville thrived as a tobacco trading hub along the Staunton River. When Kerr Lake (also known as Buggs Island Lake) was created in the 1950s, the town reinvented itself as a watersports destination. Rooted in agricultural heritage and shaped by its waterways, Clarksville preserves historic architecture—from early 19th-century commercial buildings to cozy Victorian homes—offering a window into Virginia’s past.
Spanning 50,000 acres across Virginia and North Carolina, Kerr Lake is the region’s centerpiece.
Boating & Fishing: With 850 miles of shoreline, the lake is prime for bass, catfish, and crappie fishing. Boat ramps and rental marinas dot the shore.
Kayaking & Paddleboarding: Calm coves and inlets make for peaceful paddling. Guided eco-tours introduce you to herons, eagles, and river otters.
Swimming & Picnics: Designated swimming beaches and picnic areas invite families to relax lakeside.
Marina Services: Fuel, bait shops, covered slips, and mechanical assistance ensure a seamless day on the water.
Just five minutes from downtown, Occoneechee State Park covers 1,715 acres of forests and fields.
Hiking & Biking: Over 12 miles of trails ranging from easy boardwalk walks to challenging ridge-line loops.
Wildlife Viewing: White-tailed deer, turkeys, and songbirds frequent the hardwood forests.
Campgrounds & Cabins: Rustic cabins and campsites allow multi-day immersion in nature.
A short drive away, this park preserves the historic Staunton River.
River Recreation: Canoeing, kayaking, and guided boat tours of the river’s gentle rapids.
History Exhibits: Interpretive center details the river’s role in 18th- and 19th-century commerce.
Trails & Picnic Areas: Hike along river bluffs or relax at shaded picnic shelters.
Clarksville’s hospitality scene includes cozy B&Bs, historic inns, and lakeside cottages.
Bed & Breakfasts: Stay in restored Victorian homes, farmhouse retreats, or waterfront guesthouses. Learn more in our comprehensive .
Virginia B&Bs: Explore other charming Virginia inns on our .
North Carolina Border Stays: For cross-state getaways, see our .
Vacation Rentals: Waterfront cottages and downtown apartments offer full kitchens and private docks.
Clarksville’s culinary offerings highlight Southern comfort and farm-fresh ingredients.
Farm-to-Table Cafés: Seasonal produce, pasture-raised eggs, and house-made preserves.
Barbecue & Smokehouses: Slow-smoked pork, beef brisket, and classic sides like collard greens.
Coffee Shops & Bakeries: Freshly roasted beans, homemade pastries, and cozy atmospheres.
Casual Pubs & Breweries: Local craft beers paired with pub fare—pretzels, burgers, and flatbreads.
Fine Dining: Upscale menus featuring regional trout, venison, and Virginia wines.
Downtown Clarksville’s brick storefronts house a variety of boutiques and galleries.
Antique Shops: Period furniture, glassware, and collectibles.
Gift Stores: Handcrafted soaps, candles, and locally woven textiles.
Art Galleries: Paintings, pottery, and mixed-media works by Piedmont artists.
Farmers Market: Seasonal produce, honey, baked goods, and artisan cheeses (Saturdays, April–October).
Clarksville’s calendar is lively, with events celebrating lakeside life and Southern culture.
Virginia Lake Festival (Lakefest): Late May weekend of live music, arts and crafts, and fireworks over the lake.
Harvest Days: Early October festival featuring pumpkin patches, hayrides, and farm demonstrations.
Wine & Music Festival: Local wineries showcase vintages alongside regional bands.
Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting: Late November celebration in historic downtown with carriage rides.
Historic Walking Tours: Self-guided maps point out notable homes, churches, and the original tobacco warehouse district.
Live Performances: Summer concerts in the park and occasional theater under the stars.
Public Art Installations: Murals depicting Clarksville’s river and agricultural heritage.
Local Museums: Small exhibits on Native American artifacts and early tobacco cultivation.
Clarksville’s central location makes it a gateway to Southwest Virginia and North Carolina.
Danville, VA: Explore the restored River District with museums, riverfront parks, and craft breweries.
South Boston, VA: Home to motorsports events and the Staunton River Valley Museum.
Asheboro, NC: Visit the North Carolina Zoo and historic downtown arts district.
Pittsboro & Chatham, NC: Galleries, millennial farms, and the Piedmont Crescent Trail.
Getting Here: Clarksville sits off U.S. Route 58, about 1.5 hours from Raleigh-Durham and 2 hours from Richmond. Nearest airport: Raleigh-Durham International (RDU).
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–June) for wildflowers and Lakefest; autumn (September–October) for foliage and harvest events.
Weather: Warm summers (80–90°F), mild springs and falls (55–75°F), occasional winter lows (25–35°F).
Transportation: Most attractions are within a 10-mile radius; car rental recommended.
Safety & Accessibility: Public restrooms, accessible park facilities, and boat ramps are well-maintained.
Local businesses and parks are embracing eco-friendly practices:
Water Conservation: Efficient docks, low-flow showerheads in rental cottages, and marsh restoration projects.
Renewable Energy: Solar panels on public buildings and promotion of energy-efficient accommodations.
Waste Reduction: Community recycling centers, compost programs at farmers markets, and refillable toiletry stations at B&Bs.
Wildlife Habitat: Native plant gardens at the park entrance support pollinators and songbirds.
Morning: Paddle a kayak on Kerr Lake and spot ospreys along the shoreline.
Lunch: Enjoy pulled-pork sliders and coleslaw at a farm-fresh café.
Afternoon: Hike the Occoneechee Ridge Trail, then browse antiques downtown.
Evening: Dine at a waterfront restaurant and catch sunset over the lake.
Day 1: Check into a downtown B&B, stroll Main Street shops, and attend a summer concert in the park.
Day 2: Full-day fishing charter, picnic lunch on an island, and wine tasting at a mobile vineyard stand.
Day 3: Late breakfast, guided historic walking tour, and departure after a final lakeside coffee.
Clarksville, Virginia, offers the perfect blend of outdoor adventure, historic charm, and small-town hospitality. Whether you’re drawn by the lure of Kerr Lake, intrigued by local history, or simply seeking a relaxing retreat, this lakeside gem awaits your discovery. Pack your bags, plot your course, and experience the welcoming spirit of Clarksville.
There are moments in life when a dream changes shape.
For us, this is one of those moments.
Years ago, we came to America carrying what so many people carry with them: hope, ambition, and a dream. We poured that dream into every corner of Sunnyside Sisters Bed & Breakfast — into the old wood floors, the guest rooms, the gardens, the breakfasts, the late nights, the laughter on the porch, and the quiet mornings with coffee before guests woke up.
This house became so much more than a business.
It became home.
Over the past years, we have met extraordinary people from all over the world. Some arrived as guests and left as friends. Others returned year after year until they felt like family. You helped turn an old Virginia estate into something alive again. Something warm. Something meaningful.
And for that, we will forever be grateful.
But life sometimes asks us to make difficult decisions — not because the dream failed, but because circumstances change.
Due to changing immigration realities and the growing uncertainty surrounding long-term residency options in the United States, we have made the deeply emotional decision to close this chapter of our lives and relocate to Spain.
This was not a quick or easy decision.
In many ways, this was our American Dream.
We did not just build a business here. We built a life. We restored not only a historic property, but also a part of ourselves along the way. Every room, every porch, every flower bed, every repaired window and painted wall carries years of hard work, sacrifice, hope, and love.
Especially over these last months, we have worked tirelessly to finish the complete renovation of the property — inside and out. Long days became late nights. Weekends disappeared into paint, repairs, landscaping, gravel, woodwork, chimneys, windows, porches, and countless finishing touches. We wanted Sunnyside Sisters to be everything we once dreamed it could be.
And somehow, just as we reached that finish line, we received one more incredible honor: being named Best of Virginia 2026 for the second year in a row.
That recognition touched us deeply.
Not because of the title itself, but because it felt like confirmation that all the years of hard work, hospitality, and heart truly meant something to the people who walked through our doors.
There is something bittersweet about finally completing a dream home, only to realize it is time to let it go.
With very mixed emotions, we will officially close our doors as of today, May 21th.
However, there will be one final exception: during the Lake Festival, we will open Sunnyside Sisters one more time. One last weekend filled with guests, laughter, lake memories, and everything that made this place so special to us over the years.
It feels only right that we say goodbye one final time surrounded by the energy and community we have loved so much.
Maybe that is also the beauty of old homes and old dreams: you care for them for a while, you leave your mark, and eventually you pass them on so someone else can continue the story.
We leave with full hearts.
Thank you to our guests.
Thank you to our friends.
Thank you to our family.
Thank you to everyone who supported us, stayed with us, recommended us, laughed with us, cried with us, and believed in us.
You made Sunnyside Sisters a success far beyond numbers, awards, or reviews.
You made it matter.
As emotional as this goodbye is, we are also looking ahead with hope. A quieter life awaits us in southern Spain, together with our dogs and cats, where we hope to build a new future surrounded by nature, simplicity, and perhaps — eventually — new adventures once again.
Sunnyside Sisters will always be part of us.
And we hope, in some small way, we became part of your story too.
Summertime in Clarksville is the Best! With the big Lake around the corner…
Although it is still a little bit cold and last week we had a lot of rain,…
Hey there! It’s St. Patrick’s week, and guess what? It’s your lucky…
The Sunnyside gets sunnier and sunnier. This week we finished painting the…
In November last year Martijn and I were interviewed for an European TV…
We have been busy. Plumbing and water is done for 95%. Bathrooms are framed…
What most of us already know is that our beautiful town is also ‘The Best…
The B&B and we are taking a break. Just steps into our third year of…
Besides running the B&B, making/serving breakfast and cleaning the suites,…
While back home in The Netherlands the news on COVID is absolute something…
Oh my, we have been busy lately and a lot of things getting done: - floors…
It is a fact. Due to rain and cold, trees and powerlines are frozen and we…
One of our Bed and Breakfast unique features will be a Gym. We have a…
Our doors are open again and tonight we welcome our first guests since we…
Our Bed and Breakfast has five beautiful en-suite bedrooms named after the…
"Elise & Byr (?) came here because weather forecast was bad and they didn’t want to drive in it and they stayed with us for 1 night (September 23) in the Miss Bella Suite. This is what they had to say about their stay:
What a delightful stay + wonderful breakfast + hospitality by Martijn and Eveline. We came upon Sunnyside Sisters B&B by accident and Martijn was so kind to welcome us at short notice. So fortunate for us! We appreciate all the thought, work and care they have put into this experience. Looking forward to the next time here too. Best wishes to all."
"Caroline & Greg had read the article about Clarksville VA in “Small towns in your State to visit” and wanted to check it out. They stayed with us for 1 night (August 27) in The ‘Old” Miss Suite. This is what they had to say about their stay:
The Old Miss room was large and comfortable. We had such a relaxing stay! Thank you for the wonderful Dutch breakfast and for sharing some of the house’s history and your adventures refurbishing!"
"Breakfast Was Amazing – Dutch Influence, Fresh Eggs, and Homemade Warm Bread!
Had a great experience at Sunnyside. Wonderful location. Spacious rooms and private bathroom. Breakfast was amazing—Dutch influence; fresh eggs and fresh homemade warm bread!"
"April from North - Carolina driving to visit some friends up North and stayed for one night (June 13) in the Miss Mildred Suite. This is what she had to say about her stay:
A most enjoyable stay. The history of this place, the grounds, and the host & hostess. Wonderful breakfast. Am going to bring hubby soon back here. "
" Sue & Frank DeCaro and Joanne Falcone attending a wedding stayed for two nights in the Miss Emily Suite and the Miss Bella Suite (May 8) and this is what they had say to about their stay:
Thank you for the hospitality. Everything was great! We enjoyed hearing the history of the house and how you decided to make Clarksville VA your home! Good luck with all your plans for the property. We are sure it will be fantastic. We definitely will be back. Note: thank you Sue, Frank and Joanna for your wonderful gifts! The coaster with the school is so ‘spot on’ and your card is so much appreciated. Thank you."
"Ted & April from North Carolina visited Clarksville to celebrate their Anniversary and stayed for one night (July 1) in the Miss Emily Suite. This is what they had to say about their stay:
A lovely walk back in time. A plantation, a school, a B&B so much to ponder and imagine. Netherlands to America; an amusing and delicious blend. Thabnk you for your (gu)essentially hospitable experience. We felt very pampered. Love."
"Morgan & Jordan attending a friend’s wedding stayed for one night (May 14) in The Miss Emily Suite and this is what they had to say about their stay:
We stayed for our friend’s wedding & it was the perfect spot! Thank you for your hospitality "
"Peggy stayed with us for 1 night (October 8) in the Miss Emily Suite because of a reunion. This is what she had to say about her stay:
Wonderful! Short but sweet trip. Delicious breakfast. Great conversation w/Martijn. Eveline “Great” chef/cook!!! Will be back! Tot ziens! "
"Janie & Michael from Virginia decided last minute to spend their weekend here in Clarksville VA and stayed for two nights (July 9) in the Miss Mildred Suite. This is what they had to say about their stay:
We had a lovely time here. Thank you for having us. So glad we decided to spend our weekend getaway here instead of going to the Coast. The food was delicious. The Dutch treats were wonderful. Thank you both for the wonderful hospitality, the best coffee ever sold ‘bold + full’ of flavor. Hope to visit again soon."
" Miles Burghoff attending the BASSMASTER fishing tournament stayed with us for 8 nights (May 5) in the Miss Emily Suite and this is what he had say to about his stay:
Eveline & Martijn you are the HOSTS WITH THE MOST!!! My stay was truly remarkable. The room was comfortable and welcoming, and your hospitable approach to your guests certainly made me feel at home. We didn’t do well in the tournament (this time) but I will be back, and I will dedicate the trophy next time to you both! Keep up the good work, and I look forward to my next trip to Buggs Island Lake! Note: His stay was excluding breakfast because he had to get up very early every morning, but his stay was including boat + trailer parking and use of electricity. His friend Braydon Rakes also stayed with us, but then in the Miss Bella Suite. "
" Shari & John came here for a short get away and stayed for one night (June 26) in the Miss Mildred Suite. This is what they had to say about their stay:
Fill what’s empty. Empty what’s full. Balance the journey – Alice Roosevelt Longworth – Shari. Eveline: we can’t agree more!"
"Steve & Jerri (AKA the Milk lady) from Minnesota on a vacation came here to relax and they stayed for two nights (June 22) in the Miss Bella Suite. This is what they had to say about their stay:
Thank you for a very memorable stay in Clarksville. Your B&B is at the top of the list for us. We can’t say enough about your warm and inviting hospitality! We loved our many conversations and your special “Dutch Touch”. Our room, the delicious breakfast and the entire home you have so lovingly restored, provided a wonderful getaway. "
" John & Ann from Maine traveling to Florida and staying (March 11) for one night in The Miss Bella Suite and this is what they had to say about their stay:
Thanks so much. This was lovely and so nice to meet folks from The Netherlands."
"John & Andi, looking for a break, stayed with us for 1 night (October 15) in the Miss Emily Suite. This is what they had to say about their stay:
Our first visit and we will definitely return! We liked the atmosphere, the hospitality, and the breakfast. We can’t wait to see all the hosts have in store for the future. Very relaxing + pleasant. "
"Chris + Beth came here to celebrate their 35th Anniversary and they stayed with us for 1night (September 17) in the Old Miss Suite. This is what they had to say about their stay:
Thanks for an enjoyable and welcoming stay. It was the perfect place fior our Anniversary! We plan coming back again! May God bless you!"
+1 (434) 210 - 0964
Subscribe for deals.