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.
Ok, yesterday I started with a blog about rules and COVID-19, but after I…
I know, I know, no one likes all the advertising, banners, cookies and…
A Chistmas gift certificate to a B&B is a wonderful present for someone…
As soon as the sun sets, it is very cold out here. It is below 0 celsius,…
So we officially started with renovating the main house, the B&B. It took a…
Sorry that we didn't write any blog the last two weeks but it has been…
The B&B and we are taking a break. Just steps into our third year of…
While we are clearing out the forest and make huge piles of wood walls, our…
Over the weekend we worked hard in the woods making a path on the right side…
Today we have The Lake Fest here in Clarksville. A lot of people, a lot of…
When Martijn first visited the inside of Sunnyside he made a movie just for…
Guess what? It snowed last night and this morning, and our world is now a…
The Sunnyside Sisters B&B has reached another milestone in her…
Before we went to the US I went with Mojo to the vet because we saw that a…
The future playpen for the dogs aka our future view is coming along.…
"Joel & Nancy from Georgia drove 7 hours to attend the graduation of a niece & nephew and they stayed for one night (June 12) in the Miss Agnes Suite. This is what they had to say about their stay:
We had a wonderful visit with friends and family and then a wonderful evening. The accommodations were great and the food was awesome. We will look forward to visit here when we are in the area. Very charming!"
"Kathy & Patrick from Smith Mountain Lake, VA stayed with friends in The Occoneechee State Park during the day and stayed for one night (July 13) with us in the Miss Bella Suite. This is what they had to say about their stay:
We enjoyed the quaint, serene setting of your home. A bit of history always adds a touch of uniqueness. Our stay surpassed our expectations. "
"Grace & Lowell came here for Lake festival and stayed for one night (July 23) with us in the Miss Mildred Suite. This is what they had to say about their stay:
We had a wonderful stay, you are gracious hosts! Thank you!"
"Christie & Sandy, fiancées that met in the middle to be together and they stayed with us for 2 nights (September 8) in the Miss Bella Suite. This is what they had to say about their stay:
Such a charming venue with great hospitality. Everything was as welcoming and well thought out. Thank for a wonderful visit!"
"John & Lou came here to Clarksville VA for a family reunion and stayed with us for 1 night (August 6) in the Miss Mildred Suite. This is what they had to say about their stay:
Will be back for sure. We love what you done with this old home, and your hospitality is really special. We will tell our family + friends about this gem. God Bless you both. Great bread, btw."
"Tammi and her daughter Emily stayed two nights and this is what they say about their stay:
Thank you so much for hosting my daughter Emily and I for our little early Christmas Meetup. We had such a wonderful time. The food was great! We loved hearing about the history of the property. And thank you for your suggestions for things to do around town. We hope to see you both again in the Spring. Sincerely Tammi & Emily."
"Joanne & husband came here to get to know the Clarksville VA surroundings and stayed with us for 2 nights (August 26) in the Miss Emily Suite. This is what they had to say about their stay:
Beautiful place and wonderful hosts! I felt like I was visiting a friend’s place in the country. I would definitely recommend staying here."
"Aaron & Debbie from Virginia stayed for one night (July 2) in the Miss Emily Suite. This is what they had to say about their stay:
Thank you so much for a great stay! Breakfast was amazing! We really enjoyed our time at Sunnyside!"
"Our first bikers David & Beth stayed for one night in the Miss Mildred Suite and this is what they said about their stay:
Thank you for this amazing stay. Everything was perfect. We look forward to seeing all the progress on the house. See ya’ll soon!"
"Erv & Laura were on their way to their next biking adventure, and they stayed with us for 1 night (October 5) in the Miss Bella Suite. This is what they had to say about their stay:
Thank you for hosting us on our Southern Virginia bicycle trip. We had a wonderful and peaceful stay. We will definitely come back to your establishment if we are in the neck of the woods again. Ps. Your freshly baked bread and your Netherland cheese are delicious. "
"Karen & Seth from Virginia stayed for two nights in the Miss Bella Suite and this is what they said about their stay:
Thank you for such a wonderful experience! Your authentic Dutch food was amazing (thank you Eveline!). The rooms were so nice. Your renovations and hard work certainly paid off. Thank you for choosing Virginia to start your business. We will definitely be back."
"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!"
"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!"
" Mary Ann (Dee) & her husband from Pennsylvania visiting friends at Lake Gaston stayed in the Miss Agnes suite for one night (May 11) and this is what they had say to about their stay:
: What a wonderful B&B. We had no idea the blessing we would have being here. Beautiful rooms and such integrity keeping this ‘intact’. Our breakfast was gourmet & we felt being spoiled. Gods blessing. We will recommend as ‘a must stay place’."
"Billy & Cindy came here to celebrate their Anniversary and stayed with us for 1 night (August 27) in the Miss Bella Suite. This is what they had to say about their stay:
We stayed in Miss Bella room. Very comfortable. Very friendly host and wonderful breakfast. Hope to make this an annual event for our Anniversary. "
+1 (434) 210 - 0964
Subscribe for deals.