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.
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"Emily& Shelton stayed with us for 1 night (October 29) in the Miss Emily Suite. This is what they had to say about their stay:
Thank you for a wonderful experience! This home is gorgeously decorated, and the Dutch accents are so unique. Our room was comfortable and quiet, and breakfast was divine! We would love to stay another couple of nights, perhaps in the spring. We hope to come back again in the future. "
"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."
"Carol & James came here to attend their grandson’s baptism and they stayed with us for 2 nights (October 15) in the Miss Bella Suite. This is what they had to say about their stay:
Thanks for your wonderful hospitality! We loved everything. "
"Tim & Susan came here for the second time but this time with their boat and they stayed with us for 1 night (September 18) in the Miss Bella Suite. This is what they had to say about their stay:
Our second time, it was as wonderful as the first! Breakfast was amazing, was looking forward to it on our return. Such a great place to stop and relax before a day out fishing. The “Orange” room was great especially since it’s my favorite color. Many blessings upon this place and the both of you. "
" Kate & Bishop (his second time here) from Durham NC resp. Richmond VA, meeting in ‘the middle’ spending their weekend together here in Clarksville VA stayed for two nights (May 8) in The Miss Mildred Suite and this is what they had say to about their stay:
(Kate): Thank you for a wonderful stay and a beautiful meeting place for Bishop and me! We loved our time in this oasis halfway between Durham & Richmond and we’ll be back! (Bishop): Hello again! I told you I’d be spreading the word and now Kate will too! We’ve enjoyed our time together so much – it was exactly the little getaway that was needed, and the meals were absolutely delicious! Hope to come back soon."
"Ann & Paul from Brevard, NC came here to attend a wedding and they stayed for one night (June 9) in the Miss Bella Suite. This is what they had to say about their stay:
We enjoyed everything and all the special thought + touches from BF to decorating. Please come visit us & your dogs too. "
"Marco and Erica from Britalians TV stayed three nights and this is what they say about their stay:
You are the most wonderful host we came across in the USA, thanks for taking care of us with so much love and impeccable attention for every detail. We are looking forward to come back soon to your magic home. With love, Erica & Marco"
"Erl & Carol from North Carolina having a stayed for the weekend (May 21) in The Miss Mildred Suite and this is what they had to say about their stay:
What an awesome weekend we had! The room was super clean & comfortable. Best hosts ever, very knowledgeable of the history of the beautiful B&B! The food was delicious, love the Dutch Touch!!!<3 Thank you for everything, we will certainly be back!"
"Hidden Gem with European Charm and Gourmet Breakfast
This B&B is a hidden gem. The Dutch owners bring European charm and serve a gourmet breakfast that rivals any five-star hotel. Peaceful, clean, and welcoming."
"Michael & Janet came here to participate in a skeet or clay pigeon shooting tournament and they stayed for two nights (June 12) in the Miss Mildred Suite. This is what they had to say about their stay:
We had an amazing stay! Everything was perfect and the fresh bread… well we wish we could get a loaf to take home <3. The room was beautiful and the tub relaxing! We look forward to our next visit."
"Keith & Cecelia from Portland, ME stayed for one night (May 14) in The Miss Mildred Suite and this is what they had to say about their stay:
What a gorgeous home! The craftmanship is just wonderful. The bed was extremely comfortable. Breakfast was delicious! Thank you!"
" Barbara & John from North Carolina stayed for one night (March 31) in The Miss Emily Suite and this is what they had say to about their stay:
Thank you for such a lovely stay! You did an amazing job restoring this beautiful home and preserve its history. "
" Dave (who pronounced Martijn’s name right away correct because a neighbor from The Netherlands had the same name:-) & Janet who were on their way back home to New Jersey, stayed for one night (April 15) in The Miss Bella Suite and this is what they had say to about their stay:
We enjoyed our stay at the bed and breakfast. Your warm greeting was much appreciated. It was very comfortable and the breakfast was amazing! "
"Kelly from South Boston, VA came her to just to relax and to check out the breakfast ‘with a Dutch Touch’ for two nights (June 19) in the Miss Mildred Suite. This is what she had to say about her stay:
Thank you for a wonderful stay and unique breakfast experience! I loved all of my bubble baths here – everything was amazing! I’de be happy to come back anytime for breakfast as well Thank 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!"
+1 (434) 210 - 0964
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