Traveling on a Budget: Affordable Fun in Rutherford County 

Rutherford County is the Spring Break travel destination that will give you all of the vacation excitement you’re looking for with none of the financial stress.

by Rutherford County, TN CVB Staff

Mar 21, 2024

Don’t sacrifice quality fun for affordability. In Rutherford County, TN, you can have both. Whether you’re traveling with kids, with friends or family, or looking for a grown-up couple’s getaway, relax. We’ve got it.

Economical Excursions Keep Kids Entertained

Spend an afternoon, a day or a weekend exploring all the fun that Rutherford County has to offer. There are exciting options to keep everyone happy.

Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (SOAC) hosts a variety of activities, including indoor fun and outdoor paddling and climbing trips. Enjoy hands-on children's exhibits, a pool, 20-foot climbing walls and cargo-net climbing. They have party rooms, local artwork and a variety of environmental, educational, recreational, and outreach programs for all ages.

Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park in Murfreesboro offers a variety of events organized by Outdoor Murfreesboro, specializing in outdoor recreation and environmental education. The Wilderness Station has a nature center, gift shop, and rental facility, along with many animals, including owls, a hawk, snakes, and more. A retreat room is available for rent for up to 75 people. The 275-acre back country area includes approximately five miles of hiking trails and a backcountry campground.

Man holding a small turtle in front of two children.

Historic Cannonsburgh Village in Murfreesboro shows off early Tennessee life with a gristmill, school house, a telephone operator's house, art gallery, caboose, general store, blacksmith's shop, and the World’s Largest Cedar Bucket. The chapel is a local favorite and is stillu sed for weddings. Self-guided tours are free. Wander on your own or explore family fun events and more Please call ahead before you plan your visit as the village may be closed for a private rental. And be sure to check out the events on Pioneer Days, Saturday, April 27.

Bluewater Catfish Farm in Eagleville is a full-service pay lake for the whole family. The relaxing  farm includes concessions for food, bait for purchase, a shade pavilion, picnic tables, a kid's fishing pond, and a television for big sporting events. Check their Facebook posts to find out about competitions and special events.

Lucky Ladd Farms, also in Eagleville, has enough to entertain the whole family for days. Voted the number one place to take kids in the Murfreesboro and Nashville area. Enjoy the petting zoo and wildlife, nature trails and authentic farm experiences. Rides, climbing, ropes, a splash pad and mega slides keep little ones active, while the gem mine and educational presentations are great for slightly older visitors. Special events happen throughout the year, so stay up to date on what’s happening.


If you’re feeling fancy, you can sip away the day at a Teddy Bear Tea Party at the Sam Davis Home and Plantation in Smyrna. Bring your child’s favorite stuffed animal for a tour, tea party, crafts and more. Be sure to make reservations, as space is limited.

Affordable Fun for Grownups

Escape rooms are a great way to flex your mental muscles and have a fun adventure with friends. Locked: Escape Game Murfreesboro is now part of Murfreesboro Escape Rooms, giving you two great opportunities to have a blast.

If history is your thing, Stones River National Battlefield has a variety of events, including hiking, biking, tours, ranger programs and special events.

For a slightly different experience at the Sam Davis Home, make your reservation for the Behind the Ropes Tour. These tours go into spaces most visitors don’t get to see, with personal family artifacts not typically on display. “That might mean getting to step inside a room that’s usually gated off, peeking inside a closed closet or even getting to go into the cellar, which is not open to the public,” says director Jenny Lamb. “The topics…can be more gritty and graphic, but it is also for the experience…a space to learn about history without worrying about asking a hard question in front of a young person or…being distracted by a crying infant. This evening experience allows for a more relaxed atmosphere for dialogue to move freely. We see a lot of couples making this a date night, we also see groups of friends, and we do also see single folks that simply love history and want to learn more. It’s a tour for all adults.”

Mother and daughter in flower garden.

Another historic home, Oaklands Mansion in Murfreesboro, is staging "The Hallelujah Girls" by Jones, Hope & Wooten on March 15 and 16. Come share a laugh with the feisty Southern women of Eden Falls, GA, as they gather for fun and big plans at SPA-DEE-DAH!, their church-turned-spa. Before or after the show, you can take a tour of the mansion, visit the gift shop and explore the grounds.

Do you love the smell of BBQ, cooked low and slow? Join us for the Boro BBQ Fest, April 19-20. You’lll find some of the best BBQ west of the Mississippi, along with beer and whiskey, fun and activities for the whole family.

If you’re musically inclined, check out Jazzfest, April 26-27 at the Fountains. It’s free, with music from local schools, so come prepared to spend the day shopping, snacking and listening to great music. Gallagher Fest is a brand-new folk and bluegrass festival  and celebration of Middle Tennessee roots takes place May 4, at Gallagher Guitars. Enjoy various artists and picking contests at this street festival. Hear great classic country musicians and singers at Dewdrop Jamboree, May 18 at Washington Theater in Patterson Park.

If horses are your thing, you won’t want to miss the International Barrel Racing Association Turning Spring Show, March 22-24. Follow that up with the Tri-Star Horse Show, April 6-7. The Grand Ole Horse Show for MINI therapeutic horses is a two-day event, April 27-28, and the Lucky 7 Quarter Horse Show runs from Wednesday, May 1 through Sunday, May 5. The WHOA Spring Extravaganza/Triple Crown for Walking Horses is set for May 9- 11. All take place at the TN Miller Coliseum.

Sensible Shopping Options for All

There’s nothing like great shopping to make your trip memorable. There are dozens of places to shop for a wide variety of Rutherford County exclusives.

Woman holding shopping bag.

In Murfreesboro, check out Bella's Boutique, Quinn's Mercantile, the boutiques of Painted Tree, Funtiques Consignment, Terri Leigh’s Boutique, Hylabrook Antique Mall and ReInvintage Home.

Highlights in Smyrna include Buckle & Hide Leather, Lowry Street Pickers, The Market at Victory House and Platinum Mermaid.
Don’t overlook All Things Home and Aislinge Boutique in Eagleville.

Cost-Effective Cuisine For Everyone

Rutherford County has so many affordable restaurants for every taste. Toots, with several locations in Murfreesboro and Smyrna is a locally owned, long-time favorite for family food and fun.

Camino Real, with four locations in Murfreesboro and Smyrna, offers authentic Mexican cuisine. For a fun burger and dessert, check out the treats at locally owned Karin’s Kustard and Hamburgers in Smyrna. Also in Smyrna, you can find excellent Thai food and sushi at Thida Thai.

Other locally owned favorites include Slick Pig BBQ and City Cafe, the state’s oldest restaurant still in operation, both right on Main Street in Murfreesboro; Demos’ Restaurant, with weekly specials, and Joe and Dough Cafe, with donuts made fresh daily and coffee from a local roaster.

Family eating ice cream outside.

Domenico’s Italian Deli, on the square in Murfreesboro, has food and flavors inspired by Jeff Murphy’s family deli in California. Jeff came to MTSU to play football—and stuck around to open this restaurant in honor of four generations of his family who have served up great Italian flavors at their deli in Alameda, California since 1954.

In Eagleville, Check out Las Fiestas on Main Street and the famous Coach T’s All American Grill. When you stop in La Vergne, be sure to get a taste of the Thai food at Chon Thong.

Beautiful, Budget-Friendly Lodging

Rutherford County has plenty of places to call your home away from home. Affordable spots are easy to find whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple or with a group. 

The newly remodeled Hampton Inn in Murfreesboro is pet friendly and convenient to I-24, with a number of shops and restaurants nearby. Unwind in the outdoor pool and work out in the fitness center. Daily hot breakfast and WiFi are free.

Family checking into a hotel.

Comfort Suites in Murfreesboro is close to Stones River Mall, plenty of restaurants and events at MTSU. Daily hot breakfast, a 24/7 business center and coffee bar and gym and seasonal pool make it perfect for both business and family vacations. Sleep Inn & Suites is modern and affordable and has meeting rooms for conferences and get-togethers. MainStay Suites in Murfreesboro provides pet-friendly apartment-style living, complete with kitchen, with hotel convenience. 

If Smyrna is your spot, check out the Hampton Inn & Suites, right off I-24, walking distance from shopping and eating and just 10 minutes from Lee Victory Recreation Park in Smyrna. Start the day with a free hot breakfast, and enjoy the free WiFi. La Quinta Inn & Suites is a pet-friendly hotel with a free breakfast, business center, meeting space, gym and outdoor pool. 

If you prefer a more home-like environment for your stay, explore the options at Blue Door Homes in Murfreesboro. From studios to four-bedroom homes, each location offers a unique design and convenience to all the fun of Murfreesboro.

Rutherford County is the perfect Spring Break travel destination for the families, couples and individuals that want to experience a fine vacation, but don’t want to break the bank. Take a trip full of exciting excursions at a fraction of the cost. 

IN THIS POST

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SMYRNA OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CENTER

100 Sam Ridley Pkwy E.

As a part of the Smyrna Parks and Recreation Department, the Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center programmers specialize in developing and presenting a variety of environmental educational, recreational and outreach programs for all ages. SOAC programs are geared towards bringing people inside to enjoy the activities, yet also getting them outside to experience any of the […]

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WILDERNESS STATION AT BARFIELD CRESCENT PARK

697 Veterans Parkway

The Wilderness Station is a nature center, gift shop, and rental facility located in Barfield Crescent Park. It is also the headquarters of Outdoor Murfreesboro, a department of Murfreesboro Parks and Rec that specializes in environmental education and outdoor recreation! Nature Center The Wilderness Station is home to many education animals, including owls, a hawk, […]

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CANNONSBURGH VILLAGE

312 South Front St

Fun and innovative programs like pioneer days, blacksmithing demonstrations, antique auto museum, toddler adventures and much more!

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BLUE WATER CATFISH FARM

2439 Shoemaker Rd

A pay-lake catfish farm where you can fish for enjoyment or keep your catch. Join the weekly Saturday night fishing tournaments. It’s family-friendly, so bring out the whole group!

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LUCKY LADD FARMS

4374 Rocky Glade Rd.

This award-winning farm park has something for all – from exciting animal encounters at the petting zoo, playgrounds, mega slides, wagon rides, pony rides and a splash pad to fill the day with old-fashioned fun! See the Cedar Glades on a nature trail, pan for fool’s gold or fossils at the mining sluice, bounce on […]

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HISTORIC SAM DAVIS HOME & PLANTATION

1399 Sam Davis Rd

Make memories at Family Nights at the Museum, Bark Bash, the Car Show, Ghost Tours, Tea Parties and more!

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LOCKED: ESCAPE GAME MURFREESBRO

115 Mall Cir. Dr.

Escape rooms are themed, live-action puzzles, that you and a team must solve to escape the room.

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MURFREESBORO ESCAPE ROOMS

1970 Medical Center Parkway

Be the hero of the adventure with story-driven escape games that put you at the center of a fun and immersive experience.

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OAKLANDS MANSION

900 N. Maney Ave.

From small, intimate gatherings to grand celebrations, Oakland Mansion has the perfect space for your special day! Oaklands Mansion is a truly unique destination in the heart of Tennessee. Located only 35 minutes southeast of Nashville, our historic site begin with a stately tree-lined entrance, the perfect way to welcome guests to your gathering. To […]

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BELLA’S BOUTIQUE

109 South Church Street

Fun, contemporary clothing & accessories for women! Exclusive retailer of Kendra Scott! Located in Downtown Murfreesboro on the Square.

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Quinn’s Mercantile

301 North Spring Street

Diverse collection of gifts, home goods and fashion. Men’s, women’s baby and pet items. We feature local artisans and offer multiple classes and events.

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PAINTED TREE BOUTIQUES

552 N Thompson Ln

Experience Painted Tree Boutiques! With hundreds of unique shops under one roof, find gifts, decor, fashion, and so much more. We truly are your one-stop shop!

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FUNTIQUES CONSIGNMENT

118 S. Maple St.

FunTiques…is a fun, unique shopping experience featuring ever-changing furniture and decorating accessories for the home and or office. You will find an eclectic mix of trendy to traditional, classic, contemporary, some antiques and flea market finds…all on consignment. We also carry custom designed handmade metal Garden Decor’ … metal planters, topiaries, cloches, baskets, etageres, benches […]

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TERRI LEIGH’S BOUTIQUE

115 S Church St.

Terri Leigh’s is an eclectic boutique offering an array of stylish clothes, jewelry, accessories, handmades and specialty gifts.

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HYLABROOK ANTIQUE MALL

204 Chaffin Pl.

8,000 Square Feet, Featuring 50+ dealers. Civil War items, glassware, furniture, linens, ceramics, silver, cast iron, books, toys, jewelry, primitives, mid century modern, rustic farmhouse, shabby chic and more!

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BUCKLE & HIDE LEATHER

197 Enon Springs Road West

Leather Belts, Wallets, Cuffs, Vests, Jackets, Chaps, Purses, Guitar Straps and more…Patch sewing available during open hours. Find just what you are looking for at this all-around leather store!

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LOWRY STREET PICKERS

105 Hazelwood Dr.

We have a wide variety of vintage, unique items, home furnishings plus antiques and collectables. You never know what you’ll find here! Discover assorted vintage items, antiques, glassware, books, records, movies and assorted home goods. We have something new everyday so be sure and stop by often! We specialize in estate sale clean outs, so […]

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THE PLATINUM MERMAID HOME DECOR & MORE

1404 Hazelwood Dr

This is a store you will want to visit time after time. We have unique decor items for home or business. We also custom painted furniture and light upholstery.

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ALL THINGS HOME

135 S Main St

Home decor boutique located in Eagleville TN. We offer a variety of items including J. Holst Boutique clothing, pillows, candles, furniture, gifts and paintings.

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AISLINGE BOUTIQUE

115B North Main Street

Shopping for new clothes shouldn’t just be for fun, it should be your opportunity to feel and look your best. We would love the opportunity to help you with that! It is our vision to make your shopping experience with us the best that it can be and it is our hope that it will […]

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TOOT’S – BROAD ST

860 NW Broad Street

Since 1985, Toot’s Restaurants have been serving up good food and fun to millions of hungry customers. Each of our locations is a favorite place to meet up with friends and have a great time – at Toot’s the fun never ends!

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THIDA THAI RESTAURANT

10644 Cedar Grove Road

Relaxed Thai eatery featuring traditional dishes & a sushi bar, along with beer & wine.

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SLICK PIG BBQ

1920 E. Main St.

Founded in 1995 this locally owned restaurant serves up great hickory smoked meats. The restaurant is located in the historic building that formerly housed the East Main market which was an iconic neighborhood corner store. The Robinson family serves up homemade deserts and their amazing family recipes to generations of loyal customers!

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CITY CAFÉ

113 E. Main St.

Simple, old-school cafe dating to February of 1900. Murfreesboro’s original meat and three! Known for American comfort food & homemade desserts. Open for Breakfast and Lunch Monday-Saturday.

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DEMOS’ RESTAURANT

1115 NW Broad Street

Serving authentic family recipes at an authentic family value for four generations.

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DOMENICO’S ITALIAN DELI

106 S Maple St, Murfreesboro

Locally-owned Italian sandwich deli located on Murfreesboro’s historic downtown square. Provides a variety of signature sandwiches, soups, and salads.

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LAS FIESTAS

158 S Main St

With excellent salsa, carne asada, steak burritos and more, Las Fiestas is worth the drive to Eagleville!

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COACH T’S ALL AMERICAN GRILL

15430 State Hwy 99

Great food, great atmosphere, and great people!

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CHON THONG THAI CAFÉ

5094 Murfreesboro Rd Ste D

Locally-owned Thai restaurant serving delicious authentic food with amazing and friendly people!

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HAMPTON INN & SUITES – MURFREESBORO

325 N Thompson Ln

TOTAL EVENT SPACE: 1,742 sq. ft. | LARGEST ROOM SETUP: 1,078 sq. ft. | MEETING ROOMS: 4 | GUEST ROOMS: 101

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COMFORT SUITES – MURFREESBORO

226 N Thompson Ln

Comfort Suites® combines convenient location and expert service for Murfreesboro visitors. Whether you’re in town to tour Middle Tennessee State University, visit the Tennessee Miller Coliseum, play a round of golf at the Old Fort Gold Course or shop the Avenue Murfreesboro, we’re here to provide a great night’s rest so travelers can explore Tennessee. […]

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SLEEP INN & SUITES – MURFREESBORO

193 Chaffin Place

At our Murfreesboro Sleep Inn®, you’ll find a modern hotel offering a friendly guest experience at an affordable price. We’re a Designed to Dream® property, meaning you’ll enjoy chic and trendy features inspired by nature, intended to ensure your stay is a pleasant one. You’ll be well-rested after a night spent in our cozy, plush […]

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MAINSTAY SUITES – MURFREESBORO

130 John R Rice Blvd

Feel at home at our Murfreesboro hotel When you want apartment-style living with the benefits of staying in a hotel, book your stay at our pet-friendly MainStay Suites® Murfreesboro hotel. Located 30 minutes from Nashville, our hotel is within walking distance of restaurants, as well as local shops and convenience stores. Guests enjoy room amenities […]

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HAMPTON INN & SUITES – SMYRNA

2573 Highwood Blvd

TOTAL EVENT SPACE: 1,176 sq. ft. | LARGEST ROOM SETUP: 1,176 sq. ft. | MEETING ROOMS: 2 | GUEST ROOMS: 83

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LA QUINTA INN & SUITES – SMYRNA

2537 Highwood Blvd

A Comfortable Stay in Smyrna – Welcoming hotel off I-24 with easy access to Nashville Explore the lively Music City and enjoy the relaxing amenities and friendly service at La Quinta® by Wyndham Smyrna TN – Nashville. Conveniently located off I-24 and 16 miles from Nashville International Airport (BNA), our pet-friendly hotel is a quick […]

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